Last Updated on July 22, 2022 by Mathew Diekhake

The Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone is finding Android 5.0 Lollipop rolling out OTA to some of the variants. Today, we’ll show you how to get root access on the G900L variant and install a custom recovery system. The custom recovery we are using is ClockworkMod. You’ll find the abbreviation in the post as CWM. The first lollipop software update for the S5 was for the International Samsung Galaxy S5 G900F model.

If you are checking if the new software update arriving for you OTA can be rooted, the answer is yes it can. However, the steps we have here is only for the G900L variant from Korea. Do not apply the same for any other. First, you must click the “download” and “install now” options from the system notification. Those waiting for the WiFi connection before they start installing can stopover at Menu > Settings > About Device > Software Updates > Check for updates and start installing the file that way.

Android Lollipop

Lollipop is the new Android software and firmware over the next 12 months. It comes with new material UI, full Android runtime (ART) support, smart notifications menu, Screen Pin, new ‘Recent’ multi-tasking menu, extra security options, device sharing features and more. After finishing with the steps you keep all of them and can install custom ROMs, custom firmware and apps from the Play Store that only work when you have the internal system unlocked.

Details of Note

  • You must backup the data on the device. You can use the internal storage or the external SD card. Note that the devices don’t come with SD cards. You must buy them from online or the shops. We are not backing up the ROM because this is not installing a custom ROM. Furthermore, we are not taking a Nandroid because you don’t have root access yet. Other useless items at this stage include Titanium. However, after you finish the steps here both of those names should quickly become household ones for your device.
  • The S5 comes with its own USB charging feature. That means most appliances that plug-in with the USB cord such as docking stations and computers start charging the battery automatically. However, if it isn’t charging your device you want to save up at least 50% power before starting. Check the battery levels by looking at the battery icon from the Status bar.
  • The following is for leading-edge Android users only. Don’t try this if you don’t have some experience in customizing the operating system. Find a family member or friend to help or leave a comment in the box below for help.
  • Enable USB Debugging Mode from the Developer Options menu. You find Developer Options directly from the Settings menu on the phone. Likewise, you want the up to date USB Drivers. collect them from the official Samsung website, third-party files or by installing Samsung Kies. Kies is a great way to install the latest drivers, but don’t forget to disable Kies before starting the steps.
  • Use the root checker and unroot pro application from the Google Play Store if you want to check it’s working. Furthermore, it’s our favorite way to undo everything and return your smartphone back to stock Android how Google And Samsung intended you to use the phone.
  • Moreover, you want to disable all security programs from the Windows operating system and the Android OS. Security such as antivirus interferes with proceedings.
  • We are using the Odin application for flashing team Win’s recovery and the rooting process. Odin is made by the official Samsung developers for Windows only. It doesn’t work with Mac or Linux. You are able to flash firmware files with other tools but not after the steps here.
  • You must have a Windows PC, notebook or laptop running nothing earlier than Windows XP.

First we are starting with the ClockworkMod Recovery file:

  1. Download the Odin from here.
  2. Open the app so it’s running on the desktop.
    – right-click the icon and select run as admin to make sure you have the administrator permission.
  3. Click the AP button and upload the tar.md5 file.
  4. leave the default settings
  5. Do not touch the re-partition box
  6. Click the Start button when you are ready for the f;lashing.
  7. Wait until the ID: COM port changes color
  8. Leave the phone connecting to the PC for the next part.

How to root the Samsung Galaxy S5 SM-G900L (Korean) with Android 5.0 Lollipop

  1. Turn the machine of your choice on with the USB slot mounted in the side.
    – it doesn’t have to be Windows anymore.
  2. Download the SphinX-Root here.
  3. Download the SuperSU here.
  4. Transfer the files over to the internal storage on the S5.
  5. Power down the handset.
  6. Boot it up in recovery mode
    – Volume Up + Home + Power keys.
  7. Choose “install zip,” then “choose zip from /storage/ext SD card.”
  8. Upload the SphinX file.
  9. Do the same with the SuperSU package.
  10. Go back and select “reboot system now” from the first menu.

We have the spare stock Kernel here. Flash the file if you are struggling with root access from SuperSU nor responding. Sometimes it shows the “Unfortunately SuperSU has Stopped” error message. if that is happening on your display, you should download the SuperSU APK here to the desktop. Transfer the file using the same method over to the internal storage or the external SD card. Download a file explorer app such as ASTRO file manager. Install the APK file. Go to Settings > Clean Up > Re-install and it cleans the recent installations. Go to the Play Store and search for the official SuperSU app and install as you would any other app. update the binary if it prompts you to do so after finishing.