Root Galaxy Note 3 N900/N9005 on Android 4.4.2 KitKat and Install CWM Recovery

Samsung has rolled out Android 4.4.2 KitKat update for both the 3G and LTE variants of Galaxy Note 3 with model numbers SM-N900 and SM-N9005 respectively.

The update brings minor UI changes. One of the key changes is the use of KitKat-style white status bar icons instead of the multi-colour icons, which is used in all Samsung's devices.

The update also boosts the performance of the device. Besides, Samsung has improved the lock-screen by introducing a camera shortcut on to the lock screen for quick access. The keyboard layout has been improved for use in landscape mode, which makes gesture typing easier and faster, notes Sammobile.

Galaxy Note 3 users who have already installed Android 4.4.2 on their devices and looking for a root method may follow our step-by-step guide. Along with rooting, the tutorial installs CWM recovery on the phone. The CWM recovery files are shared by senior XDA member, Chenglu.

IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held responsible for any mishap. Before following the root guide, users are advised to verify their devices meet following set of requirement.

Pre-requisites

1) Install USB Driver for Samsung Galaxy Note 3 to transfer files between the Android device and the computer.

2) Enable USB Debugging Mode on phone to connect it with computer and use Android SDK with it. [Navigate to Settings>> Developer Options to enable UEB Debugging.]

3) As the tutorial might wipe out all data of the phone, create a backup. If the device is having any custom recoveries such as ClockworkMod or, TWRP then backup data using the recovery.

4) If the Android phone powers off due to lack of battery while the rooting process, it could damage the device. Therefore, the Note 3 should have charge above 80% battery charge.

5) The device will lose manufacturer's warranty with the installation of root method.

6) The CWM recovery and SuperSU root files work only with Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM-N900 and SM-N9005. As applying this on any incorrect variant might brick the device, verify the model number of Note 3 by navigating to Settings>> About phone>> Model number and install the recovery files according to the model number.

Download files

CWM recovery for Note 3 SM-N9005 [Alternative link]

Or, CWM recovery for Note 3 SM-N900 [Alternative link]

SuperSU [File name: UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.91.zip]

Odinv 3.07

How to install CWM/TWRP recovery on Samsung Galaxy Note 3

Step-1: Extract the Odin zip using any extracting tool

Step-2: Copy the SuperSU zip file to the SD card of the phone

Step-3: Switch off the Galaxy Note 3

Step-4: Boot the phone 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 the screen. Now press Volume Up button to enter Download Mode

Step-5: Run Odin on computer as Administrator

Step-6: Connect the Note 3 to computer using USB cable while it is in Download mode. Wait for some time until Odin detects the device. When the phone is connected successfully an Added message will appear under Odin. Also, the ID: COM box in Odin will turn blue with COM port number, indicating successful connection

Note: If the Added message does not come then try re-installing USB drivers or changing the USB port on the computer.

Step-7: In Odin window, click the PDA button and select the CWM recovery .tar file

Step-8: Verify Auto Reboot and F.Reset Time checkboxes are selected in Odin. Ensure Re-Partition option is unchecked

Step-9: Double check everything and click Start button in Odin. The installation process should begin now

Step-10: When the process is completed, the phone will restart and soon a Pass message with green background will appear in the extreme left box at the top of Odin. You may now safely unplug the USB cable from the phone

Root Samsung Galaxy Note 3 via CWM recovery

Step-1: Reboot the phone into CWM recovery by pressing and holding Volume Up, Home and Power buttons together

Step-2: In CWM recovery, select install zip from sdcard then select choose zip from sdcard. Now navigate to the location where the SuperSU root file is saved. Select it and confirm installation by selecting Yes

Step-3: Return to the main recovery menu when the installation process is completed. Reboot the phone by selecting reboot system now

The Galaxy Note 3 should now be rooted successfully on Android 4.4.2 KitKat. You may now install any app that requires root permission. Also, verify the root status of the phone by downloading Root Checker app, available at Google Play.

Note: This method will trip the Knox warranty void counter.

[Source: Honai of Android]