Database Develop

To root or not to root. That is the question.

I've been using my Note8 for 5 months already.
I miss many functionalities I would have if I could root the Note8, but I am reluctant as I know Samsung Pay will not work never again on this terminal.
The truth is that I would root it but here are the pros/cons:
Pros:
CPU downgrade (more battery juice)
Add apps to the ultra-power save mode (I definitely would use this mode more)
Get rid of bloatware (but on the other hand now I can just deactivate it)
Could use Titanium Backup to backup my apps
Cons:
Cannot use Samsung Pay never again
Would loose the stability/security of the stock ROM.
In fact, the banks I work with use Android Pay (and not Samsung Pay).
The main department store in Spain (El Corte Inglés) support Samsung Pay, but there is a silly issue that makes me not to use it. To clear the parking ticket you can do it directly with the 'old card', whereas if you pay with Samsung Pay in the store, after you have to go to customer service, wait the queue and have your parking ticket cleared. It's just silly and makes me not to use Android Pay in this store.
So, would you root your device or keep it stock?

So I still didnt root my phone too mainly because Samsung Pay. In Germany there is also no banks that supports it (Apple and Google Pay are also not out) but I have after 7 months found a swiss bank that supports it and yet i have to test it out.

ptolomeo said:
I've been using my Note8 for 5 months already.
I miss many functionalities I would have if I could root the Note8, but I am reluctant as I know Samsung Pay will not work never again on this terminal.
The truth is that I would root it but here are the pros/cons:
Pros:
CPU downgrade (more battery juice)
Add apps to the ultra-power save mode (I definitely would use this mode more)
Get rid of bloatware (but on the other hand now I can just deactivate it)
Could use Titanium Backup to backup my apps
Cons:
Cannot use Samsung Pay never again
Would loose the stability/security of the stock ROM.
In fact, the banks I work with use Android Pay (and not Samsung Pay).
The main department store in Spain (El Corte Inglés) support Samsung Pay, but there is a silly issue that makes me not to use it. To clear the parking ticket you can do it directly with the 'old card', whereas if you pay with Samsung Pay in the store, after you have to go to customer service, wait the queue and have your parking ticket cleared. It's just silly and makes me not to use Android Pay in this store.
So, would you root your device or keep it stock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cons:
I never use Samsung Pay so for me there is no problem
About stability/security yes you need be more careful about security but if you use phone as normal person and not open thing which you dont know what is it you not have any issue btw you can flash custom romalmost all devs update his custom roms with latest security patches and firmwares
So i dont see reason why not root i root my phone week ago now i searching for good Oreo custom rom
About Pros:
You can do many godo thinks with root special if you have twrp you can flash good custom roms, mods etc.. i root my phone only for Zero Camera Mod in future i will flash custom rom too.

I'm came from a rooted Moto X Pure and loved all the stuff root gave me. When I got the Note 8, I decided not to root it and see how it goes. So far, I see no real reason to root at this point. Yeah, I'd love to be able to backup via TiBu, along with freezing or uninstalling apps, but overall, I see no real other benefit. The battery and speed of the Note is so good that I don't really worry about it.

I don't use any NFC pay services so I could care less about Samsung Pay. Every Android I've had was rooted. I purchased Exynos overseas instead Snapdragon domestically with the intent to root. When I first got my Note 8 in Aug/Sep I tried to see how long I could go without rooting. I didn't even make it a full 2 days.
Back in day I rooted mainly for themeing & ad blocking, in the past years themeing is not even on my list for reason to root. With the Note 8 root is not even needed for themeing.
I root to enable features that can't be on a stock phone, use apps that require root, debloat/disable/uninstall anything without needing an additional app, able to use TiBu like I've always have but not only that, the ability to backup things other than apps. Snapdragon does have root but it's not just root that I want, custom recovery/TWRP is a must for me too. Most of the time, thanks to our devs, performance is also improved.

I vote root. Mainly for Ti backup, debloating, and most importantly Xposed (disappointed when I found out it doesn't work yet). I haven't done much debloating since there isn't a nice list like every other phone I've ever had.

You gotta fund out what bootloader your on cause Samsung now blocked root.

