[Guide][SM-T500/T505] Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 - Unlock Bootloader & Root with Magisk

[suloku]

flash magisk (AP) and empty vbmeta (userdata) in the same time in odin, vbmeta: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=14655340768118441211.
make sure to connect to wifi and enable developer options before restarting. this forum should help you install a custom gsi https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...ashing-guide-updated-android-13-gsis.4423297/

The download link isn't working, can anyone provide a mirror please?

 

[suloku]

Just in case anyone gets here in 2023, I successfully rooted with magisk v26.1 even with the vbmeta messages.
0.- I was on latest stock update, with march 2023 security upgrade (SM-T500_EUX_T500XXU4CWD2_fac) (I previously had to reflash stock to this version since I was stuck at the vbmeta screen being able to boot modified firmware)
1.- I followed magisk's installation guide which suggests using adb to copy the firware files to and from the phone (mpt seems to corrupt large files)
2.- When I flashed the magisk-patched AP firmware I also patched BL and CSC (not the CSC-HOME) and in USER I flashed the empty vbmeta image.

When I previously used only magisk patched AP and empty VBMETA it didn't work (magisk installation guide also tells you to always flash all firmware files).

The empty vmeta I used is the following one: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...ication-command-problem.4396799/post-87227821

Also, I successfully used safetynet-fix-v2.4.0 magisk module to pass safetynet:

MAGISK MODULE ❯ Universal SafetyNet Fix 2.4.0

Universal SafetyNet Fix Magisk module Magisk module to work around Google's SafetyNet attestation. This module works around hardware attestation and recent updates to SafetyNet CTS profile checks. You must already be able to pass basic CTS...

forum.xda-developers.com

GitHub - kdrag0n/safetynet-fix: Google SafetyNet attestation workarounds for Magisk

Google SafetyNet attestation workarounds for Magisk - GitHub - kdrag0n/safetynet-fix: Google SafetyNet attestation workarounds for Magisk

github.com

Hopefully my experience helps someone.

 

[ahmad.shn]

Just in case anyone gets here in 2023, I successfully rooted with magisk v26.1 even with the vbmeta messages.
0.- I was on latest stock update, with march 2023 security upgrade (SM-T500_EUX_T500XXU4CWD2_fac) (I previously had to reflash stock to this version since I was stuck at the vbmeta screen being able to boot modified firmware)
1.- I followed magisk's installation guide which suggests using adb to copy the firware files to and from the phone (mpt seems to corrupt large files)
2.- When I flashed the magisk-patched AP firmware I also patched BL and CSC (not the CSC-HOME) and in USER I flashed the empty vbmeta image.

When I previously used only magisk patched AP and empty VBMETA it didn't work (magisk installation guide also tells you to always flash all firmware files).

The empty vmeta I used is the following one: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...ication-command-problem.4396799/post-87227821

Also, I successfully used safetynet-fix-v2.4.0 magisk module to pass safetynet:

MAGISK MODULE ❯ Universal SafetyNet Fix 2.4.0

Universal SafetyNet Fix Magisk module Magisk module to work around Google's SafetyNet attestation. This module works around hardware attestation and recent updates to SafetyNet CTS profile checks. You must already be able to pass basic CTS...

forum.xda-developers.com

GitHub - kdrag0n/safetynet-fix: Google SafetyNet attestation workarounds for Magisk

Google SafetyNet attestation workarounds for Magisk - GitHub - kdrag0n/safetynet-fix: Google SafetyNet attestation workarounds for Magisk

github.com

Hopefully my experience helps someone.

Hi there, thank you for this, however I'm facing an issue, which versions of magisk and odin did you suse?
I keep getting the vbmeta fail message in Odin while flashing your suggested vbmeta image. Also is there a CP file for the T500 Tab? I don't seem to have it in the download firmware from Samsung.

 

[suloku]

There's no cp file (as far as I ubderstood that's only for devices with sim card). Used Magisk 26.1 and odin 3.14.1 as suggested by the first page tutorial.

