Last Updated on October 6, 2022 by Mathew Diekhake

The SM-G900S was a newer Samsung Galaxy S5 that caused a stir across the web when the Android blogs found out about it because of its 2560×1440 pixels screen resolution. It also performed remarkably well under the Kishonti’s GFX cross-platform graphics benchmark test. Just like every other model-numbered S5 that came out, it started off with an Android (4.4.2) TouchWiz UI and there is no 4.4.3 to this day yet although we hear lots of rumors of it coming. Anyhow, the point is, everybody will be able to root theirs with this CF Auto Root tool because nobody has advanced to a new firmware just yet. When it does we recommend using our menu to see if there is a newer help guide out there as we like to update them with the new firmware when issued.

If you are not new to this then you will already know the drill. Have a quick skim over my guidelines and then start the guide. Those of you who are rookies, on the other hand, should read on carefully and take a look at my list of prerequisites because they might help and save you at the same time. On that note, I will start off with the important factors first.

Samsung Galaxy S5 White

Details of Note

  • Take the time to backup all important files. Everybody should back up the EFS folder, contact numbers of friends and family, call logs, SMS texts, MMS messages, pictures, video and any other personal data that you do not want to lose. The hardest part people find is that the apps aren’t as easily backed up as everything else. If you just want to make the contacts and so forth, then sync the handset with Gmail or Samsung Kies. Kies is also good because it has up to date USB drivers for it kills two birds with one stone. However, it is not vital because you can download them direct from another source I will provide. There is apps available from the Google Play store that can make your life easier backing everything else up. The other option that many people ignore, but they should be using an external SD card. When the S5 came out it came with a problem that all Smartphones have: a lack of memory. Although manufacturers give more to flagships than they would with any of the other devices in the lineup, most people still complain of a lack of space. It started off with 32 GB of built-in storage space. Several GB’s of that is taken up by the Android OS. Some of you will have no room for backing up. To solve that problem use MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC storage expansion options of up to 128 GB. You can buy these online or from the local electronic stores.
  • All Galaxy S5 Smartphones came with estimated 21 hours talk time and stand-by time of 16.2 days or 390 hours. That’s a good battery that has a capacity of 2800 mAh. It goes without saying that the battery will last the day out so when it comes to starting this guide I wouldn’t think anybody will need any more than 50% battery charge. If you do have a draining issue and/or you know that the USB charging option does not work, then play it safe and give yourself 60% before starting. Most of you will have a USB charging working anyhow. It is a feature built-in to modern Smartphone and tablet that means when it is plugged into the computer, it will automatically start charging up the battery. We will be connected to a computer for all of this process so there are no worries.
  • Speaking of computers, everybody will need to have a Windows-based PC. The reason being that Odin is a tool that is only made for Windows. It will not work on Ubuntu, Linux or Max OS X operating systems. Even though it makes my professional Samsung developers from the real team, they did not extend its services past the Redmond group. Nobody knows why that is, but we do know that it isn’t expected to change. Therefore make friends with somebody running Windows or if you plan on updating and rooting the system a lot invest in one yourself because it will pay off in the long run.
  • Do not attempt this root file on any other model-numbered S5 or for that matter any other device period. these files we issue are specifically made for the model and sometimes it can even be more specific than that and require the correct firmware also. It is one area where we cannot allow mistakes to happen because they are costly and will brick the device.
  • Disable Samsung Kies software if it is running on the PC.
  • Be wary that applying root will result in the loss of any existing manufacturers warranty that was on the handset. It can be given back by taking root off or by using ChainFire’s Triangle Away application that can be found from the same link as the root tool I will provide in the steps.
  • Enable USB Debugging Mode by visiting the Develop Options. being new firmware it is not hidden so all you need to do is navigate to Settings > About Phone and tap on the Develop options. Inside will be a box that needs to be marked as if it is representing the on position.
  • Turn off all antivirus applications on the Android-based mobile. Also click the antivirus icon in the taskbar and put a stop to it until the next session.
  • If you come across any problems after the root is applied this is where you will need to do a factory reset. Common examples of this include being stuck in a continuous boot loop that never stops so you can’t log in anymore. Go into recovery mode to fix this.
  • Obviously we do the best we can because we never want anybody to end up with anything but a fantastic, trouble-free time here. However, we are not liable if anything does go wrong such as loss of data. If you need to reach out to us just leave a comment and we can help. It will prevent anybody rushing into something they didn’t understand.
  • If you are not using Kies, download the Samsung USB Drivers from the official developers page.

Samsung Galaxy S5 ChainFire Root

1. Download the CF Auto Root file for this here.

2. Download the latest Odin 3.09 from this page. The link is on the page.

3. Turn off the mobile if it is on.

4. Boot into download mode by pressing the power button and the Volume down/Home commands at the same time. Keep them held in until the Android logo pops up.

5. Now run the Odin application on the PC. If you can’t remember where you saved the file try going to Start > Search Box and to type in the file name.

6. Plug the mobile into the USB input built into the PC system unit using the USB cable.

7. Plug the other end of the USB cable in the mobile.

8. Look inside Odin for a message that says “added.” Now we know it connected. if this doesn’t happen try downloading the USB drivers once again.

9. Upload the tar.md5 image file to the PDA button and wait until you can see the file extension showing. It indicates that it has fully loaded and it ready to go.

10. Now press the start button and it will begin the process of applying root.

11. It is necessary not to touch any of the settings in the program or even outside of it until this operation successfully completes.

12. After a “pass” information shows up now you can close down the program.

13. Move the mouse cursor down to the taskbar and right-click on the safely remove hardware icon. Select to stop the USB mass storage device before unplugging to avoid all data corruption and memory loss.

Feel free to download the root checker app to confirm your status.

That’s all.