For recent updates from Samsung, you need to have a custom kernel supporting root access. Stock kernel won’t support root anymore, so our earlier option like CF Root is no longer helpful.
Same for Galaxy A7 Lollipop root. If you remember the Galaxy S6 Android 5.1.1 root also uses a custom kernel, and its trick is actually serving a base for root for Galaxy A7 too. We have to full guide below to help you root Galaxy A7 on Android 5.0.2 update.
Downloads
- Root kernel — Link | File: TrapKernel_A700F_Root.tar.md5 (8.9 MB)
- Odin PC software — Link | File: Odin-3-10-7.zip (1.03 MB)
Supported devices
- SAMSUNG GALAXY A7, model no. SM-A700F
- Don’t try this on any other Galaxy A7 whose model no. is not SM-A700F
- Don’t try on any other device whatsoever!
Important: Check your device’s model no. on its packaging box, or in Settings > About device.
Warning: Warranty may be void of your device if you follow the procedures given on this page. You only are responsible for your device. We won’t be liable if any damage occurs to your device and/or its components. Also, this trips KNOX, meaning KNOX would stop working on your device, and thus you won’t be able to Samsung Pay, or install enterprise Apps on your device at Office.
Backup important files stored on your device before proceeding with the steps below, so that in case something goes wrong you’ll have backup of all your important files. Sometimes, Odin installation may delete everything on your device!
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1. Download Odin and root kernel file from above.
Step 2. Install Galaxy A7 driver (method 1 there!) first of all. Double click the .exe file of drivers to begin installation. (Not required if you have already done this.)
Step 3. Extract the Odin file. You should get this file, Odin3 v3.10.7.exe (other files could be hidden, hence not visible).
Disconnect your Galaxy A7 from PC if it is connected.
Step 5. Boot Galaxy A7 into download mode:
- Power off your Galaxy A7. Wait 6-7 seconds after screen goes off.
- Press and hold the three buttons Power + Home + Volume down together until you see warning screen.
- Press Volume Up to continue to download mode.
Step 6. Double click on extracted file of Odin, Odin3 v3.10.7.exe, to open the Odin window, as shown below. Be careful with Odin, and do just as said to prevent problems.
Step 7. Connect your Galaxy A7 to PC now using USB cable. Odin should recognize your Galaxy A7. It’s a must. When it recognizes, you will see Added!! message appearing in the Log box in bottom left, and the first box under ID:COM will also show a no. and turn its background blue. Look at the pic below.
- You cannot proceed until you get the Added!! message, which confirms that Odin has recognized your device.
- If you don’t get Added!! message, you need to install/re-install drivers again, and use the original cable that came with the device. Mostly, drivers are the problem (look at step 2 above).
- You can try different USB ports on your PC too, btw.
Step 8. Load the root kernel file into Odin. For this, click the AP button on Odin and the select the file: TrapKernel_A700F_Root.tar.md5
Step 9. Make sure Re-partition checkbox is NOT selected, under the Options tab. Don’t use PIT tab either. Go back to Log tab btw, it will show the progress when you hit start button in next step.
Step 10. Click the Start button on Odin now to start flashing the root kernel on your Galaxy A7. Wait till installation is finished, after which your Galaxy A7 will reboot automatically. You’ll get PASS message as show below upon successful installation from Odin.
- If Odin gets stuck at setup connection, then you need to do this all again. Disconnect your device, close Odin, boot device into download mode again, open Odin, and then select the firmware and flash it again as said above.
- If you get FAIL in the top left box, then also you need to flash the firmware again as stated just above.
Step 11. When the Galaxy A7 has restarted, install the SuperSU root manager app — a must have! — from play store for free. And do have a look at Troubleshooting tips below.
→ That’s it. Enjoy root access on your device. the TWRP recovery v2.8.7.0 on your Galaxy A7!
Troubleshooting Tips!
In case you face any trouble powering on the device, then simple force power off it once, and then power it on again. To force power off the device, just press and hold the power button until screen goes off. Or, it could be a combination, you can also try Power + Volume down together to force power shutdown the device.
You may face some problem with Wi-Fi passwords, it may happen that phone doesn’t remember them as it should. In such case, install ES File Explorer, enable root access from its Settings, provide it root access, and then go to system folder of the device and open build.prop file.
Now, in build.prop, edit it, and change the value of item ro.securestorage to false (it will be true by default).
If you need any help with this, let us know via comments below and we will try our best to help you out.
Via ShinySide
