Samsung Galaxy S4 is a bit older device and most of the user might have already switched to the latest flagship devices. However, Samsung and Verizon still seem to support this device by releasing OTA updates. The latest update comes with the software version “I545VRUGOF1” and brings many bug fixes to the device, the most important bug fix being the “Stagefright bug fix.” If you haven’t already heard, Stagefright is the most dreaded bug in Android whichย left billions of Android device vulnerable to the mercy of hackers. Luckily, Samsung Galaxy S4 users get the bug fix sooner than expected. Below is the detailed changelog:
Changelog:
- Fixed an issue related to E-mail notifications not showing up in Status Bar
- Fixed an issue where in some cases the Alarm Clock does not startup
- Fixed an issue where in some rare cases when attempting to remove or add icons/widgets on any of the home screens the user is shown the Touch Wiz force close notification
- Fixed an issue related to Volume not staying to previously set value after the last software upgrade
- Fixed an issue where the device does not read out the body of the text message after software update
- Fixed an issue where in some cases the user is getting white squares on the lock screen instead of numbers
- A software change to prevent the lockout of the device after the last software upgrade (only affects devices that have been Encrypted)
- Improvements to the Samsung Reactivation lock (lost or stolen device security)
- Android security patches
However, most rooted users take a step back on updates because the root will be lost once the firmware is flashed. Butย muniz_riย of XDA has shared a simple procedure to flash the latest firmware on your Verizon Galaxy S4 without losing the root. You can update to the OF1 firmware on your Verizon S4 using a tool called Flashfireย developed by Chainfire, the wonder developer of SuperSu. The Fireflash app is a new mobile flash tool which has the capability to flash a stock firmware OTA directly from your device.
So, without any further ado, let’s see how to update Verizon Galaxy S4 to OF1 firmware without losing root.
Warning!
This tutorial is only meant for Verizonย Galaxy S4 with the model numberย SCH-I545, don’t try this on any other variant of Galaxy S4. Flashing firmware is considered risky and might brick your device in extreme cases, so follow the procedure carefully to avoid any hassles. We are not responsible for any damages to your device during the process,ย so proceed at your own risk.
Prerequisites
- Make sure your device is charged above 60% to avoid unexpected shutdowns during the rooting process.
- As you want to retain root, we assume that you have already rooted your device. If root your Verizon Galaxy S4 using our guide.
- Make a nandroid backup of your device so that you can restore the backup if needed.
Downloads
- Download latest version of Flashfire app from Chainfire’s website.
- I545_OF1_Stock_Rooted_ROM
- I545_OF1_Stock_Rooted_Deodexed_ROM
Installation Instructions
- Download and install the latest version of Flashfire app from the above link.
- Download the OF1 stock ROM of your choice (Odexed or Deodexed) and transfer it to your device’s storage.
- Now open the Flashfire app and grant SuperSU permissions if prompted.
- In the app, tap on the Plus (+) button and choose theย โFlash ZIP or OTAโ option. Leave the Auto-mountย option unchecked and press the Checkmark symbol to continue.
- In the main menu, uncheck all options under “EverRoot” and use the default “Reboot” setting.
- Finally, hit the lightning bolt icon to start flashing the firmware.
- Once the flashing is completed, the device will reboot automatically.
Note:ย After the reboot, you’ll be stuck on Verizon logo for about 5 minutes for odexed ROM or about 10-15 minutes for Deodexed ROM. Be patient while the system is booting and don’t turn off your device during the boot process.
Let us know if you have any issues during the installation process.
I know this is an old thread so I probably won’t get a reply but my phone is stuck at the Samsung logo after I flashed OF1 Deodexed.
My phone was oraginally OF1 odexed.
It’s been like this for at lest 10 mins
Hi, Sorry for the late reply. What’s the current status?
Hi
It’s still showing the Samsung logo even after hours of it just sitting there.
Hear is what I have tried, Booted into Andrioid default recovery and wipe/factory rest phone and cache, reinstalling the rom via andrioid default recovery.
You can’t install firmwares via stock recovery.
Install the OF1 firmware to restore your device: http://updato.com/firmware-archive-select-model?record=561463D0210811E6949E0CC47A44B7B2
Tutorial: https://www.droidviews.com/install-stock-firmware-on-samsung-galaxy-devices-using-odin/
Alright now it just shows the samsung logo then turns off.
I can’t even enter recovery anymore.
I am now downloading a different stock from galaxys4rootdotcom
It works in I545VRUGOC1?
Hello, it is still valid for the link you put root in Lollipop ? Dont have root in my S4
Thanks for sharing your experience, Edward. We already have a tutorial for enabling WiFi Tethering for the device: https://www.droidviews.com/install-lollipop-on-verizon-galaxy-s4-and-keep-root/
plz help my my phon is galaxy s4 SCH-1545 android 5.0.1 Samsung codes do not work
Yes.
Has anyone with more guts than me tried this OF1 update method?
The method has been tested by many.