Category News, Root

How to Root Galaxy S6 on Android 5.1.1 (All variants)

Author Shivam Malani Published on

  Update: It seems TWRP recovery isn’t working for the T-Mobile variant (G920T).

  Update 2: Odin flashable UniKernel (custom kernel with auto-root) now available. Grab it from the downloads section below and flash via Odin. 

  Update 3: T-Mobile S6 and S6 edge gets a new root method that doesn’t trips KNOX counter [“KNOX WARRANTY: 0 (0X0000)”]. Check the link below:

[icon name=”external-link” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Root T-Mobile S6 and S6 edge on 5.1.1 without tripping Knox [0x0] 

Been impatiently waiting for a working root method for your Galaxy S6 running on Android 5.1.1? Well, there’s some good news. Root has finally been achieved on Android 5.1.1 builds for all variants of the Galaxy S6.

This is a combined effort from XDA users g.lewarne, mikeyinid (for making a custom kernel) and bigbiff (for 5.1.1 compatible TWRP recovery). The 5.1.1 based custom kernel from g.lewarne includes auto-root, so just flashing it via TWRP does the job.

However, this may not work on the Galaxy S6 edge variants. The TWRP recovery needs to be modified for the edge variant, and until TWRP works, you can’t flash the custom kernel’s .zip file to your S6 edge. Don’t be sad though, this should be sorted out soon and either an edge compatible TWRP recovery or Odin flashable kernel should be available soon for rooting Galaxy S6 edge on Android 5.1.1.

For the Galaxy S6, g.lewarne’s custom kernel with auto-root is universal, so it’ll work on all variants of Galaxy S6 — G920F, G920I, G920T (T-Mobile), G920S, G920K, G920L and G920W8.

Grab the Android 5.1.1 compatible TWRP recovery and g.lewarne custom kernel with auto-root from the download links below and then follow the instructions to root your Galaxy S6.

Method 1: Root Galaxy S6 on Android 5.1.1 via ODIN

Downloads

[icon name=”download” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Download Odin 3.10.6

[icon name=”download” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Download UniKernel v6-0001 for Odin (.tar)

  1. Download UniKernel for ODIN (.tar) and Odin 3.10.6 from the downloads section above.
  2. Open Odin 3.10.6 on your PC.
  3. Boot your Galaxy S6 into Download mode:
    1. Switch off your tablet.
    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.
  4. Once your S6 is in download mode, connect it to the PC with a USB cable. The Odin window on PC should detect the phone and show an “Added!!” message.
  5. Now click on the AP button on Odin window and select the S6_UniKernel_v2-0003-ODIN.tar file that you downloaded above.
    └ Note: DON’T play with any other options on the screen. You’re only required to connect your Galaxy S6 and select the KERNEL file in PA tab.
  6. 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.
  7. Your phone will automatically reboot when Odin is done flashing. You should now have root access, look for the SuperSU app in your app drawer. Also, download and install this root checker app from Play Store to verify root access.

Method 2: Root Galaxy S6 on Android 5.1.1 via TWRP Recovery

Downloads

[icon name=”download” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Download Android 5.1.1 TWRP Recovery

[icon name=”download” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Download Odin 3.10.6

[icon name=”download” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Download UniKernel v6-0001 for TWRP (.zip)

We’ll be flashing the 5.1.1 TWRP recovery first via Odin and then flash the custom kernel with auto-root via TWRP recovery.

NOTE: This guide is only for Galaxy S6 running on Android 5.1.1. Do NOT try this on Android 5.0.2 builds.

