How to Root AT&T Samsung Galaxy S4 SGH-I337 on Android 4.4.4 KitKat

AT&T Galaxy S4 gets another minor update from the company in the form of I337UCUFNJ4 firmware upgrade which provides the Android 4.4.4 KitKat to the Galaxy S4 user. The popular thing is that the NJ4 update came to the Galaxy S4 users just within 2 months after the NI1 update which is pretty swift from Samsung. However, this might not be a essential update as the Galaxy S4 users are looking forward for the Android Lollipop upgrade which brings a major overhaul on their old Galaxy S4. Aside from that, it’s now partially confirmed that the Samsung Galaxy S4 users have to hang on for a while to see the Android Lollipop update on their devices.

The update comes with minor improvements, security updates, Knox 2.0 and several other new preloaded apps. Basically, the update doesn’t seem rather interesting apart from the point that your device runs on a higher Android version and arrives with few bug fixes. The great thing is you can still retain root permissions after having OTA update to NJ4, many thanks to muniz_ri of XDA for taking some time and giving the root method on the new firmware. As always, the root method involves taking OTA to new firmware, then flashing root-supported previous kernel to gain root and finally returning to original kernel.

So if you have ready to get the 4.4.4 update on your AT&T Samsung Galaxy S4, here’s the rooting tutorial for retaining the root on Android 4.4.4 with simple still detailed guide. Follow the guidelines carefully to root AT&T Samsung Galaxy S4 on NJ4 firmware.

Note:-

This guide is intended only for the AT&T Samsung Galaxy S4 with the model number SGH-I337, not for another device of Samsung. Be extra cautious when you select the firmwares as flashing incorrect firmwares might result in a bricked device. You alone are responsible for any effects that might happen during the procedure, we shall not be held responsible for any harm to your device.

Prepare Your Galaxy S4:

1. Charge your AT&A Galaxy S4 above 60% battery level to avoid shut downs during the process.
2. Enable USB Debugging: here.
3. Install Required USB Drivers
4. Backup your device, Contacts, SMS etc. using Google Synchronize service or any third-party apps.

Downloads:

Odin v3.10.0: Download Link | Mirror

I337_NC1_Stock_Kernel: Download Link

I337_NJ4_Stock_Kernel: Download Link

Towel Root APK: Download Link

SuperSU: Download Link

How to Root AT&T Galaxy S4 SGH-I337 on I337UCUFNJ4 Firmware:

Step 1: Firstly, take the NJ4 Firmware update via OTA or manual process.
Step 2: Flash the I337_NC1_Stock_Kernel using the Odin firmware flashing tool. For detailed guideline: Click Here
Step 3: Reboot the device & root it using the Towelroot app. For this just open the Towelroot app and click Make it Rain button to root your device.
Step 4: When the device is rooted, download the I337_NJ4_Stock_Kernel and flash it using the Odin tool to get back to the stock NJ4 kernel.
Step 5: Now Reboot the device and download the SuperSU app from the Google Play Store to manage root permissions on your device.

After the update to NJ4 firmware, there may be extreme delay on your device making it not able to install Towel root app. Reboot the device once and try once again, this time your device won’t show any lags.

That’s it folks, your AT&T Samsung Galaxy S4 is now rooted on the Android 4.4.4 KitKat firmware. So you can enjoy the advanced apps on your device which want root access.

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