TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom recovery that replaces Samsung's stock recovery with a powerful touch-based interface. With TWRP installed on your Galaxy S26 Ultra, you can flash custom ROMs, install Magisk, create full Nandroid backups, back up your EFS partition, wipe partitions selectively, and much more. This guide walks you through installing TWRP via Odin step by step.
What TWRP Lets You Do
- Flash custom ROMs, kernels, and mods (ZIP files)
- Install Magisk for root access
- Create and restore full Nandroid backups (a complete system snapshot)
- Back up and restore the EFS partition (protects your IMEI)
- Selectively wipe System, Data, Cache, Dalvik, and Vendor
- Mount partitions and access the file system via ADB
Prerequisites
- Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra with an unlocked bootloader (this is mandatory)
- Windows PC with Samsung USB drivers installed
- Odin flashing tool (latest version)
- TWRP .tar file built for the Galaxy S26 Ultra (from the official TWRP site or XDA)
- VBMETA disabler file (to prevent boot verification issues)
- At least 50% battery charge
You must unlock the bootloader before installing TWRP. If you have not done that yet, follow our bootloader unlock guide first.
Step 1: Download the Correct TWRP
Visit the official TWRP website or the XDA Developers thread for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Download the TWRP image built for your exact model number (SM-S938B). Do NOT use TWRP for a different model — it will not boot and may cause issues. If the file is in .img format, you may need it as .tar for Odin; many device threads provide the .tar directly.
Step 2: Enable OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging
- Go to Settings → About phone → Software information and tap Build number seven times to enable Developer Options.
- In Developer Options, enable OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging.
Step 3: Boot into Download Mode
- Power off the phone completely.
- Press and hold Volume Up + Volume Down together.
- While holding, connect the USB cable to your PC.
- The Download Mode warning screen appears. Press Volume Up to continue.
For more detail, see our Download Mode guide.
Step 4: Flash TWRP with Odin
- Open Odin on your PC (run as Administrator).
- Connect your phone (in Download Mode). Odin shows Added! and the ID:COM box turns blue.
- Click the AP button and select the TWRP .tar file.
- Go to the Options tab and UNCHECK Auto Reboot. This is critical — it prevents stock recovery from overwriting TWRP.
- Make sure Re-Partition is unchecked.
- Click Start. Wait for PASS.
Step 5: Boot Directly into TWRP (Critical Step)
Because you unchecked Auto Reboot, the phone is still in Download Mode. Now you must boot directly into TWRP before Android replaces it with stock recovery:
- Hold Power + Volume Down to exit Download Mode.
- The instant the screen goes black, immediately switch to holding Power + Volume Up.
- Keep holding until TWRP boots.
If you let the phone boot normally into Android first, the stock recovery will overwrite TWRP and you will have to flash again.
Step 6: Flash VBMETA and Format Data
Once in TWRP:
- If you have a VBMETA disabler, flash it (Install → select VBMETA file) to prevent verification errors.
- Go to Wipe → Format Data → type "yes". This decrypts storage so TWRP can read your data — necessary for custom ROMs.
- Reboot into recovery again to confirm TWRP sticks.
What's Next After TWRP?
- Back up your EFS immediately — this protects your IMEI
- Create a full Nandroid backup of your stock system
- Install a custom ROM like LineageOS or Pixel Experience
- Flash Magisk for root access
- Install a custom kernel
Troubleshooting
Odin FAIL when flashing TWRP: The bootloader is not unlocked, or the TWRP is for the wrong model. Verify both.
TWRP replaced by stock recovery: You let the phone boot into Android. Reflash and boot directly into TWRP using the button combo in Step 5.
TWRP cannot read data (asks for password): Storage is still encrypted. Format Data (not just wipe) in TWRP.
Bootloop after TWRP: Flash the VBMETA disabler, or see our bootloop fix guide.
Guide by XDA Unlocker Team. Last updated: July 2026.