How to Root Samsung Galaxy M20: Samsung recently introduced its mid-range smartphones, the Galaxy M10 and Galaxy M20. Among these, the Galaxy M20 stands out as the more powerful option, offering excellent value for money. Now, TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) for the Galaxy M20 is available, meaning you can root your device. In this guide, I’ll show you how to root your Samsung Galaxy M20 using TWRP and Magisk.
Last Updated: 08/07/2019 @ 18:10 PM IST – The Galaxy M20 Root Guide has been updated to include compatibility with the Android Pie 9.0 update, and it works perfectly with the One UI-based Pie.
Thanks to XDA’s Recognized Developer DarkLord1731, we now have an early build of the unofficial TWRP Recovery for the Galaxy M20. To root your Galaxy M20 or try out new custom ROMs, you must first install TWRP Recovery. Don’t worry if you’re unsure how to install TWRP—I’ll walk you through it step by step. But before we dive into that, here are some key details about the phone.
Samsung Galaxy M20 – Key Features
The Galaxy M20 features a 6.3-inch Infinity-V display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080×2340 pixels). It comes preloaded with Android 8.1, running on Experience UI 9.5. The phone is powered by the Exynos 7904 Octa-Core processor and is available in two configurations: 3GB of RAM with 32GB of internal storage or 4GB of RAM with 64GB of internal storage.
In terms of cameras, the Galaxy M20 sports a dual-camera setup on the rear, with a 13MP primary sensor and a 5MP secondary sensor. The rear camera supports 1080p video recording at 30fps. For selfies, there’s an 8MP front camera that can also record 1080p videos at 30fps. A standout feature of the M20 is its large 5000mAh battery, offering long-lasting performance.
Rooting your Galaxy M20 is a simple process if your bootloader is unlocked. Keep in mind that Samsung devices come with an RMM (Reactivation Lock) enabled by default, which you’ll need to unlock before proceeding. Consider RMM as Samsung’s version of a bootloader lock.
How to Root Samsung Galaxy M20
Rooting your Samsung Galaxy M20 allows you to gain full control over the device, enabling you to make any modifications you desire—if you have the necessary knowledge. Let’s start by installing TWRP Recovery on the Galaxy M20.
Prerequisites
- Ensure your phone isn’t RMM (Reactivation Lock) locked.
- Note that after installing TWRP, you will lose access to Knox TZ features.
- Take a full Nandroid backup of your phone to prevent data loss.
Downloads
- Odin Flash Tool
- Samsung USB Drivers
- TWRP.tar (for Galaxy M20)
- Latest Magisk Zip & APK
- no-verity-opt-encrypt zip
- RMM Bypass Zip
Steps to Install TWRP on Galaxy M20
- Prepare Files:
- Copy the Magisk Zip, Magisk Manager APK, no-verity-opt-encrypt zip, and RMM Bypass zip to your MicroSD card or an external drive that can be accessed by the phone.
- Enable Developer Options:
- On your Galaxy M20, go to Settings > About Phone > Software Information.
- Tap on Build Number repeatedly until you see a message saying, “You are now a developer.”
- Enable OEM Unlock:
- Go to Settings > Developer Options and enable OEM Unlock. (Note: If your device is RMM locked, you won’t see this option.)
- Turn Off Your Phone:
- Completely power off your Galaxy M20.
- Enter Download Mode:
- Connect the phone to your PC via USB.
- To enter Download Mode, press and hold Power + Volume Up + Volume Down simultaneously.
- Prepare Odin on PC:
- Extract the downloaded Odin ZIP file and open Odin.exe on your PC.
- In Odin, go to the Options tab and untick Auto Reboot.
- Flash TWRP Recovery:
- Click on the AP button in Odin and select the TWRP-Galaxy-M20.tar file.
- Now click Start to flash TWRP. Once done, Odin will show a Pass message.
- Turn Off the Phone:
- Press and hold the Power + Volume Down buttons to turn off the phone.
- Boot into TWRP Recovery:
- Once powered off, boot into TWRP Recovery by pressing and holding Power + Volume Up buttons.
- Wipe Data Partition:
- In TWRP, go to Wipe > Format Data.
- Type ‘yes’ and press Enter. This will decrypt the data partition.
- Return to the TWRP home screen and tap Reboot > Recovery.
- Flash Additional Files:
- Tap Install in TWRP and first select no-verity-opt-encrypt.zip and flash it.
- Go back to Install, locate the RMM Bypass zip, and flash it.
- Reboot to System:
- After flashing the necessary files, tap Reboot > System to boot into your rooted Galaxy M20.
Next Step: Rooting with Magisk
Once TWRP is installed, you can proceed to root your device using the Magisk Zip. If you’re unsure about how to install Magisk and complete the rooting process, check out the next guide for step-by-step instructions.
Install Magisk & Root Galaxy M20
- Power Off the Phone:
Completely turn off your Galaxy M20. - Boot into TWRP Recovery:
Press and hold the Power + Volume Up buttons simultaneously to boot into TWRP Recovery. - Flash Magisk:
In TWRP, tap on Install and locate the Magisk.zip file. Flash it, then select Reboot to System. - Complete Rooting:
Once your phone reboots, your Galaxy M20 is now rooted. - Install Magisk Manager:
After rooting, download the Magisk Manager APK and install it to manage root access on your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of rooting my Samsung Galaxy M20?
Rooting your Galaxy M20 allows you to gain full control over the device. You can remove bloatware, install custom ROMs, use advanced apps that require root access, and make system-level modifications to enhance your phone’s performance and customization.
Is rooting my Galaxy M20 safe?
Rooting carries some risks, including voiding your warranty, triggering security vulnerabilities, and potentially damaging your device if done incorrectly. It’s essential to follow the instructions carefully and back up your data before proceeding.
Will rooting my Galaxy M20 affect my warranty?
Yes, rooting your Galaxy M20 will likely void the warranty. Samsung and most service centers consider rooting as a violation of the warranty terms. However, you can unroot your device or flash the stock firmware to restore it to its original state if needed.
Can I unroot my Galaxy M20 after rooting?
Yes, it is possible to unroot your Galaxy M20. You can either use Magisk Manager to remove root or flash the stock firmware using tools like Odin to return your device to its factory settings.
What should I do if my Galaxy M20 is RMM locked?
If your Galaxy M20 is RMM locked, you need to unlock the bootloader first before proceeding with rooting. The RMM lock prevents you from installing custom recoveries like TWRP, so unlocking it is a mandatory step for successful rooting. Make sure to enable OEM Unlock in the developer options to bypass this lock.
Conclusion
Rooting your Samsung Galaxy M20 using TWRP and Magisk opens up a world of possibilities for customization and performance optimization. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can install TWRP recovery, bypass RMM locks, and flash Magisk to gain root access. However, it’s important to proceed with caution, as rooting voids your warranty and comes with potential risks such as bricking the device if done incorrectly.
Remember to back up your data before starting and ensure your phone is properly prepared for the process. Once rooted, you can unlock the full potential of your Galaxy M20 by installing custom ROMs, managing root access with Magisk Manager, and optimizing the system to your preferences.
If you face any issues during the process or need further assistance, refer to the FAQs or seek help from online communities like XDA. With careful steps, you’ll enjoy a fully rooted Galaxy M20 with enhanced control over your device.
