Rooting your Samsung Galaxy A9 2018 with Magisk can provide you with additional customization options and control over your device. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of unlocking the bootloader, installing Magisk Manager, and rooting your device safely.
Key Takeaways
- Rooting with Magisk gives you access to advanced customization features.
- Always backup your data before rooting your device to prevent data loss.
- Make sure to verify the bootloader status before proceeding with the rooting process.
- Grant necessary permissions to Magisk Manager for a smooth rooting experience.
- After rooting, reboot your device and verify root access to ensure a successful rooting process.
Table of Contents
Preparing Your Device
Check Device Model
Before proceeding with the rooting process, it’s crucial to ensure that you have the correct model of the Samsung Galaxy A9 2018. Rooting the wrong model can lead to irreparable damage to your device.
To check your device model, go to:
- Settings
- About phone
- Model number
Make a note of the model number and compare it with the supported models for rooting with Magisk:
- SM-A920F
- SM-A9200
Ensure that your device’s model number matches one of the supported models listed above before continuing with the rooting process.
Backup Data
Before proceeding with the rooting process, it’s crucial to backup all important data on your Samsung Galaxy A9 2018. This ensures that you won’t lose your personal information, photos, videos, and app data in case something goes wrong during the rooting process.
To backup your data, you can use Samsung’s built-in backup feature or third-party apps. Here’s a simple way to backup using Samsung Cloud:
- Go to ‘Settings’ on your device.
- Navigate to ‘Accounts and backup’.
- Select ‘Backup and restore’.
- Choose ‘Back up data’ and select the data you want to backup.
- Tap ‘Back up’ to start the process.
Remember to also backup your data to an external storage device or cloud service for added security. This way, you have multiple backup options to rely on.
Enable Developer Options
To enable Developer Options on your Samsung Galaxy A9 2018, you’ll need to access the ‘About phone’ section in your device’s settings. Here, locate the ‘Build number’ and tap it seven times. A message will appear indicating that you are now a developer. This step is crucial as it allows you to perform actions that are necessary for rooting your device.
With Developer Options enabled, you can now access settings that are not available to the average user, such as USB debugging and OEM unlocking, which are essential for the rooting process.
Remember to proceed with caution, as these settings can significantly alter your device’s functionality. Always ensure that you understand the purpose of each option before making any changes.
Unlocking Bootloader
Request Unlock Code
Before you can unlock the bootloader on your Samsung Galaxy A9, you’ll need to obtain an unlock code from Samsung. This code is essential for the unlocking process and is unique to your device.
To request an unlock code:
- Visit the official Samsung Developer website.
- Sign in with your Samsung account.
- Navigate to the ‘Unlock Bootloader’ section.
- Enter your device’s IMEI number and other required details.
Ensure that you provide accurate information to avoid any delays or issues with receiving your unlock code.
Once you’ve submitted the request, Samsung will review it and send the unlock code to your registered email. This process may take a few days, so be patient. Keep the code safe as you will need it in the following steps to unlock the bootloader.
Unlock Bootloader
Once you have received the unlock code from the manufacturer, it’s time to proceed with unlocking the bootloader of your Samsung Galaxy A9 2018. This is a critical step that will allow you to modify the system partition and install custom software like Magisk.
To unlock the bootloader, follow these steps:
- Power off your device.
- Boot into download mode by holding the Volume Down, Bixby, and Power buttons simultaneously.
- When prompted, press the Volume Up button to enter ‘Device Unlock Mode’.
- Connect your device to your PC via USB and open the command prompt or terminal.
- Enter the command
fastboot oem unlock YOUR_UNLOCK_CODEreplacing ‘YOUR_UNLOCK_CODE’ with the code you received.
After completing these steps, your device will reboot, and the bootloader will be unlocked. It’s essential to note that unlocking the bootloader may erase all data on the device, so ensure you have backed up important files beforehand.
Once the device restarts, you can verify the bootloader status by booting into download mode again. If you see a message stating ‘Bootloader Unlocked’, you have successfully completed this step and can proceed to install Magisk Manager.
Verify Bootloader Status
Once you have attempted to unlock the bootloader, it’s crucial to verify that the process was successful. Boot into the bootloader mode on your Samsung Galaxy A9 2018 to check the status. This can typically be done by holding the power and volume down buttons simultaneously when the device is powered off.
To confirm the bootloader status, look for the ‘OEM Unlock’ option in the bootloader menu. If the option is greyed out or missing, it indicates that the bootloader is unlocked. Here’s a quick checklist to ensure everything is in order:
- The device is in bootloader mode
- ‘OEM Unlock’ option is greyed out or missing
- No error messages are displayed
If you encounter any issues or error messages during this step, it’s important to resolve them before proceeding. An unlocked bootloader is essential for the rooting process to continue smoothly.
