Samsung Galaxy S21

How to Root Samsung Galaxy S21 using Magisk

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Rooting your Samsung Galaxy S21 with Magisk allows you to customize your device, access advanced features, and enhance performance. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of rooting your Samsung Galaxy S21 safely and effectively.

Key Takeaways

  • Rooting your Samsung Galaxy S21 with Magisk gives you full control over your device and the ability to customize it to your preferences.
  • Make sure to back up your device before rooting to prevent data loss.
  • Customizing your rooted device can enhance its functionality and improve user experience.
  • Troubleshoot common issues by following online guides and seeking help from the rooting community.
  • Verifying root access ensures that the rooting process was successful and your device is properly rooted.

Preparing Your Samsung Galaxy S21

Checking Device Model

Before proceeding with the rooting process, it’s crucial to verify that you have the correct model of the Samsung Galaxy S21. Rooting the wrong model can lead to irreparable damage to your device.

To check your device model, go to Settings > About phone. Look for the ‘Model number’ field. Ensure that it matches one of the supported models for rooting with Magisk:

  • SM-G991U (S21)
  • SM-G996U (S21+)
  • SM-G998U (S21 Ultra)

It’s important to note that rooting can void your warranty and may affect your device’s functionality. Proceed with caution and ensure that you understand the risks involved.

Enabling Developer Options

To enable Developer Options on your Samsung Galaxy S21, you’ll need to access the ‘About phone’ section in your device settings. This hidden menu is essential for further steps in the rooting process.

Follow these steps to enable Developer Options:

  1. Open the ‘Settings’ app on your device.
  2. Scroll down and select ‘About phone’.
  3. Find the ‘Build number’ and tap it 7 times.
  4. Enter your lock screen PIN or password if prompted.

Once you’ve tapped the ‘Build number’ 7 times, you’ll see a message indicating that Developer Options have been enabled. This will unlock advanced settings, including the option to enable USB debugging, which is crucial for the rooting process.

Unlocking Bootloader

Before proceeding with the rooting process, it’s crucial to unlock the bootloader of your Samsung Galaxy S21. Unlocking the bootloader is a prerequisite for installing custom software, such as Magisk, and it allows you to flash custom recoveries and ROMs.

To unlock the bootloader, follow these steps:

  1. Turn off your device.
  2. Press and hold the Volume Up + Power buttons to enter Download Mode.
  3. Connect your device to your PC using a USB cable.
  4. Open the command prompt on your PC and navigate to the ADB directory.
  5. Type fastboot oem unlock and hit enter.
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions on your phone to confirm the bootloader unlock.

Note: Unlocking the bootloader may void your warranty and will erase all data on the device. It is highly recommended to back up your data before proceeding.

Once the bootloader is unlocked, your device will reboot, and you can proceed with the next steps in the rooting process.

Installing Required Software

Downloading Magisk Manager

Before you can proceed with rooting your Samsung Galaxy S21, you’ll need to download the Magisk Manager app. This application is essential as it will help you patch your device’s firmware and manage root permissions after the rooting process is complete.

Download the latest version of Magisk Manager from the official GitHub repository or a trusted source. Ensure that you’re getting the APK file from a reliable source to avoid potential security risks.

  • Navigate to the official Magisk GitHub page.
  • Look for the ‘Assets’ section under the latest release.
  • Download the MagiskManager-vX.X.X.apk file, where X.X.X represents the version number.

After downloading, do not install the APK yet. The installation will be done in a specific manner during the rooting process to ensure everything is set up correctly.

Installing Samsung USB Drivers

Before you can successfully connect your Samsung Galaxy S21 to your computer for rooting purposes, you’ll need to install the Samsung USB Drivers. These drivers ensure that your device can communicate effectively with your PC.

Download the latest Samsung USB Drivers from the official Samsung website or a trusted source. After downloading, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

  • Ensure your antivirus does not block the installation.
  • Restart your computer after installation to ensure the drivers are properly integrated.

Proper installation of USB drivers is crucial. It prevents connectivity issues during the rooting process, which could lead to bricking your device.

Setting up ADB and Fastboot

Before proceeding with the rooting process, it’s essential to set up ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and Fastboot on your computer. These tools are vital for sending commands to your Samsung Galaxy S21 from your PC.

Follow these steps to set up ADB and Fastboot:

  1. Download the ADB and Fastboot binaries from the official Android developer website.
  2. Extract the ZIP file to a folder on your PC.
  3. On your PC, navigate to the folder where you extracted the files.
  4. Open a command prompt or terminal window in this folder.
  5. Test the installation by typing adb devices or fastboot devices and hitting enter. Your device should be listed.

Remember, having ADB and Fastboot properly set up is crucial for a successful rooting process. Ensure that your device is recognized by these tools before moving forward.

Rooting Your Samsung Galaxy S21

Flashing Custom Recovery

Before you can install Magisk and root your Samsung Galaxy S21, you must first flash a custom recovery. TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is the most popular and recommended for this process. Follow these steps to flash TWRP onto your device:

  1. Download the TWRP recovery image for your specific model of the Samsung Galaxy S21.
  2. Connect your device to your computer and open a command prompt or terminal window in your ADB and Fastboot folder.
  3. Reboot your device into bootloader mode by turning it off and then pressing the Volume Down + Power buttons simultaneously.
  4. Once in bootloader mode, use the command fastboot flash recovery twrp.img to flash the TWRP recovery onto your device. Replace twrp.img with the actual file name of the TWRP image you downloaded.

