How To Guide Root Guide for Galaxy Tab S8/S8+/S8Ultra

[TENlll423]

I've found over the many years (note 4) with Samsung devices that ability to freeze apps with TiBu (debloatIng) is a huge +. I have gone to rooting for that reason almost alone. Plus now I have some apps that require root I can't do without.
Don't worry about trading in your device with Samsung after unlocking the bootloader just relock it and send it in. Been doing this since Tab s2 with no problem. I sent tab s7 back for the Tab s8 plus (had bootloader unlocked and rooted) and Samsung has never said a word... Makes me think they Easley have a way of fixing the knox blown efuse thing.
Anyway, I always root my tablets. Why would they make it possible (unlike their Snapdragon phones) to do so if they cared?
Just my 2 cents.

Right on. Thats why i love my OP9Pro. It is easy as hell to root and still use everything as if it wasnt like widevine L1, Banking Apps ,google pay or Wallet. i like font manager, adaway and etc mods. SD Maid is my fav for freezing apps and keeping track of whats all running..

I am super new to samsung and I'm really diving in and wanting to learn about it...
so whats the issue with Knox after rooting?

My xbox one controller with this tab ultra is decent too.
i have So much fun with it at work when im waiting inbetween loads..Asphault 9, CODM, GRID Autosport, and Modern combat is fun...
Try those games you al w/ the controller, you might like it a lot as well....

 

[roirraW "edor" ehT]

I am super new to samsung and I'm really diving in and wanting to learn about it...
so whats the issue with Knox after rooting?

Once you unlock the bootloader of a Samsung device, it permanently trips their "Knox" e-fuse. There is no way to undo it. That makes it, so you can never use Samsung Pay and maybe some other Samsung-specific features. Also, if you return it under warranty, they can see that Knox was tripped and can potentially not honor the warranty, although there are laws against that, but that doesn't always stop them.

 

[TENlll423]

Once you unlock the bootloader of a Samsung device, it permanently trips their "Knox" e-fuse. There is no way to undo it. That makes it, so you can never use Samsung Pay and maybe some other Samsung-specific features. Also, if you return it under warranty, they can see that Knox was tripped and can potentially not honor the warranty, although there are laws against that, but that doesn't always stop them.

Thanks for the info and yeah I've been reading up on it...
As of now I'm going to hold off on rooting this tablet.
With me being able to debloat using my OnePlus 9 pro w/ adb and fastboot NDK I'm good with that..
I just got rid of digital well-being which is great.
I hate that overly intrusive app... LOL...
also if there is any apps or services I shouldn't get rid of if any of y'ou all could let me know on a PM or on here I'd appreciate it..
I'm thinking about getting rid of that Bixby stuff but I'm going to read up on it more... Thanks

 

[roirraW "edor" ehT]

Thanks for the info and yeah I've been reading up on it...
As of now I'm going to hold off on rooting this tablet.
With me being able to debloat using my OnePlus 9 pro w/ adb and fastboot NDK I'm good with that..
I just got rid of digital well-being which is great.
I hate that overly intrusive app... LOL...
also if there is any apps or services I shouldn't get rid of if any of y'ou all could let me know on a PM or on here I'd appreciate it..
I'm thinking about getting rid of that Bixby stuff but I'm going to read up on it more... Thanks

I'm pretty sure there's already a thread in this section for that. Try any of the following Quick Filters at the top of the list of threads in this section - it should be one of them:

• How To Guide
• General
• Thems / Apps / Mods

Nevermind, you already found it.

 

[exocetdj]

can confirm rooted and updated to oneUI 5.0 with the following steps from the OP (with data intact)

3: Root update:
-use Frija or something else to get the latest file according to your device and your CSC :
-patch the whole AP file with magisk
-use Odin to flash AP (the patched one), CP, BL and Home_CSC (using CSC will wipe)
-Press and hold Vol-down and Power let go of all buttons once the screen turn on.
-You have root, data kept and update

 

[Dhimas97]

Hello, Sorry guys if this a repeated question.
I wanted to buy S8 Wifi version (that only I can afford). But I also very likely to have root on all my device. I read there's a e-fuse and Knox thing, I don't have any experience with Samsung before. So I doing this research,

1. After i unlocked the bootloader which is the first step to gain root, is the e-fuse will be broke ?
2. Which apps that will be not working? (I dex affected?)
3. Is any hardware related will be not working or degrading in quality ? Such as camera will be noisy (like Sony)

You guys are expert and might have more experience, please please tell me details about it . I didn't get satisfaction on Google search regarding my question.

