With the new release of Android 5.0.1 Lollipop, we wanted to explore its new features and security enhancements. However, since this version of Android is officially limited to Nexus phones, we had to install it on a device that we own – Samsung Galaxy S4.
This is a step by step tutorial on how to install Android 5.0.1 on Samsung Galaxy S4 (including rooting instructions).
You must have:
- a Samsung Galaxy S4 (with enough battery)
- a microSD card (at least 1 GB if you don’t backup data to microSD)
- a microUSB cable
Disclaimer:
- We are not responsible for any bricked device which may come up after these instructions
- We are not responsible for any bugs in Android 5.0.1 (GPS, alarm clock…)
- We are not responsible for losing your data (backup your data first)
Step 1 – Backup your data
Backup your data. Use any application you want, manually save contacts, camera photos, sounds and documents, but before doing anything, please backup your data.
Step 2 – Install Samsung USB drivers
Download and install Samsung USB drivers if you didn’t already install it. You can download the installer from this link: http://download.androiddrivers.net/file/Samsung/SAMSUNG_USB_Driver_for_Mobile_Phones.exe
Step 3 – Copy necessary files on microSD card
You will find any information you need in the release thread on XDA-Developers forum.
You need to download:
- the ROM (Android 5.0.1) from this link: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=21406&sort_by=date&sort_dir=DESC . We recomment to download this version: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=95832962473400278 . There is also a new version but users already reported some bugs.
- the GApps package for Lollipop from this link: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=95832962473399613
- SuperSU from this link: http://download.chainfire.eu/636/SuperSU/UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.37.zip?retrieve_file=1
Place all these files on the microSD card:
Step 4 – Root Galaxy S4
Root your Samsung Galaxy S4! Chainfire from XDA-Developers made a very easy tool to root your device: CF-Auto-Root.
Go to this link: http://autoroot.chainfire.eu/ and download Odin flashable archive specific to your device. Go to Settings > About phone in order to find your model name. For example:
You will download a zip archive. Unzip it and you will find:
- CF-Auto-Root-jflte-jfltexx-gti9505.tar.md5 file (specific to your phone model)
- Odin3-v3.07.exe and additional files required by Odin
Run “Odin3-v3.07.exe”, press “PDA” button and choose “CF-Auto-Root-jflte-jfltexx-gti9505.tar.md5”. You should also see your device connected (ID:COM) and a message like “<ID:0/003> Added!!” in messages window:
Power off your device and start it in “Download mode”. To start in “Download mode”
- press Power button, Home button and Volume down button at the same time
- release them as soon as you see the “Warning” message
- press Volum up button to continue
You should see the device in “Download mode”:
It is necessary to keep your device plugged in to your computer only when you use Odin, before pressing “Start” button. Note that you may have problems to boot in Download mode or Recovery mode with the device connected.
Press “Start” button from Odin and wait to complete. Odin should display “Pass”:
The device will reboot.
Step 5 – Wipe all data
It is necessary to delete all data including /system data. In order to do this, you can download TWRP from this link: http://techerrata.com/browse/twrp2/jfltexx . We recommend the latest version, 2.8.1.0 at this moment: http://techerrata.com/file/twrp2/jfltexx/openrecovery-twrp-2.8.1.0-jfltexx.tar
In Odin, press PDA button and select “openrecovery-twrp-2.8.1.0-jfltexx.tar” file.
Power off your device and boot in Download mode by pressing Power button, Home button and Volume down button at the same time. Press Volume up key to continue when you see the warning message and press “Start” button in Odin to start flashing TWRP to your device.
The device will reboot.
Power off your device. Boot in “Recovery mode”:
- press Power button, Home button and Volume Up button at the same time
- release them as soon as you see the boot logo (for example “Samsung Galaxy S4…”)
Note: “Download mode” and “Recovery mode” are two different modes. For Download mode, you use “Volume down” button and for “Recovery mode” you use “Volume up” button along with “Power button” and “Home button”.
You should see now the TWRP menu:
Suggestion: use Backup menu in order to backup your data and operating system.
In order to wipe data and system partition, go to “Wipe” menu > “Advanced Wipe” and select: Dalvik Cache, System, Data, Internal Storage and Cache. Swipe to Wipe. Output:
Now, from TWRP menu, press “Install” > “(Up a level)” > “/external_sd” and choose “cm-12-20141209-UNOFFICIAL-jflte.zip” file. Press “Add More Zips” and choose “pa_gapps-modular-micro-5.0.1-BETA1-20141209-signed.zip”, press again “Add More Zips” and choose “UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.37.zip” file. Swipe to confirm flash.
Wait until each operation completes. It may take some time so please be patient. You should see a “Successful” message:
Press “Reboot System”. Note: it may boot slower first time, please be patient.
Step 6 – Enjoy Andoid 5.0.1 Lollipop
References:
If you have any question, you can post a comment.
Thank you!
Security Café 
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