Only a while ago we brought you Galaxy Tab S2 root, and now we have the TWRP recovery available for the device. While root was only working on Android 5.0.2 builds, the TWRP recovery is working fine on Android 5.1.1.

Though, whether that means Android 5.1.1 is update for Galaxy Tab S2 is rootable is another question. Because, Android 5.1.1 builds from Samsung are requiring a custom kernel installation, that should be permissive, and only then it’s rootable via SuperSU flash from TWRP recovery.

Let’s see how to install TWRP on Tab S2, and it works even on Android 5.1.1 build.

Downloads

  • TWRP Recovery for SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB S2:
    • Model no. SM-T710 (WiFi, 8.0“) — Link | File: twrp_2.8.7.1_LL_5.1.1_t710.tar (11.7 MB)
    • Model no. SM-T810 (WiFi, 9.7“) — Link | File: twrp_2.8.7.1_LL_5.1.1_t810.tar (11.8 MB)
  • Odin PC software — Link | File: Odin3_v3.10.6.zip (1.6 MB)

→ Check the official page here for the latest version of TWRP available at the moment.

Supported devices

  • SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB S2, 9.7-inch and 8.0-inch (as per downloads available above, per model no.)
  • Don’t try on any other device whatsoever whose model no. is different than the one provided above!

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

Required: If your Tab S2 is running on Android 5.1.1, then first make sure that you have the custom autoroot kernel here installed. That will root your device for good, and will also enable it to run TWRP recovery. Then follow the guide below.

Step 1. Download Odin and TWRP recovery file from above.

Step 2. Install Galaxy Tab S2 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 v3.10.6.exe (other files could be hidden, hence not visible).

Disconnect your Galaxy Tab S2 from PC if it is connected.

Step 5. Enable OEM unlock on your device.

  1. Go to Settings > About device. And then tap on build no. 7 times or until your get the message ‘You’re now a developer’.
  2. Go back to Settings, scroll down, and tap on ‘Developer options’.
  3. Look for ‘Enable OEM unlock’ and use its toggle to enable it. Accept the warning by tapping on OK button.

If you don’t find the ‘OEM unlock’ option in ‘Developer options’, then just ignore this step.

→ Also, be sure to disable the ‘Find My Mobile’ option in ‘Lockscreen and security settings’ for a while as that may block installation using Odin. You can re-enable it later on. Moreover, if you don’t see this option, the ignore this, it’s okay.

Step 6. Boot Galaxy Tab S2 into download mode:

  1. Power off your Galaxy Tab S2. Wait 6-7 seconds after screen goes off.
  2. Press and hold the three buttons Power + Home + Volume down together until you see warning screen.
  3. Press Volume Up to continue to download mode.

Step 7. Double click on extracted file of Odin, Odin3 v3.10.6.exe, to open the Odin window, as shown below. Be careful with Odin, and do just as said to prevent problems.
Odin 3.10.6

Step 8. Connect your Galaxy Tab S2 to PC now using USB cable. Odin should recognize your Galaxy Tab S2. 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.
    Odin 3.10.6 Added message

Step 9. Load the TWRP recovery file into Odin. For this, click the AP button on Odin and the select the kernel’s file you downloaded above.

Odin 3.10.6 Firmware loaded after md5 check

Step 10. 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.
Re-partition Remains Off

Step 11. Click the Start button on Odin now to start flashing the TWRP recovery on your Galaxy Tab S2. Wait till installation is finished, after which your Galaxy Tab S2 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 file and flash it again as said above.
  • If you get FAIL in the top left box, then also you need to flash the file again as stated just above.
    Odin 3.10.6 Pass Message Appears

→ That’s it. Enjoy TWRP recovery on your Galaxy Tab S2!

Root Galaxy Tab S2 Android 5.1 update

Now, that you have the TWRP recovery, flash the SuperSU file now to see if you gain root access. It’s confirmed right now. Once we know for sure, we will update this post with the info.

If you need any help with this, let us know via comments below and we will try our best to help you out.

Via ashyx