Rooting the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra gives you full control over your device. You can remove bloatware, install powerful root-only apps, customize your system at the kernel level, and push your hardware beyond Samsung's default limits. In this guide, we will walk you through the entire rooting process using Magisk — the most reliable and widely-used rooting solution for Samsung devices in 2026.
This guide covers the SM-S938B, SM-S938U, SM-S938N and all regional variants running Android 16 with One UI 8. Every step is verified by our team of GSM technicians.
What is Magisk Root?
Magisk is a systemless root solution developed by topjohnwu. Unlike older methods that modified the system partition directly, Magisk patches the boot image to gain root access while leaving the system partition untouched. This approach has several advantages:
- Root access without modifying /system
- MagiskHide / Zygisk to pass SafetyNet and Play Integrity
- Magisk Modules for system-level modifications that survive OTA updates
- Easy unroot by restoring the original boot image
For the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Magisk patches the AP (Application Processor) firmware file, which contains the boot image. You then flash this patched AP through Samsung's Odin tool.
Before You Begin — Important Warnings
Rooting your Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has permanent consequences. Read these carefully before proceeding:
Knox will be tripped permanently. Samsung's Knox security fuse is a one-time hardware flag. Once you unlock the bootloader, Knox trips to 0x1 and cannot be reversed. This means Samsung Pay, Samsung Pass, Secure Folder, and certain enterprise features will stop working permanently — even if you unroot later.
Warranty may be voided. In most regions, tripping Knox voids your Samsung hardware warranty.
Banking and payment apps may break. Some banking apps, Google Wallet, and corporate MDM solutions check for root and unlocked bootloaders. While Magisk's Zygisk and DenyList can hide root from most apps, this is not guaranteed.
Data will be wiped. Unlocking the bootloader performs a factory reset. Back up everything before starting.
Prerequisites — What You Need
Hardware: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (any variant), Windows PC (Windows 10 or 11), Original Samsung USB cable (USB-C).
Software: Odin 3.14.4 or newer, Samsung USB Drivers, Magisk app v28.0+ (from GitHub), 7-Zip or WinRAR.
Firmware: Stock firmware matching your exact model number and CSC. Use Frija, Samloader, or SamFW to download.
Device Settings: OEM Unlocking enabled (Settings → Developer Options → OEM Unlocking), USB Debugging enabled.
Step 1: Enable OEM Unlocking
Open Settings → About Phone → Software Information. Tap Build Number seven times to enable Developer mode. Go to Settings → Developer Options and toggle OEM Unlocking to ON.
If OEM Unlocking is grayed out, your device may be carrier-locked. Connect to Wi-Fi, add a Google account, and wait 7 days after the last factory reset.
Step 2: Download the Correct Stock Firmware
Note your exact model number (e.g., SM-S938B) and CSC code from Settings → About Phone → Software Information. Use Frija or SamFW to download the matching firmware. Extract the ZIP — you will find BL, AP, CP, and CSC .tar.md5 files.
Step 3: Patch the AP File with Magisk
Transfer the AP_*.tar.md5 file to your phone storage. Install and open the Magisk app. Tap Install → Select and Patch a File. Select the AP file. Magisk creates a magisk_patched_*.tar file in the Download folder. Transfer this file back to your PC.
Step 4: Unlock the Bootloader
Power off the phone. Hold Volume Down + Volume Up, plug in USB cable. Press Volume Up twice to confirm bootloader unlock. The device factory resets and reboots. Re-enable Developer Options and USB Debugging after setup.
Knox is now tripped. There is no going back from this point.
Step 5: Flash the Patched AP with Odin
Open Odin 3.14.4. Boot phone into Download Mode. Load firmware files:
- BL → BL_*.tar.md5 file
- AP → magisk_patched_*.tar (NOT the original AP)
- CP → CP_*.tar.md5 file
- CSC → HOME_CSC_*.tar.md5 (preserves data)
In Options: check Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time. Do NOT check Re-Partition. Click Start. Wait for PASS! in green.
Step 6: Verify Root Access
After reboot, open the Magisk app. You should see Installed with a version number. Install Root Checker from Play Store to verify.
Step 7: Configure Zygisk and DenyList
Open Magisk → Settings. Enable Zygisk and Enforce DenyList. Configure DenyList to hide root from banking apps, Google Pay, and Samsung Health. Reboot.
Recommended Magisk Modules
- LSPosed — Xposed framework for Android 16
- Play Integrity Fix — Passes Google's Play Integrity checks
- Busybox for Android NDK — Unix utilities for terminal
- Audio Modification Library — Dolby Atmos, Viper4Android
How to Unroot
Method 1: Open Magisk → Uninstall → Complete Uninstall.
Method 2: Flash complete stock firmware via Odin with CSC (not HOME_CSC) for full restore.
Troubleshooting
Odin says FAIL: Check correct firmware, verify no Magisk-patched AP confusion, try different USB port.
Bootloop after flash: Wrong firmware version. Reflash complete stock via Odin.
Banking app detects root: Enable Zygisk, add app to DenyList, clear app data, install Play Integrity Fix module.
OEM Unlocking grayed out: Wait 7 days after reset, connect Wi-Fi + Google account.
This guide is maintained by the XDA Unlocker Team. Last updated: July 2026.