SM-T295 - Finally rooted tablet!! (updated 19-March-2021)

[Skycreedph]

bro error 04 google drive

 

[ebod]

Hi All, I have just bought a used SM-T295 which I want to use in an old car to hook up to its existing audio system , so that it can auto startup/shutdown etc.
Presently its stock android 10 and I would prefer to root it from the outset.

I here as a newbie and always fall at the first hurdle, more often because I see instructions on XDA only to learn that parameters/events have changed since a guideline was first written. For example on this tab, I've done the multiple tapping to get dev options, and already stuck as there seems to be no OEM unlock option.

So I would greatly appreciate advice on whether ...as of Feb24 are the instructions at the top of this thread still 100% valid to achieve root.

Secondly, if this tab is stock Android 10, ( rom T295XXU3BTI4 ) is there a standard go-to rom upgrade to make it 'better'. Nothing that makes it flakey...only want 100% stable rom upgrades.

Many thanks

 

[Minionguyjpro]

Hi All, I have just bought a used SM-T295 which I want to use in an old car to hook up to its existing audio system , so that it can auto startup/shutdown etc.
Presently its stock android 10 and I would prefer to root it from the outset.

I here as a newbie and always fall at the first hurdle, more often because I see instructions on XDA only to learn that parameters/events have changed since a guideline was first written. For example on this tab, I've done the multiple tapping to get dev options, and already stuck as there seems to be no OEM unlock option.

So I would greatly appreciate advice on whether ...as of Feb24 are the instructions at the top of this thread still 100% valid to achieve root.

Secondly, if this tab is stock Android 10, ( rom T295XXU3BTI4 ) is there a standard go-to rom upgrade to make it 'better'. Nothing that makes it flakey...only want 100% stable rom upgrades.

Many thanks

Hi there,
I think you must wait for 7 days, because the device just got installed, and after that you will find the option in developer options. If you don't want to wait, you could try to set the date to earlier or further.

 

[Talich52]

if this tab is stock Android 10, ( rom T295XXU3BTI4 ) is there a standard go-to rom upgrade to make it 'better'. Nothing that makes it flakey...only want 100% stable rom upgrades.

Do not update the firmware to version 4 and 5 of the bootloader, otherwise you will not be able to root the device ...

 

[ebod]

Hi there,
I think you must wait for 7 days, because the device just got installed, and after that you will find the option in developer options. If you don't want to wait, you could try to set the date to earlier or further.

Thanks, I've tried the reverse date but unfortunately it wont work, I followed this guide but unsuceesfully https://itoolab.com/unlock-android/enable-oem-unlock-missing/

 

[ebod]

Do not update the firmware to version 4 and 5 of the bootloader, otherwise you will not be able to root the device ...

Right now I wish I even knew what was installed on the device. It was bought used off ebay but I've got no reason to believe its ever been modded before. How can I check what version I have? Would this mean doing one of them startups holding the vol+ & power button?

 

[J.Michael]

Right now I wish I even knew what was installed on the device. It was bought used off ebay but I've got no reason to believe its ever been modded before. How can I check what version I have? Would this mean doing one of them startups holding the vol+ & power button?

Look at Android Settings -> About -> Software

 

[Talich52]

stock Android 10, ( rom T295XXU3BTI4 )

The current version of the bootloader is 3. The letter B means 10 android, C - 11 android.

 

[ebod]

The current version of the bootloader is 3. The letter B means 10 android, C - 11 android.

OK thanks for clarifying. So it looks like I can commence root once I manage to get past the initial OEM unlocking hurdle, which could be another week lol. I just hope the instructions in the top post are still valid for use.

 

[ebod]

OK next hurdle : I have definitely achieved OEM unlock / unlock bootloader., and started the next steps..

I have installed Odin"3B PatcheD/ModdeD v 3.14.1." and followed instruction step 1/2/3/4/5/6 i.e.
> the BL bootloader file ( presumably in box BL to be ticked )
> the AP TWRP 'tar' file via the AP slot.

But here I am now stuck , for a few reasons possibly
- During a re-boot I keep getting the new frequent annoying Samsung warning message about the fact the device has an unlocked bootloader which interferes things.
- I don't quite have the dexterity to follow the confusing sequence of button pressing
- I'm stuggling to visualise what view/image I should be seeing as all the button pressing is occurring...in other words....the words are in not enough, I need to visually see the sequential events.

Is anyone able to look at these instructions beyond step #5 and either find a YT vid link or illustrate with pics of what I should be seeing.

EG I've I now experienced four different boot screens.
1. The Blue screen achieved by pressing vol up + vol down then plugging in a USB feed
2. The boot screen achieved by pressing vol up + pwr. Is this 'recovery' ?
3. The screen displayed when via opting for 'reboot to bootloader' on previous screen. So is this 'bootloader' or 'download'
4. An options screen overlaid onto the unlocked bootloader warning, I stumbled upon this when trying to follow the complex sequence of button pressing and can't even recall how I got this.

... so when I read 'in download mode' and 'in TWRP' , as a greenhorn I need assistance to join the dots. What do these look like?