I don't see any point in rooting the Note 8. I'm happy with the battery life so no need to tweak anything here. I don't need low power mode or apps that can run in this mode. Bloatware is not an issue for me, everything I don't want is deactivated and memory is not really an issue for me either.
My Note 8 is a great tool and it just works fine. I would not risk that by using other ROMs etc, because I don't see a point here either. So I won't root it.

I rooted my devices since the S3, but now, many many things that only root could give you control over in the past, now can be done with stock or via apps, the pros of rooting were far more desirable that the cons, but now, things are different, samsung pay is active in my country and I find it very useful, what I painly miss is, Viper4A, only, but, as I use it only at home with a full size sound system, I use my note 4 for listening music, so, I will not root my note 8

The only reason to root my phone could be the zero camera mod. That's all... completely unnecessary in this phone. Think about it (at least in my case) : i installed some fancy apps, and since of them was very cool, but 2 o 3 weeks later it just become in another unnecessary gadget. Custom roms are that... in my humble opinion. Cheers

I just can't see a reason to root. Note offers a lot of functionalities that, in the past, are reached by some stock roms. In term of battery I agree that stock rom could be better. Loosing Knox and Samsung pay is not a clever decision. Imagine a scenario involving warranty.
Note is a portable PC and have everything in my opinion

Saafir said:
Let's not forget you can debloat using adb. No root required.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you freeze and defrost bloat?

For me the only reason to root is to have a local firewall while VPNing. The only effective noroot firewalls use the VPN service and if you do that you can not simultaneously block while also connecting to a VPN service to secure DNS or access remote network resources that are not internet exposed.

Unless you are a software developer there is no need to root an modern android device these days. As most android OEMs are doing a good job refining android for their respective devices.

I've rooted the 25 or so Android phones I have had over the years, but, this is the first Android phone I have not rooted; I couldn't care less about samsung pay, or Knox, or warranty, since warranty has NEVER been an issue for me, even on rooted phones.
But, with this Snapdragon version, there aren't really any custom roms to flash, or many mods that require root, and, the phone is fast as hell with the stock rom, so, as long as I can install themes to change the look, I have zero desire to root this phone.

iceepyon said:
Unless you are a software developer there is no need to root an modern android device these days. As most android OEMs are doing a good job refining android for their respective devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or unless no phone offers the features that you need.

iceepyon said:
Unless you are a software developer there is no need to root an modern android device these days. As most android OEMs are doing a good job refining android for their respective devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not so my friend. Some of us can't stand the white ****ty-looking icons and letters on the top bar, like battery, date etc.. they are dull and boring. Rooting is about the only way to change that at this time. Having access to 3minittbattery or other advanced ways to change/theme Android is key even if you are not a developer. Also, I have yet to find a decent backup utility like Titanium in any OEM. Most backup apps will only back up your Apks but no data unless you have root. So when you change phones, you loose all/most data. It's hard to believe that after 10 years, Android still cannot backup data in all your apps without root. For someone like me who likes to have the latest phones, it means at least twice a year you loose all data unless you have root. When you pay close to 1K for a phone, you expect to be able to have it your way. Otherwise, why not just follow the i-sheep where everything in the ecosystem is already pre-done for you? This is why many of us root. We don't want to be part of the i-sheep family.
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Sinxe note 2 i was a rooter in all series.. for the first time i kept a phone as stock.
Well knox or secure folder.. is the best reason to have this phone. And i am using it for privacy things.. with double accounts.. u can have a hidden whatsapp with different number in secure folder... This was important for me.
Samsung pay! Another fact.
Disabling bloatwares are possible wo root.
I dont need any kernel or performance tweak. Samsung sid fine...
Even i am not a fan of theming. With Nova i am really satisfied..
For camera tweak. I downloaded apk pixel 2 exynos modify from xda.. which does better job then stock..
With adblock issues lucky patcher is still good wo root..
Titanium backup?? I let google to upload everything.. so data backup no more need on my sd..
Also using a firmware that is so stable is another benefit. There is no crash. No headache. Now i see not complicating things is better..
Besides i have nexus with root.. and for my case.. rooting note 8 is not huge benefit for me...

m_carleone82 said:
Titanium backup?? I let google to upload everything.. so data backup no more need on sd.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except Google does a ****ty job of backing up and restoring. Also, I don't just use Ti backup when setting up a new phone, I use it to backup my most used apps before updating them. Half the time updates brings on issues, removes features, or just break the app all together.