 

[ahmad.shn]

There's no cp file (as far as I ubderstood that's only for devices with sim card). Used Magisk 26.1 and odin 3.14.1 as suggested by the first page tutorial.

Thank you! it worked finally, my problem seemed to be not enabling USB debugging after a bootloader unlocking.

Also, which rom do you have? is it worth installing a custom rom? do you actually get better performance than stock?

 

[suloku]

I used stock because due to my needs root on stock is more than enough and I'm not comcerned about this specific device's performance as it currently fullfills my needs as is, so I can't really help you on that.

 

[charlie..]

I used stock because due to my needs root on stock is more than enough and I'm not comcerned about this specific device's performance as it currently fullfills my needs as is, so I can't really help you on that.

Which stock version are your running? I had problems updating to the latest stock and keeping root. (Reported one page back)
I will take a look later which version I'm on, because I am guessing you are not on the latest version. For the second latest firmware you could simply use the tutorial from the first post.

 

[cappuccini]

I have a Galaxy Tab A7 that I was willed. It's pattern locked and the guy who owned it is dead. Samsung and Asurion won't help without a receipt of purchase. Kinda hard to get that now, assuming he even saved it. Based on his login/password list from his web browser (I also got his computer), he was getting VERY forgetful. All his login/password combos are invalid (with multiple login/passwords for Google alone), so it's likely he forgot his own pattern. So, here I sit...

What can I do with this thing? I can get into download mode, but in trying to use Odin, I got some error message about "FRP locked, don't download PIT". Anyone able to help in this situation?
View attachment 5944855

On XDA there are threads about this topic. Search for unlock/ bypass FRP

 

[lewmur]

On XDA there are threads about this topic. Search for unlock/ bypass FRP

I have yet to here from ANYONE who has actually succeeded in bypassing FRP since Android 7 or 8. There are several paid services which claim to do it, but NOT one person on XDA has ever verified that any of them work. IMHO, if the tablet hasn't been reported stolen and hasn't been active for a given amount of time, then the maker should unlock it. But that's NOT the way it works. They require "Proof of Purchase" to make sure it isn't stolen.

 

[Luposian]

Thankfully, I finally got Recovery Mode activated and know the guy’s Google info, so now I’ll be able to use it, once I get back from our trip.

 

[Frankyg]

Revert to Stock?
I'm currently rooted with A12 but not the most up to date firmware. I'm planning to sell the device and want to get it back to stock with the latest samsung software, ready for the next owner. What's the most straightforward way to achieve this?

 

[Frankyg]

Ok, so I got into trouble....
I uninstalled Magisk and rebooted. I selected the completely uninstall option - I think the other option was to restore images, but I'm not certain.
Then I powered off and entered download mode (pressing vol up and down and connected to PC) I selected the option to lock the bootloader knowing that it would result in wiping. It did not reboot but entered Download Mode and shows the error:

Partition vbmeta
Reason vbmeta: Error verifying vbmeta image: HS_XXXXXXXXXXXX (not the actual string of letters)

Not sure what to do now, would appreciate some help. I've previously just downloaded (with frija) the lasest software for the device, so that's ready to use.

Thanks for any help,
FrankyG

 

[lewmur]

Ok, so I got into trouble....
I uninstalled Magisk and rebooted. I selected the completely uninstall option - I think the other option was to restore images, but I'm not certain.
Then I powered off and entered download mode (pressing vol up and down and connected to PC) I selected the option to lock the bootloader knowing that it would result in wiping. It did not reboot but entered Download Mode and shows the error:

Partition vbmeta
Reason vbmeta: Error verifying vbmeta image: HS_XXXXXXXXXXXX (not the actual string of letters)

Not sure what to do now, would appreciate some help. I've previously just downloaded (with frija) the lasest software for the device, so that's ready to use.

Thanks for any help,
FrankyG

If I'm not mistaken, you need to flash a stock ROM before relock will work.

 

[Frankyg]

If I'm not mistaken, you need to flash a stock ROM before relock will work.

Can I do this from my current position with the error?
Do I use Odin to flash stock rom?

