How to Root the Samsung Galaxy S3 Neo

The only way to unlock an Android device’s true potential is to root it. As root is what allows an user to install root-only apps that help you do more on your device, flash a custom recovery that helps flash custom ROMs, and so on. If you’ve got a Samsung Galaxy S3 Neo, you’re in luck. The said device can easily be rooted using the Chainfire’s root method. Here’s how:

Rooting is the process of gaining administrative rights on your Android device.  Once we root our Android device, we can then make changes to it to customize it well beyond what it normally can do.

Once you have root access on your Samsung Galaxy S3 Neo, you’ll be able to:

• Remove apps that were preinstalled by your carrier/manufacturer from your device.
• Free up storage space (because of the above benefit).
• Increase battery life (apps that might have been running constantly can be removed).
• Increase performance (after removing apps that are always running, the device will be less bogged down and run smoother).
• Update to a new version of Android (by flashing a custom recovery/ROM, see the end of this procedure for more info on that).
• Tons of other customizations when you use your new found administrative rights to flash a custom ROM (again, see the end of this procedure for more info on that).

Interested? Here’s how to root your Samsung Galaxy S3 Neo:

I. Before You Begin

1. This’ll void the warranty of your device. We won’t be held responsible if you end-up bricking or damaging your device. Do it at your own risk.

2. This only works for the GT-I9300I variant of the device.

3. This procedure should only work on Windows based PCs.

4. You should’ve appropriate drivers installed on your PC. If you don’t, download and install the latest drivers from here.

II. Downloading Required Files

1. Download Odin and save it to your desktop.

Odin

2. Download CF-Root and save it to your desktop.

CF-Root

III. Rooting the Samsung Galaxy S3 Neo

1. Extract files from both Odin and CF-Root to your desktop by right-clicking on each of them and selecting Extract here.

2. Double-click on Odin executable and it’ll launch.

3. Click on PDA and choose the CF-Root file that you just extracted to your desktop. Make sure to choose the extracted file and not the archive itself.

4. Make sure Repartition is unchecked in the Odin.

5. Checkmark Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time.

6. Turn OFF your device.

7. Reboot your device into Download mode. To do that, hold down Volume DOWN, Home, and Power buttons together.

8. Press Volume UP and you should be in Download mode.

9. Plug in your device to your PC via USB cable.

10. Hit Start in the Odin and it’ll start flashing the CF-Root file on your device.

11. When the file’s flashed, your device should automatically reboot.

12. You’re all set!

Awesome! Your Samsung Galaxy S3 Neo is now rooted. With root-access on your device, you can now install root-only apps, flash a custom recovery (when one becomes available), and then flash custom ROMs. Have fun!

You can click here to find all of the Samsung Galaxy S3 Neo How To’s.

You can also find all of the Samsung Galaxy S3 Neo ROMs we have here.