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✅ Prerequisites
Device Backup – Rooting wipes your device.
Battery Charged – At least 60% recommended.
Model Check – Confirm exact model (e.g., SM-N981U).
macOS Tools Needed:
Heimdall (an Odin alternative for Mac)
Android SDK Platform Tools (for adb and fastboot)
Magisk (for rooting)
TWRP (if available) – Limited for U.S. Snapdragon variants due to locked bootloaders.
⚠️ Important Note for U.S. Snapdragon Devices
Samsung locks the bootloader tightly on U.S. Snapdragon models (e.g., SM-N981U/U1). Bootloader unlocking is not officially possible on carrier-locked versions (Verizon, AT&T, etc.), and even on unlocked versions, Samsung does not allow bootloader unlock in the U.S. as of recent firmware updates.
If you have an Exynos international model, the process is easier.
🔧 Rooting Steps (Assuming Bootloader Can Be Unlocked)
Step 1: Enable Developer Options
Go to Settings > About phone > Software Information > Tap “Build number” 7 times
Enable OEM Unlock and USB Debugging
Step 2: Unlock Bootloader
⚠️ Not possible on most U.S. Snapdragon models.
Connect phone to Mac
Use adb:
bash
Copy
Edit
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot oem unlock
Step 3: Flash Magisk-Patched Firmware
Since TWRP is unavailable, use Magisk to patch the firmware’s AP file manually:
Download full firmware using Frija on Windows or SamFirm-based tool.
Extract the AP file.
Install Magisk on your phone and patch the AP file.
Transfer the patched .tar file back to your Mac.
Flash with Heimdall (Odin doesn’t work on macOS).
bash
Copy
Edit
heimdall flash –AP path/to/patched_magisk.tar
Heimdall commands vary — I can help you construct them based on your model.
🧪 Post-Root Setup
Install Magisk Manager for module management and SafetyNet workarounds
Use LSPosed or Xposed modules if desired