How to Root the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (Version 5.1.1)

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 has gradually been falling in price since it was released in October 2014. It cost an eye-watering $800 at launch, but a few price-drops have led to an increase in sales, and there are a lot of new owners asking how they can root their phablet on 5.1.1.

We’ve prepared the following guide to ensure that nothing goes wrong during the rooting process.

Warning: Rooting your device may lead to problems like bootloops. Follow the steps in the guide carefully.

As well as your device, you will need:

• USB Cable
• PC

Related: How To Root Android – Everything You Need To Know

It will take roughly 15 minutes to complete the root.

Note: This method won’t work for AT&T and Verizon models of the device as you aren’t allowed to install a custom Android kernel. It should be fine for all other models.

What We Need:

Step 1:

Firstly, you should check the model number of your device, as well as making sure that it’s running the 5.1.1 update.

You can check this by:

• Tapping About Device in your Settings menu.
• Your model number will be listed here.
• Your Android version information will also be found here.

Step 2:

You will also need to enable Developer Options if you haven’t done so already.

• From the About Device menu, tap your Build Number several times.

• You will be notified that you can now access Developer Options.
• The Developer Options are found in the main Settings menu after they have been enabled.
• Some models have a setting that will need to be selected in the Developer Options. It’s called OEM Unlock. Make sure it’s toggled if it’s in your Developer Options, but if not just continue with the steps.

Step 3:

You will need to download a few files to your PC.

• A list of available model numbers and kernels are for the Galaxy Note 4 are available. Download the files that are relevant to your model number.
  • T-Mobile Galaxy Note 4 SM-N910T Click Note 4 —> Android 5.1.1 —> SM-N910T
  • Sprint Galaxy Note 4 SM-N910P Click Note 4 —>Android 5.1.1 —>SM-N910P
  • Galaxy Note 4 SM-N910F Click Note 4 —> Android 5.1.1 —> SM-N910F
• You will also need to download Odin.
• Download TWRP Recovery for your model.
• Download the Samsung USB Drivers from here.
• Download a ZIP file of SuperSU.

Step 4:

Connect the device to your PC with your USB cable.

• Copy the kernel file and the SuperSU file, and install them to your Note 4.
• Install Odin on your PC and open the application.
• Disconnect your device from the PC.

• If not, install the Samsung Drivers that you downloaded earlier.
• Click AP in Odin, and choose the TWRP .TAR file you downloaded earlier.

Step 5:

Now, you will need to activate Download Mode on the device. To do this, hold the Volume Down, Home, and Power buttons when the device is switched off.

You will see a warning sign, which is your cue to let go of the buttons.

• Press Volume Up, and reconnect your device to the PC with your cable.
• Go back to Odin on your PC. Make sure that the COM number is visible. You’ll be able to see if it’s visible from here;

You’re now ready to start the rooting process.

The Root: Installation and Backup

Get ready to reboot your phone into recovery.

Step 1:

Press Start in Odin.

When the screen goes blank on your handset hold the Volume Up, Home, and Power buttons. This will boot recovery mode. (If you miss booting during this step remove your battery and try again.)

TWRP will load up, giving you a host of options.

It’s important to back up your stock kernel at this point, in case you encounter any issues after rooting.

Step 2:

Tap Backup, and uncheck everything in this menu expect for Boot, which is the first on the list.

This is your stock kernel and you should rename it to something more memorable in case it has to be used in the future.

Swipe across the bottom of the screen to create a backup that can be accessed through TWRP, just in case you soft-brick your device.

Step 3:

Tap Install, and find the kernel you downloaded earlier. Confirm the action by swiping the bottom of the screen.

Step 4:

You can now install SuperSU using the same method as above from the Install menu. This will install the flash file, and you can now reboot the device when prompted.

Step 5:

Open SuperSU, and you should have full user access to permissions.

Here’s a video by popular YouTuber Max Lee that takes you through the steps in this guide.

If you encounter any issues with your Android Lollipop device, you can always restore the stock kernel that you saved previously.

Conclusion

Rooting your Note 4 shouldn’t be a problem as long as you follow the steps in the guide carefully. If your model is unsupported, keep checking the XDA forums and we’ll post a guide if and when there’s a breakthrough.

If we managed to help you root your Galaxy Note 4 or you’re facing any issues, let us know in the comments below, or you can also send us a message, (or a follow) on both Facebook and Twitter.

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