Hello all,
I have a newbie question - please be patient and point me in the right direction. (And yes I did use Google first).
The question is about rooting the (Canadian) S20 FE 5G.
I understand there are different ways to root - and all require unlocking.
For unlocking there are two sets of instructions
- one instruction says I go into developer settings, select unlock and all is good
- the other instructions advise that one has to pay to have this unlocked (to some guy on Telegram) and the price is pretty expensive.
So which one is it?
I am considering the S20 FE and rooting would be one of the first things -so I would like to know if that comes at an extra cost or not.
Thank you for any pointers!
if you have a Canadian FE and it's firmware is earlier than March (as I understand things) you can ONLY pay via the man on telegram to get it unlocked. if your firmware is after March even that might not work for you.
all Qualcomm phones sold in the US and Canada can't be unlocked via simply toggling OEM unlocking in developer options.
As 3mel said "... all Qualcomm phones sold in the US and Canada can't be unlocked via simply toggling OEM unlocking in developer options"
too many folks just don't get that !!!
As far as paying > some person online- True But ... at this time, there are a few that say they do the S20 FE 5G cheap too. Either via Email or Their App.
All I Do Know, is IF you do this, You will not get any OEM updates, (Seeing how they (samsung) that the S20 FE 5G will see 3 major updates at least, came with 10, we are on 11, and so 12 is coming)
Yes, I see you may not wat to have read that, but, with the Carrier unlocked, and Root, am sure in a short time, we can see many different roms for these Newer Phones...
if you remove root and any custom recovery (usually by just flashing stock over everything) you will start receive OTA updates again.
that's even if the bootloader is still unlocked!!
I doubted this at first but it worked for me. plus updating and reapplying root isn't that hard once you've got a decent idea about what each step is doing and why it needs to be done.
Related
is the unlocked A-716U rootable using magisk and does anyone think there will be development on it(ie Custom recoveries ? One last question one this specific model; assuming root is possible on unlocked would it be possible to get a carrier locked version (cost saving) and reflash firmware similar to oneplus's MSMtool?
lastly is the A71 SM-A715F/DS root-able with TWRP support?
Thank you
ps
I will also contribute to bounties
everyone is going to say/think "search the forum!!!" but unfortunately the posts available dont list specific model numbers when talking about successful root/custom recovery,.
U.S. variants usually can't be unlocked and therefore you can't install custom stuff like magisk patched files.
That used to be the case until recently that a person was offering bootloader unlock as a service to many 2019 and onward devices, as you can see here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/sampwnd-usa-model-bl-unlock-info-u-u1-w.4201689/
But, you would have to ask if the A71 is supported. It probably would need to be tested, but the owner of the thread was quite confident that it could be possible.
ShaDisNX255 said:
U.S. variants usually can't be unlocked and therefore you can't install custom stuff like magisk patched files.
That used to be the case until recently that a person was offering bootloader unlock as a service to many 2019 and onward devices, as you can see here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/sampwnd-usa-model-bl-unlock-info-u-u1-w.4201689/
But, you would have to ask if the A71 is supported. It probably would need to be tested, but the owner of the thread was quite confident that it could be possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh okay, so there is no MSMtool like with oneplus devices where you can just change to international firmware? If so if there an international 5g version of the a71 (any a-series) with 5G? sorry the model/SKU's for samsung devices is confusing and there is an insane amount of them.
sixisixsix said:
Oh okay, so there is no MSMtool like with oneplus devices where you can just change to international firmware? If so if there an international 5g version of the a71 (any a-series) with 5G? sorry the model/SKU's for samsung devices is confusing and there is an insane amount of them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sort of guessing that's the Odin equivalent of Samsung devices, not sure I've never owned a OnePlus device.
You can use Odin to flash different firmware on the device as long as it's the same SoC. For example, I've flashed Galaxy S9+ Unlocked firmware on my T-Mobile Galaxy S9+. One is variant SM-G965U and the other is SM-G965U1. However on this case, both firmware were US. One was unbranded U.S. firmware and the other was T-mobile branded firmware. I've also flashed Poland firmware on my Mexican A71, they're both model SM-A715F on this case.
