The Samsung Galaxy S4 launched in March 2013 with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean and got its last official update to Android 5.0.1 Lollipop. It’s an official TWRP device, so you can install a custom recovery, root it with Magisk and flash custom ROMs that take it well past Samsung’s final update.
This guide shows how to install TWRP on the Galaxy S4 using Odin and root it. The S4 came in many variants, so the most important step is picking the right TWRP file for your exact model, covered in the table below.
What is TWRP recovery?
TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is an open-source custom recovery for Android. It replaces Samsung’s stock recovery with a touch menu that lets you:
- Flash custom ROMs, GApps and other zip files
- Make a full Nandroid backup and restore it later
- Root the phone with Magisk
- Wipe the system, data and cache partitions
- Flash image files to individual partitions
Find your Galaxy S4 variant and download TWRP
The Galaxy S4 has several models with different hardware, and each needs its own TWRP build. Flashing the wrong one can brick the phone. Check your model under Settings, then About phone, then download the matching file. The two most common are the Exynos i9500 and the Qualcomm jflte (i9505/i9507/i9508).
Download the newest .tar file for your variant, since Odin flashes a .tar, not a .img.
Before you start
- Use the TWRP file for your exact Galaxy S4 model only.
- Back up your data.
- Charge the phone to at least 60%.
- Install the Samsung USB drivers on your PC.
- Download Odin (Samsung’s flash tool) from its official XDA thread.
- Download the latest Magisk if you plan to root.
Note about KNOX
Flashing a custom recovery trips Samsung’s KNOX counter on the Galaxy S4, which permanently voids the warranty and can’t be reset. Flashing also wipes your data and can brick the phone if it goes wrong. GetDroidTips is not responsible for any damage. Do it at your own risk.
How to install TWRP on the Galaxy S4 with Odin
Step 1: Turn on USB debugging and OEM unlock
- Go to Settings, then About phone, and tap Build number seven times to turn on Developer options.
- Go back to Settings, open Developer options and turn on USB debugging (and OEM unlock if your build shows it).
Step 2: Boot into Download mode
Turn the phone off, then hold Volume Down + Home + Power together. When the warning screen appears, press Volume Up to enter Download mode.
Step 3: Flash TWRP in Odin
- Run Odin as administrator on your PC and connect the phone with a USB cable.
- When Odin’s ID:COM box turns blue, the phone is detected.
- Click the AP button and select the TWRP
.tar file for your variant.
- Open the Options tab and make sure Re-Partition is unticked. Leave Auto Reboot as it is.
- Click Start and wait for the green PASS message.
Step 4: Boot straight into TWRP
This step matters on the S4: boot directly into recovery before letting Android start, or the stock ROM can replace TWRP. As soon as Odin finishes, unplug the phone, and if it reboots, immediately hold Volume Up + Home + Power until TWRP appears. Before anything else, use Backup to save your current system.
How to root the Galaxy S4 with Magisk
Magisk is the current root method and replaces the old SuperSU, which is no longer updated.
- Download the latest Magisk APK and copy it to the phone.
- Make a copy of the file and rename the copy’s extension from
.apk to .zip.
- Boot into TWRP, tap Install, select the Magisk .zip and swipe to flash it.
- Tap Reboot System, then install the Magisk APK as a normal app to manage root.
What can you do after rooting?
Frequently asked questions
Which TWRP file do I need?
The one for your exact model. The Exynos I9500 uses the i9500 build and the Qualcomm I9505 uses the jflte build. They aren’t interchangeable, so flashing the wrong one can brick the phone.
Does the Galaxy S4 use Odin or fastboot?
Odin. Samsung phones flash a .tar recovery in Odin’s AP slot, not with fastboot.
Will this void my warranty?
Yes. Flashing a custom recovery trips the KNOX counter on the S4, which can’t be reset.
What can I install after TWRP?
A custom ROM. Our Galaxy S4 custom ROM list covers the options, which reach up to Android 11.
Hello, I really need your help. So I tried to root my s4 few years ago and something went wrong in the process. I believe I downloaded the wrong TWRP in my S4 so when I power on my S4 I see a whole different screen that I can’t interact with. I struggled back then to solve this problem but couldn’t so I wasn’t in a need for that phone so I put it in the drawer till today when I needed it urgently. How can I delete this TWRP or solve this problem?