How to Install a Custom Kernel using Odin on Samsung Galaxy devices

[up] Update: Added instructions for “Enable OEM unlock” feature on Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 edge+ devices. It’s not applicable for all Samsung devices. [/up]

Odin is a PC software used internally at all Samsung service centers for updating/flashing Firmware to Samsung devices. This software was never meant to go public but thanks to the growing world of Samsung’s Galaxy devices, Odin is now used by general users for all sorts of things like flashing stock Samsung ROMs, custom kernels and custom recoveries like TWRP.

Below’s a step-by-step guide on how to install a custom kernel (.tar) on any Samsung device using Odin 3.10.6 (latest version as of 16th July, 2015).

If you’re really new to this, we recommend following the instructions to the letter. And don’t be scared of it. It may seem like a big deal but Odin is the most friendly software to do this stuff for noobs. Just follow the instructions below carefully.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Download Odin 3.10.6

1. Unzip the Odin 3.10.6 .zip file and run/open Odin3 v3.10.6.exe file from the extracted files on your PC.
2. Make sure you’ve downloaded a Odin flashable custom kernel .tar file compatible for your device.
3. (If applicable) Enable OEM unlock:
   1. Go to Settings » About phone » and tap “Build number” seven times to enable “Developer options”.
   2. Go back to main Settings page, scroll to bottom and select “Developer options” from there.
   3. Under Developer options, look for “Enable OEM unlock” checkbox/toggle and make sure you Check it or turn it ON.
4. Boot your device into Download mode:
   1. Switch off your device.
   2. Press and hold “Home + Power + Volume down” buttons for a few seconds until you see a warning screen.
   3. Press Volume Up on the warning screen to accept it and boot into Download mode.
5. Once your device is in download mode, connect it to the PC with a USB cable. The Odin window on PC should detect the device and show an“Added!!” message.
6. Now click on the AP tab on Odin window and select the custom kernel .tar file that you downloaded for your device.
   └ Note: DON’T play with any other options on the screen. You’re only required to connect your device and select the Custom Kernel .tar file in the PA tab.
7. Click the Start button on Odin and wait for it to finish the process. Once it has finished successfully, you’ll see a pass message on the Odin screen.
8. Your device will automatically reboot when Odin is done flashing. You can then disconnect your device.

Hope the instructions above serves you well. If you’ve anything to add to this page, let us know in comments section below.

Happy Androiding!