How to Root: Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9500 running on Android 4.2

There are a few different variants of the Samsung Galaxy S4, today we are going to take a look at how to root the Exynos 5 Octa version which is model GT-I9500. If you own a Snapdragon 600-based version please do not attempt to use this guide to root your device as it will not work. You will probably risk bricking your Galaxy S4 as well.

Disclaimer: Android Headlines is not responsible for any damage caused to your device by following this guide. Rooting your device is at your own risk, rooting may also void your warranty.

Requirements

You’ll need to download a few files before we continue:

Download the Samsung Android USB Drivers for Windows
Download Odin3 Flash Utility
Download Clockworkmod Recovery & Root

Additionally, you’ll want to be sure you have at least 50% battery before proceeding. If your device dies in the middle of the root process, it could be bricked and unusable.

Instructions

Boot your device into download mode. This can be done by powering off the device, then holding Volume Up + Down and the Power Button.
Now plug your device into your computer using the USB cable.
Next, launch Odin3 on your computer, Odin3 will detect your phone and indicate a COM port
Under PDA, you’re going to select the cofface_samsungI9500_recovery_en_0503.tar file. This is going to flash the recovery on your Galaxy S4
Once the flash is done, your Galaxy S4 is going to reboot.
Now power off your Galaxy S4
Reboot the Galaxy S4 into CWM recovery by pressing Volume Up + Home and Power
Once you’re inside recovery, you’ll want to go to ‘root your phone’ then choose any of the two methods listed. CWM recovery will let you know when the process is completed
Reboot your Galaxy S4 again and you’ll have a Super User app installed on your device. Please be sure NOT to update the su binaries after this.

That’s all there is to it. If you have any problems rooting your device, leave a comment below and we’ll do our best to assist you.