The Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 belongs to the third generation of Samsung’s tablet series in 7-inch category. This mid-sized tablet sports features a 7? display (600 x 1024 px), Dual-core 1.2 GHz CPU, 1GB RAM, 3.15MP primary and 1.3MP secondary camera, and a powerful 4000mAh battery. The device was released with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean out of the box and it has been just less than a month when Samsung started to roll out the long-awaited Android 4.4.2 KitKat update.
The KitKat update for the Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 SM-T210 and SM-T210R brings a plethora of new features and enhancements for better performance. If you have not yet received the the new Android 4.4.2 update notification yet, you can update your device manually by following our step-by-step tutorial. Whether you have updated your Tab via OTA or manually through Odin, you must have lost root access on your device.
As you know, if you have got used to enjoying the privilege of owning a rooted Android device once, it’s really feels bad to go a single day without root access. Since the old root method that worked on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean firmware stopped working on Android 4.4.2, the users of the Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 SM-T210 and SM-T210R were forced to wait for a working root method. The unavailability of a KitKat compatible custom recovery made it impossible to flash the latest SuperSU to gain root access on the device running Android 4.4.2.
Fortunately, we now have an unofficial build of TWRP Recovery that is compatible with the new KitKat bootloader. And thus we can now not only root Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 SM-T210 and SM-T210R but also install TWRP recovery to enjoy custom ROMs and mods.
Disclaimer
We have successfully tested the method for rooting and installing TWRP recovery on the Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 SM-T210 and SM-T210R both (thanks to Javez and Polaris Star for testing!) However, before you make you mind to follow or tutorial, you must know that rooting you device will void its warranty and put it at risk.
Getting Prepared
Before we proceed to gain root on the Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 SM-T210 and SM-T210R, there are a few things to be taken care of. Well, there is nothing new in here are most things are the same as you do while using Odin. However, if you a new to such things, do not miss any of the preparatory steps described below:
- Download the TWRP image file (it’s same for SM-T210 and SM-T210R both): T210.TWRP.2.8.0.0.tar.md5
- Download Odin 3.09 and unzip the downloaded file: Odin_v3.09.zip
- Download the latest SuperSU zip and copy the file to your device: UPDATE-SuperSU.zip
- Install Samsung USB Drivers on your computer if you do not have it already.
- Enable USB debugging on your Galaxy Tab 3 (see instructions here).
- Backup you app and data as precaution.
Install TWRP & Root Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 SM-T210 / T210R
- Copy UPDATE-SuperSU.zip file to your device.
- Launch Odin 3.09 as administrator.
- Turn off your tab and boot it into the Download mode by pressing the Volume Down + Home + Power buttons at the same time for 2-3 seconds. When the warning screen with yellow exclamation sign appears, press the Volume Up key to enter theDownload Mode.
- Now connect your tab to your computer via USB cable. Use the original cable provided by Samsung to avoid errors.
- You’ll see “Added!!” on the Odin message box.
- Now uncheck Auto Reboot option on Odin.
- click the AP button and add T210.TWRP.2.8.0.0.tar.md5 to the field.
- Then click the Start button to start TWRP installation.
- When the installation is finished, you will see PASS!/RESET! message on Odin.
- Now turn off your tab by pressing and holding the Power button.
- Now boot your Tab 3 into Recovery Mode: press and hold the Volume Up + Home + Power buttons together till the screen turns up you see the Samsung logo, and then release the Power button but keep the Volume and Home buttons pressed until you see the TWRP menu.
- Tap the Install button, navigate to UPDATE-SuperSU.zip file and select it.
- Then slide the confirmation slider button to flash SuperSU on your Galaxy Tab 3.
- Finally its time to reboot your device by selecting Reboot> System option.
When your Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 boots up, open the app drawer and look for the SuperUser app there. If it is present, your device has been rooted successfully. Just to verify that your tab has proper root access, verify it with the Root Checker app from the Google Play Store:
Also See:
Root and Install TWRP Recovery on Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 SM-T211 on Android 4.4.2