How to root Samsung Galaxy Note 8 (both Snapdragon and Exynos models)

Being an Android user comes with lots of perks, one of which is the ability to root your device easily. Now, we can add one more latest device to that growing list of new Android phones on which root access is available — and that is, the Galaxy Note 8. The TWRP recovery is now officially supported for both the models of the Galaxy Note 8, one that is powered by Exynos processor (model ending with F/FD/i/etc.) and the other that is powered by Snapdragon processor (models ending with U/U1/0/etc.).

Read: Samsung Android 10 update release details

How to root Galaxy Note 8

Warning!

Warranty may be void of your device if you follow the procedures given on this page. You only are responsible for your device. We won’t be liable if any damage occurs to your device and/or its components.

Backup!

Make sure you back up important files stored on your device before proceeding with the steps below so that in case something goes wrong you’ll have a backup of all your important files. Sometimes, Odin installation may delete everything on your device!

Downloads

• TWRP recovery (.TAR file):
  • Exynos models, SM-N950F/FD/X/N (codename greatlte): twrp-3.3.1-0-greatlte.img.tar.html
  • Exynos models, SM-N950U/U1/W/0/8/6 (codename greatqlte): twrp-3.3.1-0-greatqlte.img.tar.html
  • Tip: Find your Note 8’s model no. and codename using the free Droid Info app
• Odin PC software — Link
• Root package, Magisk — Link

How to install Galaxy Note 8 TWRP Recovery and root

• Go to Settings > About phone, and then tap ‘Build number’ 7 times or until you see the ‘you’re now a developer’ message pop up.
• Now go back to Settings, and into Developer options. Now, look for OEM Unlock, and select it using its toggle button.

Also, If you can’t find OEM unlock option in your Note8 under Settings > Developer options, then it means there is nothing you can do here as Samsung hasn’t provided that option on your device. You are out of luck, and can’t root the Note8.

One more thing, as this will delete everything on the device, make sure you have made an adequate backup of files, contacts and everything else.

Step 1. Download TWRP, Odin and either of SuperSU or Magisk root package from above.

Step 2. Install Galaxy Note 8 driver (method 1 there!) first of all. Double click the .exe file of drivers to begin the installation. (Not required if you have already done this.)

Step 5. Boot Galaxy Note 8 into download mode:

1. Power off your Galaxy Note 8. Wait 6-7 seconds after screen goes off.
2. Press and hold the three buttons Power + Bixby + Volume down buttons together until you see the warning screen.
3. Press Volume Up to continue to download mode.

Step 6. Double click on the extracted file of Odin, Odin3 v3.10.6.exe, to open the Odin window, as shown below. Be careful with Odin, and do just as said to prevent problems.

• You cannot proceed until Odin recognizes your device and you get the Added!! message.
• If it doesn’t, you need to install/re-install drivers again and use the original cable that came with the device. Mostly, drivers are the problem.
• You can try different USB ports on your PC too, btw.

Step 9. Make sure that the Re-partition and Auto Reboot checkboxes are NOT selected, under the Options tab. Don’t use the PIT tab either. Go back to the Log tab btw, it will show the progress when you hit the start button in next step.

• If Odin gets stuck at setup connection, then you need to do this all again. Disconnect your device, close Odin, boot device into download mode again, open Odin, and then select the TWRP and flash it again as said above.
• If you get FAIL in the top left box, then also you need to flash the TWRP file again as stated just above.

• Do this: Press and hold Volume down + Bixby + Power button together until the screen goes off, but once the screen goes off, do this quickly: while still holding the Power and Bixby button, press Volume Up in place of Volume down button to reboot into recovery mode.
  [In essence, when the device restarts (screen goes off), you must be holding Volume Up, Bixby and Power button together. And why press the Volume down + Bixby + Power buttons first is to force restart the device.]

→ That’s it. Enjoy the TWRP and root access on your Galaxy Note 8!

How to access TWRP recovery on Galaxy Note 8

To access TWRP recovery, you have to reboot into recovery mode:

1. Power off your Galaxy Note 8. Wait 6-7 seconds after screen goes off.
2. Press and hold the three buttons Volume up + Bixby + Power together until you see Samsung logo on the screen.

That’s it.

If you need any help with Note8 root and TWRP recovery, let us know via comments below and we will try our best to help you out.