Last Updated on March 31, 2017 by Mathew Diekhake

With Android, you can choose between having a stock recovery that comes with your device by default or a custom recovery which is made by third-party developers. A custom recovery does all the same things as a stock version, only it comes with some key additional features. The main feature that people want a custom recovery for is to install a custom ROM. You cannot do that with a stock recovery. That’s why you always hear the words root and custom recovery in the same sentences. Many people root Android so that they can install a custom ROM.

Samsung Galaxy S5

The Files You Need

  1. Download the CWM recovery file from the host page here.
  2. Download the Odin version 3.10 from here.
  3. Download the Samsung USB Drivers from the Samsung Developers page here.
  4. These steps to install ClockworkMod recovery on the Samsung Galaxy S5 do void the warranty. You might get that warranty working again if you unroot the device later.
  5. You must have a Windows PC to use this guide. You cannot use the Odin flashing tool if you have a different operating system. Further, the tool doesn’t work on the Microsoft Surface tablets with the Windows RT operating system. You can only install apps from the Windows App Store with Windows RT operating systems.

Installing ClockworkMod recovery on the Samsung Galaxy S5 by T-Mobile (SM-G900T)

  1. Move the Odin and CWM files over to the desktop of the computer. You can click and drag those files from the current location. Usually they download to the downloads folder by default.
  2. Right-click over the Odin and CWM recovery file and select the extract here option from the menu.
  3. Double-click the executable Odin file and let it run on the computer. The Odin user-interface should open up on the computer.
  4. Long-press the Power button on the Samsung galaxy S5 and wait until you know your device is off. usually it takes somewhere between 5-10 seconds.
  5. Reboot the Samsung Galaxy S5 to download mode.
  6. Connect the smartphone to the computer with the USB cable you use for charging the battery.
  7. Click the AP button from the Odin user-interface.
  8. Browse the desktop for the executable CWM recovery file you prepared earlier.
  9. Click the Start button.
  10. Wait for the Odin user-interface to give you the pass message.
  11. The Galaxy S5 will now reboot automatically because the Auto reboot box was checked.
  12. Once all that is complete, you can unplug from the computer and use your device in normal mode.
  13. Those preferring to enter the custom recovery right away can do that by turning it completely off and then rebooting holding the Volume Up + Home + Power buttons. You should then see the recovery mode option from the menu.