Step 1: Install Android 5.1.1 TWRP Recovery
  1. Open Odin 3.10.6 on your PC.
  2. Boot your Galaxy S6 into Download mode:
    1. Switch off your tablet.
    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.
  3. Once your S6 is in download mode, connect it to the PC with a USB cable. The Odin window on PC should detect the phone and show an “Added!!” message.
  4. Now click on the AP button on Odin window and select the twrp-2.8.7.1-zeroflte.img.tar file that you downloaded above.
    └ Note: DON’T play with any other options on the screen. You’re only required to connect your Galaxy S6 and select the FIRMWARE file in PDA tab.
  5. 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.
  6. Your phone will automatically reboot when Odin is done flashing. TWRP recovery should now be installed.
Step 2: Flash Custom Kernel with auto-root via TWRP Recovery
  1. Download and transfer g.lewarne’s custom kernel with auto-root to your Galaxy S6.
  2. Boot your Galaxy S6 into TWRP recovery:
    1. Power off your Galaxy S6.
    2. Press and hold “Volume UP + Power + Home” buttons together and as soon as you see the Galaxy S6 logo on screen, release all the three buttons. This will boot you into TWRP recovery.
  3. Tap Install on the TWRP recovery main menu and select the custom kernel zip file that we transferred to your phone in Step 1.
  4. Flash the custom kernel and then simply reboot your S6. You DON’T need to wipe anything.

That’s all. Upon boot, look for the SuperSU app in your app drawer. Also, download and install this root checker app from Play Store to verify root access.

Posted by
Shivam Malani

Shivam is our resident designer and web developer who also enjoys writing. He loves to meditate, drive on the freeways and hunt for snipers during his Call Of Duty playtime. Email: shivam@theandroidsoul.com

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154 Comments

  3. “All – G920 G920 G920”

    Mine is SCV31KDUAOE1

    Dont use words like “all” unless you mean it

    1. as soon as you try to flash twrp or cf-autoroot with odin and error problem appear .. use Z3x Box or Octoplus box and find de correct model and click in READ PIT and it will be fine with your cell again..

  6. “All – G920 G920 G920”

    Mine is SCV31KDUAOE1

    Dont use words like “all” unless you mean it

  7. Does not boot into TWRP recovery…despite being flashed successfully according to Odin. Still boots to stock recovery. G920T

    1. as soon as you try to flash twrp or cf-autoroot with odin and error problem appear .. use Z3x Box or Octoplus box and find de correct model and click in READ PIT and it will be fine with your cell again..

  12. […] The custom kernel with auto-root used for rooting Android 5.1.1 on Galaxy S6 G920 variants is now available as an Odin flashable (.tar) file for the Galaxy S6 edge as well. You can use it […]

  13. […]  Root Galaxy S6 Android 5.1.1  |  Root Galaxy S6 edge Android 5.1.1 […]

  14. It works on G920T the kernel works but to install twrp you need to install the app and everything works from there.

  15. It works on G920T the kernel works but to install twrp you need to install the app and everything works from there.

  18. Will this work on T-Mobile S6
    Or will it get stuck on logo screen like before??

  19. @Justin Brown …I got it to work on T-Mobile, but it trips KNOX, which displays the security notification as well as sucks the battery down faster than it can charge. I had to reflash stock 5.1.1 with Odin to unroot. Until Ping Pong Root gets T-Mobile’s 5.1.1 variant, we’ll be waiting for a rooted S6 w/ T-Mobile. You can use Ping Pong and not trip KNOX if you reflash back to 5.0.2 then root (from what I read).

  20. @Androiding Staff …So far so good. Root established, KNOX intact on T-Mobile S6 G920T on 5.1.1. Cheers indeed!

  21. Will this work on T-Mobile S6
    Or will it get stuck on logo screen like before??

  22. @Justin Brown …I got it to work on T-Mobile, but it trips KNOX, which displays the security notification as well as sucks the battery down faster than it can charge. I had to reflash stock 5.1.1 with Odin to unroot. Until Ping Pong Root gets T-Mobile’s 5.1.1 variant, we’ll be waiting for a rooted S6 w/ T-Mobile. You can use Ping Pong and not trip KNOX if you reflash back to 5.0.2 then root (from what I read).

  23. @Androiding Staff …So far so good. Root established, KNOX intact on T-Mobile S6 G920T on 5.1.1. Cheers indeed!

  24. Thanks guys!!
    One more question though, is there any custom ROMs I can install? Or any suggestions on getting better battery life??

  25. Thanks guys!!
    One more question though, is there any custom ROMs I can install? Or any suggestions on getting better battery life??

