We thank Samsung for having used numbers to label what is the most powerful tab Pro in Sammy’s lineup. However, it can still get a bit tricky for some fans because there are two of them. The first we already showed you was the SM-T905 and now today I will show you how to root the SM-T900.
This method should be applied by all users with little to no experience right through to advanced users. If you are a novice just read carefully over the checklist so you don’t forget a few things that you will need during the guide and also so that you don’t end up regretting anything such as failing to backup properly. Sometimes technology can be tricky, to say the least, so I’m here to help simplify it as much as possible. If you have any questions about something you don’t understand or I didn’t explain clearly enough or you then leave a comment or get in touch via the About Us page. Alternatively we are also available for a chat on social media. Let’s get stuck into some of the essentials.
Details of Note
- Enable USB Debugging Mode by visiting the Developer Options. This tablet comes out of the box with Android 4.4 Kitkat so there won’t be any problems finding that because it was only hidden in Android 4.2. Navigate to Settings > Developers Options and enable USB debugging.
- Rooting the handset will void the warranty because it increases the flash counter. Recently we discovered an application called triangle Away that can reset this counter back to one so you can give that a shot if you wish. Triangle Away is available from the Google Play Store. Other than using the app the only way to make the warranty good again is by un-rooting the device.
- Install the USB drivers from the Samsung Galaxy range so a successful connection can be made from the tablet to the computer.
- It is recommended to use a Windows-based OS PC for this guide because we use a tool called Odin and Odin is only made for Microsoft’s WIndows. There is no way to use Mac or Linux without additional net framework. Those who are truly desperate can seek it, but it is by far easier using a friends Windows laptop of computer. Laptops are Ok as long as it has a USB port. They are more commonly found on the system unit of computers.
- Make sure the antivirus / antimalware programs that are running on the computer are uninstalled or temporarily disabled. Whatever you chose to do remember to re-enable them before browsing the web once again to stay secure. We are not worried about threats such as viruses while doing this guide because we know the files provided are clean.
- I recommend that users backup all important files such as EFC folders, contacts, call logs, SMS texts, pictures, videos, applications and anything else you can think of that you have stored away on your tablet that you don’t want to lose. We do not expect data loss but strange things can happen with technology in rare occasions. The Pro has 32 GB of built-in storage space but because this is a tablet many people will use all of that up. If you find yourself without enough space to backup to the internal memory then invest in microSD, microSDHC storage expansion options of up to 64 GB. That means all up you can have close to 100 GB of space that shouldn’t leave you with any excuses for not having the room to backup the vital options like contacts at the very least.
- Charge the tablet battery up to 70% before starting. It is a generous amount and it could arguably be OK with less because the tablet is still new. The more you have used it and the older it is the more you need to be careful because the battery can drain quicker as it ages.
- This root tutorial can only be applied for the Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 12.2 SM-T900 and cannot be used on a different device. Each root file is made precisely for the exact smartphone or tablet and if you want to use the same root then it will still require a different file coming from the same developer.
- The root we are using today is Chainfire’s CF Auto Root and it is my favorite method because it leaves users with as close to stock experience as possible while still opening up the hardware that was previously locked down. Having it more open exposes you to new possibilities such as Custom ROM’s to give better performance, as well as customized looks.
- If you are receiving error messages such as “Unfortunately, SuperSU has stopped” then download the latest SuperSU application from Google Play. Open the app and disable Knox.
How To Root The Samsung Galaxy Tab 12.2 SM-T900 Using CF-Auto-Root
1. Download the root tool from this link (Odin included inside the package).
2. Those of you using any OS from Vista to Windows 8 download both files to the C: Drive. If using XP it is easier to use the desktop. There are benefits to using the C: Drive long-term because it doesn’t clutter the desktop.
3. Turn the tablet on in Download Mode. Press the Power button and while holding it down also press the Home + Volume Down buttons at the same time. Hold all three of them together until a warning message appears on the screen.
4. If saving to the C: Drive, go to Start > search field and type in Odin to bring up the folder. Double click to unzip and open Odin. You may get some Windows warning messages about it being an unrecognized file type. Ignore them because we trust this source.
5. Plug the USB cable in the tablet and the computer or laptop.
6. Watch the ID: COM port change colour and display “added’ on the screen in Odin.
7. Click the PDA button and upload the CF-Auto-Root-v2wifi-v2wifixx-smt900.tar.md5 files to this location.
8. Leave all settings in Odin as default. There will be two boxes with ticks displayed called Auto Reboot and F Reset Time. The developers do this because they are usually on and likewise the other options are often off. That is no different this time either.
9. Click the Start button to start root.
10. It is important to not touch anything while it continues to work.
11. When finished it will display the word “pass” on the screen.
12. Close Odin by clicking the “X” in the top right corner of the application.
13. Disconnect the USB device properly to avoid data corruption. To do this move the mouse down to the taskbar and right-click on the safely remove hardware icon. Stop the USB mass Storage device. Click “OK” on the next screen and wait until it says it is OK to disconnect. Now unplug everything and that is the end.
If you run into any problems flash the stock firmware using Odin 3.09.