The Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini comes out of box with Android 4.2.2 JellyBean. Samsung is still providing Android 4.4.2 Kitkat OTA updates to S4 mini while other devices are already running Android 5.0 Lollipop. But the S4 mini users need not worry, you can install custom Android Lollipop firmware on it. To install custom firmware, you should root Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini GT-I9190 running Android Kitkat.

Rooting Galaxy S4 Mini lets you install custom ROMs, Kernels and you can customize the device to suit your desire. Before getting into the tutorial, you should know what does rooting mean?

If you are ready to root Galaxy S4 Mini, do follow the below prerequisites to safeguard your personal data and to ensure successful rooting process.

PREREQUISITES

Check Device Model Number It is vital to check device model number before rooting/unlocking/flashing process to ensure flashing compatible files on the device. The device model name should be Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini(GT-I9190). If the device model number doesn’t match with mentioned one, do not attempt the tutorial. Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini USB Drivers To root Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini, it is to be connected with PC. For the PC to detect the device, it should have installed Samsung USB drivers. If you’ve not installed previously, download them form below source and install manually. Download Samsung USB drivers Steps To Be Considered Enable USB debugging on the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini which lets the device establish a stable connection with computer via USB. You can do it by following the below mentioned path. In latest versions of Android, the Enable Debugging option will be hidden in depth of settings panel. You can follow our guide to enable USB debugging.

which lets the device establish a stable connection with computer via USB. You can do it by following the below mentioned path. In latest versions of Android, the Enable Debugging option will be hidden in depth of settings panel. You can follow our guide to enable USB debugging. Rooting the device erase entire data on the device including internal SD card. So, make sure you create a backup of entire important data. If you are not familiar with Android backup process, you can refer our guide to Backup Android phone data.

Make sure the phone’s battery is at least 60% charged at the start up of tutorial. If battery runs off during unlocking process, it may turn your phone into brick. So, charge the device before tutorial.

If the device bootloader is locked, it is to be unlocked before rooting process. You cannot gain root access unless bootloader is unlocked. Are you sure you completed all the above steps? Yes, you can now get started with the rooting process.

Guide to Root Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini GT-I9190 on Android 4.4.2 Kitkat

Disclaimer: Rooting/Unlocking/Installing custom ROMs and Kernels are not official methods. So, neither device manufacturer nor Droid Word team is responsible if anything goes wrong with your device during the process. This article is only for educational purpose. You can continue with the implementation at your own risk.

Steps to be followed

For Samsung devices, to install Chainfire’s Autoroot package, we will be using ODIN flashing tool. Follow the below steps carefully to complete the rooting process successfully.

Step 1: Download CF-Auto-Root package to your PC and unzip it to any folder handy to you.

Step 2: Download ODIN flashing tool and unzip it to desktop.

Step 3: Now turn off Galaxy S4 Mini and enter download mode. Don’t know how? Follow below steps:

Turn off the device.

Press and hold Home+Volume Down buttons.

buttons. Now press the Power button until you see the Android logo.

Now press Power button again to confirm

Step 4: Run the ODIN setup file and launch it. Connect the Galaxy S4 Mini to PC in Download mode using USB.

Step 5: The box under ID:COM turns yellow once connected. It says connection is successful.

Step 6: The rooting process can now be initialized. Click on PDA button in ODIN and choose the previously extracted CF-Auto-Root-serrano3g-serrano3gub-gti9190.tar.md5 file from PC.

Step 7: Make sure you’ve checked Auto reboot and F. reset time in ODIN if not already checked.

Step 8: Click on Start button which initializes the flashing of root Package on Galaxy S4 Mini. Do not interrupt the installation process.

Step 9: Once the installation is successful, the box under ID:COM turns green and the phone reboots. After the home screen is displayed disconnect the USB cable.

That’s it! You’ve successfully rooted Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini GT-I9190 on Android 4.4.2 Kitkat. If you face any issues while rooting, do let us know through the comments section. We may help you out.