Want to root your brand new Samsung Galaxy Note 5? It is very much possible now with a custom kernel. Follow this guide to root T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 5 on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop.
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This guide uses a custom kernel package, SkyHigh TW which is an easy root solution for newbies.
SkyHigh TW custom kernel is the root for “rooting beginners” and those who want to keep as close to stock as possible. SkyHigh TW custom kernel is meant to be used in combination with stock Samsung firmwares, and be the quickest and easiest way for your first root. A modified recovery and cache partition will be flashed, which will install (only) SuperSU, then clean-up the cache partition and re-flash the stock recovery.
Note: rooting your devices voids the warranty; please proceed at your own risk. This guide works on both the variants (Exynos, Octa) but only for T-Mobile so please don't try it on other models.
Prerequisites to root Note 5 on Android 5.1.1:
Please check these prerequisites before going forward to root Note 5 on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop.
- Download and install USB drivers for Galaxy Note 5 in your computer.
- Disable / remove Samsung KNOX from your Galaxy Note 5.
- Make sure to take backup of any important files on your smartphone.
- Enable Developer Options: press multiple times on the Build Number shown in About Device. Also, enable OEM Unlock from here.
- Enable USB debugging option by pressing Menu > Settings > Applications. Navigate and tap on Developer Options to ensure that USB Debugging is enabled.
- Ensure that your T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 5 carries more than 70% of charge.
How to root Note 5 on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop:
Required files: download the SkyHigh TW custom root package file for T-Mobile Galaxy Note 5 from here. Also, download the Odin3 v3.09 for installation from here and install Synapse app on your Note 5 from Google Play Store.
Here are the steps to root Note 5 on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop:
- Unzip Odin on your computer and install it.
- Unzip firmware zip file in the same folder as Odin.
- Switch your T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 5 off and boot it in Download mode: press and hold Volume Down, Power and Home buttons together.
- Open Odin and connect your phablet with computer. When connected successfully, you will get a message in Odin saying Added!!. (In case you don’t get it, try another USB port. If that doesn't help either, then re-install USB drivers).
- On your Odin, click on PDA and select the Android 5.1.1 root package zip file for Galaxy Note 5.
- Click on Start to initiate the update process.
- When Android 5.1.1 update installation is successfully completed, your Note 5 will reboot.
- After your device has rebooted and is back up again, open the Synapse app on your phone.
- Tap Understood.
- Open the app again: go to File System > Wipe Cache & Dalvik Cache.
- Reboot your Note 5.
Ta da! Your T-Mobile Galaxy Note 5 has now been rooted on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop.
- How to Flash Stable Android 5.1.1 Custom ROM on Samsung Galaxy Note 5 - All Models
About the author: Rafia joined Wccftech in 2012 as a tech reporter. She is currently working on stories focusing on people and technologies that are turning Microsoft into a “company to watch” again. She is also responsible for collaborating with tech makers and e-commerce platforms to bring annoying but tempting deals to our readers.
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