[GUIDE] Unroot/Unbrick, Flash official stock firmware on Galaxy S4 GT-I9500 & I9505

Here is a full guide on how to unroot and back to official stock firmware for Galaxy S4 GT-I9500 & GT-I9505. It is useful also if you soft brick your phone

!!!DONT TRY FIRMWARES IN SECOND AND THIRD POSTS ON OTHER VARIANTS!!!

Do it on your own responsibility! if you follow this guide properly u will be on the safe side

Before we proceed, make sure:

1-You have installed your Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9500/5 USB drivers on your PC (the easiest way is to install Kies).

2-You need to enable USB debugging mode which is deactivated by default. (you can skip it

)

3-Your S4 should have 70-80% charge remaining.

4-Your S4 should be factory unlocked. (for locked phone, flash carrier firmware to stay on warranty)

5-Backup your important data like Call logs, SMS and other data stored in phone memory in case if anything goes wrong, your data is not hurt.

6-Make sure that kies program is not running & disable antivirus.

This guide is only for Galaxy S4 GT-I9500 & GT-I9505. So don’t bother to try it on other devices.

How to do it:

Step 1) Turn OFF your mobile and go to Download Mode by pressing and holding the Volume Down + Home Buttons together for few seconds followed by Power button then proceed with volume up.

Step 2) Now open ODIN on your PC and connect your Galaxy S4 to your computer.

Step 3) Once your phone is successfully connected to your PC, the ID:COM box on ODIN will turn blue (or yellow) and will show the COM port number.

Step 4) unzip the downloaded firmware (from second or third post), u will get a Home.tar file.

Step 5) click on pda in odin (if odin 3.09 choose AP) and choose the file "Home.tar"

Step 6) check "Auto Reboot" and "F. Reset Time" options and make sure that "Re-Partition" is unchecked

!!!!DO NOT CHECK "Nand Erase All" IN ANY WAY!!!!

Step 7) Click on Start button in ODIN window to start the flashing process. The process will take few minutes to complete.

DO NOT UNPLUG USB CABLE WHILE EXECUTING THE PROCESS, YOU MAY BRICK YOUR PHONE!

Step 8) When the installation is completed, you read a "Reset " then a "Pass". your phone will restart (first boot will take a longer time so don't panic)

It is recommended to make hard reset after flashing to have a fresh official firmware

Note 1: Personally, i prefer to wipe data and cache before and after flashing the firmware.

Note 2: If you have a corrupted partition table (Odin says: "there is no pit partition" or "Re-Partition operation failed"), flash pit file for your device (attached, dont forget to unzip it) (put it in pit window) with your firmware (some users reported that it worked without firmware), in this case "Re-Partition" must be marked.

Note 3: If you use pit file, and you had an encryption password for your data, the password will reset! so you must hard reset your phone after flashing with pit file with encrypted data.

Note 4: If you want, after rooting with odin, to get official status and reset binary counter ON I9505 for warranty reason, do it before flashing stock firmware, refer to HERE.(dont use triangle away on MGG and up firmwares till updating the app.)

Note 5: To change to the new CSC, just boot into recovery, wipe data and cache, reboot.

Note 6: If you flash I9500 stock firmware for China region, it will flash sboot.bin with it, that leads to have a Chinese bootloader (download mode will be in Chinese language and boot splash name will change). Even if you flash other stock firmware, it will not change the bootloader. So flash "GT-I9500_sboot.tar" (attached) as pda in Odin and it will fix the issue.

Odin troubleshooting: If Odin accidentally gives you "fail" try the following:
- Repeat procedure.
- Make sure that all actions of Kies are disabled from task manager.
- Change usb port.
- Try another usb cable (make sure it is the original).
- Try another Odin version.
- Uninstall and re-install driver.
- Use pit file.
- Try another computer.

Bootloop troubleshooting: Bootloop occurs when a smartphone is not able to boot properly and stuck on Bootanimation and mainly caused by system files interfering with each others which cause instability and/or crash at the boot sequence. How to fix:
- Boot the device either into stock or custom recovery mode, wipe cache then reboot, if still, boot again in recovery and wipe data/factory reset then reboot. If not:
- Restore a nandroid backup with custom recovery if present. If not:
- Flash or reflash the official stock firmware. If not:
- Flash stock firmware with the appropriate pit file, after "pass", unplug usb cable, pull battery out for a minute, insert it, boot into recovery, wipe data and cache, reboot.

--- How To Repair Dead Samsung I9500 Galaxy S4 Via Boot Recovery ---
Do not ask me how!

just hit the link above.

