Rooting Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra can provide you with additional control and customization options. With the help of Magisk, a powerful rooting tool, you can unlock the full potential of your device. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of rooting your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra using Magisk. From understanding the benefits of rooting to troubleshooting common issues, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
- Rooting Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra with Magisk gives you advanced control and customization options.
- Magisk is a popular rooting tool that allows you to root your device without modifying the system partition.
- Before rooting, it’s important to check device compatibility, enable Developer Options, USB Debugging, and unlock the bootloader.
- Installing Magisk Manager is essential for managing root access and installing Magisk modules.
- Creating a custom recovery like TWRP is necessary for flashing Magisk and managing root permissions.
Understanding Rooting and Magisk
What is Rooting?
If we have to describe rooting in simple terms then it is not a typical thing. Rooting doesn’t mean ‘Root’ of a tree, in fact, we are talking about Android smartphone rooting. Rooting your Android smartphone means that providing or giving superpower/ Administrator privileges to the hardware of your device. Devices are limited in terms of power, at the software (OS) level. Once you root your device, you can do whatever you intended to or want to do with your Android System Settings.
Advantages of Rooting:
- Customization of your device, such as Installation of Custom ROMs, removing factory preinstalled bloatware, updating phone to a new Android version.
- Blocking Ads in any apps, installing incompatible apps by tweaking the OS settings, changing the look and feel of your device by changing the skin, boosting battery life, and Android system speed, adding external storage, and more.
Disadvantages of Rooting:
- Voiding the phone warranty
Rooting your device comes with both advantages and disadvantages. It gives you more control over your device, but it also comes with the risk of voiding the warranty. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding to root your device.
Benefits of Rooting
After rooting your device, you can do customization of your device, i.e. Installation of Custom ROMs, remove factory preinstalled bloatware, update phone to a new Android version. Apart from that, you can block Ads in any apps, Install incompatible apps by tweaking the os settings, Change the look and feel of your device by changing the skin, Boost Battery Life, and Android System Speed, add external storage, and many more.
Cons/ Disadvantages of Rooting
Rooting your device comes with cons or disadvantages as well. The biggest disadvantage is that the Phone warranty will be void once you root your device because of manufacturers ships unrooted and locked devices. Apart from that, while rooting the device, if anything goes wrong, then your device may get bricked or stuck in a bootloop. It is also important to note that rooting your device may expose it to security risks and malware if not done properly.
Here are the pros and cons of rooting:
| Pros of Rooting | Cons of Rooting |
|---|---|
| Customization options | Void warranty |
| Block Ads | Bricking or bootlooping device |
| Install incompatible apps | Security risks and malware |
| Boost Battery Life and System Speed | |
| Add external storage |
Tip: Before rooting your device, make sure to backup all your important data and follow the rooting instructions carefully to minimize the risks involved.
Introduction to Magisk
Magisk is a powerful tool that allows you to root your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and gain full control over your device. With Magisk, you can customize your phone’s software, install custom ROMs, and access advanced features that are not available on stock devices.
Magisk works by modifying the system partition of your device without altering the core system files. This means that you can still receive OTA updates and use apps that normally wouldn’t work on rooted devices.
Here are some key features of Magisk:
- Systemless Root: Magisk provides a systemless root method, which means that it doesn’t modify the system partition. This allows you to easily hide root from apps that detect root access.
- Magisk Modules: Magisk supports modules, which are essentially modifications that can be installed on top of Magisk. These modules can add new features, enhance performance, or customize the user interface.
- SafetyNet Compatibility: Magisk includes a feature called MagiskHide, which allows you to hide root from SafetyNet-enabled apps. This means that you can still use apps like Google Pay and banking apps that normally don’t work on rooted devices.
Tip: Before proceeding with rooting your device, make sure to backup your data and understand the risks involved. Rooting your device may void your warranty and can potentially brick your device if not done correctly.
Now that you have a basic understanding of Magisk, let’s move on to the next section and learn how to prepare your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra for rooting.
