How to Root Galaxy S6/S6 Edge on Android 5.1.1!

BY MAX LEE · JULY 31, 2015

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For those of you who want to root your Samsung Galaxy S6 or S6 Edge, you will want to follow a different root method as Google has changed how rooting works with newer Android 5.1.1.  Due to Android 5.1.1 changes, you can no longer root your S6 or S6 Edge without causing it to soft-brick.  But there’s a work-around, this goes back to the days of older Android ICS and Gingerbread where we flash a modified kernel to make root possible.  It’s unfortunate that the newer Android 5.1.1 makes rooting more complex but it is still doable with a custom kernel.

This root method supports the following S6 & S6 Edge models:

• SM-G920F, SM-G920I, Korean SM-G920S/SM-G920K/SM-G920L, T-Mobile SM-G920T, Sprint SM-G920P, US Cellular SM-G920R4, Canadian SM-G920W8
• SM-G925F, SM-G925I, Korean SM-G925S/SM-G925K/SM-G925L, T-Mobile SM-G925T, Sprint SM-G925P, Canadian SM-G925W8

AT&T SM-G920A and Verizon SM-G920V have LOCKED BOOTLOADERS meaning they cannot use this root method!!!  We highly recommend to switch carriers for rooting and custom ROMs.

Step 1. First, go to Settings->About device on your Galaxy S6 or S6 Edge and verify you have Android version 5.1.1 and make a note of the model number.  If 

Step 2. Hit on the “Build number” about 5 times until it says you are a developer or developer mode is on.

Step 3. Hit the back button, then you will see a new menu called, “Developer options”, tap on it.

Step 4. Make sure “OEM unlocking” is checked ON.  Make sure you do this step as if you don’t, you will not be able to install custom kernel!!!

Step 5. Power off your Galaxy S6 or S6 Edge, then hold down Volume Down, Center Home, and Power buttons together for about 5 seconds until you see the warning screen like below and let go of all the buttons.

Step 6. Hit the Volume Up key to put your phone into ODIN Download mode and connect a micro-USB cable from your S6/S6 Edge to your computer.

Step 7. Go to our Root Kernels page and download the appropriate root kernel for your model of Galaxy S6/S6 Edge.

Step 8. Also download the ODIN v3.10.6 and unzip the files then run the EXE file.  You should see a blue-highlighted box with random COM number.  If you don’t see this, download and install theSamsung Galaxy S6/S6 Edge USB drivers.  You may have to unplug and re-plug the micro-USB cable after installing the USB drivers.

Step 9. Choose “AP” and select the root kernel you downloaded in Step 7.  Then hit “Start”.  The process should take about 5 seconds.

Step 10. You should see “PASS!” and your S6 or S6 Edge will reboot automatically.

Step 11. Once rebooted, you should see SuperSU app in your app drawer.

Step 12. You can verify you have full root by installing any rooted app like Titanium Backup app.

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