  26. This kills private mode because of KNOX “Failed to enable private mode. Try again.” Please fix this.

  27. This kills private mode because of KNOX “Failed to enable private mode. Try again.” Please fix this.

  30. […] the Galaxy S6 5.1.1 root, the T-M0bile S5 5.1.1 root is also coming via a custom kernel named TrapKernel by […]

  31. […] update to S6 — that is, even before it hit the international variants of the device. And root was achieved on 5.1.1 first by a custom kernel from g.lawarne, however, it did came with its fair share […]

  32. Worked on G920I S6, I flashed a 5.1.1 rom not knowing I couldn’t flash the 5.0.1 rom back. Thanks to this though I’ve got the 5.1.1 rooted. I used method one, I didn’t even try putting custom recovery on.

  33. Worked on G920I S6, I flashed a 5.1.1 rom not knowing I couldn’t flash the 5.0.1 rom back. Thanks to this though I’ve got the 5.1.1 rooted. I used method one, I didn’t even try putting custom recovery on.

    2. no matter what I do none of this works on Odin. I’m using the newest one. it gets stuck on nand write start. can you fix up your guide so it works correctly?

      1. no matter what I do none of this works on Odin. I’m using the newest one. it gets stuck on nand write start. can you fix up your guide so it works correctly?

  36. Will this work on the G920v without tripping a Knox or messing anything else up? Everything seems to be about the t-mobile but nothing on the verizon versions yet. Thanks.

  37. Neither of the two methods work with the Verizon Galaxy S6 (SM-G920v) on 5.1.1. When flashing anything in ODIN, it fails and outputs the following:

    Added!!
    Odin engine v(ID:3.1005)..
    File analysis..
    SetupConnection..
    Initialzation..
    Get PIT for mapping..
    Firmware update start..
    SingleDownload.
    recovery.img
    NAND Write Start!!
    FAIL!

    Complete(Write) operation failed.
    All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)

    Is there a method for the Verizon variant? It says all variants are supported, but this one is obviously not.

  39. Will this work on the G920v without tripping a Knox or messing anything else up? Everything seems to be about the t-mobile but nothing on the verizon versions yet. Thanks.

  40. Neither of the two methods work with the Verizon Galaxy S6 (SM-G920v) on 5.1.1. When flashing anything in ODIN, it fails and outputs the following:

    Added!!
    Odin engine v(ID:3.1005)..
    File analysis..
    SetupConnection..
    Initialzation..
    Get PIT for mapping..
    Firmware update start..
    SingleDownload.
    recovery.img
    NAND Write Start!!
    FAIL!

    Complete(Write) operation failed.
    All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)

    Is there a method for the Verizon variant? It says all variants are supported, but this one is obviously not.

  44. it worked perfectly, however i am facing two issues now.

    1. very awful battery life, it gets discharged in like 3-4 hours of use.
    2. a warning message appearing on top at the boot screen saying “kernal is not seanandroid enforcing”,

    any1 facing similar issues, and any solution to it?

    thanks in advance.

  45. it worked perfectly, however i am facing two issues now.

    1. very awful battery life, it gets discharged in like 3-4 hours of use.
    2. a warning message appearing on top at the boot screen saying “kernal is not seanandroid enforcing”,

    any1 facing similar issues, and any solution to it?

    thanks in advance.

  46. On SM-G920F (Global Model)

    Method 2 didn’t work. TWRP was successfully installed and working, but android wouldn’t start and my S6 got stuck in a boot loop.
    I reflashed stock 5.1.1 firmware and tried with method 1 which worked fine.
    Knox counter was set to 0x1 but that was expected.
    It is a pity I cannot have TWRP though…hopefully a newer release will fix this.

    1. Update: After having rooted my device with method 1, I reflashed TWRP and now that works fine too.

  47. On SM-G920F (Global Model)

    Method 2 didn’t work. TWRP was successfully installed and working, but android wouldn’t start and my S6 got stuck in a boot loop.
    I reflashed stock 5.1.1 firmware and tried with method 1 which worked fine.
    Knox counter was set to 0x1 but that was expected.
    It is a pity I cannot have TWRP though…hopefully a newer release will fix this.

