[Sprint Galaxy S 5 General] CCallahan:
Root Sprint S5 step-by-step....the following is for the Sprint SM-G900P (S5) and SM-860P (Sport S5)

Updated 10/20/2014

*The SM-G900P method has been confirmed to work on the Virgin Mobile branded S5. However, do this at your own risk*

-----> If you would rather watch a video of how to root the S5 check out qbking77's here: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=52587088&postcount=1

Please thank the owners of the threads in the links for the work put in to post the necessary files to obtain root/hotspot

**As always, I am not responsible for anything that happens to your device. Just follow the easy steps and all will be good.**

*Before you proceed, if you have not taken the official ND2 or NE5 update from Sammy yet and want to then do that now. It is easier to do the update before obtaining root.

STEP 1 - DRIVERS

Download the Samsung S5 driver and install on your Windows PC: http://www.samsung.com/us/support/owners/product/SM-G900PZKASPR

--->If you are using Linux no additional driver download is required.<---

After you install the drivers, plug in your phone to the PC and make sure it detects your device and loads the drivers properly. Should be able to access your storage. If not, don't proceed because chances are Odin will not recognize the device either. If this happens, try a different usb port, re-booting PC, cable, etc.​

STEP 2 - OBTAIN ROOT

SM-G900P (S5)

**Disclaimer.....using CF Auto Root method will trip the Knox counter and can not be undone. This will void the warranty on your device. Towelroot method in itself does not trip the Knox counter.**

There are 2 options for root. Pick whichever you are more comfortable with (my preference is towelroot because it is a faster and safer one click method):

Option 1

: **According to the latest info from towelroot thread, this will only work with Kernels dated prior to June 3rd, 2014. May work on newer but chances are not good due to Google supposedly patching the exploit.**

This can be done without the use of a PC. Go HERE, click the symbol, and download the towelroot apk.

After download, install and run. Then, go to Play Store and download/install SuperSU. Run to update binary. Done.

---->For More Adventurous Users....if you want to utilize mod strings for towelroot, install recovery without a PC using Mobile Odin, etc. see HERE Courtesy of fergie716

Option 2

: Download Chainfire's S5 Autoroot (Odin included in package): http://download.chainfire.eu/408/CF-Root/CF-Auto-Root/CF-Auto-Root-kltespr-kltespr-smg900p.zip

Then go here and just follow the steps: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=51421067&postcount=2​

STEP 2 - OBTAIN ROOT

SM-G860P (Sport S5)

**Disclaimer.....using the following method to root (currently the only available) will trip the Knox counter and can not be undone. This will void the warranty on your device.**

Download Chainfire's Sport S5 Autoroot (Odin included in package): http://download.chainfire.eu/460/CF-...ts-smg860p.zip

Then go here and just follow the steps: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=51421067&postcount=2
​

STEP 3 - CUSTOM RECOVERY

SM-G900P (S5)

**Disclaimer.....flashing a custom recovery will trip the Knox counter and can not be undone. This will void the warranty on your device.**

Download the latest PhilZ CWM Advanced Touch .tar.md5 file (custom recovery): http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2706253

Take this .tar.md5 file and put in your Odin folder. If you don't have Odin yet then download from here: xdaforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1168421

Then just follow the Odin directions on this page under "How to install with Odin". Just remember you are installing PhilZ and not TWRP but steps are still the same: [url]http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=51450356&postcount=1[/URL]​

STEP 3 - CUSTOM RECOVERY

SM-G860P (Sport S5)

**Disclaimer.....flashing a custom recovery will trip the Knox counter and can not be undone. This will void the warranty on your device.**

Download the modified CWM recovery here: http://xdaforums.com/sprint-galaxy-s5/development/recovery-cwm-s5-sport-sm-g680p-t2907945​

STEP 4 - NANDROID BACKUP

Don't skip----> Now that you have root and a custom recovery, first thing you should do is make a backup in recovery just in case something goes wrong in the future. (hold press Vol Up + Home + Power when powered off to boot into recovery)

**I strongly recommend that you backup EFS as well. Keep the backup in a safe place afterwards**

Or, you can go HERE, download the tool, and backup EFS with the app. Make sure you have Busybox installed first and put the produced backup in a safe place such as PC hard drive, cloud storage, etc.​

Optional

:

Now that you are rooted what is a flashaholic to do?

For a comprehensive list of mods, roms, and add-ons click here: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=52456762&postcount=1​

Done. Flash away.