How to Root the Samsung Moment (SPH-M900)
Rooting the Samsung Moment (SPH-M900) gives you superuser access to the Android operating system, allowing you to remove carrier bloatware, install custom ROMs, overclock the processor, and use root-only apps. This guide walks you through the process using a one-click method that works on both Windows and Mac. Before you begin, back up any important data on the phone, as the process will wipe the device. You’ll also need to enable USB debugging on the phone and have the appropriate USB drivers installed on your computer.
What You’ll Need
- A Samsung Moment (SPH-M900) with a charged battery (at least 70%).
- A USB data cable that works with the Moment.
- A Windows PC or Mac with an internet connection.
- The Samsung USB drivers for the Moment (search for “Samsung USB Driver for Mobile Phones” on Samsung’s site).
- The one-click root tool: “Moment Root” by noobnl (download from a trusted Android forum like XDA Developers).
Step-by-Step
- Enable USB Debugging: On your Moment, go to Settings > Applications > Development and check USB debugging. Also, go to Settings > Applications > Unknown sources and check it to allow sideloading.
- Install USB Drivers: Download and install the Samsung USB drivers on your computer. Restart your computer after installation to ensure the drivers load properly.
- Download the Root Tool: Download the “Moment Root” tool (usually a ZIP file) to your computer. Extract the contents to a folder you can easily find (e.g., Desktop).
- Connect the Phone: Connect your Moment to the computer using the USB cable. If prompted on the phone, select “Charge Only” or “Mount” – the tool will handle the rest. Make sure the phone is recognized (you may see a notification on the PC).
- Run the Root Tool: Open the extracted folder and double-click the executable file (e.g., run.bat on Windows or run.command on Mac). If Windows prompts with a security warning, click “Run Anyway.”
- Follow On-Screen Prompts: The tool will check for your device and may ask you to confirm. Press any key to continue when prompted. It will then push a custom recovery image to the phone and reboot it into recovery mode.
- Wait for the Process to Complete: The tool will automatically install the su binary and the Superuser app. The phone will reboot itself once finished. Do not disconnect the USB cable during this time.
- Verify Root: Once the phone reboots, look for the “Superuser” app in your app drawer. To confirm root access, download a root checker app from the Play Store (or use a terminal emulator and type
su– if a prompt appears, you’re rooted).
Common Mistakes
- Not enabling USB debugging: Without it, the tool cannot communicate with the phone. Double-check that it’s checked.
- Using the wrong USB port: Use a port directly on your computer, not a hub, to avoid connection drops.
- Interrupting the process: Pulling the USB cable or closing the tool window mid-process can brick the phone. Be patient.
- Running the tool as administrator (Windows): Right-click the .bat file and select “Run as administrator” to avoid permission issues.
- Having a low battery: If the phone dies during flashing, it can be permanently damaged. Keep it charged.
Tips
- After rooting, make a backup of your current ROM using a custom recovery like ClockworkMod – this gives you a restore point if something goes wrong later.
- If you plan to install custom ROMs, you’ll need to flash a custom recovery first. The root tool may install a basic one; you can then flash a more feature-rich recovery via fastboot.
- Keep the root tool and drivers in a safe place – you may need them again if you unroot or flash a stock ROM.
- Remember that rooting voids your warranty and can make the phone unstable if you use root apps carelessly.
Troubleshooting
- Device not recognized: Reinstall the Samsung drivers, try a different USB port, and ensure USB debugging is on. On Windows, check Device Manager for any yellow exclamation marks.
- Tool freezes at “Waiting for device”: Unplug the phone, close the tool, re-enable USB debugging, and restart the tool. If it persists, reboot both the phone and the computer.
- Phone stuck in recovery loop: Pull the battery, wait 10 seconds, reinsert, and boot normally. If it still loops, re-run the root tool – it should overwrite the recovery.
- Root checker says no root: Re-run the root tool. Make sure you’re using the latest version. Some tools require the phone to be in “Charge Only” mode – check the tool’s instructions.
- Phone won’t boot after rooting: If it’s stuck on the Samsung logo, try a factory reset from recovery (volume up + power button). If that fails, you may need to flash a stock ROM using Odin – search for “Samsung Moment stock ROM Odin” on forums.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will rooting delete my apps and data?
Yes, the rooting process wipes the phone’s data, so back up your contacts, photos, and other files before starting.
Can I unroot the Samsung Moment?
Yes, you can unroot by flashing a stock ROM via Odin or by using the same root tool to restore the original recovery and remove superuser. Search for “unroot Samsung Moment” on XDA for detailed steps.
Is rooting legal?
In most countries, rooting your own device is legal, but it voids the manufacturer’s warranty. Check your local laws if you’re unsure.
What are the risks of rooting?
The main risks are bricking the phone (making it unusable) and security vulnerabilities if you grant root access to malicious apps. Stick to trusted apps and ROMs.
Will rooting improve performance?
It can, if you install a custom ROM that is optimized or overclock the CPU. However, it can also make the phone slower if you use a poorly optimized ROM.
Can I still receive OTA updates after rooting?
Usually not, because rooting modifies the system partition. You’ll need to update manually by flashing new ROMs.
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