For instance, while the Flipboard app may be of utmost importance to some, it’s probably not really crucial to the functionality of your smartphone. It seems to be treated as such, however, because it cannot fully be uninstalled without root. And why on earth would a social news app be more important than an app like Titanium Backup, which requires root access to install? And what if you want to customize your phone? Android is known for being one of the most customizable operating systems out there. So it can seem a little ironic that it doesn’t give you the freedom to access the part of your phone that allows ultimate customization. People are still going to do it, of course, but it can leave you susceptible to malicious exploits from shady sources. Rooting is never without risk, but we can show you how to do it the safest way possible, and you can have customization to and from the core of your phone. Before We Begin:
Verify your device model is a Samsung Alpha Galaxy. The CF-Auto-Root file used in Method 1 only works with model SM-G850-F.Perform a full backup.From “Security” in the Settings menu, enable Unknown Sources.Charge your phone.Enable USB debugging.
Method 1: Root Using Odin and CF-Auto-Root
Step 1: Download Your Root Package
Download and extract these files to your PC:OdinSamsung KiesCF-Auto-RootDownload the file specific to your model only! If you do otherwise, you risk bricking your phone!Right-click on the zip folder and select “Extract All.” Or, left-click and press the “Extract All” button from “Compressed Folder Tools.”You can also use Samsung Kies to download USB driver software onto your PC.Ensure that you have extracted the root file with the .tar.md5 extension.
Step 2: Open Odin3
Step 3: Boot into Download Mode
Turn off your phone.Simultaneously press the Volume Down, Home, and Power buttons.
Step 4: Connect Your Galaxy to Your Desktop Using a USB Cable
The original USB cable that came with the Samsung is sure to work, provided it’s in good condition.Odin should identify your device and you should see an “Added” message in the Odin
Step 5: Click the AP Button and Select the .tar.md5 File
Note: Some older versions of Odin will have you click the PDA button instead of AP
The box under ID:COM should be blue (or yellow, depending on the version of Odin). If that is not the case, or you don’t see the “Added” message, try to reconnect your Samsung and try again.Ensure that “Re-Partition” is deselected.
Step 6: Press the Start Button to Begin Rooting.
You should soon see a green Pass message.
Step 7: Reboot
Within a Moment or Two, Your Galaxy Alpha Should Reboot Automatically
At that point, you can remove the USB cable from your device.If your phone does not reboot, do it manually
Troubleshooting a Boot Loop
This problem can seem pretty scary. If your phone won’t stop rebooting, try the following steps.
Enter Recovery Mode
Turn your phone off.Now press the Volume Up, Home, and Power buttons simultaneously.When the phone vibrates or when you see the Samsung logo, release the Power button only.Only when you see the Android Recovery screen appear should you release the Volume Up and Home buttons.
Wipe cache
Use the Volume Down button to choose “Wipe cache partition” and the Power button to select it.Your phone should instruct you to reboot.
Reset from Recovery
Go back to Recovery Mode.Use the Volume Down key to highlight “Wipe data/factory reset” and press the Power button.Select “Yes—delete all user data.” Reboot when your Alpha tells you to.This is the same as performing a factory reset. You can try the previous steps beforehand so as not to have to start all over, but this might still be necessary. It is difficult to be selective about what information to wipe in order to defeat a boot loop.
Method 2: Root Samsung Galaxy Alpha Using Kingroot
This method can be accomplished without a PC, or if you prefer to use one, that is an option as well. If you do decide to use a computer, make sure it is running Windows. You will need to maintain an Internet connection throughout the process. KingRoot is Chinese, although a lot of English is used in the APK version. Unless you want the exclusively Chinese version, we recommend using the APK (Android) version that can be downloaded directly to your phone.
Step 1: Download and Install the Kingroot APK on Your Alpha or the Windows Version for Your PC
Download KingrootThis app checks whether you already have root access.If you download directly from the Google Play Store, use King Pro Root.
Step 2: Open Your New KingRoot App
You can find it in your Galaxy’s app drawer once installation is complete.Or open the file on your PC and connect to your phone via USB cable.
Step 3: Ensure You Can See the Start Root Button at the Bottom of the Display
This tells you that your device is supported.
Step 4: Tap the Start Button to Begin Rooting
Rooting may take a few moments.Once rooting is complete, you should see “Success!” on your screen and the KingRoot icon in the Launcher menu.
Step 5: Restart Your Samsung
If your device is not compatible with the rooting software, you will instead be prompted to try the desktop version of KingRoot, which might work better for you. There is, however, no English user interface on the desktop version at this time.
Method 3: Root Samsung Galaxy Alpha Using iRoot
This rooting method works within the range of Android 4.0 to 4.4. It also offers options for rooting from a PC or downloading an APK directly to your phone. It boasts of a high success rate, and the Alpha is listed among compatible devices, along with numerous other Samsung devices.
Step 1: If Knox is Currently Enabled, go to Security and uncheck Lock Reactivation
You can access Security from the Settings menu.
Step 2: Download iRoot on Your PC or the iRoot APK on Your Samsung
This is another root supported by Chinese developers. There is certainly enough English to get by, however.
Step 3: If Necessary, Connect Your Galaxy Alpha to Your PC via a USB Cable
If you are using the APK downloaded directly to your phone, there’s no reason to.
Step4: iRoot Should Recognize Your Samsung and the Root Button Should Appear
Step 5: Click Root Now
The software will complete the process for you.When complete, remove the USB cable from the phone and PC if necessary.
Step 6: Reboot Your Device
It will probably restart automatically, but in case it needs a little help, manually reboot the phone.
Conclusion
Now that you are done rooting you install and uninstall whatever apps you please. For that matter, you can have an entirely different build of operating system if you download a custom ROM. You are no longer at the mercy of your carrier for OS updates. You can even download apps to play around with the hardware. Maybe you didn’t make through the root without an issue but would still like to. Try the article below on troubleshooting or tell us about it in the comments below. Hopefully, we have made you a firm believer that the advantages of rooting outweigh any downsides. Featured Image Credit
