Bypass the Samsung Galaxy S9+ Snapdragon's boot-loader SM-G965W - Samsung Galaxy S9+ Questions & Answers

Hi guys, I'm yet consistently looking for a way to bypass the Samsung Galaxy S9+ Snapdragon's bootloader (SM-G965W) and root the device. Please let me know if I have missed any progress on the S9+ SD root that took place from my sight. There are few links out there, but all of them want to start with "activate OEM unlock." In my case, the OEM option doesn't even exist in the SM-G965W model (in developer mode).

Good luck. :silly:

Even if you flash to the U1 firmware, OEM Unlock still does not appear in Developer Options.

Based on previous history over the last few years , and lack of ANY progress in this area.
Hell will freeze over before this ever happens.
Sell the crapdragon and buy an exynos, problem solved...well other than waiting 168hrs of up time for OEM unlock to appear.
sent from my Exynos S9 plus, Pixel 2 XL or Note FE

force70 said:
Based on previous history over the last few years , and lack of ANY progress in this area.
Hell will freeze over before this ever happens.
Sell the crapdragon and buy an exynos, problem solved...well other than waiting 168hrs of up time for OEM unlock to appear.
sent from my Exynos S9 plus, Pixel 2 XL or Note FE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought the exynos varient is inferior in terms of battery life and gpu?

IllyaK said:
I thought the exynos varient is inferior in terms of battery life and gpu?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A minute variance. Not that great. However its all perspective.

I would agree on GPU for sure but if you dont game it wont matter.
I was worried about the battery life before i bought mine honestly but its been great. Close to par with my pixel 2 XL so i have no complaints.
I did mean more in the sense of not being locked down, we have twrp, root, roms , kernels etc.
The snap is a paperweight in this regard.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

force70 said:
I would agree on GPU for sure but if you dont game it wont matter.
I was worried about the battery life before i bought mine honestly but its been great. Close to par with my pixel 2 XL so i have no complaints.
I did mean more in the sense of not being locked down, we have twrp, root, roms , kernels etc.
The snap is a paperweight in this regard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seeing that your using an iPhone you have no say lol. j/k

jolly_roger_hook said:
Seeing that your using an iPhone you have no say lol. j/k
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
XD

jcsww said:
Even if you flash to the U1 firmware, OEM Unlock still does not appear in Developer Options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, that's painful.

jolly_roger_hook said:
Seeing that your using an iPhone you have no say lol. j/k
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha, hey i wont hold it against you...I use it for work...thats all trust me
sent from my Exynos S9 plus, Pixel 2 XL or Note FE

bigmaster said:
Hi guys, I'm yet consistently looking for a way to bypass the Samsung Galaxy S9+ Snapdragon's bootloader (SM-G965W) and root the device. Please let me know if I have missed any progress on the S9+ SD root that took place from my sight. There are few links out there, but all of them want to start with "activate OEM unlock." In my case, the OEM option doesn't even exist in the SM-G965W model (in developer mode).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The U and W variants are never unlockable, and as it stands now all preexisting root methods for previous devices have been patched.
The U1 variant is not, nor has t ever been bootloader unlockable. The "unlocked" in it's name refers to the fact that it is sim unlocked and can work on any carrier.
There is however a snapdragon device that does have an unlockable bootloader. It's the 9650/9600 and last year with the s8 it was only available in China/Hong Kong, but this year with the so family they are selling it in Central and South America, so there is modem firmware that works perfectly fine in the US.
I'm writing this on one now, with 4g+ and volte on vzw using stock firmware, and oem lock off and 0x1 knox waiting for RMM status normal to flash twrp again

partcyborg said:
The U and W variants are never unlockable, and as it stands now all preexisting root methods for previous devices have been patched.
The U1 variant is not, nor has t ever been bootloader unlockable. The "unlocked" in it's name refers to the fact that it is sim unlocked and can work on any carrier.
There is however a snapdragon device that does have an unlockable bootloader. It's the 9650/9600 and last year with the s8 it was only available in China/Hong Kong, but this year with the so family they are selling it in Central and South America, so there is modem firmware that works perfectly fine in the US.
I'm writing this on one now, with 4g+ and volte on vzw using stock firmware, and oem lock off and 0x1 knox waiting for RMM status normal to flash twrp again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Finally, a matured answer to my sincere question; many out there just wanted to show off that they are better than others and full of mockeries. Thank you @partcyborg for enlightening me on this issue; so the million dollars answer is 9650/9600 model firmware for my SM-G965W? :good:

bigmaster said:
Finally, a matured answer to my sincere question; many out there just wanted to show off that they are better than others and full of mockeries. Thank you @partcyborg for enlightening me on this issue; so the million dollars answer is 9650/9600 model firmware for my SM-G965W? :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That will instantly hard brick your device if you are successful in flashing it (most likely, you simply wouldnt be). Samsung specifically uses different chains of trust for these devices to keep US users from doing exactly this. We had several hard bricks to edl with the s8 caused by this, and were unable to fix them ourselves until the firehose programmer popped up letting us flash from edl.

