Installing Android 4.3 Jelly Bean Google Play ROM on Galaxy S4 (I9500)

Remember the Google Play-edition Galaxy S4 and how it shipped with a stock version of Android 4.3 Jelly Bean sans Samsung’s TouchWiz UI? Well, if you don’t feel like springing for a new handset, this guide will show you how to flash the Google Play Edition Jelly Bean ROM onto your Galaxy S4 (model I9500).

As always, DroidReport assumes no liability for the firmware installation. Proceed with caution.

Before Getting Started

Do not use this guide for any device other than the Galaxy S4 (I9500 model). Flashing this ROM onto any other device will most probably result in a bricked phone.

You must have your Galaxy S4 rooted, with ClockworkMod installed. As always, you want to backup your device and charge it to at least 80 percent.

Finally, enable USB Debugging mode by navigating to Settings -> Developer Options.

Updating Galaxy S4 to Android Google Play Jelly Bean 4.3 ROM

1) Download the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean Google Play ROM, as well as the Google Apps package, which can be found here and here.

2) Using your USB cable, connect your Galaxy S4 to your computer.

3) Copy Google Play custom ROM and the Google Apps package to the root folder of your handset’s SD card. Do not extract either.

4) Boot your phone into Recovery mode by pressing the Volume Up, Home and Power buttons simultaneously until you see a Galaxy S4 logo, then release all three to enter recovery mode.

5) Perform a factory reset by selecting “Wipe data/Factory reset.”

6) In CWM recovery, navigate to “Format system” in the Mounts and Storage submenu, and then press “Yes.” Next, navigate to the Advanced submenu and select “Wipe Dalvik Cache.” Select “Yes” when prompted.

7) Navigate to “Install Zip from SD card” and select the ROM file copied earlier. Repeat the same step to install the Google Apps package.

8) After the installation is complete, press “Go back” and then select “Reboot system now” to restart your phone. This may take some time.

9) After restarting, your Galaxy S4 will officially be running Android 4.3 Jelly Bean Google Play ROM. Kudos.