I don't know if there's an international variant of the A71 5G. I guess you'll have to look that part up on your own. I think there is though.
The MSM tool enable users to take a carrier locked oneplus device and unlock it among other things. can odin unlock bootloaders ?
sixisixsix said:
The MSM tool enable users to take a carrier locked oneplus device and unlock it among other things. can odin unlock bootloaders ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really. Odin can only flash firmware, either stock or custom (you use it to flash TWRP and then basically everything else you flash with TWRP).
And no, Odin doesn't do any bootloader unlocking, any unlocking is done with the device itself. But as I mentioned, U.S devices aren't unlockable out the box.
ShaDisNX255 said:
Not really. Odin can only flash firmware, either stock or custom (you use it to flash TWRP and then basically everything else you flash with TWRP).
And no, Odin doesn't do any bootloader unlocking, any unlocking is done with the device itself. But as I mentioned, U.S devices aren't unlockable out the box.
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when you say "out of the box" do you mean there is NO possible way to unlock them or it takes a process?
sixisixsix said:
when you say "out of the box" do you mean there is NO possible way to unlock them or it takes a process?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no possible way to do it... for free as of now. If you want to unlock the U.S. variant you have to do it via the paid service I pointed out and thats only IF it works (as I mentioned, its been untested on the A71)
In comparison, you can buy the F variant, turn it on, head to developer settings and select OEM unlock and then unlock the bootloader.
If we ignore the paid service, sampwnd, that I pointed out in my other response then it is impossible to unlock the bootloader of the US variant and therefore, impossible to root.
ShaDisNX255 said:
There is no possible way to do it... for free as of now. If you want to unlock the U.S. variant you have to do it via the paid service I pointed out and thats only IF it works (as I mentioned, its been untested on the A71)
In comparison, you can buy the F variant, turn it on, head to developer settings and select OEM unlock and then unlock the bootloader.
If we ignore the paid service, sampwnd, that I pointed out in my other response then it is impossible to unlock the bootloader of the US variant and therefore, impossible to root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how much does the paid service cost and do you have a link? i didnt see you mention it before. also do you have the aseries discord invite or telegram?
sixisixsix said:
how much does the paid service cost and do you have a link? i didnt see you mention it before. also do you have the aseries discord invite or telegram?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not really sure about the cost as I've never used the service myself, but I know the person running the thread is very reliable
Link: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/sampwnd-usa-model-bl-unlock-info-u-u1-w.4201689/
There are a few A71 groups on Telegram, you can just search with @A71 on there, most groups are public
it will be a day or two after we place the order in a few hours from now. (thursday june 17th 2021).
01 do i need to flash the newer U1 firmware with the v2 bootloader first then do bl unlock and root for custom roms?
02 since we will be in a 2 year contract maybe i should just keep tmobile original firmware and just bl unlock and root that firmware?
03 what is the best way to do it since i know we will be with tmobile for 2 more years?
04 samsung pay wont work and what else?
05 knox will be tripped forever?
en11gma said:
it will be a day or two after we place the order in a few hours from now. (thursday june 17th 2021).
01 do i need to flash the newer U1 firmware with the v2 bootloader first then do bl unlock and root for custom roms?
02 since we will be in a 2 year contract maybe i should just keep tmobile original firmware and just bl unlock and root that firmware?
03 what is the best way to do it since i know we will be with tmobile for 2 more years?
04 samsung pay wont work and what else?
05 knox will be tripped forever?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure about your local network provider policies so can't say about points 1 to 3. Points no 4 and 5 however are quite simple to answer:
04 samsung pay wont work and what else? Most banking apps, payment gateway apps, some streaming services and a large number of services requiring some kind of authentication or DRM will stop working if they detect that your phone is rooted. Most of these can be bypassed even when rooted using Magisk hide. But Magisk development in the future is uncertain right now, so don't put all your eggs in that basket. Some of these apps may work now, but lose functionality later, unless you unroot.
Samsung Pay is gone forever once you root. As well as Samsung Pass. No way to get these back again as far as I know.
You also won't get OTA updates anymore and will have to flash newer firmwares manually.