partcyborg said:
That will instantly hard brick your device if you are successful in flashing it (most likely, you simply wouldnt be). Samsung specifically uses different chains of trust for these devices to keep US users from doing exactly this. We had several hard bricks to edl with the s8 caused by this, and were unable to fix them ourselves until the firehose programmer popped up letting us flash from edl.
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Click to collapse
Thanks. So what should I do, I don't want to give up on "rooting" my phone? Please help.

bigmaster said:
Thanks. So what should I do, I don't want to give up on "rooting" my phone? Please help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bro im not sure how up to date you are on the US snap S9 or how much experience or past history you have with sammy but there is no option for root on that device now.
You either can wait to see if it happens which it may, but historically its broken and makes the device run terrible (s7) or limits charging (s8).
Or ditch the locked down POS and go with an exynos or a HK snap version. Which is IMO the best option which is why i went exynos.
Sorry to be blunt but those are your current options.
sent from my Exynos S9 plus, Pixel 2 XL or Note FE

bigmaster said:
Thanks. So what should I do, I don't want to give up on "rooting" my phone? Please help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My guess is the 960U/965U will be rooted eventually, but as the previous commented alludes to, it wont be the same as a device with OEM unlock. Long story short, you can flash system images but not boot or recovery, and as such no one really bothers to make roms for it. For a stretch I had the only G950U/G955U rom on the site.
I agree get rid of it if you can With two options existing this year for unlocked international devices, there is really no reason to go another way if you can afford it. Return the 965U if you can, or sell it online if you cant. My only difference in opinion is I think the 9650 (unlocked snapdragon) is a better buy this year, given that:
1) The Exynos has really bad issues with CPU governing and maybe something else, and
2) The 9650 works on all US carriers (mine is sitting here on VZW with a 4g+ signal and VOLTE fully functional)
3) With the s9+ being a treble device, the specific vendor should not be nearly the same factor in running a rom, as for basically anything designed for the s9 should be compatible on either version (as you will leave the vendor partition alone)

partcyborg said:
My guess is the 960U/965U will be rooted eventually, but as the previous commented alludes to, it wont be the same as a device with OEM unlock. Long story short, you can flash system images but not boot or recovery, and as such no one really bothers to make roms for it. For a stretch I had the only G950U/G955U rom on the site.
I agree get rid of it if you can With two options existing this year for unlocked international devices, there is really no reason to go another way if you can afford it. Return the 965U if you can, or sell it online if you cant. My only difference in opinion is I think the 9650 (unlocked snapdragon) is a better buy this year, given that:
1) The Exynos has really bad issues with CPU governing and maybe something else, and
2) The 9650 works on all US carriers (mine is sitting here on VZW with a 4g+ signal and VOLTE fully functional)
3) With the s9+ being a treble device, the specific vendor should not be nearly the same factor in running a rom, as for basically anything designed for the s9 should be compatible on either version (as you will leave the vendor partition alone)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would love to know exactly which firmware version and regional CSC you're on, in which you can enable VoLTE on verizon.

Hell will freeze over before this ever happens.
Hell will freeze over before this ever happens.
Sell the crapdragon and buy an exynos, problem solved...well other than waiting 168hrs of up time for OEM unlock to appear.
sent from my Exynos S9 plus, Pixel 2 XL or Note FE

force70 said:
Bro im not sure how up to date you are on the US snap S9 or how much experience or past history you have with sammy but there is no option for root on that device now.
You either can wait to see if it happens which it may, but historically its broken and makes the device run terrible (s7) or limits charging (s8).
Or ditch the locked down POS and go with an exynos or a HK snap version. Which is IMO the best option which is why i went exynos.
Sorry to be blunt but those are your current options.
sent from my Exynos S9 plus, Pixel 2 XL or Note FE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can see that you are from Toronto as well; FYI, I have the SM-G965W model on Rogers' network. I been rooting all my phones previously, except the LG V20 and sold that for that very reason and got this S9+. My last galaxy phone was S2, and so I didn't seem aware of the OEM lock issues on the higher galaxy models. Seriously, selling the phone is a real pain, and losing its value; that's why I'm trying to find another solution. The only reason I'm still hoping to root G965W is that I have seen people successfully converted their G965W model into other rooted versions. Please help
partcyborg said:
My guess is the 960U/965U will be rooted eventually, but as the previous commented alludes to, it wont be the same as a device with OEM unlock. Long story short, you can flash system images but not boot or recovery, and as such no one really bothers to make roms for it. For a stretch I had the only G950U/G955U rom on the site.
I agree get rid of it if you can With two options existing this year for unlocked international devices, there is really no reason to go another way if you can afford it. Return the 965U if you can, or sell it online if you cant. My only difference in opinion is I think the 9650 (unlocked snapdragon) is a better buy this year, given that:
1) The Exynos has really bad issues with CPU governing and maybe something else, and
2) The 9650 works on all US carriers (mine is sitting here on VZW with a 4g+ signal and VOLTE fully functional)
3) With the s9+ being a treble device, the specific vendor should not be nearly the same factor in running a rom, as for basically anything designed for the s9 should be compatible on either version (as you will leave the vendor partition alone)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again. If I were to sell my G965W and buy another phone, then the 9650 (unlocked snapdragon) would be your first choice? Will that work on Canadian network such as Rogers'?

