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There is no universal, Samsung-supported way to root every Galaxy S25 or S26 while keeping its bootloader locked. Limited community and security-research reports describe exploit-based root on selected firmware and models, but they do not establish a safe, persistent method that works across regions, variants, and current security patches. Check the exact model and build against current project documentation before attempting anything—and weigh the lasting Samsung Knox consequences first.
Can you root a Galaxy S25 or S26 without unlocking the bootloader?
Possibly on specific device-and-firmware combinations, but not by following one general procedure for the whole S25 or S26 range. Conventional Android modification commonly uses bootloader unlocking. An exploit may instead obtain elevated access without that conventional unlock, but this is a limited route, not an official Samsung rooting process.
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Samsung’s consumer guidance describes rooting as gaining elevated control of the operating system and warns of security exposure, device damage, warranty issues, and possible loss of official over-the-air updates. Its guidance is general, not a validated walkthrough for these Galaxy models. Samsung’s rooting and risk guidance was last updated June 18, 2026.
What has been reported for the S25 and S26?
Selected Galaxy S25 firmware
The community project Root-My-Galaxy-Extended documents temporary KernelSU root without unlocking the bootloader or flashing a modified boot image for selected S25 firmware. Its compatibility is build-specific: listed profiles include selected SM-S938B and SM-S937B builds, while other S25 variants have limited or advanced support. The project’s live compatibility table—not the broad label “S25”—is the relevant reference, and its documentation may change. It warns that a failed attempt can reboot or panic the device, that an update may invalidate support, and that a full reboot clears the temporary root session. Check the project documentation and compatibility details.
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Exynos Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus
Android Authority reported on May 12, 2026, that a security group had obtained root on Exynos 2600 Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus models, and that a researcher had Magisk working. The report excludes the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which uses Snapdragon. This is a dated report of a research result, not confirmation of a public, safe, persistent method or compatibility with a current software build. Read the report and its model scope.
Bootloader unlocking is a separate, model-dependent question
The Android Open Source Project describes a generic flow for devices that support flashing unlock: enable OEM unlocking where available, acknowledge a warning, and accept a factory data reset when unlocking. That platform guidance does not establish that a specific Samsung model, region, carrier, or software build offers the option. AOSP explains the generic bootloader process.
A July 26, 2025 report from 9to5Google said the OEM Unlocking option was missing in One UI 8 beta on the Galaxy S25 Ultra and on One UI 8 launch devices; the report said the effect on already-marketed devices was then unclear. Treat it as historical reporting about that One UI 8 period, not proof of a uniform unlock state across every S25 and S26 or later software. Read the dated One UI 8 coverage.
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| Consideration | Unlock-based modification | Exploit-based root without conventional unlock |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | Depends on whether the exact device and software support unlocking; generic AOSP instructions do not confirm Samsung availability. | Depends on the exact supported model and firmware profile; the S25 project lists selected builds, and the reported S26 result covers Exynos S26 and S26 Plus, not Ultra. |
| Bootloader state and images | Uses the unlocking path where offered; AOSP’s generic flow includes enabling OEM unlocking and a factory reset. | The S25 project describes temporary root without bootloader unlocking or flashing a modified boot image. |
| Survives a full reboot? | Not established by the cited sources as a universal outcome. | The S25 project says a full reboot clears its temporary root session. |
| Failure and update risks | Samsung warns generally of device damage and possible OTA loss from rooting; the cited sources do not give a model-specific failure rate. | The S25 project warns of reboot or panic on failed attempts and says updates may invalidate support; no success-rate statistic is established. |
| Knox consequences | Samsung documents persistent Warranty Bit consequences when a non-Knox kernel is loaded; the exact outcome depends on what is loaded. | Do not assume that avoiding conventional unlocking avoids Knox consequences: Samsung says the Warranty Bit detects a non-Knox kernel. |
Why Samsung Knox is the central risk
Samsung Knox says its Warranty Bit detects when unofficial software has been installed. Samsung documents the bit as a one-time programmable e-fuse that changes from 0x0 to 0x1 when a non-Knox kernel is loaded. Samsung says software restoration cannot reset it. Samsung Knox’s FAQ describes the Warranty Bit and its effects.
Samsung documents specific service consequences: after the bit trips, a new Knox Workspace cannot be created, existing Workspace data cannot be retrieved, and Knox-dependent services such as Samsung Pay and Secure Folder stop working. Samsung’s Trusted Boot documentation explains that boot-chain components are measured and that the Warranty Bit persistently records a non-approved configuration; this is not a claim that every personal function on the phone becomes unusable. Samsung’s Trusted Boot documentation was last updated March 7, 2025.
What to verify before considering any method
- Full model number: Do not rely on “Galaxy S25” or “Galaxy S26” alone; confirm the exact model variant.
- Chipset and region: The reported S26 result is for Exynos S26 and S26 Plus, not the Snapdragon S26 Ultra.
- Firmware build and security patch: Match the installed build to the project’s current compatibility listing. A method reported for another build may not apply.
- Root behavior: Determine whether the method is temporary and what happens after a full reboot or software update.
- Knox tolerance: Decide whether losing Knox-dependent services or access to Workspace data is acceptable; do not count on relocking or restoring stock software to reverse the Warranty Bit.
If current documentation does not explicitly match the device’s full model and build, the available evidence does not establish that the method is compatible or safe for that phone. There is no universal procedure to provide responsibly.
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