Warranty is gone too, unless your country has special laws against this. Recently a forum member posted his experience where Samsung wouldn't even perform a paid repair for a screen replacement. Their reason was apparently because he had rooted his phone and voided his warranty. Think about that - they wouldn't even repair his phone, or sell him the parts, even if he was willing to pay! I'm not going to get into whether that's justified - but it is what it is. Be warned.
If you're willing to take the risk and Samsung Pay etc doesn't mean much to you, and features that rooting bring mean way, wayyyyy more to you, even at the risk of losing warranty, proceed with rooting after careful consideration.
05 knox will be tripped forever? Yes. Once you root, this will be irreversibly, permanently, irrevocably, unrecoverably, soul-stone permanently - be tripped forever. Nothing short of a motherboard replacement will get that flag up again.
is there a proper way about doing it when we receive the phones?
i mean will the phones try and auto update when i insert the sim card and power phone on therefore stopping the phone from being bl unlocked and rooter on stock firmware?
do i need to stop this from happening?
en11gma said:
is there a proper way about doing it when we receive the phones?
i mean will the phones try and auto update when i insert the sim card and power phone on therefore stopping the phone from being bl unlocked and rooter on stock firmware?
do i need to stop this from happening?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a paid service for unlocking bootloaders on certain US Snapdragon devices. If you update to the March Security Patch or later the bootloader can't be unlocked. You can turn off the Auto Update function. There are a number of features you'll lose. Warranty (Knox will be tripped), Samsung Pay and Pass. You will also lose Secure Folder and Samsung Health however they may be able to get restored. All data is lost as well as any option to update the device and expect the bootloader to remain unlocked. You can review the details here.
[Android][UNSAMLOCK] Bootloader Unlock for Samsung US/Canada Devices
This thread is @svetius approved Important notice: Do not update to April 2023 security update (XXXXXXXXXXWCX) or later. Examples: G998USQS6EWCA, N986USQU4HWD1. Samsung has patched the bootloader unlock again on those updates. NOTE: The OneUI...
forum.xda-developers.com
if this is T-Mobile US (or any US snapdragon version including unlocked, network free) you'll only be able to unlock your bootloader via the above mentioned type of method which isn't cheap as I understand it.
Personally I would need to see a custom rom with a whole lot of functionalities I would use before I opted for this method. If rooting your device is a priority it would seem to make more sense to aquire a Snapdragon or Exynos variant with an unlocked bootloader. The reason for buying a US Branded device, besides a generous trade in allowance are carrier features. If you root a carrier device you'll lose a number of these advantages.
varcor said:
Personally I would need to see a custom rom with a whole lot of functionalities I would use before I opted for this method. If rooting your device is a priority it would seem to make more sense to aquire a Snapdragon or Exynos variant with an unlocked bootloader. The reason for buying a US Branded device, besides a generous trade in allowance are carrier features. If you root a carrier device you'll lose a number of these advantages.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i thought if i bl unlock and root a stock firmware it just allows me to use twrp to make full backups so i can restore later and the root is for like hotspot stuff.
i know root disable samsung pay and something else but i thought all the carrier stuff still worked correctly
en11gma said:
i thought if i bl unlock and root a stock firmware it just allows me to use twrp to make full backups so i can restore later and the root is for like hotspot stuff.
i know root disable samsung pay and something else but i thought all the carrier stuff still worked correctly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should inquire about call features with the developer before you decide. IMHO you're sacrificing a lot of features for a hotspot.
I am looking for a phone to replace my rooted S5. One of the candidate is a second hand S10.
It is crucial that I am able to root the phone, and I was wondering how tricky the process is on this phone, and whether there are models where it might be impossible (perhaps Snapdragon based?), or if the baseband is above a certain version, or anything there are anything else that might impede the process I should pay attention to.
If anyone has successfully rooted their device in 2021 (ideally recently), please let me know.
Thanks.
A few fellow XDAers have done this recently. I assume you're speaking about a Snapdragon phone, which is where it gets tricky. The process requires payment to someone to perform the actual unlock... there are two providers (that I know of) that offer this service.