Related

S7 bootloader unlock petition

Anybody interested in the bootloader and unlocking it I encourage you to sign this petition. These phones are ours to use how we see fit and the more noise we make the better our chances are. I bought this phone under the assumption that nothing had changed and for Samsung to change their policies without notice isn't acceptable for me and hopefully you as well. Thank you
Petition
brendan802 said:
Anybody interested in the bootloader and unlocking it I encourage you to sign this petition. These phones are ours to use how we see fit and the more noise we make the better our chances are. I bought this phone under the assumption that nothing had changed and for Samsung to change their policies without notice isn't acceptable for me and hopefully you as well. Thank you
Petition
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bootloaders have been locked down on samsung devices for a long time. Tmobile was lucky enough to have them open. This will never happen.
this is the end..
signed.
Signed
Never happened with the Note 3 despite similar petitions, likely never going to happen with the S7 either. I do agree that if you own the phone outright (not on a lease from AT&T) then you should be able to do as you please with it and once you completed the lease then you should be allowed to unlock the bootloader.
naiku said:
Never happened with the Note 3 despite similar petitions, likely never going to happen with the S7 either. I do agree that if you own the phone outright (not on a lease from AT&T) then you should be able to do as you please with it and once you completed the lease then you should be allowed to unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like to say that technically through ATT it is not a lease, it is a payment plan. That would be like buying a house or a car not leasing in which case they are both considered yours right off the bat. Yes you are making payments on it but if the deal is done properly you will never return the phone to ATT making it yours, unlike a lease.
whoamanwtf said:
I would like to say that technically through ATT it is not a lease, it is a payment plan. That would be like buying a house or a car not leasing in which case they are both considered yours right off the bat. Yes you are making payments on it but if the deal is done properly you will never return the phone to ATT making it yours, unlike a lease.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is a very good point, however I can at least understand with AT&T that until you pay for that phone in full it is not considered yours. I would not be surprised if they have something in the fine print on the Next plan that says something to that effect. Note - I do agree with you entirely, I am paying for a phone and should be able to do whatever the heck I want with it.
If you're going to write a petition to these companies, you should run it through a proofreader and spell check. Nobody will take that seriously written the way it is. Also, if you want it to gain more traction, you should probably share it in the Galaxy S7 subreddit as well at www.reddit.com/r/galaxys7.
Don't think it will happen with Samsung Pay. They are very protective of it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
With no upgrade availability for any of the phone numbers on my account, I paid full price for my S7 Edge, so I own my phone outright and want the bootloader unlocked!
What happens when this reaches 1500? With a locked bootloader aren't things such as root and safestrap still feasible?
TheZander said:
What happens when this reaches 1500? With a locked bootloader aren't things such as root and safestrap still feasible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes root it possible. Not sure about safe strap.
Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk
billydroid said:
Yes root it possible. Not sure about safe strap.
Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root is still a longshot and I'd go as far as saying that safestrap won't happen at all. Look at the past, the AT&T S6 barely got root, still doesn't have more than like 2 ROMs, and is entirely dependent on one root method that supports two specific builds and an app called Flashfire. Samsung, on behalf of the carriers, is doing everything in their power to make rooting and custom ROMs an impossible feat. With that being said, let's take a look at the AT&T Note 5. It still has just received root from the same people who are supporting root on the S6 (from what I've seen, PingPongRoot was born and died with an earlier S6 build). The majority of the big devs who used to put in the work for supporting Samsung devices have all jumped ship to devices that aren't as heavily locked down. Unfortunately, I think the dev scene for Samsung devices that aren't the international or T-Mobile versions is pretty much dead (even the Tmo Note 5 isn't getting much love). The only redemption here is that the S7 uses a qualcomm processor, not an exynos, which is much more heavily documented, meaning that if someone is able to crack open the bootloader, the ROMs (and more importantly, the kernels) will be much easier to build. This is all just my 2 cents, I hope someone does accomplish the unthinkable and achieve all of this, but in the meantime, if you want to stick with Samsung, buckle up and enjoy the stock touchwiz. You'll probably be on it for a while.
TekGadgt said:
Root is still a longshot and I'd go as far as saying that safestrap won't happen at all. Look at the past, the AT&T S6 barely got root, still doesn't have more than like 2 ROMs, and is entirely dependent on one root method that supports two specific builds and an app called Flashfire. Samsung, on behalf of the carriers, is doing everything in their power to make rooting and custom ROMs an impossible feat. With that being said, let's take a look at the AT&T Note 5. It still has just received root from the same people who are supporting root on the S6 (from what I've seen, PingPongRoot was born and died with an earlier S6 build). The majority of the big devs who used to put in the work for supporting Samsung devices have all jumped ship to devices that aren't as heavily locked down. Unfortunately, I think the dev scene for Samsung devices that aren't the international or T-Mobile versions is pretty much dead (even the Tmo Note 5 isn't getting much love). The only redemption here is that the S7 uses a qualcomm processor, not an exynos, which is much more heavily documented, meaning that if someone is able to crack open the bootloader, the ROMs (and more importantly, the kernels) will be much easier to build. This is all just my 2 cents, I hope someone does accomplish the unthinkable and achieve all of this, but in the meantime, if you want to stick with Samsung, buckle up and enjoy the stock touchwiz. You'll probably be on it for a while.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you. The real kicker for me is what T-Mobile is doing, which is my carrier. Almost every device on tmo had the ability to get root and be unlocked. But they are getting on board with Verizon and AT&T and requested devices be locked down. Then they lie to us and say it's the manufacturers. They had them lock down the LG g5, which LG always gave us a unlock method,.garbage.
Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk
dubbactrumpetmsu said:
If you're going to write a petition to these companies, you should run it through a proofreader and spell check. Nobody will take that seriously written the way it is. Also, if you want it to gain more traction, you should probably share it in the Galaxy S7 subreddit as well at www.reddit.com/r/galaxys7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you, I would love to sign a petition and I'm glad someone started one, but this petition has too many mistakes to even count. I doubt any company is going to take it very seriously. No disrespect intended to the person who wrote it, but it needs to be re-written.
Best hope for us is for the mandatory arbitration clause to go away. That would enable a group of users to sue when a locked bootloader prevents them from upgraded their phone. Older phones are susceptible to vulnerabilities because AT&T doesn't continue to roll out updates and the locked bootloader prevents you from updating the phone on your own.
I could be wrong, but I think this could be a pathway.
In the history of these sites and smartphones I don't think any company has ever unlocked the bootloader for any petition, and there have been plenty of them. I don't think they ever will. As much as I agree that it shouldn't be locked, especially if you outright own the phone, this is just a lost cause.
This thread about an app called "crom" in China is interesting: http://forum.xda-developers.com/sprint-s7-edge/help/code-t3379915/page24
Posted in the Sprint S7 edge forums. I guess the China varient is able to have its bootloader unlocked with this app...
xjimmy said:
This thread about an app called "crom" in China is interesting: http://forum.xda-developers.com/sprint-s7-edge/help/code-t3379915/page24
Posted in the Sprint S7 edge forums. I guess the China varient is able to have its bootloader unlocked with this app...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
China's bootloader isn't as locked down as ours in the states is...[emoji30]
Sent from my SM-G935T using XDA-Developers mobile app

