Samsung’s latest flagship device is still steaming hot from release. It’s definitely the device of choice if you talk about powerful specs, stylish design and a dazzling display. However, just like other Android devices that have been released, the Galaxy S3 will not escape the inevitable fate of being rooted.

Just a couple of days ago, XDA Developers members already came up with a rooting method that allows users to easily root the T-Mobile variant of the Galaxy S3. Read on to know how.

If you don’t know much about what rooting is, rooting your phone means that you will be able to perform modifications, access system files, overclock, use apps that require root access, and do more customizations to your phone. You will be able to improve its performance or tweak other settings. Even if you don’t know much about the technical stuff, rooting will still come in handy because you will be able to use what the developers have on their shelves for your phone.

If you are concerned about issues with this method, there were no bugs and issues reported, so it’s safe to use on your phone. If you want to give it a try, see the requirements and instructions below.

Warning

• The instructions in this guide are intended for use with the T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S3, model number SGH-T999. 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

• A T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S3 SGH-T999 with ClockworkMod Recovery
  • If you haven’t installed ClockworkMod Recovery, check out this guide on how to install ClockworkMod Recovery on your T-Mobile Galaxy S3.
• 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.
• Charge your phone’s battery to 70% or more.
• Download the root package (CWM_SuperUser_v3.0.7.zip, 593 kB).

Instructions

1. Copy the CWM_SuperUser_v3.0.7.zip file to the internal SD card of your phone.
2. Turn off your phone.
3. Boot your phone to ClockworkMod Recovery by holding down the Volume Up key, Home button (middle key), and the Power key together. Let them go when the screen turns on. Use the Volume buttons to navigate and the Power button to select option in ClockworkMod Recovery.
4. Select Install ZIP From SD Card then Choose ZIP From SD Card and select the CWM_SuperUser_v3.0.7.zip that you copied to your phone earlier.
5. Once you have flashed it, reboot your phone by selecting Go Back and Reboot System Now.
6. Your phone is now rooted, but you still need to install BusyBox on your phone. You can download the BusyBox app for free from the Google Play Store.
7. Run the BusyBox free application on your phone.
8. It will prompt you to allow root access, let it by tapping Allow.
9. Tap the red “X” in order to close the dialog window that pops up.
10. Allow BusyBox to scan your phone.
11. Tap Install to install BusyBox and make the necessary file changes.
12. Update your root binaries by doing the following:
    1. From the app drawer of your phone, open the Superuser app.
    2. Tap the wrench icon on the upper corner to go to the app’s settings.
    3. Under the General section towards the end of the list, find and select “Su Binary”.
    4. Select Update and you are done.

Congratulations! Your T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S3 SGH-T999 is now rooted! Try installing custom ROMs on it and see how it performs.