  48. I tried lots of ways to root my (Dutch) Samsung S6 SM-G920F with android 5.1.1 with buildnr. G920FXXU2BOGB, this is the only way that worked!

    Thanks!

  49. I tried lots of ways to root my (Dutch) Samsung S6 SM-G920F with android 5.1.1 with buildnr. G920FXXU2BOGB, this is the only way that worked!

    Thanks!

  56. Man, SM-G920v version 5.1.1 isnt supported or what?? Can u guys, like, answer the fellow G920v users?! Like, please man

  60. How about the Sprint S6? Any love there yet? Been looking for a way to root that on 5.1.1 without tripping Knox. Any ideas?

    1. Nope. It isn’t yet possible to root Sprint S6 on 5.1.1 without tripping Knox. You need an engineering bootloader for that, and as far as we know, the Sprint variant doesn’t have it yet.

    2. Keep me posted on this! Wheres all the nerds at? (The smarter ones, that build these roots help us sprint s6 users!)

  61. How about the Sprint S6? Any love there yet? Been looking for a way to root that on 5.1.1 without tripping Knox. Any ideas?

    1. Nope. It isn’t yet possible to root Sprint S6 on 5.1.1 without tripping Knox. You need an engineering bootloader for that, and as far as we know, the Sprint variant doesn’t have it yet.

      1. Keep me posted on this! Wheres all the nerds at? (The smarter ones, that build these roots help us sprint s6 users!)

  62. This isn’t for all variants that’s just clickbait. The AT&T variant has a locked bootloader therefore this doesn’t work.

  63. This isn’t for all variants that’s just clickbait. The AT&T variant has a locked bootloader therefore this doesn’t work.

  66. For Canadian carriers ( I’m with Telus) and the build VLU2BOH8, go with Method 1. Took me about 5 minutes and I was done. I thought Method 2 would be best but couldn’t get it to work.

    1. Do you mean you were able to root it without tripping Knox?? Please let me know as I’ve been searching and searching for a method without tripping Knox! Thanks!

    2. I also have a telus s6, so thanks for sharing your info. If only there was a ping pong version. Then again, with the cost of device protection, you’re probably not saving anything.

  67. For Canadian carriers ( I’m with Telus) and the build VLU2BOH8, go with Method 1. Took me about 5 minutes and I was done. I thought Method 2 would be best but couldn’t get it to work.

    1. Do you mean you were able to root it without tripping Knox?? Please let me know as I’ve been searching and searching for a method without tripping Knox! Thanks!

    2. I also have a telus s6, so thanks for sharing your info. If only there was a ping pong version. Then again, with the cost of device protection, you’re probably not saving anything.

  72. Your TWRP Recovery step is wrong… you need to untick auto reset in odin 1st and then manually boot back into download mode then flash kernel for TWRP to stick

  73. Your TWRP Recovery step is wrong… you need to untick auto reset in odin 1st and then manually boot back into download mode then flash kernel for TWRP to stick

  75. If you can’t root by first method, please go to ‘Settings’-> ‘Accounts’-> ‘Samsung Account’-> ‘More’-> ‘Remove account’. Try the steps again after this.

  77. If you can’t root by first method, please go to ‘Settings’-> ‘Accounts’-> ‘Samsung Account’-> ‘More’-> ‘Remove account’. Try the steps again after this.

