The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra represents the pinnacle of Android smartphone technology, and rooting it can unlock even more potential. While the process requires careful attention to detail and technical knowledge, the benefits of a rooted device include enhanced privacy features, complete system control, and the ability to run advanced applications. For those seeking these advantages without the technical complexity, pre-configured rooted devices are available from specialized vendors. However, if you're interested in understanding and performing the root process yourself, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about rooting your S24 Ultra, from preparation to completion.
Understanding the Permanent Changes
Before beginning the rooting process, it's crucial to understand that rooting your S24 Ultra will trigger permanent changes that cannot be fully reversed. Even if you later unroot your device, certain features will be permanently disabled due to Knox security system modifications. For those who want to avoid the technical complexity of the rooting process while still enjoying the benefits of a rooted device, pre-rooted S24 Ultra devices are available from trusted vendors like PrivacyPortal (https://www.privacyportal.co.uk/products/samsung-galaxy-s24-ultra-5g). However, if you're comfortable with technical procedures and want to root your existing device, let's examine the changes in detail:
Permanent Feature Loss:
- Samsung Pay will stop working and cannot be restored
- Samsung Pass becomes permanently unavailable
- Secure Folder functionality is lost
- Samsung Health stops working
- Galaxy Watch pairing becomes problematic
- Google Pay may cease functioning
While some features can be restored through custom ROMs or patches, you should carefully consider whether the benefits of rooting outweigh these losses for your specific use case.
Device Compatibility Check
Currently, this guide applies specifically to the international S24 Ultra model (SM-S928B). If you have a US/Canadian model, stop here - those variants have permanently locked bootloaders and cannot be rooted.
Required Tools and Files
To root your S24 Ultra, you'll need several essential tools and files. Let's go through each one and where to get them safely:
For Your Computer:
Essential Software:
- Odin v3.14.4: The official Samsung flashing tool Download: https://odindownload.com/download/Odin3_v3.14.4.zip
- Samsung USB Drivers: Required for Windows to recognize your device properly Download: https://developer.samsung.com/android-usb-driver
- 7-Zip File Archiver: Needed for handling firmware files Download: https://7-zip.org/download.html
- ADB Platform Tools: For advanced debugging if needed Download: https://developer.android.com/tools/releases/platform-tools
For Your Phone:
Required Applications:
- Magisk Manager (v28.1 or latest) Download: https://github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk/releases/latest
Firmware Download Tools (choose one):
- Frija: https://github.com/SlackingVeteran/frija/releases
- Samloader: https://github.com/nlscc/samloader
- samfirm.js: https://github.com/jesec/samfirm.js
For Firmware Files:
- Visit samfw.com and search for your exact model number (SM-S928B)
- Verify your device's CSC code in Settings > About Phone > Software Information
- Download the complete firmware package for your region
Additional Resources:
- XDA Developers S24 Ultra Forum: https://forum.xda-developers.com/f/samsung-galaxy-s24-ultra.12945/
- Magisk Documentation: https://topjohnwu.github.io/Magisk/install.html
Preparing Your Device
The preparation phase is crucial for a successful root:
- Back up all your data - this process will perform a factory reset
- Enable Developer Options:
- Go to Settings > About Phone > Software Information
- Tap "Build Number" seven times
- Enter your device password when prompted
- You'll see "Developer options has been enabled"
- Enable OEM Unlock:
- Go to Settings > Developer options
- Find and enable "OEM Unlock"
- Confirm your choice when prompted
The Rooting Process
Step 1: Unlocking the Bootloader
- Power off your device completely
- Enter Download Mode:
- Connect to PC while holding Volume Up + Volume Down
- Or if powered off, hold Volume Up + Volume Down and connect USB
- At the warning screen, press Volume Up to continue
- Long press Volume Up to unlock the bootloader
- Confirm the bootloader unlock
- Wait for the device to wipe and reboot
- Complete initial setup (skip adding accounts for now)
Step 2: Preparing the Files
- Download your device's firmware using one of these tools:
- samfirm.js
- Frija
- Samloader
- Extract the firmware and locate:
- AP tar file (AP_[model_number].tar.md5)
- BL tar file (BL_[model_number].tar.md5)
- Using 7-Zip:
- Open the AP tar file as an archive
- Extract init_boot.img.lz4
- Open the BL tar file as an archive
- Extract vbmeta.img.lz4
- Create a new tar archive:
- Select both extracted .lz4 files
- Right-click > 7-Zip > Add to archive
- Choose TAR format
- Name it something recognizable (e.g., "s24_patch.tar")
Step 3: Patching with Magisk
- Transfer the new tar file to your S24 Ultra
- Install Magisk Manager (v28.1)
- Open Magisk and tap "Install"
- Choose "Select and Patch a File"
- Select your created tar file
- Wait for patching to complete
- Transfer the patched file back to your PC
Step 4: Flashing with Odin
- Reboot to Download Mode
- Open Odin on your PC
- Load these files:
- AP: Your magisk_patched.tar
- BL: Original BL file
- CP: Original CP file
- CSC: Original CSC file (not HOME_CSC)
- Verify Options:
- Auto Reboot: Checked
- F.Reset Time: Checked
- Click Start and wait for "PASS!"
Step 5: Final Setup
- Complete the initial device setup
- Install Magisk APK again
- Open Magisk and complete any additional setup
- Reboot when prompted
Recommended Safety Tools
Before proceeding with the root process, consider installing these helpful tools:
Backup Solutions:
- Samsung Smart Switch for PC: https://www.samsung.com/us/support/owners/app/smart-switch Helps create a complete backup of your device before starting
- Samsung Cloud Backup: Enable through Settings > Accounts and backup Ensures your settings and app data are safely stored
EFS Backup Tools:
- EFS Professional Tool: Available on XDA Forums Essential for backing up your IMEI and network information
Root Verification:
- Root Checker by joeykrim: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.joeykrim.rootcheck Verifies successful root access after completion
Safety Net Checking:
- YASNAC (Yet Another SafetyNet Attestation Checker): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=dev.vvlx.yasnac Verifies SafetyNet status after rooting
Post-Root Maintenance
To maintain your rooted S24 Ultra:
- Never restore boot, recovery, or vbmeta partitions to stock
- Don't accept OTA updates
- For OS upgrades, manually download firmware and repeat the patching process
- When upgrading, use HOME_CSC instead of regular CSC
- Keep a backup of your EFS partition in a safe location
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter boot loops:
- Enter Download Mode
- Flash the original firmware files
- Start the process again, ensuring all files match your exact model
For SafetyNet failures:
- Enable Magisk Hide
- Install the latest SafetyNet Fix module
- Use DenyList for sensitive apps
Recovery Options
If you need to unroot:
- Download stock firmware
- Flash via Odin using all stock files
- Note that Knox-dependent features will remain disabled
Remember: Rooting is a powerful tool that requires responsibility. Always backup important data and proceed with caution. While you can unroot the device later, some changes are permanent, so make sure you're confident in your decision before proceeding.