Samsung Galaxy Alpha
Guide to root Samsung Galaxy Alpha Samsung

While there are a number of third-party root exploits available, Chainfire's CF-Auto-Root is believed to be the safest and easiest root method for Android devices. The root package is now available for Samsung's newly released Galaxy Alpha with metallic construction.

Know that gaining root access will remove stock, factory and default restrictions on Galaxy Alpha as well as its in-built Android system. Once the phone is rooted, you will be able to flash custom recovery image, custom ROM, custom kernel and custom apps.

Besides, you can overclock the CPU, upgrade battery life, bump the phone's speed, remove bloatware and do much more. As a whole you will be able to customise the Android UI and optimise the Galaxy Alpha performance accordingly.

If you are interested in giving it a try and access root on Galaxy Alpha, follow the root method below.

IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held liable for any damage to the device.

Key notes

  • 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. If the device is having any custom recoveries such as CWM/TWRP then back up data using the same.
  • If the Android phone powers off due to lack of battery during the installation process, it could damage the device. Therefore, the Galaxy Alpha should have above 80% battery charge.
  • Rooting the device will void the manufacturer's warranty.
  • The CF-Auto-Root file works with Galaxy Alpha SM-G850F. Flashing this on any incorrect variant might brick the device. Therefore check the model number of the phone by navigating to Settings>> About device>> Model number.

Download files

Odin3_v3.09.zip

Samsung Kies

CF-Auto-Root [File name: CF-Auto-Root-slte-sltexx-smg850f.zip]

How to root Galaxy Alpha using CF-Auto-Root

Step-1: Place the downloaded files on the desktop

Step-2: Unzip Odin and install the programme by following the on screen instructions

Step-3: Unzip Samsung Kies and use the software to install Galaxy Alpha USB drivers on the computer

Step-4: Extract the root file on desktop to get a file with .tar.md5 extension

Step-5: Run Odin on the computer

Step-6: Switch off the phone and enter Download mode by holding Home, Power and Volume Down buttons together

Step-7: Connect the Galaxy Alpha to the computer using USB cable. When the phone is connected, Odin will display an "Added" message and the ID; Com section will turn yellow/blue depending on the version of Odin. If this does not happen then reinstall the drivers on the computer and then redo the tutorial from the beginning

Step-8: In Odin, click on AP button and select the .tar.md5 file

Step-10: Do not make any other change and simply click on the Start button in Odin

Step-11: The installation for the root file begin now

Step-12: When the installation is completed, Odin will show a Pass message and the ID: COM will turn green. Now you may safely remove the USB cable from the phone to disconnect it from the computer

After performing these steps if you find the Galaxy Alpha is stuck in a boot loop, enter recovery mode. Once you are in recovery, select wipe data/factory reset and wipe cache partition. Now go back to the main recovery menu and select reboot system now to reboot the phone.

The Galaxy Alpha should now be rooted successfully. You may now enjoy several customisations via custom ROMs on your Galaxy Alpha.

[Source: Android Geeks]