The Verizon subscribers of the Samsung Galaxy S4 are getting the Android 4.4.2 KitKat update in the form ofย I545VRUFNG6 firmware. The update is aired in the US and it can be downloaded via the OTA update module in the S4 devices. So if you’re a Verizon S4 user, turn on your WiFi and download the latest firmware update on your device. By updating to an official firmware, you willย lose all the root permissions and the custom mods which you may have installed in the older build. So you’ve to start from scratch again to get all the favorite things on your device without any restrictions.
Google had recently moved to the candy world from the Chocolate lake and the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 are the first devices to taste the sweetest Lollipop candy. Samsung had not made any official announcement regarding the availability of the Android 5.0 on their devices, but it usually takes 2-3 months for the updates to reach for the flagship devices. Since Galaxy S4 is a little old, the Android 5.0 update might take a tad longer. So until then, you’re stuck with the chocolate build, but you get all the latest features on your device if you’re rooted and installed some mods.
In this guide, we will show you how to root your Galaxy S4 onย I545VRUFNG6 and I545VRUFNK1ย firmware. Follow the guide carefully as this involves a bit of flashing and using root tools, so chin up and head on to the step-by-step guide below.
WARNING
This guide is intended only for the Verizonย Galaxy S4ย SCH-I545, not for any other device of Samsung. Be extra cautious when you choose the rootย firmwaresย as flashing wrong firmwaresย might result in a bricked device.
Rooting and flashing firmwaresย will void your device warranty either temporarily or permanently. You alone are responsible for any consequences that might occur during the process. DroidViews or any of its community members shall not be held responsible for any damage to your device.
Preparations
- Charge your Galaxy S4ย above 60% battery level to avoid shutdowns during the process.
- Enable USB Debugging: Link
- Install Required USB Drivers: Link
- Backup your device storage, Contacts, SMS etc. using Google Sync service or any third-party app.
- Go to Settings> About and check the build version of your phone’s firmware before proceeding.
Downloads
Files for I545VRUFNG6 Firmware:
Files for I545VRUFNK1 Firmware:
Root Verizon Galaxy S4 on NG6 and NK1 Firmware
- Download and install the Towelroot app on your device.
- Download the NC5 stock kernelย I545_NC5_Stock_Kernel.tar.md5, and flash it using Odin v3.09. For the detailed guide, โ Click Here
- Now copy the Towelroot APK to your phone and install it. Then open the app and root your Galaxy S4 by tapping the Make it Ra1nย button.
- Once the device is rooted, install I545_NG6_Stock_Kernel.tar.md5ย (if your S4 is running NG6 firmware) orย I545_NK1_Stock_Kernel.tar.md5 (ย if your firmware build number ends with NK1) using Odin (the same way you flashed the NC5 kernel).
- Reboot the device and install Chainfire’s SuperSU app from the market. You can now enjoy root privilege on your Verizon Galaxy S4.
That’s it. Your Verizon Galaxy S4ย is successfully rooted and you’re ready to useย beautiful apps and mods on your device that will bring the Android 5.0 feel on your Galaxy S4.
Leave your feedback in the comments section below.
Hi,
I need to root the device with the following specifics below:
Samsung Galaxy S4
Model number: SCH-I545
Android Version: 5.0.1
Baseband Version: I545VRUGOC1
Build number: LRX22C.I545VRUGOC1
Secure Boot Status: Type: Samsung
Hardware version: I545.06
My research shows me that my phone cannot be rooted because verizon has locked the bootloader in the most recent update. Apparently it can also not be downgraded (with Odin or something). Are there any specific instructions on how to root VRUGOC1๏ปฟ latest update?
Hi, I too face the same issue. Did you get any way to unlock the bootloader?
I have an S4 with SCH-1545 and its build number is 1545VRUGOC1. I would like to root this without going back to lollipop, but I have tried every method I can think of to no avail. I thought this would help, but I cannot find the proper kernel for my device. Can I get some help?
