How to root Galaxy Alpha LTE (SM-G850F) on stock Android firmware with CF-Auto-Root

You can now root the international European variant of Galaxy Alpha (SM-G850F), powered with Exynos octa-core processor, using Chainfire's CF-Auto-Root package.

The significance of this root is that it is compatible with the Android 4.4.4 KitKat firmware and the upcoming Android 5.0 Lollipop, which is expected for the Galaxy Alpha by March next year. The CF-Auto-Root method is considered to be the safest root method available so far.

If you are also interested to try out the CF-Auto-Root file and gain root access on your Galaxy Alpha, check the following root method.

Points to remember

• Ensure that you have installed necessary USB drivers for your Galaxy Alpha
• Enable USB Debugging Mode on phone to connect it with the computer and use Android SDK with it. [Navigate to Settings>> About phone>> tap Build number seven times. A pop up will appear, that reads, 'You are now a developer.' Go back to the Developer options and check USB debugging and click OK.]
• As the tutorial is likely to wipe out all data of the phone, create a backup using custom recovery
• Check the battery percentage of the phone, it should be at least 80%
• Rooting the device will void the manufacturer's warranty
• The CF-Auto-Root file works on with LTE Galaxy Alpha SM-G850F and flashing this on any incorrect variant might brick the device. Check the model number of the phone by navigating to Settings>> About device>> Model number
• The root method supports Android 4.4.4 and the upcoming Android 5.0 Lollipop software as well
• IBTimes UK will not be held liable for any damage to the device

Download files

CF-Auto-root

Odin v3.09

How to root Galaxy Alpha LTE SM-G850F on stock Android firmware with CF-Auto-Root

Step-1: Extract the downloaded root package on your PC to get a file with .tar.md5 extension

Step-2: Switch off the Galaxy Alpha and enter Download mode by holding Home, Power and Volume Down buttons together until the construction Android robot and a triangle appear on the phone's screen. Press the Power button again to enter Download mode

Step-3: Ensure that Galaxy Alpha USB drivers are installed on the computer

Step-4: Run Odin on the computer

Step-5: Connect your Galaxy Alpha to the computer using USB cable while it is in Download mode. When the phone is connected successfully, one of the ID: COM boxes will turn blue with the COM port number. This step might take some time

Step-6: In Odin click the AP button and select the .tar.md5 file that was extracted in step-1

Step-7: Check Auto-reboot and F.Reset Time options are not selected in Odin

Step-8: Double check everything and hit the Start button in Odin to begin the installation process. This will take a few minutes to complete

Step-9: When the installation process is completed, the phone will reboot into recovery mode and install the root package. The ID: COM box will then turn green

Step-10: You can safely unplug the phone from the computer, when the home screen shows up

Troubleshoot:

Sometimes, the phone does not boot into recovery and roots the device. If this happens, redo the entire process. If the phone is still not rooted, once again perform the tutorial, but this time check that Auto Reboot option in Odin is not checked.

Then pull out the battery to turn off the phone forcefully. Now press Volume Up, Home and Power buttons together to boot the phone into recovery mode. This will start the install process to root the phone.

Your Galaxy Alpha should now be rooted successfully on stock Android firmware. Check for SuperSU app in your app list.

[Source: Team Android]