 

[googlephoneFKLenAsh]

Hello, Sorry guys if this a repeated question.
I wanted to buy S8 Wifi version (that only I can afford). But I also very likely to have root on all my device. I read there's a e-fuse and Knox thing, I don't have any experience with Samsung before. So I doing this research,

1. After i unlocked the bootloader which is the first step to gain root, is the e-fuse will be broke ?
2. Which apps that will be not working? (I dex affected?)
3. Is any hardware related will be not working or degrading in quality ? Such as camera will be noisy (like Sony)

You guys are expert and might have more experience, please please tell me details about it . I didn't get satisfaction on Google search regarding my question.

1. Yes.
2. Knox, secure folder, samsung pass and some third party apps which not allowing unlocked bootloader unlock.
3. No.

 

[ElsaReyes]

Yes hi, I just tried to follow this guide to root the new Android 13 update but it didn't work. When I tried to flash the magisk patched AP file with Odin it came up Failed. And then I would have to factory data reset my tablet to get the tablet working again.

Does this guide, or Magisk just not work for Android 13 yet?

Cause followed the guide awhile back to root android 12, and I did exactly what I did now, and it all worked fine.

Hope someone can help.

 

[studyhuan]

can confirm rooted and updated to oneUI 5.0 with the following steps from the OP (with data intact)

3: Root update:
-use Frija or something else to get the latest file according to your device and your CSC :
-patch the whole AP file with magisk
-use Odin to flash AP (the patched one), CP, BL and Home_CSC (using CSC will wipe)
-Press and hold Vol-down and Power let go of all buttons once the screen turn on.
-You have root, data kept and update

Do you have any issue since you rooted your device? Dex, S-pen?

I also want to install linux via chroot termux. Does anyone want to share experiences?

 

[studyhuan]

Yes hi, I just tried to follow this guide to root the new Android 13 update but it didn't work. When I tried to flash the magisk patched AP file with Odin it came up Failed. And then I would have to factory data reset my tablet to get the tablet working again.

Does this guide, or Magisk just not work for Android 13 yet?

Cause followed the guide awhile back to root android 12, and I did exactly what I did now, and it all worked fine.

Hope someone can help.

I have to unlock bootloader in order to flash android 13. I use csc is EUX.
I can't re-relock back bootloader.
Mine is X806.

 

[avozi]

3: Root update:
-use Frija or something else to get the latest file according to your device and your CSC :
-patch the whole AP file with magisk
-use Odin to flash AP (the patched one), CP, BL and Home_CSC (using CSC will wipe)
-Press and hold Vol-down and Power let go of all buttons once the screen turn on.
-You have root, data kept and update
Hello i have update my Tabs S8u Androdi 13
ROOT update doesent work i have bootloop in Samsung Logo !!!!
any ideas ?

 

[exocetdj]

Do you have any issue since you rooted your device? Dex, S-pen?

I also want to install linux via chroot termux. Does anyone want to share experiences?

No issues as i do not use TWRP at present - however on my last samsung phone - fold 3 - installing TWRP caused issues with DEX etc.

Im rooted and fully functional (bar pay and pass etc)

 

[Oranath]

Trying to root but having no luck so far, does anyone have any other tips for getting the OEM Unlock option to show in developer settings? I've tried the date/time trick and tried factory resetting and then doing the date/time trick again, that's worked in the past but no luck here.

I have a tab s8 ultra bought direct from samsung UK if anyone has had any luck with one of those?

 

[studyhuan]

Trying to root but having no luck so far, does anyone have any other tips for getting the OEM Unlock option to show in developer settings? I've tried the date/time trick and tried factory resetting and then doing the date/time trick again, that's worked in the past but no luck here.

