Root Can I Root Lollipop or Not?

[PKW57]

Greetings,

I'd like to root my Verizon S5 and I'm finding conflicting and/or confusing information on the web (this site, XDA, etc).

Android: 5.0
Kernel: 3.4.0
Build: LRX21T
KNOX: 2.3
Last Update: OE1

1. Is it possible to root this configuration?
2. If so, is it possible to load other ROMs? I'd like to go back to Cyanogen Mod (had it on my old phone).
3. What is the best way to backup my un-rooted phone before starting the root process?
4. I've seen a program called "OneClickRoot", is it legitimate and does it work?

I'm by no means an Android expert. I successfully rooted my last phone using the guides found on this site and XDA. If you need more information from me please don't expect me to understand technical questions unless you dumb them down.

 

[cmichael258]

All credits to ironass, who posted this response for another poster's question:
"I am afraid that anyone on Verizon who has updated to the OE1 and the later OG5 Lollipop releases, now have Verizon's new mega locked down bootloader which prevents downgrading firmware or rooting. This is now Verizon's policy that they have extended to other phones and manufacturers and AT&T are following suit. See #1.6 of 41 Galaxy S5 models - Dummies Guide.

The S5 on Verizon has been unrootable for over a year now, since the release of Android 4.4.4. Hence the reason that users had to downgrade to Android 4.4.2 to use a root exploit... now Verizon and AT&T, have closed even that possibility off 2 months ago. See, here."