How to Root the Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini

Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini is a smaller version of the original Galaxy S5. But smaller doesn’t always mean small in terms of features. The device has got really great features and you can add a couple of new features to it by rooting it. Once rooted, it’ll let you install root-only apps, flash a custom recovery, and then flash a custom ROM. 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 S5 Mini, 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 S5 Mini:

I. Before You Begin

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

2. This only works for the SM-G800F variant of the device.

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

4. You should’ve required drivers installed on your PC. If you don’t, go ahead and get the latest drivers installed 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 S5 Mini

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 deskotp.

4. Uncheck Repartition if it’s already checked in the tool.

5. Checkmark the boxes that say Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time.

6. Turn OFF your device.

7. Turn it back on by holding 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 using the USB cable.

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

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

12. You’re all done!

Excellent! Your Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini is now rooted and you can confirm the same by installing Root Checker from the Google Play store.

You can click here to find all of the Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini How To’s.

You can also find all of the Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini ROMs we have here.