I have a tab s8 ultra bought direct from samsung UK if anyone has had any luck with one of those?

Did you also turn off auto update system in developer settings ?

Another way I did is flash back whatever version shows OEM unlock.
Right now I don't not what people exactly got after rooting devices. I show waring message while booting because I rooted my s8+ 5g.

 

[minochi91]

How to Root (or update an already-rooted device)​

​

Prereqs​

1. Install the USB driver from https://developer.samsung.com/android-usb-driver
2. Get the latest Odin from https://odindownloader.com/category/download and unzip it
3. Get the latest Frija from https://github.com/SlackingVeteran/frija/releases and unzip it
4. Start Frija and begin downloading the latest firmware for your Model and CSC:View attachment 5574197
   1. Model Numbers
      • S8 Ultra 5G: SM-X906
      • S8 Ultra Wifi: SM-X900
      • S8+ 5G: SM-X806
      • S8+ Wifi: SM-X800
      • S8 5G: SM-X706
      • S8 Wifi: SM-X700
   2. CSC: Settings > About Tablet > Software Information > Service provider software version

​

Step 1 - Prepare your Tablet (only necessary for first install on unrooted device)​

1. While Frija is downloading the firmware, prepare your device by doing the following:
2. Settings > About Tablet > Software Information > Click Build Number 7 times quickly
3. Developer Options (just below About Tablet on the left column)
   • Turn on USB Debugging
   • Turn on OEM unlocking
     • NOTE: If the OEM Unlocking option doesn't appear, connect the device to the internet, wait a few minutes, then try again
4. Power tablet completely off (Hold volume down + power button if you haven't changed the Bixby settings)
5. While holding volume up and volume down, plug the tablet into your PC via USB
   • Let go of volume keys as soon as the blue-green screen shows up
6. Press and hold volume up for 5 seconds, the screen will change to a confirmation prompt
7. Press volume up again to confirm, the tablet will reboot
8. Unplug your tablet from USB
9. Go through initial setup. Don't bother copying files or installing anything.
10. Skip signing in to your Google account and Samsung account. You won't be using them for this step.
11. Settings > About Tablet > Software Information > Click Build Number 7 times quickly
12. Developer Options (just below About Tablet on the left column)
    • Turn on USB Debugging
13. Reboot the tablet

​

Step 2 - Patch the stock firmware to make it rooted​

1. Frija should have finished downloading by now, unzip the file (remember where you unzipped it to)
2. Plug your tablet in to your computer via USB and click Allow if it prompts to allow data access
3. If this is your first install / you're rooting the tablet for the first time:
   1. Download Magisk-vXX.XX.apk from the topmost release at https://github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk/releases
   2. Copy the Magisk-vXX.XX.apk and the AP_xxx_xxx_tar.md5 from the zip file Frija downloaded to:
      • This PC > Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra > Internal Storage > Download
   3. Open the My Files app on the tablet and browse to Downloads
   4. Click the Magisk-vXX.XX.apk and it will prompt you to click Settings
   5. In Settings, turn on My Files, then it will give you a prompt to Install
   6. When Magisk is done installing, click Open
4. If your tablet was already rooted, and you're just updating:
   1. Copy the AP_xxx_xxx_tar.md5 from the zip file Frija downloaded to:
      • This PC > Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra > Internal Storage > Download
5. After the file is done copying, unplug your tablet from USB
6. In Magisk, click Install in the top Magisk area, then the option for Select and Patch a file
7. Click My Files > Downloads, select the AP_XXX_XXX.tar.md5 file and click Done at the bottom
8. Click Lets Go -> After a few moments, it should display this (ignore 'Installation failed' at the top, it always does that):View attachment 5574199