Hi,
I flashed the I545_NC5_Stock_Kernel.tar.md5 but on restart it’s only show Galaxy S4 logo for few second and then turns off. It keep doing and do not load. I even unable to login to Download mode. Please suggest what should i do?
please help/
Download this firmware: http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23329332407590042
Boot into Download mode and install the firmware. It’s a multi-file firmware so you need to select corresponding files to Odin slots. You’ll then be able to root the phone with Towelroot.
In case you want Lollipop+root, use the FireFlash method from here: https://www.droidviews.com/install-lollipop-on-verizon-galaxy-s4-and-keep-root/
After flash it and then?
How do you update to Lollipop?
Now I can’t even start my phone every time it stop at verizon and restart…….
help!!!! I found I lost my root.( I was successful 3 days ago but didn’t install NG6 met some wifi problem as you said)
And I did the everything same again, but when I tried to flash I545_NC5_Stock_Kernel.tar.md5
It is not working !!! Just like restart. (Do I have to wipe the phone?)
And I can’t root with Towelroot now thought it is said it has been rooted. no reboot needed….
Now I have reset my phone 3 times and tried 3 times with odin all passed!!!!
but still not working…
Please help me with that!! Thank you.
Another qusetion what if I reset my phone? The root will be lost?
No.
I don’t understand the forth step: how and why should we install I545_NG6_Stock_Kernel.tar.md5 or I545_NK1_Stock_Kernel.tar.md5
still use the odin?
How: https://www.droidviews.com/install-stock-firmware-on-samsung-galaxy-devices-using-odin/
Why: because having flashed the NC5 kernel, you might have issues like WiFi connectivity, etc. Since your phone is on NG6/NK1 firmware, it’s good to keep the matching Kernel.
Email me James, rootandroideasy@gmail.com I can help you out.
Would this still work after the 5.0.1 update for verizon?
i have a SCH-1545
version 5.0.1
1545VRUGOC1
I have an android samsung galaxy s4 I545VERUGCOC1 and I am having a horrible time rooting it, any ideas on how to get it done (Have poor cellphone hardware skills, but quick learner and awesome binary language speaker!
Hi Legna, since you have already taken the OC1 update that has an non-downgradable bootloader, you can neither root your phone on Lollipop directly, nor go back to a previous version of firmware and gain root.
All you can do now is to wait until some workaround pops up.
and this is the moment i regret 100% upgrading to the OC1 :'( time to hate myself until root is available for that.
wait so if i updated my phone to like 5 days ago to be ready for lollipop by accident i can’t root it no more? Remember i msg you about it i haven’t had time to do it and i was going to do it right now. my phone says 4.4.2 ..kernel version 3.4.0
The case is a bit different for you. Since you only took the first OTA that is NK4 (KK), you can downgrade.
You can downgrade back to NC5: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23329332407590051
And then root your phone on KK using the instruction from above or on Lollipop using the following guide:
https://www.droidviews.com/install-lollipop-on-verizon-galaxy-s4-and-keep-root/#comment-2017632948
Awesome. The file is over 1 gb right.. I am downloading it right now
I downgrade using odin right?
I think i downgraded with no issues but i am getting a pop up message ” unfortunately the process android.process.acore has stopped. then on the back of that one it says the same for amazon music has stopped working n it won’t let me do anything i can’t even push on the towel root app to do it
Do this :
https://www.droidviews.com/how-to-perform-data-factory-reset-and-wipe-cache-on-samsung-galaxy-devices/
So i will lose everything huh?
Yes.
Ok i am doing it now. After is done can i install the root with towel root or do i have to do the same with odin?
Yes, you can use Towelroot after performing the wipe.
I am stuck in trying to get the app after joining the community on google plus. I added it i even became a tester but the link doesn’t work for me it says item not found on google store
I can see that app page. It is working. Make sure you are signed with the same Gmail at G+ and Play store.
I did it thanks a lot. I just can’t do the “enable wifi tethering” because the link is not working….it says “youโll be able to enjoy free WiFi hotspot on your Verizon Galaxy S4 running the new OC1 Lollipop firmware.” how does it work? do i really have free wifi without me using my data?
Here’s the link: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23991606952601552
Ok so is free wifi without using my data?
What do you mean?