Preparing Your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Checking Device Compatibility
Before proceeding with the rooting process, it is important to check the compatibility of your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. Ensure that your device is listed as supported by the rooting method you plan to use. If your device is not listed, it may not be compatible, and attempting to root it could result in issues or damage to your device.
To check the compatibility, refer to the documentation or official website of the rooting method you plan to use. They should provide a list of supported devices. Make sure to verify the model number and firmware version of your device against the compatibility list.
If you are unsure about the compatibility or have any questions, it is recommended to reach out to the support team of the rooting method for assistance.
Enabling Developer Options
To enable Developer Options on your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings.
- Scroll down and tap on About Phone.
- Tap on Software Information.
- Locate the Build Number and tap on it seven times.
- You will see a message indicating that Developer Options have been enabled.
Once you have enabled Developer Options, you can access additional settings and features that are not available by default. It is important to note that these settings are intended for advanced users and making changes without proper knowledge can have unintended consequences.
Enabling USB Debugging
To enable USB Debugging on your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > About Phone.
- Tap on Build Number 7 times to enable Developer Options.
- Go back to Settings > System > Advanced > Developer Options.
- Enable USB Debugging.
- Also, enable the OEM Unlock from the Developer Options.
- Make sure the bootloader on your device is unlocked and your device is rooted and you have a custom recovery installed.
- Make sure your device has more than 50% battery.
- Make sure you have taken a backup of your important data.
Please note that these steps may vary slightly depending on your device model and Android version.
Tip: It is recommended to enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlock before proceeding with the rooting process to ensure smooth installation and avoid any potential issues.
Note: Rooting your device may void the warranty and can potentially lead to data loss or device damage. Proceed with caution and at your own risk.
Unlocking the Bootloader
To unlock the bootloader of your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, follow these steps:
- Enable Developer Options on your device by going to Settings > About phone > Software information and tapping on the Build number 7 times.
- Go back to the main Settings menu and open Developer Options.
- Scroll down and find the OEM unlocking option. Enable it.
- Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable.
- Open a command prompt or terminal on your computer and enter the following command:
adb devices - If your device is listed, enter the command:
adb reboot bootloader - Your device will reboot into bootloader mode. Once in bootloader mode, enter the command:
fastboot oem unlock - Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the bootloader unlock.
- Once the bootloader is unlocked, your device will reboot.
Note: Unlocking the bootloader will erase all data on your device, so make sure to backup any important files before proceeding.
Installing Magisk Manager
Downloading Magisk Manager
To download Magisk Manager, follow these steps:
- Download the latest version of ‘Magisk.zip’ from the official website.
- Boot your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra into Recovery Mode by pressing the ‘Volume Down + Power Button’ simultaneously until the boot animation appears.
- Tap on ‘Install’ in the Recovery Mode.
- Locate the ‘Magisk.zip’ file and select it.
- Swipe to confirm the flash.
- Wait for the installation process to complete.
- Tap on ‘Reboot’ to finish the rooting process.
Once you have completed these steps, you will have successfully rooted your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra using Magisk.
Enabling Unknown Sources
To enable Unknown Sources on your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings on your device.
- Scroll down and tap on Security.
- Look for the option labeled Unknown Sources and toggle the switch to enable it.
Enabling Unknown Sources allows you to install applications from sources other than the Google Play Store. However, it is important to exercise caution when downloading and installing apps from unknown sources, as they may pose a security risk to your device.
Installing Magisk Manager
To install Magisk Manager on your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, follow these steps:
- Download the latest version of Magisk.zip from the official website.
- Boot your device into Recovery Mode by pressing the Volume Down + Power Button simultaneously until the boot animation appears.
- Tap on ‘Install’ in the Recovery Mode.
- Locate the Magisk.zip file and select it.
- Swipe to confirm the flash.
- Wait for the installation process to complete.
- Tap on ‘Reboot’ to finish the process.
Remember to download the latest version of Magisk.zip for the best results.
Creating a Custom Recovery
Understanding Custom Recovery
A custom recovery is a third-party recovery environment that allows you to perform advanced tasks on your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. It provides additional features and functionality compared to the stock recovery.
