Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 was released with 2 GB RAM and Mid-Range Quad-Core Processor. For a normal user, it is enough to handle Watching videos and View Slides. If you are a developer or Root user, you can root this tablet and remove unwanted Bloatware to free up some RAM that is using by the Unwanted Background apps. There are no Official Custom ROMs are available. So, If you flash any custom ROM, I advise you to check what features are working and not working. If you know about Unofficial Custom ROM, They are mostly not bug-free. Also, When flashing Custom ROM you should consider about the Display Optimization and Compatibility. 
I Know the pain using with Tablet with only 2 GB of RAM, but Experimental flashing ROMs can make it worse. If it is a mobile, you should go for the root, because, you will use your mobile daily. But, Tablets are not like Mobiles. You will use them only for a few hours in a Week.
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Why should you Root Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0?
We thank you for the Hard work of XDA Developers. Without the developers, this rooting method is not possible. We Used Old TWRPs and modified them to work compatible with this mobile. If you planned to root your mobile, you should have a proper reason. Samsung is Already stopped regular patch updates for your device. Ya, There are no Major upgrades like Oreo Update, But the security patch is proper on 90-120 days interval until the Mid of 2017. The OS has already optimized for your Tablet. Considering Hardware, You have Only 2 GB RAM and 1.2 GHz Quad-Core, Qualcomm APQ 8016 Processor. But We Don’t use Tablets for heavy apps. So, if you want to root because everybody is doing, I advise don’t root If you didn’t have any experience. You can survive with this hardware and optimized software in this modern world.
How to Root Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 2015 Nougat 7.1.1 (SM-T350, SM-T355, SM-T355C, SM-T355Y, SM-T357T, SM-T357W)
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 International variants come with a flexible bootloader. This means that the smartphone can be easily rooted. Also, the device can accept to install TWRP recovery or any other custom recovery file/app alike.
TWRP recovery is a custom recovery file which must be installed on Samsung Galaxy devices because you can root them successfully. In this article, we explained the easiest method to follow and install TWRP recovery on Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 2015. However, the tool required for rooting this device is the Magisk App.
With the help of TWRP Recovery, you can quickly flash the latest version of Magisk into your Galaxy Tab A 8.0 to gain root access. Before sharing the tutorial, you may want to know that, with the TWRP recovery present on your device, you can easily install any custom ROM or firmware. Does it seem complicated? Relax, everything will be explained succinctly in bullets.
Things to check out for;
Check your device model number.
- Select TWRP Based on the mobile model number.
Make sure your device battery is charged above 50%
Backup your current files and data, just in case (save them on external storage).
Pre-Requirement Steps
Enable USB Debugging Mode and OEM Unlock in your mobile. To do this; go to settings >>> about >>> Tap on the “Build Number” 7-10 times consistently to enable “Developer Options,” then go to the “Developer Options” and enable USB Debugging Mode and OEM Unlock. There is no complicated process in the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0.
Download and install the Samsung USB driver to your computer system.
Also, download the ODIN software. Select above Oreo version in the ODIN list. Install ODIN in your PC.
- Download Magisk.Zip (Download Latest version) and forced encryption disabler, Copy it to Your Phone Memory. We Need to flash encryption disabler to avoid Boot Warnings in the future after the Root process.
Download and save the TWRP File. Select Correct TWRP file from Below. This TWRPs can support Up to Nougat.
- SM-T350 (Wi-Fi)
- SM-T355C(Marshmallow 6.0.1)
- SM-T357T (Lollipop- T-Mobile)
- SM-T357W (Lollipop- Canada)
Flash TWRP using ODIN
- Connect your USB Cable with PC. Switch off your device. Then, enter into Download mode. To do this; press and hold down the Volume Down + Home + Power buttons and connect your micro USB Cable.
Press the Volume Up button to continue when you see the warning message.
Now, connect the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 2015 mobile to the computer via USB cable.
Launch the Odin app on your computer. If the device is detected by this app (Odin), it will show you a message that reads – added!!!
However, if the device is not correctly connected to the PC, you won’t see this message. So, you have to check the USB cable if it is reasonable and reconnect the device.
After connecting the Samsung device, click on the PDA/PA button to browse/search and get the TWRP from where you saved it on your PC. Also, navigate to “options” and un-tick the Auto-Reboot.
Click on “Start”
Once the file is loaded into the device, reboot your device.
Kudos, you have just Installed the TWRP on your Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 2015. If you installed TWRP, Don’t turn on your mobile. Immediately, move to Magisk Installation steps.
Install Magisk, forced encryption disabler in your Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 2015 using TWRP
- Boot it Into recovery mode->Volume Up + Power Button.
- Now it Will Boot into TWRP Recovery Mode.
- Select Wipe->Advance Wipe->Select Cache Data.
- Return to Home of TWRP select Install.
- Select Magisk.Zip.
- After Installation again Navigate to Home select Install. Select forced encryption disabler.
- After the Installation Reboot Your Mobile.
- You can also install Magisk.apk in your Mobile Applications. Forced encryption disabler is used to avoid the boot loop issue after rooting.
What More?
You should not Boot into Normal OS Booting, after TWRP. After TWRP Flash, Immediately Boot into Recovery or Else you will get Warning message FRP Lock. If you accidentally urged and boot frequently, Don’t panic, flash official Tab A 8.0 2015 stock firmware to get back into stock OS.
Selva Kumar is an Android Devices Enthusiast, Who Can Talk and Write About Anything If You Give a Hint About the respective devices. He is a Computer Science Graduate, Making His Career towards this Technology. He is always eager to try new Android devices — not only Software level but Hardware-level Also. Beyond this, He is a Good Swimmer, Guitarist.
it’s not working for smt355 7.1.1
Did you get “PASS” message in ODIN?
Yes, this is normal!
It does not work on my Samsung Galaxy Tab A, SM-T350 Wifi, Nougat (gt58wifi).
After installing the recommended TWRP, I could not boot into the recovery mode (volume up + power) but into normal mode.
I tried many times with different websites but no success. I never see the team win display on my tablet.
Can you help?
Thanks a lot in advance.
Ba
You should Boot into TWRP after the first flash with ODIN. Or Else, you will lose the temporary TWRP. Also, If you didn’t flash the magisk in the first boot, you will lose root access. Did you get the “PASS” in ODIN?
I received a pass in ODIN, but I still cannot boot to TWRP. I tried re-flashing with ODIN, but no matter what stage I hold the buttons down at, it will not boot into the TWRP.
Un-tick the Auto-Reboot. After the flash press volume down+power to exit download mode. Immediately press Volume Up+Power to boot into recovery.
My Samsung Galaxy Tab A SM-T350 will connect to the Internet as long as I have it sitting right next to the router. However, if I am even 6″ away, it doesn’t work. Will this fix that issue? And is it possible to do all of that from the tablet instead of downloading it on a computer?
If you are confident about the Wi-Fi connection, Update to the latest version. In my knowledge, Root can’t enhance the Wi-Fi range of your mobile. Only Software fix by the manufacturers can do the process.