Lol i am just confused on what it allows me to do
Well, it will let you share your phone’s data connection using mobile hotspot with your other devices like phone, tablet, laptop, smart TV, etc. without paying extra money to Verizon to enable the feature.
Oh okay well i got it anyway. Thanks. Do you know if verizon has “Wifi Calling” like T-mobile and sprint? It would be cool because sometimes I get no service at work
what if i tried to go back to stock i545 stock kernel??
It’s already all stock.
I took the first of the 2 OTA updates because I wasn’t able to find this page sooner and I was never able to find how to root VRUFNK1. The first of the 2 OTA updates changes the version to VRUFNK4 which is still android 4.4.2. Anyone know if this method will still work for me?
You can still go back to the NC4 firmware and rot your device with Towelroot V3: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23991606952596145
Flash the above firmware using Odin.
If you want root on Lollipop, use the FireFlash method from here: https://www.droidviews.com/install-lollipop-on-verizon-galaxy-s4-and-keep-root/
I see that I didn’t mention my phone is a Verizon SCH-I545 (I probably didn’t mention that because this page was written for the Verizon SCH-I545). does the information you provided still apply?
I went ahead and did this anyways, I know, not smart to take action without confirmation. after Odin flashed and the phone reset, it was stuck on the Verizon splash screen forever. I thought I bricked my phone. then, THANKFULLY, it went to optimizing apps ๐
I thought the first link was supposed to return my phone to NC4 but it updated my phone to i545VRUGOC1… did I misunderstand your message?
Don’t worry, you can downgrade from the OC1 firmware you installed as it has downgradable bootloader. You can now downgrade to NC4 (KitKat: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23329332407590051
And then root your phone with Towelroot.
If you want root on Lollipop, use the FireFlash method from here: https://www.droidviews.com/install-lollipop-on-verizon-galaxy-s4-and-keep-root/
Awesome, I’ll give that a try, Thank you Rakesh ๐
I don’t know if this is a software problem, but this is the 3rd time I see this in as many weeks.
I am an Old School Cell phone repair shop in business over 20 years and really specialize in the hardware side. I just had my 3rd i545 user come in and say their S4 just stopped working. Upon opening their phone there is no liquid damage, no chips or resistors with burn marks, and everything else on the S4 checks out. To assure this, I take the no power MoBo out and put it in a known working assembly, still no power. As a control, I take a known working MoBo and put it into the no power assembly and everything works, battery and all.
Like I said, its definitely the mobo and was wondering if it could possibly be some kind of software problem through VZW. 3 times in 3weeks in my small shop is alot. Usually when this used to happen, it was Battery, Charge port flex, or LCD assembly; not this time, this is something different. Any ideas?
If you say that it’s the MoBo, then it must be some manufacturing problem right? You think software is responsible for breakdown?
Going to recovery helps? does the phone vibrate at least?
Maybe it’s a known factory error… Sry, can’t help you with that one. I have zero knowledge about electromechanics
man another question how an i install custom recovery is ut possible i tried a few months ago when i rooted my phone the first time and i almost bricked it
You can’t install CWM or TWRP recovery because of the locked bootloader but you can install Safestrap recovery instead.
ok but how can i install it? iยดve found no info about this
I just found it but looks like SS does not work on the S4 running KK and Lollipop.
what a shame…
Never get a phone from VZW or AT&T.
hi here im sorry to bother but ive got an s4 with firmware 4.4.2 the version is chs-i545 i545vrufnk would it work i dont want to brick my phone
Hi, I think your firmware version is i545vrufnk1instead. Please check again.
Download the following files and follow the guide:
I545_NC5_Stock_Kernel.tar.md5
I545_NK1_Stock_Kernel.tar.md5
yeah that was, besides i did it already and it worked!!! thanks man!!
I need help. I did all the steps. I installed the ng5 then i made it rain with the app and it said that my phone was rooted and no reboot required however it started restaring itself and it wouldnt stay on. I disconnected the battery put it on download mode and installed ng6 it was failing but after unplugging the cable and pugging it again it worked. I dont know if is rooted tho. I think we were supposed to get an extra app besides towel root right??
