Samsung Galaxy S4 Android 4.4.2 KitKat Update

The Samsung Galaxy S4 SGH-I337M running Android 4.4.2 KitKat based firmware I337MVLUFNC1 can be rooted thanks to Chainfire’s Auto-Root package. Once the Canadian variant of the Galaxy S4 is rooted, there are a number of custom ROMs that can be installed.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 SGH-I337M variant, available in Canada from various carriers like SaskTel, Rogers, Bell Mobil, Telus, Virgin Mobile, Fido Mobile and Kodo Mobile, was released a year ago but recently received the latest Android 4.4.2 KitKat firmware update. Users who have updated their Galaxy S4 handsets to the new I337MVLUFNC1 build can now root their devices with famous hacker Chainfire's Auto-Root package. Rooting the Samsung Galaxy S4 Canadian model number SGH-I337M allows users to make software administrative changes, thus allowing Android fans to install custom ROMs on their smartphone.

As many know, rooting an Android gives you "root access" or control over the software administrative commands of your smartphone or tablet. Rooting an Android gives you the ability to customize the operating system to fit your needs, installs custom ROMs, download apps that require root menu access and perform other administrator-level tasks. Tweaking your phone's OS to suit your needs, such as deleting Samsung's bloatware, can free up memory space, optimize your phone's speed and save battery life.

While there are many benefits to rooting an Android, rooting or unlocking the Samsung Galaxy S4 SGH-I337M will likely void the warranty of the device. Although the rooting process has been successful for many users, there is always a risk that something could go wrong, such as bricking your device should you fail to follow instructions carefully. Users who want to root their Galaxy S4 should proceed with caution and do so at their own risk.

If you're still interested in rooting your Galaxy S4, here is an extremely easy tutorial we've put together based on information found at XDA Developers and True Android. Here's exactly how to root the Canadian variant of the Galaxy S4 (SGH-I337M) running Android 4.4.2 KitKat based firmware I337MVLUFNC1 and how to install custom ROMs on the device:

• Step One: Make sure you are using the Samsung Galaxy S4 Canadian variant with the model number SGH-I337M. This rooting process won't work with the Samsung Galaxy S4 AT&T variant with model number SGH-I337. Unfortunately, there is no CF-Auto-Root file for the U.S. Galaxy S4 AT&T variant.
• Step Two: After you've ensured that you're working with the right Galaxy S4 model, check that your phone's battery life is at least 80 percent full. Install any USB drivers on the computer that you'll be using and enable USB Debugging on your Galaxy S4.
• Step Three: Download Odin v3.09 and this Chainfire's CF-Auto Root Package. Extract the files to a convenient location on your computer. The CF-Auto-Root file for the Galaxy S4 SGH-1337M should have a ".tar.md5" extension.  
• Step Four: Turn off your Galaxy S4 and reboot it in Download Mode by holding the Volume down, Home and Power buttons at the same time. After a few seconds you should see a warning message. Release the buttons you were holding and press the Volume up button to enter Download mode.
• Step Five: Run Odin3 v3.09.exe as an Administrator. When the program has loaded, connect your Galaxy S4 to your PC via USB cable. An "Added!!" message in Odin should appear. If not, try another USB port.
• Step Six: Once Odin has recognized your device, click the AP button and select the CF-Auto-Root...tar.md5 file you extracted in Step Three.  In the Odin window, make sure that only Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time checkboxes are selected. Don't mess with any of the settings.
• Step Seven: When you're ready, hit the Start button to begin the flashing process. This process should take less than a minute, after which your Galaxy S4 SGH-1337M will restart automatically. You should also see a green "PASS" message in Odin, which means your can now unplug your device.
• Step Eight: Your Galaxy S4 SGH-1337M running Android 4.4.2 should now be rooted. To confirm that you have successfully rooted your smartphone by installing Root Checker from the Google Play store.
• Step Nine: Once the Samsung Galaxy S4 SGH-1337M has been rooted, you can install custom ROMs on the device that will help optimize certain features of the phone. There are many custom Android ROMs available, so it might take a bit of time to find the right one for your Galaxy S4. But that's where the fun lies. For the Galaxy S4, we'd recommend starting with the SOKP ROM or the Gummy ROM.
• Step Ten: Enjoy!

Do you have better ROM suggestions for the Galaxy S4 SGH-1337M? Let us know in the comments below.

Source : idigitaltimes