[AC Question]

Samsung Note 5
Model: SM-N920P
Android Version: 6.0.1
Baseeband Version: N920PVPS2BPD1
Kernel Version: 3.10.61-7231607/dpi@SWHD4311 #1/Thu Mar 31 14:24:41 KST 2016
Build Number: MMB29K.N920PVPS2BPD1
Rooted (do not remember the method I used to root)

After thoroughly troubleshooting issues with several Google Apps, I need to wipe my phone and start from scratch. I am currently running Marshmallow with OTA blocked. All of my data is already backed up. First question, once I wipe, will the phone automatically install Nougat? If not, what is the best way to manually upgrade to Nougat before wiping the phone? Second question, what is the cleanest and most effective way to root my phone once wiped and running Nougat?

[underway99]

If you wipe by dumping your custom bootloader and loading a stock ROM with ODIN, you should be able to use a Nougat ROM. There is a Sprint Nougat ROM (dated 21 April) on sammobile.com. First problem solved.

I'd look over at XDA before loading the Nougat ROM to make sure that you can still root with Nougat installed. If not, sammobile.com also has the last MM ROM (dated 13 March) too.

[b.grdner]

Samsung Note 5
Model: SM-N920P
Android Version: 6.0.1
Baseeband Version: N920PVPS2BPD1
Kernel Version: 3.10.61-7231607/dpi@SWHD4311 #1/Thu Mar 31 14:24:41 KST 2016
Build Number: MMB29K.N920PVPS2BPD1
Rooted (do not remember the method I used to root)

After thoroughly troubleshooting issues with several Google Apps, I need to wipe my phone and start from scratch. I am currently running Marshmallow with OTA blocked. All of my data is already backed up. First question, once I wipe, will the phone automatically install Nougat? If not, what is the best way to manually upgrade to Nougat before wiping the phone? Second question, what is the cleanest and most effective way to root my phone once wiped and running Nougat?

You can use Samsung Switch on the PC to load Nougat. Go into the Emergency recovery and Initialization tab and that will do a factory reset of your phone and put Nougat on it.

Be aware though, Knox and S-health will not work after the upgrade as they will see you phone as "rooted" (still trying to find out why).

So if you use S-health you might want not want to force the update this way.

[underway99]

Flashing stock firmware will also kill root as it flashes. Knox and S-health won't trip because as far as the device is concerned, it's a brand new install. The phone will be like it just came from the box with Nougat preinstalled.

[anon(5719825)]

I would look for a ROM that is already rooted. You simply install a custom recovery such TWRP. Copy the custom ROM to the phone and then install that ROM using TWRP.

I've been using a custom ROM on my Note 5 almost since the beginning and I've ran a few different ones over this 1.5 years that I've owned it. I've always been able to S Health.