 

[lewmur]

Can I do this from my current position with the error?
Do I use Odin to flash stock rom?

Yes, you should use Odin and it should show "added" if you are in download mode.

 

[CyberdyneSystems]

I got this working, w/o issues....
i might look for a rom from twrp or others...

odin: Odin3_v3.14.4
Magisk-v26.1.apk
for the Firmware- i already had it installed, but i downloaded it for odins sake,

Download Galaxy Tab A7 (Wi-Fi) SM-T500 (XAR) T500XXU4CWD2 in Samfw - Samsung firmware download

Galaxy Tab A7 (Wi-Fi) SM-T500 (XAR - United States) T500XXU4CWD2 S(Android 12) samsung firmware download all model, lastest, fast update, completely free and fast speed in Samfw.com ✅

samfw.com

-- this is the US version

 

[Tradescantia]

Hi! I followed the instructions and wanted to flash with odin when I reached step 6. It then failed pretty much at the end of the process. Now the KG status is prenormal and the OEM unlock option has disappeared from the developer options. I've tried flashing back to the original firmware, but that didn't change anything. What can i do to root my tab a7 successfully?

Solved: Connecting to WiFi solved the problem with the oem unlock option.

 

[Peppeskere]

I recently purchased the Galaxy Tab A7 10.4 (released in 2020) and couldn't help but notice that there's no dedicated thread in the forums for unlocking the bootloader or rooting (Although, the method should be very similar to what is followed for the Tab 10.1 (2019)).

It's been quite some time since I published a tutorial on XDA. So, I decided to put up this comprehensive tutorial, hope it helps everyone who's looking for it. We will take the direct approach of rooting the tab by patching the AP firmware and flashing the patched AP through Odin.

/* I will be using the same images I prepared for the tutorial to be posted on my blog. Sorry that they have been watermarked, that is to prevent scrapers from stealing. It took me enough time to capture them and do some post-processing. */

Before we start, here's the obligatory disclaimer and warning:


Update log



Requirements

• Your Galaxy Tab A7 with SM-T500 or SM-T505 model number
• A compatible USB-C cable
• A Windows computer. (Odin only works on Windows. If you're using Linux or Mac, you could try Heimdall)

Instructions

Step 1: Enable OEM Unlocking
In order to unlock the bootloader, you must first enable the 'OEM Unlocking' toggle. This toggle resides inside the 'Developer options' screen, which is hidden by default on most Android devices.

First, enable 'Developer options' by going to 'Settings' > 'About tablet' > 'Software Information' and repeatedly tap on the 'Build number' section five times. If you have a lock screen security set, you will need to input your PIN/Password/Pattern when prompted.

Once you do this, you should see a toast notification on the bottom of the screen saying that "Developer mode has been enabled".

Once that is out of the way, go to 'Settings' > 'Developer options' and turn ON the toggle next to "OEM unlocking". You will instantly be prompted to enter your PIN/Password/Pattern, so do it. Then select "Enable" to allow OEM unlocking.

• Note: If the OEM unlocking toggle is grayed out, make sure that you have connected the tablet to the internet first (via WiFi or mobile network, your choice).

Step 2: Unlock the Bootloader
Start by powering off your tablet completely. Then while holding the Volume Up and Volume Down keys together, connect it to your computer using the USB cable. This should take you to the bootloader screen (I call it that because logically that's what directs you to either Download Mode or Device Unlock Mode). Long-press the Volume Up key to enter the 'Device unlock mode'.

Your tab should now prompt you with a confirmation screen, so press the Volume Up key to confirm and unlock the bootloader.

Your Tab A7's bootloader is now unlocked and it should reboot automatically. You should also see a warning message right before the Samsung splash screen, just as shown in the picture below. Don't worry, it's completely normal. And no, there's no way to get rid of it (unless of course, you relock the bootloader).

The first boot after unlocking the bootloader could take some time (took around 3-4 minutes for me). So be patient.

Now that the bootloader is unlocked, let's verify it. Samsung introduced a new feature known as "VaultKeeper", which will automatically relock the bootloader if you do not perform this step.

