Obtaining superuser rights (root access) on smartphones Samsung opens access to hidden Android functions, but requires caution. Unlike devices from other brands, phones Samsung have a unique protection system KNOXthat can block some functions (for example, Samsung Pay or Secure Folder) after unlocking the bootloader. This article will help you figure out how to get root on modern models Galaxy S23/S24, A54/A55 and others, taking into account all the nuances of 2026.
It is important to understand: the process is different for devices on Exynos and Snapdragon, and also depends on the version of Android (from One UI 5.0 to One UI 6.1). We will look at official and unofficial methods, the risks of losing the warranty, and what to do if after receiving root the phone stops loading. If you are a beginner, start with the preparation section; experienced users can go straight to the installation instructions Magisk or TWRP.
What are root access and why you need them on Samsung
root access (or superuser rights) - this is complete control over the operating system Android. They allow:
- 📱 Remove pre-installed applications (bloatware) from Samsung and telecom operators that cannot be removed using standard methods.
- ⚡ Increase performance through nuclear tweaks (
kernel tweaks) or overclocking the processor (at your own peril and risk!). - 🔧 Install modified firmware (custom ROMs) like LineageOS or Pixel Experience.
- 📁 Access system files, for example, for backup
/dataor changesbuild.prop.
However, there is a downside: on Samsung devices with activated KNOX (0x1), the ability to use Samsung Pay, Secure Folder is lost, and the warranty flag is also triggered. In addition, incorrect actions can lead to a “brick” (turning the phone into a “brick”). Therefore, before you begin, evaluate whether you really need root accessor the problem can be solved in alternative ways (for example, through ADB or special applications like Package Disabler).
⚠️ Attention: Starting from Android 13 i One UI 5.0, Samsung the bootloader protection has been tightened on some models (for example, Galaxy S23 Ultra) unlocking may lead to hardware blocking of the module. eSIM.
Preparation of the phone: backup and OEM unlock
Before any manipulations with the firmware required Create a backup copy of your data. Even if you are an experienced user, mistakes happen to everyone. Use:
- ☁️ Samsung Cloud or Google Drive to copy contacts, photos and documents.
- 💾 Local copying to PC via
MTPor Smart Switch. - 📦 Applications like Swift Backup (works without root, but saves only user data).
Next you need to unlock OEM Unlock in the developer settings:
- Go to
Settings → About the phone → Software information. - Click 7 times on
Build numberto activate developer mode. - Return to the main settings menu, open
Settings developer. - Activate the switches
OEM UnlockandUSB debugging.
⚠️ Attention: On some models (for example, Galaxy S22 with firmware One UI 5.1) option OEM Unlock may disappear after a reboot. In this case, you will need to reset the phone to factory settings to unlock the bootloader.
Create a data backup|Activate developer mode|Enable OEM Unlock|Enable USB debugging|Install Samsung drivers on PC-->
Unlocking the bootloader on Samsung: step-by-step guide
The bootloader (bootloader) on Samsung is locked by default. Unlocking it is the first step to obtaining root access. The process is different for devices with Exynos and Snapdragon:
| Processor model | Unlocking method | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Exynos (for example, Galaxy S23 for Europe) | Via fastboot oem unlock |
Requires confirmation on the phone. Volume buttons for selecting "Unlock". |
| Snapdragon (for example, Galaxy S23 for the USA) | Official unlock via Samsung Members or unofficial methods | On some models, unlocking is impossible without loss IMEI. |
| Old models (before Galaxy S10) | Through Odin or Heimdall |
Patched may be required boot.img. |
Instructions to Exynos:
- Turn off the phone and hold
Volume up + Volume down + USB cableto enter the modeDownload Mode. - Connect the phone to the PC and run the command:
fastboot flashing unlock - On the phone confirm unlocking with the button
Volume up. - After the reboot, the bootloader will be unlocked, but
KNOXwill work (the indicator will change to0x1).
What to do if the bootloader does not unlock?
If the command fastboot oem unlock returns an error FAILED (remote: 'OEM unlock is not allowed'), then your model Samsung has activated hardware locking. In this case, only an official unlock request via Samsung Members (not available for all regions) or exploiting vulnerabilities will help. firmware (for example, exploit DirtyCOW for older versions of Android).
Installing TWRP or Magisk: which method to choose
After unlocking the bootloader, there are two main ways to obtain root access:
- Through Magisk (recommended for beginners) - modifies
boot.imgwithout replacing recovery. Supports Samsung Knox in "light trip" mode (not all functions are blocked). - Through TWRP (for experienced) - full-fledged custom recovery, allows you to install firmware and modifications. But on new models Samsung may not work due to protection
RMM.
For most users, the optimal option is Magisk. Here's how to do it:
- Download the latest version Magisk from official repository (file
Magisk-vXX.X.zip). - Download the stock firmware for your model from the website SamMobile or Frija.