Step 3 - Apply the rooted firmware​

1. Plug your tablet back in to USB, then on your PC, go back to This PC > Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra > Internal Storage > Download and copy the magisk_patched-xxx.tar file back to the folder where you unzipped the zip file from Frija
2. After the copy is finished, unplug your tablet from your PC and turn the tablet off
3. While holding volume up and volume down, plug the tablet into your PC via USB
   • Let go of volume keys as soon as the blue-green screen shows up
4. Click volume up briefly (don't hold it) to go into download mode
5. Start Odin and accept the disclaimer prompt.
6. Click BL and select the BL_XXX_XXX.tar.md5 file where you unzipped the zip file from Frija
7. Click AP and select the magisk_patched-XXX.tar file
8. If this is your first install / you're rooting the tablet for the first time (this WILL wipe your data):
   • Click CSC and select the CSC_XXX_XXX.tar.md5
9. If your tablet was already rooted, and you're just updating (this WILL NOT wipe your data):
   • Click CSC and select the HOME_CSC_XXX_XXX.tar.md5
10. Odin should now look like this:View attachment 5574201
11. Click Start. When it's finished, Odin will display "PASS!" and the tablet will automatically reboot.

Step 4 - Verify and finalize​

1. Go through the normal setup, signing in to your Google and Samsung accounts this time
2. Click on Magisk that is now pre-installed, and go through the Settings step to allow it to install again
3. It should prompt you that your device needs additional setup and one more reboot, click OK
4. After rebooting, your device should be fully rooted. Use a root checker app if you want to verify.

​

Step 5 (optional) - Get Netflix (and banking apps etc) working with root​

1. Install https://github.com/Fox2Code/FoxMagiskModuleManager/releases and run it
2. Search for Universal Safetynet Fix by kdrag0n and install it
3. In Magisk settings click Systemless hosts, turn on Zygisk, turn on Enforce Denylist
4. Click Configure Denylist, then the 3 dot menu and Show System Apps
   1. Search for Google Play Store, click it, check the check and turn on all options underneath
   2. Search for Google Play Services, click it, turn on .gms and .gms.unstable ONLY
   3. Search for Netflix, click it, check the check and turn on all options underneath
   4. (optional) Add your bank / pay app, etc here if you'd like
5. In Settings > Apps, search for Google Play Services and Google Play Store and clear all data (not just cache) for each
6. Reboot
   1. NOTE - This is currently only passing Widevine level 3, so Netflix is limited to SD. I'm still trying to figure out how to get L1 / full HD.

have you ever tried it? and is Samsung DeX still running well after root?

 

[minochi91]

These are the steps I followed to get it working:

1. Didn't have Netflix currently installed
2. Enable Zygisk in Magisk settings, then reboot.
2. Enable Enforce DenyList in Magisk settings, then go to Configure DenyList.
3. Enable show system apps with the menu on the top-right, then search "google play services".
4. Enable DenyList for com.google.android.gms & com.google.android.gms.unstable (you have to expand the section under the play services to see the second thing), then enable it for Google play store for all of it's options, then reboot.
5. Download and install the latest version of the safetynet fix for zygisk module, then reboot.
6. Go to settings > apps, find google play service & google play store, clear data for both of them, reboot.
7. Go back into deny list and make sure both things are still enabled (mine had unchecked the play services one's)
8. Reboot again if it had become disabled
9. Go to play store, search for Netflix, install it, but don't open it.
10. Open Magisk > Configure DenyList, search for Netflix, enable DenyList for everything, reboot.
11. Wait for 1-2 mins after the reboot, then open Netflix and check that the full HD resolution is available this time and that it says L1 instead of L3.

have you ever tried it? and is Samsung DeX still running well after root?

 

[old_fart]

I watched this youtube video ( tricky part at eight minutes. ) and was able to acquire root first time. I am now looking for a stable recover so I can make nandroid backups like I did ~ seven years ago. A guys got to dream . . .

 

[lloydsw]

Is it possible to update to 13 & keep root using this guide?

 

[old_fart]

Is it possible to update to 13 & keep root using this guide?

.
I am on 13.

Well I went to 13 first and rooted second. After you're rooted, come back and click my 'like' button . . . I have used this method three times. Got a ( relatively speaking ) old tab too and that works also.

 

[old_fart]

Found that Samfrew has Android 13 for the usa model. The csc is xar.
XAR-X900XXU2BVK4-20221128152037.zip
.
Interesting. Usa tab has less hw to it but the sw is 1.156 mega bytes bigger. Wow, that's a lot of bloat !
( I got a 906N, very little bloat model because I want to use Google Maps in the car . . . band 41 )