Install CWM/TWRP Recovery and Root Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite SM-T110/SM-T111

Samsung introduced a low cost variant of the Galaxy Tab 3 7.0, named as the Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0 also known as Galaxy Tab 3 Neo in January, 2014. The device sports a 7.0 inches TFT touch screen display, is powered up with 1.2 GHz Dual Core CPU accompanied by Vivante GC1000 GPU. A RAM of 1 GB is there while the internal storage is 8 GB and there’s a microSD card slot that supports up to 32 GB of external memory. There’s a huge 3600 mAh battery placed under the hood. The device is available as SM-T111 with GSM support while SM-T110 with Wi-Fi only support.

Samsung rolled out this device running Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, and the device is running on the same firmware till today. If you happen to be Galaxy Note 3 Lite owner and you’re feeling caged with the stock firmware and stock applications, you may want to give your device and  customized look and feel by applying different mods, tweaks or by installing a custom ROM, but before you do that you probably will need a custom recovery and root access on your Galaxy Tab 3 Lite. In case you’ve been looking for a custom recovery and the method to root your device, you have spotted the right place at the moment.

As you scroll down, you will come across a comprehensive guide that will teach you to install ClockworkMod [CWM] or TWRP recovery and root your Galaxy Tab 3 Lite SM-T110 and SM-T111. Both these recoveries serve the same purpose, but the users have their own liking so you may pick one up that satisfies you. For those who don’t know, CWM is quite simplistic while TWRP is the touch recovery with a very nice and user friendly UI. Once we are done installing the recovery, we can easily root the device. 

In case you’re a first timer / newbie with the recovery installation and root process, here’s something to remove your confusions before you head towards the installation guide.

What is a custom recovery and root access?

A custom recovery allows you to install custom roms, mods etc. Along with these, you can make a Nandroid backup, this helps you a lot as you can move back to the previous working state of your phone at any time you want if you have backed up your current system. In some cases, to root the phone you need to flash SuperSu.zip file in the custom recovery, having installed the recovery may help you while in some casesto install the recovery easily, you need to have the phone rooted. You can also wipe cache and dalvik cache of your phone using a custom recovery.

Rooting your phone gives you complete access over all the data which is apparently locked by the manufacturers. This includes removal of the factory restrictions and making changes to the internal system and the operating system. Gaining the root access gives you the privileges to install various applications to enhance the performance of your device, allows you to remove the built-in applications/programs, helps you to upgrade the battery life of your device & install the apps which require the root access for the proper functionality and modify your device in so many other ways e.g using mods and flashing custom recoveries and custom ROMs. Here’s our collection of 10 Best Root Apps.

Early Preparations:

1. This guide is only for Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 Lite / Neo SM-T111/SM-T110. Do not try this on any other device.
2. Make sure that your phone’s battery is charged at least over 60%.
3. Use the original data cable for establishing the connection between your PC and phone.
4. Backup all your important contacts, find the full guide here.
5. Backup all your important sms messages, find the full guide here.
6. Backup all your important call logs, find the full guide here.
7. Backup all your important media content manually. (Copy to your PC.)
8. If you’ve flashed a custom recovery previously, it is suggested that you create a Nandroid Backup.  If this is the first time, you can do this step after you flash the recovery.
9. Don’t forget to make EFS backup before flashing this firmware. [Important]
10. If your device is previously rooted, you may use Titanium Backup to backup each and everything on your phone. In case this is the first time, you may skip this step for now.
11. Turn off /disable Samsung Kies while using Odin3.
12. Turn of any Anti Virus software while using Odin3.
13. Alright. Follow the instructions carefully.

Disclaimer: The methods involved in flashing custom recoveries, roms and rooting your phone are highly custom and may result in bricking your device, and has nothing to do with Google or the device manufacturer that is SAMSUNG in our case. Also rooting your device will void its warranty and you will be no longer eligible for any kind of free device services by the manufacturers/warranty providers. In case of any mishap we may not be held responsible. Follow these instructions to the letter to avoid any mishap or bricking. Make sure that whatever you do, you are doing it at your own responsibility.

Downloads Required:

• Download and extract Odin3 v3.09.
• Download and Install Samsung USB drivers .
• CWM 6.0.4.8 Recovery.tar.md5 for Galaxy Tab 3 Lite SM-T110
• TWRP 2.7 Recovery.tar.md5 for Galaxy Tab 3 Lite SM-T110/SM-T111
• Root Package [SuperSu.zip] File.

How To Install CWM/TWRP Recovery and Root Galaxy Tab 3 Lite SM-T110/SM-T111:

1. Download CWM or TWRP Recovery.tar.md5 file [According to your choice and your device].
2. Open Odin3.exe.
3. Put your Tab 3 Lite in download mode. To do so, turn it off and wait for 10 seconds. Turn it on by pressing and holding Volume Down + Home Button + Power Key simultaneously, You should see a warning, press Volume Up to continue. In case this method doesn’t work for you, try one from this guide.
4. Connect your Tab 3 to your PC.
5. As soon as Odin detects your phone, the ID:COM box should turn blue.  Make sure that you’ve installed Samsung USB drivers before connecting.
6. For Odin 3.09 hit the AP tab. Select the recovery.tar.md5, that you downloaded above.
7. If you’re using Odin 3.07, you will select “PDA” tab instead of the AP tab, rest of the options remain untouched.
8. Make sure that the options selected in your Odin are exactly as shown in the pic.
9. 
10. Hit start and wait till the recovery flashing is complete, as soon as your device restarts, remove it from PC.
11. You can now boot into recovery mode by turning off your device, and then turning it on by pressing and holding Volume Up + Home + Power Key.
12. That’s all!

How to Root Galaxy Tab 3 Lite SM-T110/T111:

1. Copy the downloaded Root Package.zip file to your Tab’s SD card.
2. Boot into recovery mode on your Galaxy Tab 3, use step 11 in the recovery installation guide.
3. Now Select “Install > Choose Zip from SD card > Root Package.zip > Yes / Confirm”.
4. This will flash the Root Package and quickly gain the root access on your Galaxy Tab 3 Lite.
5. Reboot your device.
6. Find SuperSu or SuperUser in the App Drawer.
7. That’s All!

How to check if the device is properly rooted or not?

1. To do so, go to Google Play Store on your Galaxy Tab 3 Lite.
2. Find “Root Checker” and install it.
3. Open Root Checker.
4. Tap “Verify Root”.
5. It will ask you for SuperSu rights, tap “Grant”.
6. It should show you Root Access Verified Now!
7. That’s All!

That’s all the credits for the recovery goes to XDA dev gr8nole. In case you’re happy with his work, don’t forget to make him a donation for his hardwork. If you’re facing any difficulties regarding this post, feel free to stop by the comment box and drop us your words. We will get back to you ASAP!