Some of the key benefits of using a custom recovery include:
- Flashing custom ROMs and kernels
- Creating and restoring backups
- Installing system updates
To install a custom recovery like TWRP on your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, follow these steps:
- Ensure your device is rooted and has the latest TWRP recovery installed.
- Transfer the downloaded files to your device’s internal storage.
- Confirm that your device’s bootloader is unlocked.
- Reboot your device into TWRP recovery.
- Create a Nandroid backup.
- Wipe the cache, data, and system before flashing the ROM.
Remember to proceed with caution when using a custom recovery, as it can potentially void your device’s warranty and may lead to data loss. It’s always recommended to backup your data before making any changes.
Tip: Before flashing any custom ROM or kernel, make sure to research and choose a reputable source to avoid potential issues.
Installing TWRP Recovery
To install TWRP Recovery on your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, follow these steps:
- Ensure your device is rooted and has the latest TWRP recovery installed.
- Transfer the downloaded files to your device’s internal storage.
- Confirm that your device’s bootloader is unlocked.
- Reboot your device into TWRP recovery.
- Create a Nandroid backup by selecting this option from the home screen. Include your data and cache in the backup from the recovery menu.
- Return to TWRP’s main menu and proceed to wipe the cache, data, and system before flashing the ROM.
- To wipe data, navigate to Wipe > Advanced Wipe.
- Select Dalvik/ART cache, cache, System, Vendor, and Data.
- Swipe to confirm the wipe. (Do not select the internal storage).
- Return to TWRP’s main menu again.
- Install the ROM, provided as a .zip file, by going to Install > Install Zip > ROM File (.zip).
- Next, flash the Gapps file following the same procedure as custom ROMs using TWRP.
- If you want to root your device, you can also flash Magisk at this stage (optional).
- After the flashing process has finished, restart your device.
Booting into Recovery Mode
To boot your device into Recovery Mode, follow these steps:
- Turn off your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra.
- Press and hold the Volume Up button and the Power button simultaneously until the Samsung logo appears.
- Release both buttons and wait for the Recovery Mode menu to appear.
- Use the Volume buttons to navigate through the menu and the Power button to select an option.
- To exit Recovery Mode, select the ‘Reboot system now’ option.
Remember to be cautious when making changes in Recovery Mode, as it can affect the stability and functionality of your device.
Rooting Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Flashing Magisk
To flash Magisk and gain root access on your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, follow these steps:
- Download the latest version of ‘Magisk.zip’ from the official website.
- Boot your device into Recovery Mode by pressing the ‘Volume Down + Power Button’ simultaneously until the boot animation appears.
- Tap on ‘Install’ in the Recovery Mode.
- Locate the ‘Magisk.zip’ file and select it.
- Swipe to confirm the flash.
- Wait for the installation process to complete.
- Once the flash process is finished, tap on ‘Reboot’.
Remember, flashing Magisk is an optional step and is only necessary if you want to root your device.
Verifying Root Access
After successfully rooting your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra with Magisk, you may want to verify if the root access was successful. To do this, you can follow these steps:
- Go to the Google Play App Store and search for the Root Checker app.
- Download and install the Root Checker app on your device.
- Open the Root Checker app and tap on the ‘Verify Root’ button.
- The app will check if your device has root access and display the result.
If the app confirms that your device is rooted, congratulations! You can now enjoy the full power of your device and customize it to your liking. If the app indicates that your device is not rooted, you may need to repeat the rooting process or seek further assistance.
Remember to exercise caution when making changes to your rooted device and only install trusted apps and modifications.
Tip: It’s always a good idea to regularly check for updates to Magisk and the modules you have installed to ensure you have the latest features and security patches.
We hope this guide has been helpful in rooting your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra with Magisk. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy rooting!
Managing Root Permissions
After successfully rooting your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra with Magisk, you gain full control over your device’s system settings and can customize it to your liking. However, it’s important to manage root permissions responsibly to ensure the security and stability of your device. Here are some tips for managing root permissions:
- Granting Permissions: When an app requests root access, carefully consider whether it needs those permissions and the potential risks involved. Only grant root access to trusted apps.