For the device, the bootloader revision is what's important - it needs to be old enough to allow this to work. In addition, once unlocked, it must REMAIN on this older bootloader otherwise you lose root. I believe you must be on BLv4 or older, which means it cannot be updated past Februrary of this year. The 5th character in the PDA/Phone build number (a number) from the right is what shows this version. For example, the March update for Verizon on the SM-G975U is G975USQU5GUBH, so that "5" means it's BL5.
My recent purchased phones were 5 and 6. I'm giving up on getting root, as I don't need it anymore. Sure, I'd prefer to have it, but it's getting too difficult and expensive to get it and I don't NEED it...
The two unlock providers I know about can be seen here (I have used neither myself, of course):
[Android][UNSAMLOCK] Bootloader Unlock for Samsung US/Canada Devices
This thread is @svetius approved Important notice: Do not update to April 2023 security update (XXXXXXXXXXWCX) or later. Examples: G998USQS6EWCA, N986USQU4HWD1. Samsung has patched the bootloader unlock again on those updates. NOTE: The OneUI...
forum.xda-developers.com
Samsung Development | SamPWND
Unlock your bootloader on USA Model Samsung Galaxy devices! Visit https://www.sampwnd.com and have the SamPWND team help you!
www.sampwnd.com
schwinn8 said:
A few fellow XDAers have done this recently. I assume you're speaking about a Snapdragon phone, which is where it gets tricky. The process requires payment to someone to perform the actual unlock... there are two providers (that I know of) that offer this service.
For the device, the bootloader revision is what's important - it needs to be old enough to allow this to work. In addition, once unlocked, it must REMAIN on this older bootloader otherwise you lose root. I believe you must be on BLv4 or older, which means it cannot be updated past Februrary of this year. The 5th character in the PDA/Phone build number (a number) from the right is what shows this version. For example, the March update for Verizon on the SM-G975U is G975USQU5GUBH, so that "5" means it's BL5.
My recent purchased phones were 5 and 6. I'm giving up on getting root, as I don't need it anymore. Sure, I'd prefer to have it, but it's getting too difficult and expensive to get it and I don't NEED it...
The two unlock providers I know about can be seen here (I have used neither myself, of course):
[Android][UNSAMLOCK] Bootloader Unlock for Samsung US/Canada Devices
This thread is @svetius approved Important notice: Do not update to April 2023 security update (XXXXXXXXXXWCX) or later. Examples: G998USQS6EWCA, N986USQU4HWD1. Samsung has patched the bootloader unlock again on those updates. NOTE: The OneUI...
forum.xda-developers.com
Samsung Development | SamPWND
Unlock your bootloader on USA Model Samsung Galaxy devices! Visit https://www.sampwnd.com and have the SamPWND team help you!
www.sampwnd.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Does the Bootloader 5 restriction also applies on Exynos devices? I am uessing that might be why I had difficulties my recently purchased Tab S4.
Another question, can a bootloader be updated while the OS stays on an older version, or do they usually get updated together? For instance, if I find a phone that is still on Pie, is it likely be on an older baseband, or can a phone be on Pie AND be on a new baseband?
I don't know much about Exynos systems, but from what I gather they may be "normally rootable"... I don't believe there are as many restrictions on that platform (it seems to be a USA/EU thing to prevent rooting, primarily).
BL and OS seem to get upgraded together, generally speaking.
xAxB said:
Thanks. Does the Bootloader 5 restriction also applies on Exynos devices? I am uessing that might be why I had difficulties my recently purchased Tab S4.
Another question, can a bootloader be updated while the OS stays on an older version, or do they usually get updated together? For instance, if I find a phone that is still on Pie, is it likely be on an older baseband, or can a phone be on Pie AND be on a new baseband?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope- those can be unlocked whenever
they still can't be downgraded though damn...
I have both phones...snapdragon IS slightly better
I just got my phone, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G SM-998U How do I Unlock the bootloader, root & install Msgisk, and customize my kernel? I have the Snapdragon version if that helps any.
- Thanks.
