Last Updated on July 20, 2022 by Mathew Diekhake

The Samsung Galaxy S5 is finding a new over the air software update rolling out with the build number G900AUCU2AOA1. The new build is another version of Android 4.4.4 KitKat. Unfortunately, as with most software update for mobile phones, if you do accept the system message for installing the new build, you will likely lose root access. Along with that, your custom ROMs and root-requiring applications are gone. However, there is a way to open up the system internals once more with root access on the new build. You can learn how to do that on your Sammy phone after the jump.

It’s a great idea to check out our list of essentials for your Sammy flagship before starting with the rooting instructions. You’ll find those just after the drop.

Samsung Galaxy S5

Details of Note

  • You must have the Samsung Galaxy USB Drivers. Some of you will be able to use the programs below without any trouble. Others will get ‘fail’ messages and have issues. Usually the troubles arise by not having the drivers you need. That’s why you want to get them from the link above.
  • You must enable the Sammy USB Debugging Mode so you are connecting to the computer without any hassles. You find that from the Developer Options menu. The Developer Options is available from the Settings menu unless it’s hidden. Those who do not see the option must unlock it first by tapping on the build number seven times.
  • Note that after the guide below on your S5 handset will void the warranty. Since this is a relatively new device, most people who bought a warranty will still have it available. You will need to flash a stock firmware OTA update manually to remove the root access in future. There’s also some apps available from the Google Play Store that helps you unroot the smartphone.
  • The problem with the apps is that they are usually premium ones with price tags. If you are choosing to flash an official stock Android software update manually, you can check that your handset is no longer rooted by downloading the free root checker app.
  • Update: The following guide reportedly doesn’t trip Knox. Therefore, the warranty should work. However, I wouldn’t want to send my phone away for free repairs with Towelroot and SuperSU in my app drawer.

Rooting the Samsung Galaxy S5 running the latest UCU2AOA1 Android 4.4.4 KitKat

  1. Download the Towelroot program from here.
  2. Transfer Towelroot over to the internal storage of the phone.
  3. Download our version of Odin 3.09 from here.
    – You want Odin to be on the desktop of the computer and leave it there.
  4. Start with the S5 off and reboot it to Download Mode.
  5. Have the Odin application open on the desktop of the computer.
  6. Connect the Sammy S5 to the computer using the USB cables.
  7. Wait for the Odin app to say it’s added and the ID: COM port should change to blue or yellow.
  8. Now click the AP button and upload the G900A_ND3_Stock_Kernel from here.
  9. Now look at the phone and tap on the Towelroot application in the app drawer.
  10. Click the ‘Make it Ra1n’ button and wait until it flashes the device.
  11. Switch the S5 off and boot in Download mode once more.
  12. Flash the G900A_OA1_Stock_Kernel here through the same Odin AP button.

Now just head over to the official Google Play Store and download the SuperSU app.

You are free to start flashing custom ROMs after you install a custom recovery. The two most popular custom recovery image choices are the Team Win TWRP recovery and ClockworkMod recovery, better known as CWM for short.