Is the SM-N950U a T-Mobile phone or just a carrier-less unlocked phone?

Hi everyone. It's been a minute since I've been here. I currently have a T-Mobile Note 3 rooted with a custom ROM (yikes...I know) that I only use for work since it's pretty freaking tough. I also have a T-mobile Note 4 that I use for when I'm not at work...also rooted with a custom ROM. Both are still going with not apparent issues but obviously they are becoming obsolete. I would like to "upgrade " to a Note 8 (T-Mobile) which eventually I'll be back here to see what great minds have accomplished for it, but as I'm looking online for purchase I get hit with different model numbers when searching for it. I doubt SM-N950T is a legit one but I see phones on sale with that description. I know for a fact the "true" model number from Samsung is SM-N950UZKATMB. Now I mostly see SM-N950U (or U1) for sale. Is that the correct (short version) of the model number for the T-Mobile version or is like the title says? If not then what is the correct one... and lets say if I do get a SM-N950U what would be the limitations of using it with T-Mobile? Difference between U and U1? Sorry I searched but I feel I would get the best answer here. Thank you very much for everyone's time!
mrrobc97 said:
Hi everyone. It's been a minute since I've been here. I currently have a T-Mobile Note 3 rooted with a custom ROM (yikes...I know) that I only use for work since it's pretty freaking tough. I also have a T-mobile Note 4 that I use for when I'm not at work...also rooted with a custom ROM. Both are still going with not apparent issues but obviously they are becoming obsolete. I would like to "upgrade " to a Note 8 (T-Mobile) which eventually I'll be back here to see what great minds have accomplished for it, but as I'm looking online for purchase I get hit with different model numbers when searching for it. I doubt SM-N950T is a legit one but I see phones on sale with that description. I know for a fact the "true" model number from Samsung is SM-N950UZKATMB. Now I mostly see SM-N950U (or U1) for sale. Is that the correct (short version) of the model number for the T-Mobile version or is like the title says? If not then what is the correct one... and lets say if I do get a SM-N950U what would be the limitations of using it with T-Mobile? Difference between U and U1? Sorry I searched but I feel I would get the best answer here. Thank you very much for everyone's time!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U = Carrier branded full of bloatware whether it's AT&T, Verizon or T-Mobile it doesn't matter the phone will select the correct carrier based on the sim card you put in there.. U1 = No carrier bloatware.. The N950U and U1 are not exactly made for roms and mods and such because the bootloader cannot be unlocked in neither version.. If you have T-Mobile and you want to root and do roms and mods your best bet is to get the international N950F version since the bootloader can be unlocked but I suggest if you go this route that you do a lot of research and reading and don't do what others keep doing like deleting their /efs folder and not having the original backup thereby screwing themselves and making the phone a paperweight! Just do your research and you'll be fine!
MrMike2182 said:
U = Carrier branded full of bloatware whether it's AT&T, Verizon or T-Mobile it doesn't matter the phone will select the correct carrier based on the sim card you put in there.. U1 = No carrier bloatware.. The N950U and U1 are not exactly made for roms and mods and such because the bootloader cannot be unlocked in neither version.. If you have T-Mobile and you want to root and do roms and mods your best bet is to get the international N950F version since the bootloader can be unlocked but I suggest if you go this route that you do a lot of research and reading and don't do what others keep doing like deleting their /efs folder and not having the original backup thereby screwing themselves and making the phone a paperweight! Just do your research and you'll be fine!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the reply! So the U versions are gonna be the same headaches as my daughters S7E. I read that the Exynos and Snapdragon are fairly even and since I don't really use my phones for gaming then I should be good with the Exynos version. Questions though since I've never had an international model...do they allow use of T-Mobile wifi calling or do they limit any (usable) feature that you would get with the U version (besides useless bloatware)? Again, thank you.
mrrobc97 said:
Thank you for the reply! So the U versions are gonna be the same headaches as my daughters S7E. I read that the Exynos and Snapdragon are fairly even and since I don't really use my phones for gaming then I should be good with the Exynos version. Questions though since I've never had an international model...do they allow use of T-Mobile wifi calling or do they limit any (usable) feature that you would get with the U version (besides useless bloatware)? Again, thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They're the same old headaches both the U and U1 and your last questions I don't know since I don't have T-Mobile but I would assume that with root access you can do anything you want but I wouldn't count on wifi calling working unless you have their bloatware versions..
MrMike2182 said:
They're the same old headaches both the U and U1 and your last questions I don't know since I don't have T-Mobile but I would assume that with root access you can do anything you want but I wouldn't count on wifi calling working unless you have their bloatware versions..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for all your help!