  78. Hi Everybody
    Need help to complete the process
    Trwp installed succesfully.
    Restart in Trwp recovery mode but then…
    The only options I have are
    – Reboot system
    – Apply update from ADB
    – Apply update from external…
    – Apply update from cache
    – Wipe data
    – wipe cache
    – reboot to bootloader
    – power down
    – view recovery logs
    And that’s it
    So my questions are
    Where is the “install” button
    Where to copy “Download and transfer g.lewarne’s custom kernel with auto-root to your Galaxy S6”
    Sorry to be another Dumber brother

    1. Looks like TWRP didn’t install on your S6. The options you mentioned are from the stock 3e recovery.

  79. Hi Everybody
    Need help to complete the process
    Trwp installed succesfully.
    Restart in Trwp recovery mode but then…
    The only options I have are
    – Reboot system
    – Apply update from ADB
    – Apply update from external…
    – Apply update from cache
    – Wipe data
    – wipe cache
    – reboot to bootloader
    – power down
    – view recovery logs
    And that’s it
    So my questions are
    Where is the “install” button
    Where to copy “Download and transfer g.lewarne’s custom kernel with auto-root to your Galaxy S6”
    Sorry to be another Dumber brother

    1. Looks like TWRP didn’t install on your S6. The options you mentioned are from the stock 3e recovery.

  80. i did rooting of SM G920I by step 1 (odin) successfully. Just want to know how to unroot completely if required in future.

  81. i did rooting of SM G920I by step 1 (odin) successfully. Just want to know how to unroot completely if required in future.

  82. I have an S6 G9200 5.1.1

    Method 1 – my phone functions with it’s touch screen, wifi, data, phone, and camera functions. I flashed OEM rom to fix.

    Method 2 – I flashed TWRP Recovery with success, but when I run the Recovery I get the same problem as before, no touch screen in the TWRP so I cannot install the kernel.

    Is there something else I can try? Thanks!

  83. I have an S6 G9200 5.1.1

    Method 1 – my phone functions with it’s touch screen, wifi, data, phone, and camera functions. I flashed OEM rom to fix.

    Method 2 – I flashed TWRP Recovery with success, but when I run the Recovery I get the same problem as before, no touch screen in the TWRP so I cannot install the kernel.

    Is there something else I can try? Thanks!

  87. I’m on the sm-g920i
    GCI carrier
    G920iDVU2D012
    I don’t see anything about this device anywhere.
    I care less about tripping Knox. Just need to know if the root methods work on my device?

  88. I’m on the sm-g920i
    GCI carrier
    G920iDVU2D012
    I don’t see anything about this device anywhere.
    I care less about tripping Knox. Just need to know if the root methods work on my device?

  91. Hi
    Build number of my Galaxy S6 SM-G920F 5.1.1 Stock Firmware is:
    G920FXXU3QOLO UNITE ARAB EMIRATES
    How can i root my phone? because when did root this message / recovery is not seandroid enforcing/
    Thanks a lot.

  92. Hi
    Build number of my Galaxy S6 SM-G920F 5.1.1 Stock Firmware is:
    G920FXXU3QOLO UNITE ARAB EMIRATES
    How can i root my phone? because when did root this message / recovery is not seandroid enforcing/
    Thanks a lot.

  93. can you please help me find my root number? you all seem to know what your talking about it is G920VVR4BOK7 … I am clueless on things like this.

  94. can you please help me find my root number? you all seem to know what your talking about it is G920VVR4BOK7 … I am clueless on things like this.

  99. If any Androiding Staff could make a video and link it to me with a step by step tutorial on how to do this with a T-Mobile S6 that would be great. Sorry if this causes you any trouble, I’m really new to this kind of thing.

  100. If any Androiding Staff could make a video and link it to me with a step by step tutorial on how to do this with a T-Mobile S6 that would be great. Sorry if this causes you any trouble, I’m really new to this kind of thing.

  101. Helpful information. Lucky me I found your web site accidentally, and I am surprised why this coincidence didn’t
    came about earlier! I bookmarked it.

  102. Helpful information. Lucky me I found your web site accidentally, and I am surprised why this coincidence didn’t
    came about earlier! I bookmarked it.

  103. Would this work for a cricket Samsung S6? Its a Sm-G920AZ with a 5.1.1 version

  104. Would this work for a cricket Samsung S6? Its a Sm-G920AZ with a 5.1.1 version

  105. When we flashed the TWRP and the uni kernel it booted fine but there was no root. Any reason why that would happen?

  106. When we flashed the TWRP and the uni kernel it booted fine but there was no root. Any reason why that would happen?

Comments are closed.