Many Android users are also Linux users since both operating systems are based on a Linux kernel. Yes, it’s true: Android was once open source and built from the same foundation as the open source Linux kernel until Google acquired Android all those years ago. Google has largely kept things the same but the operating system is not as open as it once was which is what probably brings you back to this post for rooting the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2.

As you probably know, the rooting benefits come from applications. One app you Linux users might want to install on your devices after you finish rooting the Galaxy Tab S2 is the DriveDroid app. Once you finish installing the DriveDroid app, you can host your Linux operating system on your Android OS directly from the Galaxy Tab S2.

REQUIREMENTS

• The following guide is made for the Galaxy Tab S2 with the model number SM-T815 only and should not be followed by someone who owns one of the other model number. These Tab S2 devices have a unique file for reach model number that must be applied during the rooting process or else you risk bricking the device.

BEFORE WE BEGIN

• Download the Samsung USB Drivers from the USB Drivers page on our site so you have no worries connecting the galaxy tab to the computer and using the flashing tool.
• You do need the USB Debugging Mode on to follow this guide. You can check that by pointing your device to the Settings > Developer Options > USB Debugging Mode.
• Rooting a Samsung tablet voids the warranty. You do get that warranty back by flashing a stock ROM at a later date if the device does not have Samsung’s Knox security.

HOW TO ROOT SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB S2 SM-T815 ON ANDROID 5.0.2 LOLLIPOP

1. Download the Tab S2 rooting exploit from this link.
2. Click this link to get the Odin flashing tool.
3. Once you have downloaded both the files to the Windows computer, click and drag them over to the desktop from the default downloads location.
4. Right-click over the files and extract them by choosing the “extract here” option.
5. Double-click the Odin executable file and get the Odin user-interface open on the desktop.
6. Turn off the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 and reboot it in the download mode you need: Power + Volume Down + Home for that. Now check the device’s display for when it tells you to press the Volume Up button.
7. Connect the Galaxy Tab S2 to the computer using the USB cable.
8. Click the AP/PDA button and browse the desktop for the rooting exploit you extracted earlier.
9. Click the Start button and Odin will use that rooting exploit to root your device.
10. Wait for the pass message and for the Tab S2 to reboot.
11. Open the Google Play Store app and start browsing for your rooted apps. By default, you should have the SuperSU app on your device. If you do not see the SuperSU, install it from the Google Play Store.

You might want to check out the DriveDroid app as the first rooted app for your new Android operating system.