---Repair dead boot I9505 via usb cable--- Thanks to legija from JTAG team.
QHUSB Qualcomm driver download
or
http://www.riffbox.org/downloads/RiffSetup.exe

Download Links:

Odin

For Latest firmwares see second post (GT-I9500) and third post (GT-I9505)

	I9505_pit file.zip - [Click for QR Code] (1.2 KB, 13091 views)
	I9500_pit file.zip - [Click for QR Code] (1.0 KB, 6184 views)
	GT-I9500_sboot.tar - [Click for QR Code] (1.10 MB, 4904 views)

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[GUIDE][4.3]How to have stock permissive kernel w/o having warranty bit label at boot

Hello friends,

I found a solution how to have stock permissive kernel without having warranty bit label at boot. In my approach I will explain you how it works.

→ IT WILL WORK ONLY WITH STOCK KERNEL

-> flash newest 4.3 firmware
-> root your S4 using CF-Auto-Root
-> install ES File Explorer or another root file explorer you like
-> remove Samsung KNOX manually ! (see my DE-SAMSUNGNIZER Script which apk's or folders you must delete)
-> install Universal Init.d Support and start the app (Click me)
-> enable init.d [if have problems by enabling init.d, you must have BusyBox before using the app]
-> download this script and copy it to system/etc/init.d using a file explorer
-> set the permissions to 777 (rwxrwxrwx)
-> reboot and enjoy your permissive stock kernel without having any labels at boot

→ Video demonstration ←

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[GUIDE] Galaxy S4 Sim-Unlocking

Follow steps carefully and correctly. Remember, this could damage your device.
Regular disclaimer applies to all.

you have been warned

Instructions:

METHOD 1

1. Dial *#0011#

2. press Menu then tap BACK

3. press the Menu again the tap KEY INPUT then enter 1, press OK button

4. press Menu then tap BACK

Your are now in the SERVICE MODE MAIN MENU

Tap [1]UMTS

then [1]DEBUG SCREEN

then [6]PHONE CONTROL

then [6]NETWORK LOCK

then tap [3]PERSO SHA256 OFF

Go back to the UMTS MAIN MENU by pressing Menu then Back then tap [6]COMMON

then [6]NV REBUILD

then tap [4]RESTORE BACK UP

the device will freeze, black screen, Blue LED Light, Menu and Back key ON. Wait for it to reboot (about a minute).

Your Samsung Galaxy I9505 is now Sim-Unlocked.

----------

METHOD 2 - artnada

This is what I did. Slightly different to OP.

I did this with my AUTHORISED Sim in first.

1. Dial *#0011#
2. press Menu then tap BACK
3. press the Menu again the tap KEY INPUT then enter 1, (wait a few seconds) it auto jumped into service menu.

4. press Menu then tap BACK (not needed for me)

Your are now in the SERVICE MODE MAIN MENU

Tap [1]UMTS (may auto go into next menu (mine did)

then [1]DEBUG SCREEN
then [6]PHONE CONTROL
then [6]NETWORK LOCK
then tap [3]PERSO SHA256 OFF

Go back to the UMTS MAIN MENU by pressing Menu then Back (several times)

then tap [6]COMMON

then [6]NV REBUILD (if this does not work next time)

do [4]RESTORE BACK UP

the device will freeze, black screen, Blue LED Light, Menu and Back key ON. Wait for it to reboot (about a minute).

Your Samsung Galaxy I9505 is now Sim-Unlocked.

Edit:

When I booted back in with AUTHORISED sim, I had to turn off Mobile Data, then turn it on.
I then turned off the phone, put my UNAUTHORSIED Sim in, booted back up and NO NETWORK PIN request!

Again, I had to turn off Mobile data, then turn it back on. The UNAUTHORSIED Sim worked!!!

My previously locked to Three UK GT-I9505 is now unlocked to all networks Thanks again to XDA (Y)

----------

It has been reported that this is indeed a "permanent" unlock:

artnada's tests:

I had sim unlocked my phone when I was on the "djemby" pre-rooted I9505XXUAME2-DEODEXED-KNOX-FREE-HD-VOICE

I have just re-flashed my original factory Three ROM. I9505XXUAMDC_I9505H3GAMD6_I9505XXUAMDC_HOME and the Sim unlock was still UNLOCKED!

I then re-flashed back to I9505XXUAME2-DEODEXED-KNOX-FREE-HD-VOICE.tar.md5 and the sim unlock was still UNLOCKED!