Beyond this , I see 'Install Fix_vendor_10.0.zip' and 'Install magisk'. Yes I've downloaded the files to my PC...but I need further explanation on what method/means I use to install.

These instructions are aimed at regular device modders, not occasional passers by. I've attached the images I've described and would greatly appreciate some assistance.
Thanks

EDIT : I've stumbled further forward into accessing this TWRP thing and changed ment from Russian? to English.

I've installed the 'Fix Vendor 10" and cleared cache. Now I'm on step #15 which says "You will then format (NOT WIPE) data." OK so there are no options on this TWRP menu to format...only 'WIPE'. So what needs to be done to 'Format' per step #15 ??

EDIT 2: Regardless of the step #15 I carried on andTWRP installed the final 'Magisk' file and let it auto reboot.

So for better or for worse, it autobooted and when I checked via 'Rootchecker app...and...yey I gpt root!!
Mote screen pics added in case they help others down the line.

Next for me is finding the best 'go-to' rom to install

 

[Minionguyjpro]

OK next hurdle : I have definitely achieved OEM unlock / unlock bootloader., and started the next steps..

I have installed Odin"3B PatcheD/ModdeD v 3.14.1." and followed instruction step 1/2/3/4/5/6 i.e.
> the BL bootloader file ( presumably in box BL to be ticked )
> the AP TWRP 'tar' file via the AP slot.

But here I am now stuck , for a few reasons possibly
- During a re-boot I keep getting the new frequent annoying Samsung warning message about the fact the device has an unlocked bootloader which interferes things.
- I don't quite have the dexterity to follow the confusing sequence of button pressing
- I'm stuggling to visualise what view/image I should be seeing as all the button pressing is occurring...in other words....the words are in not enough, I need to visually see the sequential events.

Is anyone able to look at these instructions beyond step #5 and either find a YT vid link or illustrate with pics of what I should be seeing.

EG I've I now experienced four different boot screens.
1. The Blue screen achieved by pressing vol up + vol down then plugging in a USB feed
2. The boot screen achieved by pressing vol up + pwr. Is this 'recovery' ?
3. The screen displayed when via opting for 'reboot to bootloader' on previous screen. So is this 'bootloader' or 'download'
4. An options screen overlaid onto the unlocked bootloader warning, I stumbled upon this when trying to follow the complex sequence of button pressing and can't even recall how I got this.

... so when I read 'in download mode' and 'in TWRP' , as a greenhorn I need assistance to join the dots. What do these look like?

Beyond this , I see 'Install Fix_vendor_10.0.zip' and 'Install magisk'. Yes I've downloaded the files to my PC...but I need further explanation on what method/means I use to install.

These instructions are aimed at regular device modders, not occasional passers by. I've attached the images I've described and would greatly appreciate some assistance.
Thanks

EDIT : I've stumbled further forward into accessing this TWRP thing and changed ment from Russian? to English.

I've installed the 'Fix Vendor 10" and cleared cache. Now I'm on step #15 which says "You will then format (NOT WIPE) data." OK so there are no options on this TWRP menu to format...only 'WIPE'. So what needs to be done to 'Format' per step #15 ??

EDIT 2: Regardless of the step #15 I carried on andTWRP installed the final 'Magisk' file and let it auto reboot.

So for better or for worse, it autobooted and when I checked via 'Rootchecker app...and...yey I gpt root!!
Mote screen pics added in case they help others down the line.

Next for me is finding the best 'go-to' rom to install

You could try the latest LineageOS GSI rom from here, if you want. I recommend you download the 'Treble Info' app from Google Play, and check there whether it is supported. Also look at the section which rom you are going to need for the device.

 

[ebod]

You could try the latest LineageOS GSI rom from here, if you want. I recommend you download the 'Treble Info' app from Google Play, and check there whether it is supported. Also look at the section which rom you are going to need for the device.

Thanks Minionguy, I've just looked on 'Treble Info' app and it tells me 'Generic System Image Found!' and confirms my device supports , image is "system-arm64-ab.img,xz".

I see an option to browse images. Do I continue to action from this app...or via the link you gave ? My device is presently stock Android 10, what version can it reach with 'lastest LineageOS GSI" ?
Thanks

 

[J.Michael]

@ebod The nag screen is an unfortunate fact of life with Samsung. In spite of it telling you to press the power button, you can just wait and it eventually goes away. I agree, it is an especial nuisance when struggling to boot to Magisk-in-recovery.

The screen that says "Android recovery" at the top is recovery.

The screen that says "download mode" at the bottom of 8 lines is download mode.

That funny overwriting menu is something I have triggered. I also cannot get it consistently. From the options, I assume it is a backup (secondary; fallback; reserve; emergency) recovery mode. I do not think it is any more capable than the normal recovery mode.

Bottom line: You got it to work. Mazel tov! Now stop poking it before you break something. And never let anything update.

 

[ebod]

@ebod The nag screen is an unfortunate fact of life with Samsung. In spite of it telling you to press the power button, you can just wait and it eventually goes away. I agree, it is an especial nuisance when struggling to boot to Magisk-in-recovery.