- Revoking Permissions: If you no longer want an app to have root access, you can revoke its permissions in the Magisk Manager app.
- Monitoring Permissions: Regularly review the list of apps with root access in the Magisk Manager app to ensure that no unauthorized apps have gained root privileges.
Remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Use root access wisely and only for legitimate purposes.
Tip: Be cautious when granting root access to apps and always prioritize the security of your device.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Bootloop or Soft Brick
If you encounter a bootloop or soft brick while rooting your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, don’t panic. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:
- Reboot into Recovery Mode: Try booting into recovery mode and see if you can access the device. If you can, you may be able to fix the bootloop by wiping the cache partition or performing a factory reset.
- Flash a Custom ROM: If the bootloop persists, you can try flashing a custom ROM. This can sometimes resolve software-related issues and provide a fresh start.
- Restore from a Backup: If you have a backup of your device, you can try restoring it to revert any changes that may have caused the bootloop.
Tip: It’s always a good idea to create a backup of your device before rooting to avoid data loss.
If none of these steps work, you may need to seek further assistance from the rooting community or consider reverting to the stock firmware.
Loss of Data
When rooting your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra with Magisk, it’s important to be aware of the potential risk of data loss. While the rooting process itself does not directly affect or touch any data on your phone, there is always a small chance that something could go wrong and result in data loss. To minimize this risk, it is recommended to backup your important data before proceeding with the rooting process.
In the event that data loss does occur, it is possible to recover lost data using data recovery software. However, there is no guarantee that all lost data can be successfully recovered. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly backup your data to prevent any permanent loss.
To summarize:
- Backup your important data before rooting
- Use data recovery software in case of data loss
- Regularly backup your data to prevent permanent loss
Remember, while rooting can provide various benefits, it is important to weigh the potential risks and take necessary precautions to protect your data.
Fixing Bootloop Issues
If you encounter a bootloop issue after rooting your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra with Magisk, don’t panic. Here are some steps you can take to fix the problem:
- Reboot into Recovery Mode: Start by rebooting your device into recovery mode. This can usually be done by pressing a combination of buttons, such as the power button and volume down button.
- Wipe Cache Partition: Once in recovery mode, navigate to the ‘Wipe’ or ‘Advanced’ menu and select ‘Wipe Cache Partition’. This will clear any temporary files that may be causing the bootloop.
- Restore a Backup: If you have previously created a backup of your device, you can try restoring it from recovery mode. This will revert your device back to its previous state before rooting.
- Flash Stock Firmware: If all else fails, you can try flashing the stock firmware for your device. This will completely remove Magisk and any modifications you made, allowing you to start fresh.
Remember, it’s always important to proceed with caution when rooting your device and to follow instructions carefully. If you’re unsure about any step, it’s best to seek assistance from the XDA Developers community or other reliable sources.
Tip: Before attempting any troubleshooting steps, make sure to backup your important data to prevent any potential loss.
Unrooting Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Removing Magisk
To remove Magisk from your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, follow these steps:
- Open the Magisk Manager app on your device.
- Go to the ‘Settings’ tab.
- Scroll down and tap on ‘Uninstall’.
- Select the ‘Complete Uninstall’ option.
- Wait for the uninstallation process to complete.
Once Magisk is successfully uninstalled, your device will be restored to its original state without root access. Keep in mind that uninstalling Magisk will also remove any modules or modifications you have made using Magisk.
Restoring Stock Recovery
To restore the stock recovery on your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, follow these steps:
- Ensure your device is rooted and has the latest TWRP recovery installed.
- Transfer the downloaded files to your device’s internal storage.
- Confirm that your device’s bootloader is unlocked.
- Reboot your device into TWRP recovery.
- Create a Nandroid backup by selecting this option from the home screen. Include your data and cache in the backup from the recovery menu.
- Return to TWRP’s main menu and proceed to wipe the cache, data, and system before flashing the ROM.
- To wipe data, navigate to Wipe > Advanced Wipe.
- Select Dalvik/ART cache, cache, System, Vendor, and Data.