After successfully flashing TWRP, it’s crucial not to boot into the normal OS again before installing Magisk. This could replace the custom recovery with the stock one.

Remember to always verify that the TWRP version you are installing is compatible with your device and has been updated to work with the latest firmware. Incompatible versions can lead to bricking your device.

Installing Magisk

With your Samsung Galaxy S21’s custom recovery in place, you’re now ready to install Magisk and root your device. Download the latest Magisk ZIP from the official Magisk GitHub repository or from within the Magisk Manager app.

Follow these steps to install Magisk:

  1. Boot your device into custom recovery mode by holding the appropriate key combination.
  2. In the recovery menu, select ‘Install’ and navigate to the location where you saved the Magisk ZIP file.
  3. Select the Magisk ZIP file and swipe to confirm the flash.
  4. Once the installation is complete, reboot your device.

After rebooting, open the Magisk Manager app to ensure that Magisk is properly installed. If you see ‘Installed’ with a green check mark, congratulations, your device is now rooted with Magisk. If not, you may need to repeat the process or consult the troubleshooting section.

Verifying Root Access

Once Magisk is installed, the final step is to verify that your Samsung Galaxy S21 has been successfully rooted. Open the Magisk Manager app and look for a status that indicates ‘Magisk is up to date’ and ‘Magisk Manager is up to date.’ This confirms that the root process is complete.

To further confirm root access, you can download and run a root checker app from the Google Play Store. Follow these simple steps:

  • Download a reputable root checker app.
  • Open the app and tap on the ‘Check’ button.
  • Await the result; a successful root will display a confirmation message.

Remember, gaining root access can void your warranty and may affect your device’s security. Always ensure you understand the risks involved before proceeding with rooting your device.

Post-Rooting Steps

Backing Up Your Device

Before diving into the exciting world of customization, it’s crucial to back up your Samsung Galaxy S21. This ensures that your data remains safe in case you need to revert any changes or restore your device to its original state.

  • Use Samsung’s built-in backup feature to secure your personal data, apps, and settings.
  • Consider cloud services like Samsung Cloud or Google Drive for an additional layer of backup.
  • Don’t forget to back up your media files to a PC or an external drive.

Remember, a comprehensive backup is your safety net during the rooting process. It allows you to experiment with different mods and custom ROMs without the fear of losing your important data.

Customizing Your Rooted Device

With your Samsung Galaxy S21 now rooted, the customization possibilities are virtually endless. Explore various mods and tweaks to personalize your device to your liking. You can install custom ROMs, kernel modifications, or use Xposed Framework for deep customization options.

  • Custom ROMs: Change the entire look and feel of your device with software that offers new features and enhancements.
  • Kernel Modifications: Tweak system performance or battery life by modifying the kernel.
  • Xposed Framework: Add or modify system functionality without flashing a custom ROM.

Remember, while customizing can greatly enhance your user experience, it’s important to only use trusted sources for downloads and to understand the risks involved with each modification. Customizations can sometimes lead to instability or security vulnerabilities, so proceed with caution.

Before diving into advanced customizations, it’s advisable to start with simpler tasks such as changing the system font or installing a new launcher. This will help you get accustomed to the process and reduce the risk of errors. Always make sure to have a backup before making significant changes.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

After rooting your Samsung Galaxy S21, you might encounter some issues that can usually be resolved with a few troubleshooting steps. Boot loops or device not starting can often be fixed by performing a factory reset from the recovery mode. If you’re experiencing app crashes or instability, try clearing the app cache or checking for incompatible modules.

  • Battery Drain: Rooted devices may experience faster battery drain. Monitor your battery usage in settings and uninstall any unnecessary modules.
  • SafetyNet Fails: Google’s SafetyNet can detect root access, which may interfere with certain apps. Use the Magisk Hide feature to bypass these checks.
  • Update Issues: System updates can be tricky on rooted devices. It’s recommended to unroot before applying an update to avoid complications.

Remember, rooting your device can void the warranty and may not be reversible. Always proceed with caution and ensure you have backups before making significant changes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, rooting your Samsung Galaxy S21 using Magisk is a straightforward process that allows you to unlock the full potential of your device. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can safely and effectively root your device and enjoy the benefits of customization and control. Remember to always proceed with caution and follow the instructions carefully to avoid any potential risks. Happy rooting!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is rooting and why would I root my Samsung Galaxy S21?

Rooting is the process of gaining privileged control over the Android operating system. Rooting your Samsung Galaxy S21 allows you to customize your device, install custom ROMs, and access features that are not available by default.

Is rooting my Samsung Galaxy S21 safe?

Rooting your Samsung Galaxy S21 comes with risks, such as voiding your warranty and potentially bricking your device if not done correctly. It is important to follow instructions carefully and understand the risks involved.

Can I unroot my Samsung Galaxy S21 after rooting it with Magisk?

Yes, you can unroot your Samsung Galaxy S21 by using the Magisk Manager app to uninstall Magisk and restore your device to its original state.

Will rooting my Samsung Galaxy S21 affect software updates?

Rooting your Samsung Galaxy S21 may prevent you from receiving official software updates from Samsung. However, you can still manually update your device using custom ROMs.

Do I need to unlock the bootloader to root my Samsung Galaxy S21 with Magisk?

Yes, you need to unlock the bootloader of your Samsung Galaxy S21 before you can flash a custom recovery and root your device using Magisk.

Can rooting my Samsung Galaxy S21 damage the device hardware?

Rooting your Samsung Galaxy S21 is a software modification and should not directly damage the hardware. However, improper rooting procedures can lead to software issues that may affect the device’s performance.

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