If you're looking to unlock the full potential of your Samsung Galaxy S10, rooting might be the answer. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, from preparation to completion. Before we begin, let's understand what you're getting into and make sure your device is compatible.
Device Compatibility Check
Before investing time in the rooting process, you must verify whether your Galaxy S10 can be rooted. Samsung phones sold in certain regions have a permanently locked bootloader that cannot be unlocked.
For users with US or Canadian models (ending in U, U1, W, or SC), we have important news: your device cannot be rooted. This includes all S10 models sold by US carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint) and US unlocked models. This limitation exists at the hardware level and cannot be bypassed.
Compatible models include:
- SM-G973F (Global/European S10)
- SM-G975F (Global/European S10+)
- SM-G970F (Global/European S10e)
- Most models ending in F, N, or 0
To verify your model number, navigate to Settings > About Phone > Model number.
Understanding the Risks
Before proceeding with the rooting process, you should be aware of several important consequences:
The rooting process will permanently trigger Knox, voiding your warranty. Samsung Pay and Secure Folder will stop working permanently. Additionally, some banking apps and games that check for root access may become unusable.
These changes are irreversible, so make your decision carefully. If you're comfortable with these trade-offs, let's proceed with the preparation steps.
Required Software and Files
Let's gather everything we need for a successful root:
For your computer, you'll need:
- Odin flashing tool v3.14.4 (download from https://odindownload.com/download/Odin3_v3.14.4.zip)
- Samsung USB drivers for Windows users (from developer.samsung.com/android-usb-driver)
- Platform Tools for ADB and Fastboot commands
For your phone, you'll need:
- Magisk Manager v28.1 (download from Github: https://github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk/releases)
- Stock firmware for your exact model from SamFW.
When downloading firmware, your model number and region code must match exactly. On samfw.com, locate your specific model and download the complete firmware package containing AP, BL, CP, and CSC files.
Preparing Your Device
Start by preparing your device for the rooting process:
- Back up all important data - this process will wipe your device
- Charge your device to at least 50% battery level
- Enable Developer Options by tapping Build Number seven times in Settings > About Phone
- Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking in Developer Options
- Connect your device to your computer and verify the connection
Installing Magisk and Patching
Now we'll begin the actual rooting process:
- Install the Magisk APK (v28.1) but don't open it yet
- Copy your downloaded AP firmware file to your phone's internal storage
- Open Magisk Manager and tap the "Install" button
- Check the "Recovery Mode" option when it appears
- Select "Select and Patch a File" and choose your AP firmware
- Wait for the patching process to complete (3-5 minutes)
- Transfer the patched file back to your computer using ADB
Flashing with Odin
The flashing process requires careful attention to detail:
- Enter Download Mode: Power off your device, then press Volume Down + Volume Up + Power
- Press Volume Up at the warning screen
- Open Odin and verify your device shows as connected (blue COM port)
- Load your firmware files into the correct boxes:
- BL: Original bootloader file
- AP: Your magisk_patched file
- CP: Original CP file
- CSC: Original CSC file (not HOME_CSC)
- Verify settings: Auto Reboot and F.Reset Time should be checked
- Click Start and wait for the blue "PASS!" message
Final Setup Steps
After flashing, complete these steps to finish the rooting process:
- When the device reboots, enter Recovery Mode (Volume Up + Power while off)
- Perform a factory reset
- Complete initial Android setup (skip adding accounts for now)
- Install Magisk APK again
- Open Magisk and complete the installation when prompted
- Reboot one final time
Verifying Root Access
To confirm successful rooting:
- Open Magisk and check for:
- Correct version number (28.1)
- "Installed" status
- Active superuser permissions
- Install a root checker app
- Test basic phone functionality
- Verify Google Play Store works

Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter a boot loop:
- Enter Download Mode
- Flash the original, unpatched AP file through Odin
- Try again with Magisk v28.1
- If issues persist, consider trying v27.0 as a fallback
For SafetyNet issues:
- Enable Magisk Hide
- Install the latest SafetyNet Fix module
- Use DenyList for sensitive apps
Maintaining Root Access
To keep your rooted device running smoothly:
- Keep Magisk Manager updated to the latest version
- Never accept OTA updates
- For OS updates, download new firmware and repeat the patching process
- Use DenyList for apps that shouldn't detect root
By following this guide carefully, you'll have successfully rooted your Samsung Galaxy S10. Remember that root access gives you powerful control over your device - use it responsibly and always backup before making system changes.