Installing Magisk Manager
Download Magisk Manager
Before you can proceed with rooting your Samsung Galaxy A9, you’ll need to download the Magisk Manager app. This application is essential as it will help you manage root access and install various modules 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 are downloading the APK file that corresponds to your device’s architecture and Android version.
- Navigate to the official Magisk GitHub page.
- Look for the ‘Magisk Manager’ section.
- Select the version that is compatible with your device.
- Tap on the download link to start the download process.
After downloading, do not open the APK file yet. The installation will be covered in the next steps of this guide. It’s important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid any issues during the installation.
Install Magisk Manager
After downloading Magisk Manager, it’s time to install it on your Samsung Galaxy A9 2018. Locate the APK file you downloaded and tap on it to begin the installation process. If prompted, allow installation from unknown sources by navigating to Settings > Security and enabling the option.
Follow these steps to install Magisk Manager:
- Tap on the Magisk Manager APK file.
- Confirm the installation when prompted.
- Wait for the installation to complete.
- Open Magisk Manager from your app drawer.
Once installed, Magisk Manager will be the control center for all root-related activities on your device. It’s crucial to ensure that the app is properly installed before proceeding to the next steps.
Grant Necessary Permissions
After installing Magisk Manager, it’s crucial to grant it the necessary permissions for it to function properly. Navigate to your device’s settings, then to ‘Apps’, and select Magisk Manager from the list. Here, you’ll need to allow it to access your device’s storage among other permissions it may request.
- Storage: Allows Magisk Manager to store and retrieve files necessary for rooting.
- Location: Used for modules that require geographical data.
- Camera: Some modules may need camera access for functionality.
Ensuring that Magisk Manager has all the required permissions is essential for a smooth rooting process. Without these, you may encounter errors or incomplete installations.
Rooting Your Device
Download Magisk ZIP
After installing Magisk Manager, the next crucial step is to download the Magisk ZIP file. This file contains the necessary components to gain root access on your Samsung Galaxy A9 2018. Ensure you download the latest stable version of Magisk ZIP to avoid any compatibility issues.
To download the Magisk ZIP file:
- Open the Magisk Manager app on your device.
- Tap on the ‘Install’ button next to ‘Magisk’.
- Select ‘Download Zip Only’ to fetch the latest Magisk ZIP file.
Make sure you have a stable internet connection to prevent any download interruptions which could potentially corrupt the file.
Once the download is complete, do not unzip the file. The Magisk ZIP will be used in its current form for the flashing process in the next step.
Flash Magisk ZIP
After downloading the Magisk ZIP file, it’s time to flash it onto your device. This is a critical step where the actual rooting process takes place.
Ensure your device is connected to your computer and is in Fastboot mode. Use the command prompt or terminal to navigate to the folder where the Magisk ZIP is saved. Then, execute the following command to flash the Magisk ZIP:
fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img
Once the flashing process is complete, you should see a success message indicating that the file has been successfully written to your device.
Remember, do not interrupt the flashing process as it may cause your device to become unresponsive or, in the worst case, brick your device.
Reboot and Verify Root Access
Once you have flashed the Magisk ZIP file, the final step is to reboot your Samsung Galaxy A9 2018. This process will start the device with Magisk installed, giving you root access. Hold down the power button and select ‘Reboot’ to restart your device. After the device has restarted, you need to verify that the root access is properly configured.
To confirm that your device is successfully rooted, open the Magisk Manager app. Look for a green check mark next to ‘Magisk is installed.’ This indicates that the root is active. If you encounter any issues, refer to the troubleshooting section or seek help from the Magisk community forums.
- Open Magisk Manager app
- Check for the green check mark
- If no check mark, consult troubleshooting
Remember, rooting your device can void the warranty and may affect the device’s functionality. Always proceed with caution and at your own risk.
Conclusion
In conclusion, rooting your Samsung Galaxy A9 2018 with Magisk is a straightforward process that allows you to customize your device and unlock its full potential. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can safely root your device and enjoy the benefits of a rooted Android device. Remember to always proceed with caution and follow the instructions carefully to avoid any potential risks. Happy rooting!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is rooting my Samsung Galaxy A9 2018 safe?
Rooting your device can void the warranty and may lead to security risks, so proceed with caution and at your own risk.
Can I unroot my device after using Magisk?
Yes, you can unroot your device by using the ‘Uninstall’ option in Magisk Manager.
Will rooting my device delete my data?
Rooting itself does not delete data, but it’s recommended to back up your data before proceeding with any modifications.
Do I need a computer to root my device with Magisk?
Yes, a computer is required to unlock the bootloader and flash Magisk ZIP onto your device.
Is it legal to root my Samsung Galaxy A9 2018?
The legality of rooting may vary by region, so it’s advisable to research the laws in your area before proceeding.
Can rooting my device improve performance?
Rooting can potentially improve performance by allowing for customizations and optimizations, but it also comes with risks.