How to Root Galaxy S5 (All Models) on Android 4.4.2 KitKat Stock Firmware

Samsung recently launched its highly-anticipated flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S5, in a handful of variants across several countries around the globe.

Those who already own the smartphone with the latest KitKat firmware installed and wish to root it can follow our simple step-by-step guide using CF-Auto-Root tool by Chainfire. Head over to the official developer thread to learn more about this root method.

Note #1: Rooting is essential for installing third-party root apps, custom ROMs and latest system tweaks on your Galaxy S5. However, users are advised to beware that rooting voids hardware warranty of the device, as it triggers the flash counter whenever the stock firmware is modified or any third-party tool is installed.

Note #2: Warranty status of the device can be restored by reinstalling the latest official firmware from Samsung or using Triangle Away app.

IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held liable for any damage to device during or after root installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

Pre-requisites

1. Install necessary USB Drivers for Galaxy S5 on the computer.

2. USB Debugging Mode should be enabled on the phone by navigating to Settings >> Developer Options.

3. Back up your important data to avoid potential data loss during root installation.

4. Ensure the phone is factory unlocked (not locked to any specific carrier).

5. Verify Galaxy S5 LTE has at least 80 percent battery charge.

6. The CF-Auto-Root tool provided in this guide is compatible with Galaxy S5 (SM-G900F) only. Do not attempt installing it on incorrect variants as it may brick the device. Verify the model number of the Galaxy S5 by navigating to Settings >> About Phone.

Downloads Required

1. Download the appropriate CF-Auto-Root tool for your device (based on region or carrier) from the following links:

2. Download Odin v3.09

Steps to Root Galaxy S5 Running on Android 4.4.2 KitKat Firmware

Step 1: Extract CF-Auto-Root and Odin 3.09 zip files using WinRAR/7-Zip/WinZip or any other extracting tool.
Step 2: Turn off the Galaxy S5 and boot it into Download Mode by pressing and holding Volume Down, Home and Power buttons together until a construction Android robot icon with a warning triangle appears on screen. Then tap Volume Up button to enter Download Mode.
Step 3: Launch Odin on computer as an Administrator.
Step 4: Connect the Galaxy S5 to computer via USB cable while it is still in Download Mode. Wait until Odin recognises the device and once the device is connected successfully, the ID: COM box will turn light blue with the COM port number. Furthermore, an Added message appears on screen if the device is successfully connected.
Step 5: In Odin, click the AP button and choose CF-Auto-Root .tar.md5 file.
Step 6: Ensure Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time options are selected in Odin. But, the Re-Partition option must be unchecked.
Step 7: Verify the previous step and click Start in Odin. The root installation process will now begin.
Step 8: Once the root installation is done, your phone will reboot and soon a PASS message with green background appears in the left-most box at the very top of Odin. You can now disconnect the USB cable to remove the phone from computer.

Samsung Galaxy S5 running on latest Android 4.4.2 KitKat update is now rooted. Any app that requires root permission can now be installed. Verify the root status of the device by installing Root Checker app from Google Play Store.

Note: Many Samsung devices include a flash counter that keeps track of how many times you have flashed custom firmware to your device. Triangle Away app helps to reset the flash counter on your device to zero.

[Source: Honai of Android]

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