What do you mean by “get an extra app besides towel root”? I don’t think you require to do anything else other than what is described above.
I get this security notice every 10 mins after i remove it it says ” security notice unauthorized actions have been detected” …I think i am rooted. I download the app to check and it said I am. I thought we get an app where we can download apps that are only for rooted phones. Where can i download apps like that? ohh i just checked is called supersu and i can get it in the regular app store right?
Yes ,you can.
Thanks it also disable something and it got the notification off so i think it fix it. Thank you so much
Great! The SuperSU is an app for managing root access.
I downloaded game killer but it says root privilege required i attached a pic
The the solutions given here: https://www.droidviews.com/how-to-fix-missing-or-lost-root-access-issue-on-android/
Hey I am getting a software update notification it says “the first 2 software updates for your s4 prepares your device for the next update which is android 5.0 (lollipop)…if i install it will it take away my root?
Yes, it’ll.
Use this to keepmroot on Lollipop: https://www.droidviews.com/install-lollipop-on-verizon-galaxy-s4-and-keep-root/
I messed up. I click the install now after i put this and it just did it i had no control. Now i gotta do it all over
Okay, don’t take the second OTA that’s the actual Lollipop or you won’t be able to root the device.
What exactly is supersu for?
I just installed the nc5 on to my s4 but it cannot connect to wifi
Install Towelroot v3. It does not require a data connection.
wait so if towelroot reboots my phone after i press make it rain it means it failed and that is why i didnt get the extra app? what should i do?
Try some older version of Towelroot: https://www.droidviews.com/root-att-and-verizon-galaxy-s5-without-voiding-knox-warranty/
Towelroot does not seem to work with my Galaxy S4 Verizon model running 4.4.2. What can i do?
What firmware version your phone has?
3.4.0 Kernel.
Tell me the build number instead.
KOT49H.I545VRUFNK1
Okay. Downgrade to NG6 and then follow the tutorial.
ok, will see how to downgrade
Use this guide :https://www.droidviews.com/install-stock-firmware-on-samsung-galaxy-devices-using-odin/
How do I downgrade it?
No need to downgrade. Do this instead to get root on NK1:
1. Take the NK1 OTA update.
2. Download and install Towelroot-v3.apk(this version does not require internet access).
3. Place your phone into “Download Mode” (press and hold the Home, Volume Down, and Power keys until the phone powers on and displays warning screen, then press Volume Up key) and Flash theI545_NC5_Stock_Kernel using Odin’s PDA slot(AP in Odin v3.09+).
4. Open Towelroot from your app drawer and press “Make it Rain” to root your device.
5. Power off then boot into “Download Mode” again and flash the I545_NK1_Stock_Kernel also using Odin’s PDA slot(AP in Odin v3.09+).
6. Download SuperSU to manage root access. Done!
Links:
https://www.droidviews.com/root-att-and-verizon-galaxy-s5-without-voiding-knox-warranty/
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=95747613655046175
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=95832962473396020
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.chainfire.supersu
I was able to get this to work. However, when I first installed the NC5 kernel, my phone became stuck in a “boot up, stay on for about 60 seconds, shut down, then repeat” cycle. I could not do anything with my phone. I therefore booted into Odin mode (power button, down volume, and home button depressed together until Odin warning comes on, then press volume up button) and installed the NG6 kernel, and the phone worked fine. In order to then root it, I did the following:
1: disabled my screen lock;
2: installed Towelroot onto my phone and placed a shortcut for Towelroot on the home page;
3: Flashed the NC5 kernel (with phone in Odin mode);
4: When the phone then rebooted, quickly opened Towelroot and pressed the MakeItR1an button, which quickly rooted the phone.
5: Powered the phone down before it could shut itself off.
6: Flashed the NG6 kernel and rebooted the phone.
the Result: Rooted phone which works great. Now I can get rid of all that bloatware (I like the stock ROM so I probably won’t flash a new ROM’s unless I get really board.
Good Luck to all, and thank you Robsworth!!!!
Thanks for the appreciation and sharing your experience!