Advise PLEASE!!! im looking to upgrade from my trusy GS7 edge

I'm interested in the GS9 plus.
I have a the Verizon grandfathered unlimited data plan and would like to maintain my current functionality. I am wondering if the 9 plus fits the bill.
I would like to enable the hotspot without paying a monthly bribe to Verizon.
I would like to continue to use my banking apps with fingerprint login
I would like to continue to enjoy add blocking built in .
if this phone fits the bill what version is best all round ease of rooting and hardware specs.
other than that I don't really care about any other limitations like loss of warranty.
I understand Samsung pay will stop working, its fine I don't use it.
IF you have any recommendation on roms or just tips and tricks I'm all ears.
Thanks
johnny_chimpo said:
I'm interested in the GS9 plus.
I have a the Verizon grandfathered unlimited data plan and would like to maintain my current functionality. I am wondering if the 9 plus fits the bill.
I would like to enable the hotspot without paying a monthly bribe to Verizon.
I would like to continue to use my banking apps with fingerprint login
I would like to continue to enjoy add blocking built in .
if this phone fits the bill what version is best all round ease of rooting and hardware specs.
other than that I don't really care about any other limitations like loss of warranty.
I understand Samsung pay will stop working, its fine I don't use it.
IF you have any recommendation on roms or just tips and tricks I'm all ears.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to get one that is factory unlocked.. If you go carrier unlocked, bootloader is locked and you SOL.... Try to find one that has bootloader unlock and check with verizon first to see if it will work on their network.. I have the unlocked version on T-Mobile, and it works great so far.
Getti g it from ebay. How can i confirm factory unlocked and how can i tell it works with verizen.
Oh ny the way which processor is better snap dragon or exynos?
johnny_chimpo said:
Getti g it from ebay. How can i confirm factory unlocked and how can i tell it works with verizen.
Oh ny the way which processor is better snap dragon or exynos?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to find out from seller which firmware it has. If its say G965U it is network unoc. G965U1 is factory and bootloader can be unlocked.
doubledragon5 said:
You need to find out from seller which firmware it has. If its say G965U it is network unoc. G965U1 is factory and bootloader can be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
does it need the U1 or just the U??
doubledragon5 said:
You need to find out from seller which firmware it has. If its say G965U it is network unoc. G965U1 is factory and bootloader can be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do not spread false information. G965U1's bootloader cannot be unlocked.
ShaDisNX255 said:
Do not spread false information. G965U1's bootloader cannot be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats not what I hear. They are suppose to be factory unlocked. If not blame someone else.
doubledragon5 said:
Thats not what I hear. They are suppose to be factory unlocked. If not blame someone else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Being factory unlockable and bootloader unlockable are two different things. Factory unlock (or "unbranding") just means you can use any SIM card on it without problem. Bootloader unlock means you can flash custom signed images like TWRP, kernels, etc...
All USA models ("U" and "U1") have bootloaders unlocked, without any free way to unlock.
ShaDisNX255 said:
Being factory unlockable and bootloader unlockable are two different things. Factory unlock (or "unbranding") just means you can use any SIM card on it without problem. Bootloader unlock means you can flash custom signed images like TWRP, kernels, etc...
All USA models ("U" and "U1") have bootloaders unlocked, without any free way to unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what model should I get that has the bootloader unlocked how do I check and where can I find or ask ther seller to provide this information.
Im trying not to make an expensive mistake here.
thanks for steping in!
johnny_chimpo said:
So what model should I get that has the bootloader unlocked how do I check and where can I find or ask ther seller to provide this information.
Im trying not to make an expensive mistake here.
thanks for steping in!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, it's a little complex
If you want the easiest root method, the model you should look for is the one that ends with F (G960F/G965F) which are the international, Exynos variants. I think you can find quite a few good ROMs and kernels here and there. I doubt that Verizon would be able to block mobile hotspot, but I can't say for sure because I am not on a Verizon contract and don't know how they do it. But be aware that they're Exynos, some people completely hate Exynos, but I don't think they're as bad as people make them out to be.
The US variants are G960U/U1 and G965U/U1. These are Snapdragon variants. They have bootloader locked so you can't flash things like TWRP or a custom kernel. You can root, but the root method is much harder than the F variants, and have much more limitations. For example, biometrics like FP reader will always be broken. You should look up Extreme Syndicate root method on xda to see what you're getting yourself into. The only good thing about the root method is that knox won't be tripped.
I think there are Korean (or somewhere in the Asian market), Snapdragon variants that can be bootloader unlocked so you get the best of both worlds, but I have no experience using them and don't even know what their model numbers are
I don't know how your bank apps work, so I can't say if you will still be able to log in with your FP.