[Magisk][US/CAN BL Unlock] Root for Galaxy S21 Series (B/N/0/U/U1/W)
Note: this guide copied from topjohnwu's. Original guide here US/Canada bootloader unlock thread: here Before Installing Magisk Installing Magisk WILL trip KNOX Unlocking bootloader for the first time will do a data wipe. Installation If you...
forum.xda-developers.com
There is a search function. Make sure you understand what tripping Knox does as you cannot undo it. And remember Magisk Hide has been discontinued by the dev so most apps will be able to detect the phone is rooted again.
Why didn't you research this before you aquired your device? It's not likely your phone is eligible as unlocking the BL requires you haven't updated it. Additionally you'll trip knox and lose a number of features, to include ongoing updates. If you wanted a device you could root and desired a Snapdragon variant those are available without paying for that service. So based on all the features you'll forfeit what advantages outweigh this? Those should be substantial to justify all the down sides you'll incur.
Thank you for your reply. What phone would you suggest is best for customizing and closing roms?l
Mrworley831 said:
Thank you for your reply. What phone would you suggest is best for customizing and closing roms?l
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Click to collapse
OnePlus seems to be the concensus choice.
Redirect Notice
If you want an S21 the Global Exynos variant has an Unlocked BL plus the best selection for Custom ROM's. The SM-G9980 Snapdragon variant has an Unlocked BL as well. If you chose the S21 all the issues I mentioned are still in play, the only difference is you don't have to pay to unlock it.
Sorry to just drop a question, but I can't find the answer. Can the snapdragon S10 SM-G973u1 bootloader be unlocked? If not is there another way to root it?
Thank you
Chris
HelloChris333333, just when you post on a forum the courtesy of saying hello. Yes you can root just with the firmware of your model S10 SM-G973U1 US model so not compatible with EU firmware.
meric57 said:
HelloChris333333, just when you post on a forum the courtesy of saying hello. Yes you can root just with the firmware of your model S10 SM-G973U1 US model so not compatible with EU firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure that's true, but I would love to find out I'm wrong.
In my research, the SD phones cannot be unlocked unless you are on (and remain on) an older BL version. The last unlockable BL version was 4, as I recall... if you're running updated firmware you are likely on BL 6. Even on 4, the process was not free and once you did it you could not update to a newer version of FW without losing the unlock.
For this reason, I gave up on getting root/BLunlock on my phone... and honestly, I have not missed it. This is also why I have not seen much development of FW for the SD phones anywhere.
Again, if I'm wrong, I'd love to learn how it's done!
Hello meric57
Can you share a link to the firmware I need? I just bought this phone and there is no OEM unlock option, it is a US phone. If I cannot root it I will have to sell it and get another phone.
Thanks
Chris
I guess another question would be where can I get a S10 with the Exynos chip?
Thanks
Chris
Using ADB I keep getting "waiting for device" and then I find I need to unlock the bootloader. This crap is an endless circle.
U4 can be unlocked before , I can unlock it , Special engineering documents need to be made
I'm V6 nothing available. I bought a G973F instead. G973u1 going on ebay.
Exactly, there is really no root/unlock for snapdragon phones unless you're on a very old BL (and you have to stay there so you can't update). IMO, that's not "can be unlocked" even with "special" steps, particularly since most phones today will have newer BLs (even a year ago, I couldn't find a BL4 phone)... but, yes, it's technically true to say it can be unlocked, but only in very limited cases.
@Chris33333 For this reason, I get that you may want to go to the Exynos instead... I'm curious, if you're in the US, how does that work with carriers? Does it? I've found most US carriers refuse to activate phones that don't match their list of "compatible" IMEIs... I imagine an F-series phone won't be on that list.
I'm in the US using Straight Talk with T-mobile. I've had a Galaxy S5 rooted for years. With straight talk I can use AT&T, T-mobile, or Verizon. But this international phone does not do Verizon.
And StraightTalk will activate the F-series phone without complaint or issues? If so, that's great to hear... because I know VZ and ATT typically won't...
I haven't put the SIM in it yet. Still trying to delete all the crap off the phone.
Lol
Hello Chris33333, https://www.sammobile.com/samsung/galaxy-s10/firmware/SM-G973U1/XAA/