After your tab boots, connect it to the internet. Then enable the Developer options as shown in step #1 and go to 'Settings' > 'Developer options'. The OEM unlocking toggle should be greyed out and say that the bootloader is already unlocked. Again, refer to the picture below.

Step 3: Download the firmware package
With the bootloader properly unlocked, you can begin with the rooting part. As I mentioned, we will be patching the AP firmware file via Magisk App, as instructed by John Wu in his installation guide on Github.

So, you will need to download the firmware package for the software version that's currently installed on your tab. This is very important, do not use an older firmware, as it will result in issues. You could of course use a newer firmware, which will update your tab at the same time as rooting it.

To verify your software version, you can go to 'Settings' > 'About tablet' > 'Software information' and check the "Build number". The latter half of the mentioned build number is your tab's software version, which in my case as shown in the picture below is: T500XXU1ATJ2. So, I will need to download the firmware package for "T500XXU1ATJ2" and in your case you should download the one corresponding to the info you see under 'Build number'.

Where to download? You could use online FW databases like SamMobile, Samfrew, etc. However, I would recommend using Frija or Samloader as they allow you to download the firmware directly from Samsung's Firmware Update Servers and without any speed caps. If you're operating on Windows, use Frija. On macOS/Linux, use Samloader.

Step 4: Extract the AP firmware and transfer it to your Tab A7
Once you have the ZIP package downloaded, you will need to extract it to get The extracted folder should contain the individual firmware files like BL, AP, CP (only for SM-T505 LTE variant), and CSC/HOME_CSC (in .tar.md5 file format).

The file you'll require is the AP firmware, which in my case is "AP_T500XXU1ATJ2_CL19362637_QB34980135_REV00_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT_meta_RKEY_OS10.tar.md5". Again, in your case, the filename would be a bit different, but it should follow the same structure.

After extracting the AP firmware, connect your tab to the computer, enable File Transfer (MTP) mode on it, and copy over the AP firmware to your tab's internal storage. Copy it to the root directory, that is, outside all the folders as shown below. The location of the file doesn't matter, you can copy it anywhere, but I prefer this for easier access.

Step 5: Patch the AP firmware using Magisk App
Now's the time to patch the AP firmware. To do this, download the latest version of the Magisk app from the official Github releases page to your Tab A7. This will be an APK file. Once downloaded, install the APK file using your choice of file manager.



You do not need to change Magisk's update channel to Beta anymore. Starting January 12, Magisk v21.x was pushed to the stable channel (default).

After installing, go to the app drawer and launch the Magisk Manager app. Before you start patching, you would want to change Magisk Manager's update channel to Public Beta. This is because Magisk's latest version (i.e. v21.0) is only available on the beta channel and hasn't been pushed to the stable channel yet (at least at the time of publishing this tutorial).
To do this, press the settings icon on the top-right, tap on "Update channel" and select "Beta". Then go back to the app's main screen. It should refresh and show you the latest version as v21.0.

Press the "Install" button and then "Select and Patch a File" from the list of available methods. This should open the file selector, so navigate to the internal storage and select the AP firmware you transferred during the previous step.

Once the file is selected, hit "LET'S GO" to start the patching process. This should take a minute or so because the AP firmware is quite a heavy file. Once it is done, the patched AP firmware with the filename "magisk_patched_xxxxx.tar" (where "xxxxx" is an arbitrary code) should be stored inside the "Download" folder of your tab's internal storage.

Step 6: Flash the Patched AP Firmware using Odin
The last step is to flash the patched AP firmware to your Galaxy Tab A7 and root it. For this, connect your tab to the computer over USB and copy the "magisk_patched.tar" file from the Download folder. Paste this patched AP firmware inside the firmware folder that was extracted during step #5, along with the rest of the firmware files (BL, CSC, etc). Disconnect it from the PC after transferring the file.