Question Bye Exynos. Unlocked bootloaders?

With Samsung ditching Exynos. Will bootloaders come unlocked from now on? North America? Europe?
More than likely. Snaps are notoriously hard to root. I wouldn't even consider it with my N10+'s.
Newer models will likely be even more locked down.
Samsung doesn't care to have the niche market of power users anymore. A market they help to create. They just want your green backs.
Samsung used to advertise how they weren't like Apple. Not anymore. Apple did better in the last quarter too. Great plan Sammy... more of the bs that got you into this hole.
blackhawk said:
More than likely. Snaps are notoriously hard to root. I wouldn't even consider it with my N10+'s.
Newer models will likely be even more locked down.
Samsung doesn't care to have the niche market of power users anymore. A market they help to create. They just want your green backs.
Samsung used to advertise how they weren't like Apple. Not anymore. Apple did better in the last quarter too. Great plan Sammy... more of the bs that got you into this hole.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not really hard its just depends on the manufacturer
blackhawk said:
More than likely. Snaps are notoriously hard to root. I wouldn't even consider it with my N10+'s.
Newer models will likely be even more locked down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not like that. Usually before S22 Samsung was giving SD version only to limited carrier and those are locked bootloader so not possible /hard to root
Since S22 many regions got SD like Asian countries and those SD version are as easy to root like exynos
So irrespective of SD or Exynos, root capabilities should remain same regional specific rather than CPU specific
The only SnapDragon CPU devices that are hard to root, are the devices usually designed for South America, at least when it comes to Samsung devices.
dr.ketan said:
It's not like that. Usually before S22 Samsung was giving SD version only to limited carrier and those are locked bootloader so not possible /hard to root
Since S22 many regions got SD like Asian countries and those SD version are as easy to root like exynos
So irrespective of SD or Exynos, root capabilities should remain same regional specific rather than CPU specific
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good news then once proven.
Unfortunately I'm in the US. There's also the Knox efuse that gets tripped. That's ok though as my only real incentive to root would be to get out of Android 11 or higher load. Pie remains my favorite version. The way things are going I'll likely ditch Samsung once I stop using my N10+'s years from now.
dr.ketan said:
It's not like that. Usually before S22 Samsung was giving SD version only to limited carrier and those are locked bootloader so not possible /hard to root
Since S22 many regions got SD like Asian countries and those SD version are as easy to root like exynos
So irrespective of SD or Exynos, root capabilities should remain same regional specific rather than CPU specific
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, i Have now switched to Samsung after years of Oneplus, my journey ended then with the Samsung S5 and started with the OP5t and 8t so far.
Now I have turned back to Samsung and would be very happy to get root support of the Samsung S23 Ultra from you.
I've been watching your site since the S21 and think their work is great.
If one purchases the Tweaks Pro package from you, is there also a Telegram or general support group? I would be happy to join there.
U.S. Carriers demand that Bootloader's be locked down. So it is highly unlikely U.S. models will be unlockable anytime soon.
Paul_Deemer said:
U.S. Carriers demand that Bootloader's be locked down. So it is highly unlikely U.S. models will be unlockable anytime soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is false. Verizon demands it but AT&T and T-Mobile don't care once it has been paid off and SIM unlocked.
EtherealRemnant said:
This is false. Verizon demands it but AT&T and T-Mobile don't care once it has been paid off and SIM unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not False according to this. U.S. S22 models were not rootable so why would the U.S. S23 models be any different?
Paul_Deemer said:
Not False according to this. U.S. S22 models were not rootable so why would the U.S. S23 models be any different?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am saying it's false that carriers demand it. They've sold other devices that have unlockable bootloaders, it's just Samsung that does the full lockdown nonsense. Also, if it was just the carriers demanding it, the factory unlocked model would be bootloader unlockable as the carriers can't control those - and it is well known that they're in fact not unlockable either. Samsung makes a choice to lock down the US devices.
EtherealRemnant said:
I am saying it's false that carriers demand it. They've sold other devices that have unlockable bootloaders, it's just Samsung that does the full lockdown nonsense. Also, if it was just the carriers demanding it, the factory unlocked model would be bootloader unlockable as the carriers can't control those - and it is well known that they're in fact not unlockable either. Samsung makes a choice to lock down the US devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably true about the US variants but make no mistake Samsung is actively partnered with at least AT&T. AT&T provides Samsung with the firmware specs they want. AT&T therefore has much more leverage than an individual consumer with Samsung. Don't ever let AT&T play off issues by saying they have no input or control of the firmware as in fact they very much do.