So, I think we can safely say this sim unlock method is a permanent unlock!

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[Guide] Root Galaxy S4 GT-I9505 [tested][10 steps only]

⍟⍟⍟ How to Root Galaxy S4 ⍟⍟⍟
⇨ Simplified Method ⇦
⇨ Just 10 steps ⇦

➲ It's required to be:
☑ 1| LTE Device
☑ 2| GT-I9505----

① Download and extract The Root file

② Make sure that your phone is powered off

③ click and hold on [Power + volume Down + Home]

④ when the previous image apears on your device Click on [volume up] to continue

⑤ On your PC open the the root file

⑥ Open [Odin3 v3.04.exe]

⑦ Click on [PDA] then choose [CF-Auto-Root-jflte-jfltexx-gti9505.tar.md5]

⑧ Connect your phone to the PC

⑨ Click on start then wait 5sec

⑩ Keep your phone (it will reboot twice)

⑪ Enjoy, Your phone is now Rooted

This #ROOT# Method Was Tested On Galaxy S4 GT-I9505 LTE

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[GUIDE] ROOT + OTA & KIES Updates + OFFICIAL Device Status (XXUEMJ8) [GT-I9500/I9505]

Hello everyone

I have found SOLUTION for ALL people who USED or want to USE a Chainfire's CF-AutoRoot for GT-I9500/I9505
This method will reset Device Status back to OFFICIAL and keep Full Root Access.

A little gift for everyone who like to listen to good tunes while flashing...
one my latest productions...
Download:
DjeMBeY - EuPhorY [Original MiX]
for more tunes, please check my signature..
Take it easy and keep it LOUD!!! ;
enjoY!!

Works on both models and ALL Firmwares!!! - TESTED

I DON'T take any responsibility for HUMAN ERRORS....
Follow the GUIDE and it WILL work, if NOT, it's because YOU are doing something wrong...

I - How to Root: GT-I9500/I9505

Flashing instructions:
Use one of the Pre-Rooted Official ROM's and keep it clean from the beginning... or

1. Install KIES or USB drivers from here
2. Download and run Odin from here (v.3.04 is recomended)
3. Make sure that ONLY AutoReboot & F.Reset Time is ticked in Odin options
4. Download and extract CF-AutoRoot: CF-AR for GT-I9500 or CF-AR for GT-I9505
5. Load extracted file (.tar.MD5) as PDA in Odin.
6. Turn OFF your phone, Press&Hold POWER+HOME+VOL_DOWN buttons until phone boot intoDownload/Odin Mode
7. Connect phone to the computer and WAIT for the drivers to be installed. You will see blue or yellowindicator in left top corner of Odin, with phone connected to port: COM:x
8. Click START and wait until you see GREEN indicator [PASS], flashing is finished
9. Unplug the cable and WAIT, phone will reboot into recovery with RED ANDROID LOGO where root will be applied and Stock Recovery restored.
10. Test it please, go to APPS and look for SuperSU.apk, if it's NOT there, install it from PlayStore and enjoy!!

II - How to reset Binary Counter and Device Status back to OFFICIAL:

Install and run Chainfire's TRIANGLE AWAY (I9505 ONLY, I9500 is NOT SUPPORTED YET)
NOTE: There is an option "System modified workaround", please tick this and restart your phone. Device Status should be back to OFFICIAL!! Use it with caution!!
Next few steps are ONLY for people who couldn't reset it with Triangle Away...
1. Reboot into Download Mode and check if Binary & System are OFFICIAL.
2. Only if the BINARY Status is still Custom, download and extract OFFICIAL STATUS MOD(.tar.md5): GT-I9500 or GT-I9505 - open in Odin as PDA (password: djembey2013)
3. Use Wanam Xposed and tick "Fake System Status" to get Official Device/System status

Your Device Status will be back to OFFICIAL and FULLY ROOTED, NO REBOOTS, TESTED!!!
Fully Working OTA and KIES updates!!
FIY: Root will be lost after OFFICIAL updates.

I've also managed successfully pre-root and rebuild OFFICIAL ROM for GT-I9505
It is fully working, no issues at all!!

For Download and more info please visit my thread in Development Section http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2250824

Junior members are not allowed to post in Development Section so please post ALL your questions and issues here

Enjoy!!

If you find my threads HELPFUL, please click THANKS or get me a coffee by clicking DONATE
It mean a LOT to me and it's always Appreciated!!!

CREDITS
Chainfire
SamMobile
Samsung-Updates