- Swipe to confirm the wipe.
Please note that restoring the stock recovery will remove any modifications made to your device’s system partition and return it to its original state.
Reverting to Stock Firmware
When you want to revert your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra back to the stock firmware, follow these steps:
- Download the stock firmware for your specific device model from the official Samsung website.
- Enable USB Debugging and connect your device to your computer.
- Open Odin, the firmware flashing tool.
- In Odin, click on the AP button and select the stock firmware file.
- Make sure only the ‘Auto Reboot’ and ‘F. Reset Time’ options are checked.
- Click the Start button to begin the firmware flashing process.
- Wait for the process to complete and your device will reboot with the stock firmware.
Remember to backup your data before flashing the stock firmware as it will erase all data on your device.
Note: Flashing the stock firmware will remove root access and any modifications made using Magisk.
For more information and troubleshooting tips, refer to the official Samsung documentation.
Conclusion
Benefits of Rooting with Magisk
Rooting your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra with Magisk offers several benefits:
- Customization: With root access, you can customize your device to your liking. You can install custom ROMs, themes, and mods to enhance the user experience.
- Performance: Rooting allows you to optimize your device’s performance by removing bloatware and tweaking system settings.
- Backup and Restore: Magisk provides a powerful backup and restore feature that allows you to easily create and restore device backups.
- App Management: With root access, you can use powerful apps that require root permissions, such as Titanium Backup and Greenify, to manage and optimize your apps.
- Ad Blocking: Magisk offers built-in ad-blocking capabilities, allowing you to block ads system-wide and improve your browsing experience.
- System-level Access: Rooting gives you full control over your device’s system files and settings, allowing you to make advanced customizations and modifications.
Tip: Before rooting your device, it is important to understand the risks involved and to follow the rooting process carefully to avoid any potential issues.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, rooting your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra with Magisk can provide you with numerous benefits and customization options. However, it is important to proceed with caution and follow the instructions carefully to avoid any potential issues. Remember to always backup your data before rooting and be aware of the risks involved. If you encounter any problems, refer to the troubleshooting section for solutions. Overall, rooting with Magisk can enhance your device’s performance and unlock its full potential.
Important Tips:
- Make sure to research and understand the process thoroughly before attempting to root your device.
- Follow the steps in the guide carefully to avoid any complications.
- Always backup your data before making any changes to your device.
We hope this guide has been helpful in your rooting journey. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy rooting!
Conclusion
In conclusion, rooting your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra with Magisk provides you with the ability to customize your device and access advanced features. With methods such as KingRoot, KingoRoot, and Magisk, you can easily root your device without the need for a PC. However, it is important to note that rooting your device may void your warranty and can have potential risks. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and proceed at your own risk. Happy rooting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is rooting?
Rooting is the process of gaining privileged control over the Android operating system, allowing users to access and modify system files and settings that are normally restricted.
What are the benefits of rooting?
Rooting allows users to customize their device, install custom ROMs, remove pre-installed bloatware, improve performance, and access advanced features and settings.
What is Magisk?
Magisk is a systemless root solution that allows users to root their Android device without modifying the system partition. It also provides a framework for installing modules and hiding root from certain apps.
How do I check if my Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is compatible for rooting?
To check if your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is compatible for rooting, you can search for the specific model number and check if there are any available root methods or custom recoveries for that model.
How do I enable Developer Options on my Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra?
To enable Developer Options on your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, go to the Settings app, scroll down to About phone, tap on Software information, and tap on the Build number 7 times. This will enable Developer Options.
How do I enable USB Debugging on my Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra?
To enable USB Debugging on your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, go to Developer Options in the Settings app, scroll down to USB debugging, and toggle the switch to enable it.
How do I unlock the bootloader on my Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra?
To unlock the bootloader on your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, you will need to follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer or developer. This process may vary depending on the device model and software version.
How do I download and install Magisk Manager?
To download and install Magisk Manager, you can visit the official Magisk website or search for it on popular Android forums and websites. Once downloaded, you can install the APK file like any other Android app.