blackhawk said:
Probably true about the US variants but make no mistake Samsung is actively partnered with at least AT&T. AT&T provides Samsung with the firmware specs they want. AT&T therefore has much more leverage than an individual consumer with Samsung. Don't ever let AT&T play off issues by saying they have no input or control of the firmware as in fact they very much do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets are high quality and incur higher BoM (Bill of Material).
Network providers in U.S.A such as Verizon have stringent requirements which Qualcomm SoC pass. Samsung needs to use Snapdragon SoC if they want to launch their devices there.
In order to maintain profit healthy, Samsung use their SoC in other regions.
Further proof that Qualcomm and US Carriers are in the cahoots together and probably why Samsung locks the bootloader because that's the way the carriers want it.
blackhawk said:
Probably true about the US variants but make no mistake Samsung is actively partnered with at least AT&T. AT&T provides Samsung with the firmware specs they want. AT&T therefore has much more leverage than an individual consumer with Samsung. Don't ever let AT&T play off issues by saying they have no input or control of the firmware as in fact they very much do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile are actively involved in firmware for their devices and for unlocked devices with their network SIM cards but that would never stop Samsung from having an unlocked bootloader on the factory unlocked device if they cared to allow it. They like having us locked in.
EtherealRemnant said:
They like having us locked in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Truth. I've had my fill of Samsung's bs. I'll run my N10+'s as long as they're serviceable on Android 9/10 and fulfilling their mission. After which who ever has the best UI, display, form factor, expandable storage and hopefully an spen. Probably 3-5 years from now
blackhawk said:
Truth. I've had my fill of Samsung's bs. I'll run my N10+'s as long as they're serviceable on Android 9/10 and fulfilling their mission. After which who ever has the best UI, display, form factor, expandable storage and hopefully an spen. Probably 3-5 years from now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally I don't really care about the locked bootloader cause I have no need to root. I just want Decent Battery Life, Incredible Camera Photos and a Great Gaming experience and Samsung can lock the bootloader till hell freezes over and it won't bother me a bit.
Paul_Deemer said:
Personally I don't really care about the locked bootloader cause I have no need to root. I just want Decent Battery Life, Incredible Camera Photos and a Great Gaming experience and Samsung can lock the bootloader till hell freezes over and it won't bother me a bit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I run stock as well... and once optimized they run well. Not optimized they're hot running power hogs. Expandable storage is not negotiable for me. Every computer I own is dual drive by intent.
One thing that I don't like about Samsung is they're always mucking with the Package Disabler apps trying to shut them down over the misuse of the Knox licensing.
Samsung could include a native disabler app. Been suggesting that to them for 8 years running. Samsung's customer support is worse than Sony's... and Sony's is terrible.
If the N10+ was like the N9 I be in a jam, fortunately it's a huge performance leap. Enough so that nothing since it compels me to replace it.
There's been nothing in 3+ years from Samsung that can directly supersede it. Don't need 5G, prefer the better color/gamma accuracy over variable refresh rate displays, and don't want a thicker, heavier phone with less SOT!
So it's the hardware that's the primary issue for me along with Android 11 and up. I want Samsung to provide workarounds for scoped storage in the UI. Fat chance. So then an unlocked bootloader is the only way to achieve this and even then it be a major pain. I don't pay for pain... got lots of it for free
Received today polish 1tb SM-S918B
Oem unlock is switchable
Paul_Deemer said:
Personally I don't really care about the locked bootloader cause I have no need to root. I just want Decent Battery Life, Incredible Camera Photos and a Great Gaming experience and Samsung can lock the bootloader till hell freezes over and it won't bother me a bit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then why are you on xda? I mean, xda has been known for years for development,tinkering and rooting. Anyways, rooting for viper4android, custom fonts, de bloating, customizing anything you desire is why people root.
Been rooting since android 2 but can't even get this S23 into bootloader or recovery mode. It always boots normally regardless of which buttons I hold. What's the correct procedure?

Question Hello, I'm new to this and is it possible to root this s23u?

