Root Samsung Galaxy J2 Core SM-J260F/G/M/Y Oreo 8.1 using Magisk (Android Go)

Samsung Galaxy J2 Core has Oreo 8.1 version that is based on Android Go. The Pro and con are in the J2 Core mobile are, It is Custom Skin Android Go. It comes with Samsung exclusive apps and also the Custom Skin. Only 1 GB of RAM, It may not perform better, But Due to the lite weight Android version, It can handle 2-3 Apps in parallel. After root, you will not receive regular patch updates from Samsung. So, If you are a regular user, I Don’t advise you to root your mobile. If you are a developer, and you know the purpose, you can root your mobile. If you think, Root can enhance the performance; you can’t squeeze a lot of performance in 1 GB RAM. Samsung already planned for Pie 9.0 version for this device. So, after the update, you can expect some performance Improvement.

Why should you Root Samsung Galaxy J2 Core?

You should have a strong reason for rooting. Samsung planning for 9.0 Pie and will further optimize your mobile. You have Enough 1 GB RAM to use daily apps without Lag for years. Yes, I know, you may think, 1 GB RAM is not enough in this modern Android world. But, Trust me Android Go 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 J2 Core Oreo 8.1 (SM-J260F, SM-J260G, SM-J260M, SM-J260Y)

First of all, thanks to topjohnwu – this genius is one who discovered and maintaining Magisk. We also thank XDA Developer- Prove N, Who provided further details in this method.

Samsung Galaxy J2 Core International variants come with a flexible bootloader. This 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 locked Bootloader.

But In the below method, we are going to Root this device by using Magisk, not TWRP. You can install TWRP using the official App when it is released. TWRP recovery is a custom recovery file which must be installed on Samsung Galaxy devices because you can root them successfully. In this article, we explained the easiest method to follow and install TWRP recovery on Samsung Galaxy J2 Core. However, the tool required for rooting this device is the Magisk App.

With the help of TWRP Recovery, you can quickly flash the latest version of Magisk into your J2 Core to gain root access. Before sharing the tutorial, you may want to know that, with the TWRP recovery present on your device, you can easily install any custom ROM or firmware. Does it seem complicated? Relax, everything will be explained succinctly in bullets.

Things to check out for;

• Check your device model number.

• Install Latest Magisk Manager.

• Make sure your device battery is charged above 50%

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

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

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

• Read full tutorial before the process.

Pre-Requirement Steps

Preparing Patched Boot Image file

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

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

• Download Samsung Galaxy J2 Core Firmware and save it on your PC. Your Current OS version and Downloaded Version AP and CSC should be Same.

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

• Download 7Zip-ZS and LZ4 Install both on your PC. Extract the files in downloaded firmware using 7Zip-ZS. You will get four files. Click on the AP File and Extract again. You will get some files along with the boot.img.lz4. Copy the boot.img.lz4 to LZ4 Installed folder. Convert lz4 file to .img file. After the convert, Copy boot.img 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 zip file and Patch Boot Image File. Select the Boot Image file.

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

• Wait for the process to complete, In the end, you will get magisk patched .tar file. The .tar file will be in the same folder where you have the Stock firmware file.

• Copy magisk_patched.tar file to your PC.

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 J2 Core.

• Switch off your device. Enter into Recovery Mode-> Volume Up+ Volume Down+ Power Button. Your mobile will boot into recovery mode. Go to Wipe Data/ Factory Reset. Select “Yes.” After the process complete, Select Reboot to Bootloader.

• The above process will wipe your User Data. It will show Download Warning screen, connect your mobile with PC using USB Cable.

Flash Patched Boot Image using ODIN

• You already in Download Mode. If you accidentally entered into Setup, Switch off your Mobile. Enter into Download mode->Volume Down+ Volume Up 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 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 magisk patched file selects it. Un-Tick the Auto-Reboot. You should only flash the patched image file.

• 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 + 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 select the root status using 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 in 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.