Now, boot your Tab A7 into Download Mode. Power it off, and connect it to the computer over USB while holding the Volume Up and Volume Down keys together. This should bring up the bootloader screen. Simply tap the Volume Up key once to enter Download Mode. Here's what the Download Mode on the Tab A7 looks like.

Next, download Odin v3.14.1 from this XDA thread (NOT the patched version, but the regular one) and extract the contents of the downloaded ZIP package. Then launch Odin on your computer by double-clicking the "Odin3 v3.14.1.exe" executable and click "Ok" when prompted. You should see the Odin interface on your computer screen now.

Odin should automatically recognize your tab in Download Mode and display the COM ID on the top-left.

Click the 'Options' tab and uncheck the 'Auto Reboot' option. This will prevent the tablet from being automatically restarted after the flash is complete.

Now, load the firmware files in the respective slots of Odin.

• The BL firmware file (BL_T500/5XXXXXXX_xxxxxxxxxxx.tar.md5) goes to the "BL" slot
• The CP firmware file (CP_T505XXXXXX_xxxxxxxxxxx.tar.md5) goes to the "CP" slot. Note that the CP firmware only applies to the Tab A7 LTE variant with the SM-T505 model number.
• The HOME_CSC firmware file (HOME_CSC_OMC_ODM_T500/5XXXXXXX_xxxxxxxxx.tar.md5) goes to the "CSC" slot. We will not be using the regular CSC, as it will erase all the data. If you want to do that, feel free to use it.
• And finally, the patched AP firmware file (magisk_patched.tar) goes to the "AP" slot.

Once the files are loaded in their respective slots, hit the "Start" button to flash them to your tab.

• Note: While you could get away with just flashing the patched AP firmware alone, John recommends NOT doing it. Always flash the patched AP along with the rest of the firmware files like BL, CSC, etc.

Wait for the flash to finish. Once it is, you should see the 'PASS!' message in Odin. Like so:

You can now close the Odin window and disconnect your tab from the computer.

Step 7: Perform a Factory Reset
Once the flash is complete, you will need to manually boot your tablet into the stock recovery mode and do a factory reset. This is only mandatory during the initial rooting process, which is exactly what we are doing here.

To do this, hold the Volume Down and Power keys together for about 7 seconds. As soon as the screen turns off, release the Volume Down key and quickly hold the Volume Up key, while still holding the Power key. Keep holding the keys until you see the stock recovery screen.

You should now see the stock recovery screen with some device information in yellow color at the top. Like so:

Use the Volume keys to move the selector to 'Wipe data/factory reset' and hit the Power key to confirm the selection.

You will now see a confirmation prompt on the screen. Select 'Factory Data Reset' to confirm and finally perform a factory reset.

Once done, select the 'Reboot system now' option from the recovery's main menu. Your Tab A7 should now reboot may be more than once, so be patient.

We're not done yet. After booting, you will need to open the Magisk app from the app drawer and follow the on-screen instructions to replace the Magisk stub with the actual full application, and further complete the required setup when prompted by Magisk app.

Once this is done, your Tab A7 should reboot one last time and should be rooted thereafter.

Your Tab is Rooted!
You may now go ahead and start using root applications, install some modules, etc. Since v20.4, Magisk Hide has been disabled by default on new installations in light of the new hardware-backed SafetyNet attestation. So, to use banking/security, or any other sort of apps that may detect root, you will need to turn ON Magisk Hide from within the Magisk App settings.

That's all from my side. If you run into any issues, feel free to post. Don't forget to share details like the software version your tab is on, the firmware package you downloaded and used, and of course your tab's complete model number.

hello, my tablet reboot for a 1 hour it's normal? it's a galaxy tab a7

 

[wantowan2]

Does the region matter so long as the language is the same? I can't find firmware for Canada

 

[wantowan2]

Hi and thanks for this post.
Its been a while for me. I was used to compiling roms and kernels.
I came up with an error in odin.
These pics aren't in the right order but they show before, after and where i got the files.
I even tried erasing my samsung and google accounts that odin said and that didn't work.
I confirmed that the bootloader is unlocked too.
I tried a second copy of the patched AP file.
recommendations?

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