Things You Will Need
Samsung Galaxy S4 A PC running Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8 A Micro USB Cable Approximately 10 Minutes
Let’s Get Started!
Method 1 – Kingo Root
Kingo Root is one of the most reliable rooting methods for Samsung galaxy S4 because of its ease of use, simple interface and the ability to root a variety of Android devices. This rooting software is extensively tested by thousands of Android users all over the world. Aside from that, this is probably the safest method to root your Android device. According to the developers, not a single Android smartphone has been bricked by this rooting method.
Video
Step 1
Firstly, you need to enable developer mode to root your Android phone. You can do this by going to Settings/About Device and scrolling down to build number.
Then, you need to tap on the build number for about 5 to 6 times and you’ll see a notification popup similar to the one below.
Step 2
Now, you need to enable debugging mode on your Samsung galaxy S4. Once you’re done with step 1, you need to go to Settings/More and click on the Developer Options tab. Then, you need to check “USB debugging” in the Developer Options tab.
Step 3
Now you need to install the Kingo Root software on your PC. You can download it using this link. The file size is just under 24 MB and the software supports several devices other than Samsung Galaxy S4. Once downloaded, you need to run the installation file and install the software on your PC.
Step 4
Open the Kingo Root software and connect your Samsung Galaxy S4 via a micro USB cable. This android rooting software will detect your device and will install the necessary drivers. Follow the on-screen instructions and the root software might ask you to disconnect your device in order to complete the installation of the drivers.
Step 5
Once the drivers are downloaded, the software will ask you to reconnect your device for the rooting process to begin.
After you reconnect, your device will show a notification popup asking to “Allow USB debugging.” Make sure you click “Ok” on your device.
Step 6
After completing step 5, you should see a screen similar to the one below.
You need to click on the “Root” button on the Kingo software. The android rooting process will take a couple of minutes and you’ll see this screen when the process is finished. You can click on Finish once the rooting process is complete.
Method 2 – MotoChopper
MotoChopper is another reliable rooting method for Android, developed by XDA member djrbliss. The software was initially made for Motorola devices but it can now root android devices like the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the Google Nexus 7. While this rooting method you might not have an attractive interface like Kingo Root, it is certainly quick and easy to use.
Video
Step 1
First, you need to download MotoChopper using this link. The Zip file is about 4 MB and you need to extract the zip file on your PC once downloaded for rooting.
Step 2
Then, you need to download the USB drivers using Samsung’s website for your Samsung Galaxy S4. Once downloaded, you can simply install the drivers on your PC.
Step 3
You need to follow steps 1 and 2 from the previous method in order to activate USB debugging on your device.
Step 4
Now you need to click on the run.bat file from the folder you extracted earlier.
Once you click on run.bat, a command window will pop up.
Step 5
After a couple of minutes, a popup screen should appear on your device asking to “Allow USB Debugging.” Make sure you click Ok on your device.
Method 3 – ODIN
This method comes from XDA developer chainfire and is currently one of the hottest rooting methods on Android, mainly because of its “Auto-Root” feature, which is made to keep most of the process automated. To date, CF-Root has been downloaded over 13 million times and has catered rooting to most of the Samsung Android devices, including rooting android tablets.
Video
Step 1
You need to download the ODIN software for your PC using this link. Also, you need to download Auto Root. Make sure that you extract both the zip files on your PC.
Step 2
Now, you need to open the ODIN software. This zip file that you downloaded contains several versions of the software. Make sure you open v3.07 as in the image below.
Step 3
Click on the PDA button in ODIN and select the Auto Root file that you downloaded earlier. The screen should like something like this.
Step 4
Now, you need to turn your device Samsung galaxy S4 into download mode. Make sure that your device is switched off. Press the volume down, home and power button all together. You will get a screen like the one below. Make sure that you continue by pressing the volume up button after you get this screen.
Step 5
Connect your device to your PC via a micro USB cable and click Start in the ODIN software. This starts the rooting process on Samsung galaxy S4, which barely takes a couple of seconds. Once the process is complete, your device will reboot.
Checking If The Device Is Rooted
Finally, you can use this app to check whether the android rooting process was successful. If your Samsung galaxy S4 is rooted, then you should see this screen.
Conclusion
Once you have successfully rooted your Samsung Galaxy S4, you can install most of the apps, which require root access, from the Google Play Store. You can also install a recovery and various ROMS/mods for your Android device. Make sure that you follow all the instructions correctly and you can shoot any questions below.