Root Samsung Galaxy A9 2018 SM-A920F/N Android 10 using Magisk

Samsung “A” series always have good flagship-level specs at a reasonable price. You can see most of the upcoming specs and software features in the “A” series before Samsung releases it in the Flagship mobiles. Samsung Galaxy A9 2018 comes with the Oreo version and got two both Pie and Android 10 versions. Overall it is a great mobile within both hardware and software-wise. But when you are a frequent Root app user, or you always prefer more control on your mobile, then you can root your Samsung Galaxy A9 2018 Android 10 version using the below method. Since the following method didn’t use a custom recovery, You can’t install custom ROMs. But it is enough to use root apps.

After root, you will lose official updates. You have to update your mobile manually. So, Before proceeding with the process, you should know why you need to do it. So, If you are a regular user, you can try some alternatives for your purpose that doesn’t require root. When you are a regular root apps user and developer, you can follow the below guide to achieve root on your mobile.

Should you need to Root your Samsung Galaxy A9 2018 Android 10 version?

It would be best if you had a strong reason for rooting. Samsung Galaxy A9 2018 already comes with One UI 2.0 based on Android 10 and is already optimized. You have More than Enough 6/8 GB RAM to use daily apps without lag for years. Yes, I Know, RAM maybe looks like not enough because of the Samsung Heavily customized OS. But, Trust me, One UI is far better than other Custom Skin OS. You can use this device without lag for years until Samsung mess with some Bloatware. But beyond, this not go reasons you are addicted to some root apps, or you are a frequent user of some Custom OS, you can proceed further. But if you want to root because everybody is doing, I advise you, don’t root If you didn’t have any experience. For regular users, It can become a Nightmare.

How to Root Samsung Galaxy A9 2018 Android 10 One UI 2.0 (SM-A920F, SM-A920N)

First of all, thanks to the developer BaxterWick for finding the root method and topjohnwu – this genius is the one who discovered and maintaining Magisk. Samsung Galaxy A9 2018 International variants come with a flexible bootloader. It means that the smartphone can be easily rooted. Also, the device can accept to install TWRP recovery or any other custom recovery file/app alike. Don’t try with Snapdragon US Variants like Verizon devices. They come with a locked Bootloader.

But In the below method, we are going to Root this device by using Magisk. You can install Official TWRP using the official app when it is released. TWRP recovery is a custom recovery file that must be installed on your devices because you can root them successfully. In this article, we explained the easiest method to follow and install Magisk on Samsung Galaxy A9 2018. However, the tool required for rooting this device is the Magisk App.

You can flash TWRP once it is available. With the help of TWRP Recovery, you can quickly flash the Custom ROMs into your Samsung Galaxy A9 2018. Before sharing the tutorial, you may want to know that, with the Magisk present on your device, you can easily install any root apps. Does it seem complicated? Relax, everything will be explained briefly in bullets.

Things to check out for;

• Check your device model number.

• You should Backup your current files and data- Full Data Loss Process (save them on external storage).

• Install Latest Magisk Manager.

• Make sure your device battery is above 50%

• You cannot use Samsung Pay, Secured folder, and some official apps from Samsung.

• You can’t update your firmware; to get new firmware, you must follow the below steps with the latest firmware.

• Read the full tutorial before the process.

1. Unlock Bootloader

• Enable USB Debugging Mode and OEM Unlock on your mobile. To do this; go to settings >>> about >>> Tap on the “Build Number” 7-10 times consistently to enable “Developer Options,” then go to the “Developer Options” and enable USB Debugging Mode and OEM Unlock. There is no complicated process in the Samsung Galaxy A9 2018.

• Switch off your device. Enter into Download Mode-> Volume Down+ Bixby+ Power Button and Connect your mobile with PC using USB Cable. When the Download mode warning screen Appears, Press the Volume Up button to unlock Bootloader.

• The above process will wipe your user data. After setup your device, Please recheck the OEM Unlock in the settings. Sometimes It Will Lock Again.

2. Preparing Patched AP.tar file

• Download and install the Samsung USB driver to your computer system.

• Also, download the ODIN software. Select the above Oreo version in the ODIN list. Install ODIN on your PC.

• Download Samsung Galaxy A9 2018 Android 10 Firmware and save it on your PC. Your Current OS version and Downloaded Version AP and CSC should be the Same.

• You can use Phone Info to know your firmware version.

• Download 7Zip-ZS and Install it on your PC. Extract the files in downloaded firmware using 7Zip-ZS. You will get four files (You will get Five files. CSC file is compatible with this process, So we drop Home CSC files).

• Copy the AP File to your mobile.

• Download Magisk Manager (Download Latest version) or Magisk canary and Install it on your mobile. Open Installed Magisk and Select Install in Magisk; it will ask For a zip file and Patch Boot Image File. Select the AP file.

• Navigate to your copied Boot Image File and patch the file.

• Wait for the process to complete; in the end, you will get a magisk patched .tar file. The .tar file will be in the same folder where you have the Stock firmware file. If you didn’t get the .tar and you got .img file. No problem. Copy this file to your PC. We can convert the data there.

• When you get the .img file, Open the installed 7zip app. Navigate the magisk patched img file and select Add, Choose .tar format and choose ok. Convert only AP file. You will get the AP.tar file.

3. Flash Patched AP.tar along with other firmware files using ODIN

• Due to Samsung’s new security restrictions, we can’t flash the AP file with Stock Boot on your mobile. So, we have to flash a patched AP using ODIN.

• Unlock your screen lock. There should be no fingerprint, PIN Lock, Wipe. Set No lock in the settings.

• Switch off your Mobile. Enter into Download mode->Volume Down+ Bixby+ Power Buttons and Connect Your Mobile To PC via USB Cable; after Samsung Logo Appear, Release all keys.

• After entering into Download Mode, it will say Warning; press the Volume Up button to continue.

• Launch Odin Application.

• It Will Show the message added.

• If you did not get this message, Repeat the above steps.

• After Getting Added Message Select, AP/PDA Button, then Browse for the patched Magisk AP.tar file, select it. Along with this file, you should choose and flash the other three non-patched firmware files. Un-Tick the Auto-Reboot.

• Press Start wait for the tasks to complete. After the process complete, Press Volume Down+ Power button to exit Download mode. When the screen goes off, Immediately Press Volume Up + Bixby+ Power buttons to boot into Recovery mode.

• After entering into Stock recovery mode, Go to Wipe Data/Factory Reset and Select Yes to wipe data. It will erase your saved data in your device. Don’t Boot into OS. Read below Boot stages before booting.

Boot into Rooted OS

• Press and Hold Volume Up + Power buttons, release all the keys once the Bootloader warning appears. You have to set up your device like a new device. You can check the root status using the Root Checker.

• Stock Recovery Boot – Press and Hold Volume Up + Power buttons, release keys while you hold the Volume Up key.

• You will see Magisk Manager in your App drawer. If you can’t find the app, you can install Magisk Manager on your mobile.

Selva Ganesh

Selva Ganesh is the Chief Editor of this Blog. He is a Computer Science Engineer, An experienced Android Developer, Professional Blogger with 8+ years in the field. He completed courses about Google News Initiative. He runs Android Infotech which offers Problem Solving Articles around the globe.