- Extract the file from the firmware
boot.img.lz4(for new models) orboot.img(for old ones). - Patch
boot.imgvia Magisk (in the application, selectSelect and Patch a File). - Flash the patched
boot.imgviaOdinto slotAPor viafastboot:fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img
fastboot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.imgSolving problems after receiving root access
Even if you did everything correctly, problems may arise. Here are the most common ones and their solutions:
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The phone does not boot (bootloop) | Incompatible boot.img or error during firmware |
Flash stock boot.img via Odin in mode Download Mode |
| Samsung Pay does not work | Trigger KNOX (0x1) |
Recovery KNOX impossible, but you can use alternatives like Google Pay |
| No network (IMEI lost) | Damaged partition modem or EFS |
Restore EFS from backup or flash stock firmware |
| Banking applications do not work | Detected root (SafetyNet) | Use MagiskHide or module Universal SafetyNet Fix |
If after installation Magisk banking applications stop working (for example, SberBank Online or Tinkoff), follow these steps:
- Open Magisk and go to
Settings → Hide Magisk (MagiskHide). - Add banking applications to the list of hidden ones.
- Install the module Universal SafetyNet Fix via
Magisk → Modules. - Reboot the phone and check the status SafetyNet in the application YASNAC.
⚠️ Attention: Starting from Android 12, Google tightened the verification SafetyNet. If banking applications still do not work, try using alternative payment methods or a second phone without root.
If you do not plan to use custom firmware, Magisk is a safer choice than TWRPas it does not affect the partition recovery and is easier to remove.
How to remove root access and return the warranty
If you need to return the phone to stock condition (for example, for warranty repairs), follow these steps:
- Uninstall Magisk through the app itself (
Settings → Complete removal). - Flash the stock firmware via
Odin(select filesAP,BL,CP,CSC). - If
KNOXalready worked (0x1), return it to0x0impossible — this is a hardware flag. - To reset the flashing counter (
Flash Counter), use the application Triangle Away (does not work on all models).
On new models (Galaxy S23 and newer), even after returning to stock firmware, the status*#06#). This means that the service center Official Binary: Nomay be displayed in the service menu ( Samsung will be able to determine the fact of interference in the firmware, even if root is deleted.
Is it possible to deceive the service center?
Theoretically yes, but in practice it is unlikely. Modern service centers Samsung use diagnostic equipment that checks not only software flags, but also hardware logs (for example, status eMMC or UFS). If the warranty case is not related to the firmware (for example, a broken screen), some services may turn a blind eye to this, but this depends on the policy of the specific center.
Alternatives to root access: what can be done without unlocking
If you are afraid of the risks associated with obtaining root access, consider alternative ways to achieve the same purposes:
- 🧹 Removing built-in applications: Use ADB with the command:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.ipsgeofence(replace
com.samsung.android.app.ipsgeofencewith the package of the desired applications). - ⚡ Acceleration: Activate developer mode and disable animation (
Settings → System → Window animation = Off.). - 📱 Interface customization: Applications like Nova Launcher or Good Lock (official from Samsung) allow you to change the appearance without root.
- 🔒 Backup: Swift Backup or Titanium Backup (the latter requires root, but there are workarounds through ADB Backup).
To delete bloatware without root you can use a script Universal Android Debloater (works through ADB). It allows you to disable unnecessary system applications without removing them completely. Example command to disable Samsung Free:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.spageFAQ: Frequently asked questions about root access on Samsung
Is it possible to get root on Samsung without unlocking the bootloader?
No, on modern models Samsung (starting from Galaxy S10) unlocking the bootloader is required. There were exploits in the past (for example DirtyCOW or Towelroot), but they do not work on new versions of Android with security patches after 2021. The only exception is the use of vulnerabilities in specific firmware, but they are quickly closed by updates.
Will Samsung Pay work after getting root?
No, Samsung Pay linked to status KNOX. After unlocking the bootloader or receiving root the flag KNOX changes to 0x1and the application stops working. Alternatives: Google Pay (if you pass SafetyNet) or contactless cards via NFC.
How to check if your phone has root access?
Install the application Root Checker iz Google Play. It will show the status root and version SU or Magisk. Alternatively, in the terminal, enter the command:
suIf an input prompt appears (# instead of $), then root is active.
Is it possible to update the firmware after getting root?
Yes, but with reservations:
- If the update comes over the air (OTA), installing it will remove root and may lead to a bootloop.
- It is recommended to download the full firmware from SamMobile, patch it via Magisk, and flash manually via
Odin. - On devices with Dynamic Partition (starting from Android 10), a manual update may be required
super.img.
What is KNOX and why can’t it be reset?
KNOX is a hardware security module from Samsung, built into the processor. When you unlock the bootloader or receive root the hardware fuse is triggered (the “fuse” blows), which cannot be returned to its original state. This is done to protect corporate data (for example, in phones with Samsung Knox for business). Even after returning to stock firmware, service centers can determine that KNOX was triggered.