SM-s918UZGAXAA?
I'm reading around and just wanted to double check before I brick my phone.
As long as the model number does NOT end in u or u1 you can root your 23 ultra
spart0n said:
As long as the model number does NOT end in u or u1 you can root your 23 ultra
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nevermind mine ends in u1, so there's no potential to root in the future either?
draggy123 said:
Nevermind mine ends in u1, so there's no potential to root in the future either?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely not possible. Samsung in their infinite wisdom decided to make the u and u1 (north American models) not have an OEM unlock option in the software because without that the bootloader can NEVER be unlocked and no bootloader unlock no flashing anything but Samsung software.
spart0n said:
Absolutely not possible. Samsung in their infinite wisdom decided to make the u and u1 (north American models) not have an OEM unlock option in the software because without that the bootloader can NEVER be unlocked and no bootloader unlock no flashing anything but Samsung software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
got it, thank you very much.
spart0n said:
Absolutely not possible. Samsung in their infinite wisdom decided to make the u and u1 (north American models) not have an OEM unlock option in the software because without that the bootloader can NEVER be unlocked and no bootloader unlock no flashing anything but Samsung software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't the locked bootloader issue, at least in North America, more about the demands of the carriers? Particularly Verizon?
nyr2k2 said:
Isn't the locked bootloader issue, at least in North America, more about the demands of the carriers? Particularly Verizon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope because even if you buy it out completely from Samsung without a carrier you still can't unlock the bootloader in north America. It's baked into the firmware for all u and u1 devices that Samsung removed the ability to OEM unlock
spart0n said:
Nope because even if you buy it out completely from Samsung without a carrier you still can't unlock the bootloader in north America. It's baked into the firmware for all u and u1 devices that Samsung removed the ability to OEM unlock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, I didn't even know that. I remember back a decade or so ago, when I first got into flashing firmware and all that, there was a lot of talk about how Verizon and (I think ATT) were basically demanding the phone producers lock the bootloaders. And they cited things like "safety" arguing that it was dangerous having people run unofficial operating systems on their networks. That kind of garbage. I guess that's not what it is anymore, which is even more sad.
nyr2k2 said:
Oh, I didn't even know that. I remember back a decade or so ago, when I first got into flashing firmware and all that, there was a lot of talk about how Verizon and (I think ATT) were basically demanding the phone producers lock the bootloaders. And they cited things like "safety" arguing that it was dangerous having people run unofficial operating systems on their networks. That kind of garbage. I guess that's not what it is anymore, which is even more sad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's one of the big talking points of right to repair now the right to use your device as you want because if you install what you want on something you own, do you actually own it?
spart0n said:
It's one of the big talking points of right to repair now the right to use your device as you want because if you install what you want on something you own, do you actually own it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah for sure. Wasn't that part of what went into the Library of Congress basically making explicit it was okay to root/jailbreak your device?
I haven't been able to properly unlock a bootloader and root a phone since my LG3. The S7 had that ENG boot you could flash but that impacted your phone's stability. My S20, I know for a time you could pay people to unlock you, but that also made me sad LOL and I never did it. I miss being able to unlock and root "normally" but have learned to cope, I guess.
nyr2k2 said:
Yeah for sure. Wasn't that part of what went into the Library of Congress basically making explicit it was okay to root/jailbreak your device?
I haven't been able to properly unlock a bootloader and root a phone since my LG3. The S7 had that ENG boot you could flash but that impacted your phone's stability. My S20, I know for a time you could pay people to unlock you, but that also made me sad LOL and I never did it. I miss being able to unlock and root "normally" but have learned to cope, I guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately afaik it was only specified for apple devices not android
Hi I'm definitely considering on purchasing a a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, but now that I read that US version bootloader can't be unlocked the question is which variant should I get International or Global? I live in US will these versions work properly on T-Mobile? Currently I own a OnePlus 7T Pro it's rooted and I have an awesome custom ROM on it. I was going to upgrade for a newer model and then I found out that OnePlus has made it difficult to do so, it was so easy that if you bricked your phone by a mistake to recover using MSM tool which was available publicly at no cost. The newer models not so if you happen to brick your phone you have to pay, at a hefty price to have it un-bricked remotely and even so not guaranteed to work properly after. Anyway will Global or International S23 Ultra function on T-Mobile also I'm well aware that by rooting, the Knox will be tripped. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks
slapman said:
Hi I'm definitely considering on purchasing a a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, but now that I read that US version bootloader can't be unlocked the question is which variant should I get International or Global? I live in US will these versions work properly on T-Mobile? Currently I own a OnePlus 7T Pro it's rooted and I have an awesome custom ROM on it. I was going to upgrade for a newer model and then I found out that OnePlus has made it difficult to do so, it was so easy that if you bricked your phone by a mistake to recover using MSM tool which was available publicly at no cost. The newer models not so if you happen to brick your phone you have to pay, at a hefty price to have it un-bricked remotely and even so not guaranteed to work properly after. Anyway will Global or International S23 Ultra function on T-Mobile also I'm well aware that by rooting, the Knox will be tripped. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should but I don't think 5g will be supported but other bands should work. But don't quote me on it.

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