How to Root Note 20 SM986U1: Rooting your Samsung Galaxy Note 20 SM986U1 might seem like venturing into uncharted territory, but for tech enthusiasts, it’s a thrilling journey. Imagine unlocking the true potential of your device, customizing it beyond factory limitations, and accessing features you never thought possible. Before diving into the how-to, let me share a quick story to set the stage.
A Story of Discovery: Why Rooting Matters
Back in 2023, a friend of mine, Jake, found himself frustrated with his Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra SM986U1. Despite its flagship status, the bloatware bogged down his experience, and the lack of deep customization options left him yearning for more. One evening, over a cup of coffee, Jake asked, “Isn’t there a way to make my phone… mine?”
That’s when we explored the idea of rooting. It wasn’t just about customization but about reclaiming control. Weeks later, Jake’s rooted Note 20 became a powerhouse — free of unnecessary apps, running optimized kernels, and brimming with tweaks tailored to his needs. If you, like Jake, are ready to embrace the power of rooting, let’s get started.
What Does Rooting Your Note 20 SM986U1 Mean?
Rooting is the process of gaining superuser access to your device’s operating system. This allows you to:
- Uninstall bloatware and free up resources.
- Install custom ROMs for a fresh, optimized experience.
- Gain access to apps requiring root permissions.
- Customize every nook and cranny of your phone’s interface.
Tools You Need to Root Note 20 SM986U1
Before we dive into the step-by-step guide, ensure you have the following:
- A PC or laptop with Windows installed.
- Samsung USB drivers (download from the official Samsung website).
- Odin Tool (a flashing utility).
- Magisk Manager for root access.
- TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) recovery image.
- A USB-C cable.
- Patience and attention to detail!
How to Root Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
Rooting Samsung phones has become more challenging since the introduction of One UI. However, with tools like Magisk by John Wu, the process is manageable. While there are multiple methods, such as using TWRP Recovery, this guide will focus on rooting your Galaxy Note 20 Ultra using the patched boot image method. This method is straightforward and works for most devices.
Before diving into rooting, you’ll need to unlock the bootloader. Below are the steps to unlock the bootloader and then root your device.
Unlocking the Bootloader of Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
To root or make other modifications, unlocking the bootloader is the first step. Samsung has its own procedure for this, which must be followed carefully to avoid bricking your device.
Steps to Unlock the Bootloader
- Backup Your Data
Unlocking the bootloader erases all your data. Take a full backup of your phone to prevent data loss. - Enable Developer Options
- Open Settings and navigate to About Phone > Software Information.
- Tap the Build Number 7-8 times until you see “You are now a developer.”
- Enable OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging
- Go to Settings > Additional Settings > Developer Options.
- Turn on OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging.
- Boot into Download Mode
- Power off your phone. Press and hold Volume Up + Volume Down while connecting your phone to a PC.
- Release the buttons when a warning screen appears.
- Unlock the Bootloader
- On the warning screen, press Volume Up to enter Download Mode.
- Long press Volume Up again to unlock the bootloader. This will erase all data.
- Reboot and Verify
- Restart your phone and ensure OEM Unlocking is greyed out in Developer Options. If not, wait a few days and repeat the steps.
Prerequisites for Rooting
Before proceeding, ensure the following:
- Take a full backup of your device.
- Download and install Magisk Manager APK (canary build recommended).
- Install Odin Flash Tool on your PC.
- Download the correct firmware for your Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (use tools like SamFirm or Frija).
- Install 7-Zip for file extraction and compression.
Steps to Root Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra with Magisk
- Extract Firmware and Locate AP File
- Extract the downloaded firmware on your computer and locate the AP file (in
.tarformat).
- Extract the downloaded firmware on your computer and locate the AP file (in
- Patch AP File with Magisk
- Copy the AP file to your phone.
- Install and open Magisk Manager.
- Tap Install > Select and Patch a File and select the AP file.
- Wait for the patching process to complete. The output file,
magisk_patched.tar, will be saved in your Downloads folder.
- Prepare Boot File
- Copy
magisk_patched.tarto your PC and extract it. - Locate the
boot.imgfile, transfer it to your phone, and patch it using Magisk. - Save the patched file as
boot.imgand compress it back into.tarformat using 7-Zip.
- Copy
- Flash Patched Files Using Odin
- Open the Odin Flash Tool on your PC.
- Untick Auto-Reboot in the Options tab.
- Load the patched files:
- AP tab:
magisk_patched.tar. - Userdata tab: Patched
boot.img.
- AP tab:
- Boot into Download Mode and Flash
- Boot your phone into Download Mode (refer to the bootloader steps).
- Connect your phone to the PC. Odin will detect it and display a blue box under ID:COM.
- Click Start to flash the patched files.
- Complete the Rooting Process
- After Odin shows a Pass message, boot into stock recovery.
- Perform a Factory Reset (Wipe Data/Factory Reset).
- Reboot your phone into the system.
- Verify Root Access
- Install Magisk Manager if not already installed.
- Open the app and verify the root status. If successful, Magisk will show as installed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to root my Galaxy Note 20 SM986U1?
Rooting your Galaxy Note 20 SM986U1 can provide greater customization and control over your device. However, it comes with risks, including voiding your warranty and the potential to brick your device if the steps are not followed correctly. It is important to follow each step carefully and understand the consequences before proceeding.
Do I need to unlock the bootloader before rooting my Galaxy Note 20 SM986U1?
Yes, unlocking the bootloader is a necessary step before rooting your Galaxy Note 20 SM986U1. It allows you to make changes to the device’s system files. However, unlocking the bootloader will erase all your data, so make sure to back up your files before proceeding.
Can I unroot my Galaxy Note 20 SM986U1 after rooting it?
Yes, you can unroot your Galaxy Note 20 SM986U1 at any time. If you want to return to the stock firmware, you can use Odin to re-flash the original firmware or unroot using Magisk Manager, which provides an option to remove root access.
What tools do I need to root my Galaxy Note 20 SM986U1?
To root your Galaxy Note 20 SM986U1, you will need a few tools, including:
- Magisk Manager (to manage root permissions).
- Odin Flash Tool (to flash the patched boot image).
- A PC, USB cable, and a backup solution.
- The correct firmware for your device (downloadable through SamFirm or Frija).
What should I do if my Galaxy Note 20 SM986U1 gets stuck in a boot loop after rooting?
If your device enters a boot loop after rooting, it may be due to an improper flashing of the patched boot image. You can attempt to fix it by booting into recovery mode and performing a factory reset. If the issue persists, you may need to re-flash the stock firmware using Odin to restore the device to its original state.
conclusion of How to Root Note 20 SM986U1
Rooting your Samsung Galaxy Note 20 SM986U1 unlocks a world of possibilities, from advanced customization to enhanced performance. By carefully following the steps outlined in this guide, including unlocking the bootloader, patching the boot image with Magisk, and flashing it via Odin, you can successfully root your device.
However, it is essential to remember that rooting comes with potential risks, including voiding your warranty and the chance of bricking your device. Always back up your data, proceed cautiously, and ensure you have all the required tools and files before beginning.
With the root access enabled, you can take full control of your Note 20, exploring new features and maximizing its potential. If you encounter issues, retrace your steps or consult online forums for additional support. Rooting is an empowering process—when done right!