Are there any updates to this procedure since its publishing? Specifically, my S4 has the following:
Android 4.4.2
Baseband: I545VRUFNK1
Kernel: 3.4.0
Build Number: KOT49H.I545VRUFNK1
Or would I assume backdating to NG6 in your procedure is the way to go, notwithstanding Verizon’s OTA update of 12/5/2014?
One off-topic question: Does rooting help, hinder, or have no effect in improving the S4’s Wi-Fi connectivity with 802.11AC routers, such as my Nighthawk R7000? I currently connect using a “N” only option I’ve built into the router as a password protected “Guest” account. It works, but is inconsistent. I am using Netgear firmware and have not experimented with “Tomato” or other third party, open source firmware.
Thanks for your help. Any additional links or guidance is appreciated.
Hi Charlie, sorry for the late reply. Use the instruction given at this page and let me know: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=57189674&postcount=1
I followed the tut exactly as follows and I had no issues. GREAT TUT!
Thanks for the appreciation!
I done this before and my device kept reseating but it was on the nk6. I got a update still on 4.4.2 but my build says nk1 now instead of nk6
Even though we are on the nk1. We are flashing the kernal to the nk6? Anything will happen even if we are originally on nk1 4.3 firmware?
Sorry, I did not get you.
Sorry I’m on 4.4.2′ but you telling us to use Odin to flash the nk6 me and cave hermit have nk1 . So will we have to find the nk1 kernal and start with it then flash the nk5 root with towel root then flash back to nk1 or just use the nk6 even though our devices say nk1
Nice guide, one of the best simplest I’ve seen.. But before I attempt it on my phone Will this work on a I545VRUFNK1
Yes, I remember a guy confirmed it. But again, do it at your own risk.
Like everything that involves messing with stock.. Always at own risk.. Now just to figure out which Odin tool to use.
When I go to NC5, I get the random reboots maybe every 30-60 seconds, not enough for wifi/data to boot up to install towelroot. I’ve a feeling it’s Knox, but I’ve no way to uninstall it without rooting it. Help, please.
In that case, you should downgrade to the NC5 firmware and root the device using TowelRoot.
Or, you could just try flashing the NC5 kernel again.
Worked like a charm. Thanks
Following the instructions above you will ultimately get random reboots due to knox still running. You must download and install Xposed Installer http://repo.xposed.info/module/de.robv.android.xposed.installer, which is an app that runs things. Next install Samsung Kitkat SystemServer Crash Fix.
Once you have the xposed installer installed, you can use the app to download the Samsung Kitkat SystemServer Crash Fix. Simply enable the app and it will stop the crash everytime Knox tries to reboot.
Finally this is a fix, but you will get a little notification it is working all day. I have installed TitaniumBackup and will uninstall knox next because thats me. Verizon and the other companies realize that with the hamstringing of writing to external sd cards, rooting is the only option for those of us unwilling to settle for substandard phone experiences.
YES!!! Thank you so much for this info! I have been looking everywhere for a fix and finally found it. Installed everything and works perfect. That first notification for a crash prevented was awesome lol. Thank you so much!!!
just did a factory reset, hopefully it works
how do i know if im on NG5 or NG6 ? I cleared the cache and it keeps rebooting. it didnt start rebooting until I clicked make in rain on towelroot app
You could find out from Settings> About if the phone could boot up properly. Can you tell me after which step the device got into bootloop?
After I clicked make it rain it like froze. But I went through super su and disabled Knox and think I fixed it
Okay.
Now Wifi won’t turn on, do you know how to fix that
You should try a data factory reset from recovery and if that doesn’t help, a different modem file.
I’ve already reset my phone and really rooted it and it worked until I restarted my phone. What do you mean modem file, where can I find that at? And do you have any links on fully unrooting a s4? I tried that too but I kept Getting a message saying I had unaothorized stuff on my phone.
I guess you are talking about the KNOX warning popup. See this: https://www.droidviews.com/disable-knox-security-service-on-samsung-galaxy-devices/
It might help.
phone keeps rebooting.
My phone won’t stop rebooting ๐ guess ill factory reset…
Yes, try a data factory reset from recovery.
