The process of flashing a rooted stock kernel via Odin is the same across all Samsung devices. You just need to flash full, rooted, stock firmware, clocking in around 800 MB to 1 GB. Simple, right?

Now flashing a kernel on a locked bootloader is different. For instance, flashing a kernel on a locked bootloader, such as on the Verizon Galaxy S3, is totally impossible. However, if you don’t like downloading large files just to root your device then this article might be of help.

Until now, Odin was the most favored and dependable method in rooting your Samsung device. Noxious Ninja, an XDA Developers member, has crafted the GS3DebugFSRoot tool to root your Verizon Galaxy S3 without flashing full firmware with the use of Odin.

With GS3DebugFSRoot, the process is faster and you don’t need to download a large file just to gain root access on your device.

The steps below will help you root the Verizon Galaxy S3 SCH-I535 without Odin.

Warning

• The instructions in this guide are intended for use with theVerizon Samsung Galaxy S3, model numberSCH-I535. Applying these instructions on another device or model may produce undesired outcomes.
• The information in this guide is provided for instructional and educational purposes only. There is no guarantee that these instructions will work under your specific and unique circumstances.
• Use these instructions at your own risk. We shall not hold any responsibility or liability for whatever happens to you or your device arising from your use of the info in this guide.
• Read and understand the whole guide first before actually performing the instructions.

Requirements

• Verizon Samsung Galaxy S3 SCH-I535
• Backup all personal data on your phone to make sure you have a copy of your personal data (e.g., contacts, SMS, MMS, Internet settings, Wi-Fi passwords, and the like) in case the procedure in this guide erases such data.
  • For backup tips, check our guides on how to sync your data to the cloud and how to create local backups of your mobile data.
• A Windows PC
• Handset USB drivers installed on the PC. You may install the drivers by installing Samsung Kies or download them from Samsung’s support page. You can also use the tool GS3DebugFSRoot tool to download the drivers.
• Archive extraction software such as WinRAR or 7-Zip
• Enable USB debugging on your handset.
• Enable installation of third-party apps on your handset by going to Settings > Security > Unknown sources.
• Disable antivirus, firewall, and other security software. Also disable Samsung Kies and other software that accesses your phone. Such software can interfere with the procedure in this guide.
• Download GS3DebugFSRoot (GS3_debugfs-root_r2.7z, 1.70 MB) to your computer.
• If you don't have a software in your PC that can extract 7Z files, then download 7-Zip.

Instructions

1. Create a folder called GS3DebugFSRoot on your computer. Extract the GS3_debugfs-root_r2.7z file to your created GS3DebugFSRoot folder to get 8 files.
2. Connect your phone to the computer via USB cable.
3. Inside your GS3DebugFSRoot folder, double-click RootDebugfs.bat to launch it. A command prompt will open.
4. Below are the following commands you can select at the command prompt:
   • 1 - Root
   • 2 - Download USB Drivers
   • 3 - Donate Menu
   • 4 - Exit

   Type 1 and press Enter key on your keyboard.

   

   

5. Agree with disclaimer by typing Y (for “Yes”).

   

   

6. Follow the onscreen instructions.

Congratulations! You have now successfully rooted your Verizon Samsung Galaxy S3 SCH-I535. With GS3DebugFSRoot, rooting your device is remarkably simple.