Samsung Galaxy S4
Samsung Electronics' Galaxy S4 (L) and Apple's iPhone 5 are seen in this file picture illustration taken in Seoul. REUTERS / Kim Hong-Ji

The international variant of the Galaxy S4 known as the Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE GT-I9505 recently received the latest Android 4.4.2 KitKat update. For users who have already updated their devices to the I9505XXUFNA1 build can already root their devices.

Rooting the LTE international variant of the Samsung Galaxy S4 with the model number GT-I9505 gives users administrator access, which allows them to install custom ROMs.

Rooting an Android device gives "root access" or control over the software administrative commands. There's a myriad of reasons in rooting an Android device, which includes making aesthetic changes by installing ROMs and removing skins. Here is a step-by-step guide from Redmond Pie on how to root and install custom ROM on the international LTE variant of the Samsung Galaxy S5.

Disclaimer: Rooting will void the warranty of the device and even though the rooting process has been successful for countless users, proceeding with the process requires caution as incorrect rooting might lead to "bricked" or it cannot be turned on ever again.

1 - Verify the model of your device; it should be Galaxy S4 LTE GT-I9505 running Android 4.4.2 KitKat build XXUFNA1. Back up your device and make sure you have at least 80 per cent of battery left. Install USB drivers on your computer > enable USB Debugging on your device.

2 - Download Chainfire Auto-Root package and Odin3 > extract the file to your computer.

3 - Turn off your device > reboot in Download Mode by holding the volume down and power buttons at the same time and then, follow on-screen instructions.

4 - Open Odin > connect your device while it is in Download Mode via USB cable.

5 - In Odin click on PDA > select the Chainfire Auto-Root file > check Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time.

6 - Click the Start Button (this process will take about a minute then your device is expected to reboot and you will receive root access on your device running Android 4.4.2 KitKat.

7 - Confirm that you have the rooted your device by installing Root Checker from the Google Play store.

8 - Once rooted, install custom ROMs on your device, which will optimise its features.

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