Thank you so much. Had issue with phone restarting until I reflashed NG6 firmware. Thanks again!
You’re welcome!
Worked for me. It bugs out on NC5. You just have to wait for it to calm down to root the phone. Took about 20 restarts to do it but I got in in. Put it back to NG6 and it’s been great. Patience.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Confirming this. Don’t mess with the phone, just let it do its thing. It may reboot several times, but eventually will stabilize. I also wiped cache partition, which may or may not have helped.
stILL not able to teather.. sTILL tell me i don’t have hotspot subscription…
This worked great for me. Now what version of Safestrap recovery should I install in order to make ROM backups and flash new ROMS?
tried it on NG6, when I flash NC5 then try to open up the towelroot app, the phone force restart. and I kept trying but somehow the phone restarts after about 1~2 minutes phone is turned back on everytime. it seems like the flashed nc5 kernel has some compatibility problem or some sort? yeah I tried flashing back NG6 then flash nc5 again but same thing.. as soon as nc5 is loaded phone keeps restarting after about 1 minute
Sounds weird! The method works perfectly.
yeah I used odin 3.09. I looked all the forums in xda and found out that it’s kinda random. Some people just root it fine and some people encounter problem like this: phone rebooting constantly. but it seems if you keep trying you can eventually do it.
Hmm, then give it a couple of more shots.
What version of Odin did you try? Was it Odin 3.09?
I had the same issue. All you have to do is a factory reset to get out of boot loop.
I am having the same issue…
Can’t even use my phone right now. How did you fix it?
I was able to get it to stabilize. I had wiped the cache partition after installing NC5, not sure if that helped, but what I think did work was just being patient and let the phone boot/intiialize without screen input. It may still reboot several times; let it. Took mine about three minutes for everything to come up to stable. Wifi was inop, but mobile data was enough for Towelroot, which then ran fine. No trouble flashing NG6 after that.
Since the update on my S4, my phone is repeatedly crashing and turning off and rebooting. The OS runs slower and is using more ram. Clicking icons on the main screen has a delay before opening now. Battery is losing power much faster now. WTH is going on?!? This update is horrible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Downgrade to NC5: http://samsung-updates.com/details/27386/Galaxy_S4_Verizon/SCH-I545/VZW/I545VRUFNC5.html
You can also try a data factory reset.
I had same issue! My phone would restart while I was on it. I took my phone to the verizon store. They are sending me a new one overnight.
Followed this and now my phone is freaking out. It is the correct build and everything. =(
What happened and is you S4 on NG6?
got an error no matter which tar.md5 I try – Complete (Write) operation failed
Are you putting your phone in download mode before using Odin to flash?
ah, missed that step. Its at least working at it now, hopefully it will be successful
Also, what firmware version your phone has?
Mine will not take the update. Im on NC5 rooted with towel root with safe strap installed. Do I need to go back to unrooted in order to take the update? if so how do I do that?
If you are already rooted, why do you want to root the device again?
If you want to update to NG6 and then root it, here’s the firmware: http://samsung-updates.com/details/35422/Galaxy_S4_Verizon/SCH-I545/VZW/I545VRUFNG6.html
That was my post, not sure why it says guest, but yes I wanted the update. So I used Odin, went back to NC5 no root using no wipe tar. Worked, took OTA update to NG6, then followed your process. After flashing the NC5 kernal my phone constantly rebooted, I removed the battery and it slowed the time between reboots so I could get to towel root, Here’s the thing that took me a while to figure out, so I’ll share so maybe it’ll help someone else: I have the paid version of Super SU (it’s an add-on to the base free version) however the base version got deleted somehow using the no wipe NC5 so after using towel root, I still didn’t have root till I installed the base super SU again. Once I did I got root access, flashed the NG6 kernal and phone has root and has been stable since.
Thanks for sharing your experience! ๐
I assume this will wipe the phone and lose all data is that correct?
No, it will not but we still recommend backing up your data.
Awesome. I just did it. Took me no more than 15 minutes and looks like it’s working perfectly.
Thanks for confirming!