The screen that says "Android recovery" at the top is recovery.

The screen that says "download mode" at the bottom of 8 lines is download mode.

That funny overwriting menu is something I have triggered. I also cannot get it consistently. From the options, I assume it is a backup (secondary; fallback; reserve; emergency) recovery mode. I do not think it is any more capable than the normal recovery mode.

Bottom line: You got it to work. Mazel tov! Now stop poking it before you break something. And never let anything update.

haha yep thanks. This Tab A is destined to be a car mounted unit in an old 2008 Volvo C70.
( to illustrate..see this YT vid

)

I just knew that a rooted device makes a lot of the complexities of auto-start/auto-stop etc etc possible.

I'm also a newbie to the 'Tasker app' world, but that is key to making the device behave like a head unit and run seamlessly. So I'll hang around to see if a better custom rom is worth installing before I move forward to setting up Tasker on it. I want a fast autoboot on sensing usb power, so that 'nag screen' is a hindrance I'd prefer to do without..

opps finally one more thing .. When you say 'never let anything update' should I literally switch off the software update option' within settings>Software update? Anything else?

 

[J.Michael]

haha yep thanks. This Tab A is destined to be a car mounted unit in an old 2008 Volvo C70.
( to illustrate..see this YT vid

)

I just knew that a rooted device makes a lot of the complexities of auto-start/auto-stop etc etc possible.

I'm also a newbie to the 'Tasker app' world, but that is key to making the device behave like a head unit and run seamlessly. So I'll hang around to see if a better custom rom is worth installing before I move forward to setting up Tasker on it. I want a fast autoboot on sensing usb power, so that 'nag screen' is a hindrance I'd prefer to do without..

opps finally one more thing .. When you say 'never let anything update' should I literally switch off the software update option' within settings>Software update? Anything else?

Yes, I meant turn off every automatic update option you can turn off. And set the wi-fi (if any) to "metered" to discourage the ones you can't turn off.

As for the nag screen: my car came with a screen, and every time it comes on there's a warning that staring at the screen while driving could be hazardous to someone's life. I just grit my teeth and wait for it to go away. Kind of like I grind my teeth from the time it starts playing whatever it's playing to the time the controls become active, so I can mute the damned thing before I start the car.

Given how long it takes the tablet to boot, the nag screen is really nothing.

 

[Minionguyjpro]

Thanks Minionguy, I've just looked on 'Treble Info' app and it tells me 'Generic System Image Found!' and confirms my device supports , image is "system-arm64-ab.img,xz".

I see an option to browse images. Do I continue to action from this app...or via the link you gave ? My device is presently stock Android 10, what version can it reach with 'lastest LineageOS GSI" ?
Thanks

You could use any of those versions:

LineageOS 20 is Android 13, LineageOS 19 is Android 12.1, LineageOS 18 is Android 12 and so on (I thought). The latest is version 20 for Android 13. If you want to install this one, you have a few options:

And this is for the filenames to get the good one for your device:

 

[ebod]

OK Many thanks Minionguy, yes if its stable I will be happy to go lineage 20. I am UK based so please can you steer me to a suitable safe/stable file, and then what is the method to install (ODIN or via this TWRP boot screen)?? Forgive me whilst I have done this kind of thing before...it was many many years ago back on devices like Galaxy S3. Since then I have had LG/Huawei/OPPO and never had the need/desire to tinker with devices in 8<>10yrs

 

[Minionguyjpro]

OK Many thanks Minionguy, yes if its stable I will be happy to go lineage 20. I am UK based so please can you steer me to a suitable safe/stable file, and then what is the method to install (ODIN or via this TWRP boot screen)?? Forgive me whilst I have done this kind of thing before...it was many many years ago back on devices like Galaxy S3. Since then I have had LG/Huawei/OPPO and never had the need/desire to tinker with devices in 8<>10yrs

It should be flashed as a zip in TWRP. I recommend you this one. It has Google apps, but not superuser. I recommend you install superuser later on via TWRP and then Magisk.

 

[ebod]

It should be flashed as a zip in TWRP. I recommend you this one. It has Google apps, but not superuser. I recommend you install superuser later on via TWRP and then Magisk.

Right I'm on it , step 1 new rom via TWRP, step 2 will be SU ( link to appropriate file would be greatly appreciated ). Just regarding this 'mgkisk' file, I thought I already installed this as part of the root steps? or do you mean I need to 're-install' after the new rom is added?

Finally will this new lineage 20 rom stop any kind of Samsung auto-update which could wipe out all the mods? Or will I have to force / switch off any auto-update settings?
Thanks again

 

[Minionguyjpro]

Right I'm on it , step 1 new rom via TWRP, step 2 will be SU ( link to appropriate file would be greatly appreciated ). Just regarding this 'mgkisk' file, I thought I already installed this as part of the root steps? or do you mean I need to 're-install' after the new rom is added?

Finally will this new lineage 20 rom stop any kind of Samsung auto-update which could wipe out all the mods? Or will I have to force / switch off any auto-update settings?
Thanks again

You will need to reinstall root, will link the file later. I think that because you use a different rom, you do not need to worry about that.