Meh!! I'm over tinkering with phones. Been doing it for many years. At the end of the day they still take and make calls , send and receive mms sms emails,and apps for whatever I want to do. These days most modern phones pack enough grunt , I don't find a need to modify. The fun in it for me has become same old, same old. I do however come back here in hope that some one has pulled a rabbit out of the hat with something new and magical. There's more fun things for me to do like travel the globe.
For the young ones it still will be new and exciting, so keep having fun!
And yes my cat is still around, little older and a little slower. Still very beautiful.

A Couple of Questions Before Buying

Currently have a ONEPLUS 3T running Resurrection Remix ROM, which is great.
I guess the P30 hasn't had any development in this area? I was reading in the rom section and it seems even unlocking the bootloader is tricky, let alone loading a custom rom.
Is this something that will come later?
It's my first time thinking about buying a relatively new phone so not sure of the time line of things like this.
Cheers!

anotherxdauser said:
Is this something that will come later?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huawei stopped giving official bootloader unlock codes, which means no TWRP or custom ROM/ Kernels. There are unofficial unlock codes, but they are pricey, may not be available all the time, etc.
But if you're looking to buy a P30 Pro, it shouldn't be for its custom ROM scene or mod capabilities. It should be for its camera. Period. There is a very good reason it's being held so high in all reviews for its camera prowess, you won't be getting tried of admiring what the camera can do, and the built-in image editor can enhance on - be it night, wide or zoom.
To its credit, EMUI does have a few features like very good theme support, a Network speed indicator, the gesture navigation and floating navigation dock are nifty, etc. You can install Netguard for firewall and Ad blocking through hosts, disable or uninstall system apps (bloatware) through ADB, try out custom launchers if you do not like EMUI launcher, and so on - in other words, its not too bad that the phone cannot be officially unlocked.
But if custom ROM/ recovery are more important, you should look at One Plus 7/ Pro, maybe. You'll not have similar kind of a development for this phone. Look up the custom section for, say, Mate 20 Pro to understand the kind of progress you can expect

Thanks
Have been thinking yesterday whether I need root or not.
I don't understand ADB, so try and avoid using it.
This is where a custom recovery excells - I can just load the zip and flash it on to the phone from the phone. But a lot of the time, this is to do with custom roms.
I have AdAway, but don't think that needs root.
I have Solid Explorer, which has a root mode, but I rarely use this and it's more for finding files around the phone than anything else.
I do use Greenify but not sure whether it actually does anything, or if it needs root access.
Nova Launcher is one that may require root, but I can't see anything blindingly obvious as to why. It also hides system apps so I don't bother uninstalling them.
Titanium Backup - but I only use this when upgrading the ROM.
Bouncer is another app I have recently installed. It does have a root mode, but is optional.
I can still sideload apps without root, so don't need it there either.
So it doesn't look like I need root.
Perhaps I only had it to install a custom ROM, but I'm not one of those people who installs a new one every week. I barely update the one I have because it's a fair bit of hassle! I think the only thing I am worried about is after Android 9 and whether there will be a timely update to 10. But then the changes I have seen since abut 3 or 4 versions of Android have been very minimal at best.
Can things run systemlessly without root?
Sorry for all the questions.
Does worry me a little that Huawei don't allow people to fully control their phones - the cynic in me makes me think it's because they're spying, so don't want people to run any other software but theirs! Ha ha.
I may have an opportunity to buy the phone for about £400 less than what Amazon are selling it (Amazon: £899, eBay: ~£500, one I was looking at on ebay: £500 with best offer).

Be careful with ebay. Cheapest isn't always best.

anotherxdauser said:
I have AdAway, but don't think that needs root.
I do use Greenify but not sure whether it actually does anything, or if it needs root access.
Nova Launcher is one that may require root, but I can't see anything blindingly obvious as to why. It also hides system apps so I don't bother uninstalling them.
Can things run systemlessly without root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AdAway will need root (or magisk) - so that won't work. What you can do is use netguard and import the latest hosts created by AdAway (in another, rooted device). Read up about netguard, it's pretty good at what it does
Greenify has a non-root mode, but then the battery life in this phone is monstrous - I get about 2.5 days with 7 hrs of screen time and 1.5 hours of calling - my usage is pretty light though
Nova launcher does not need root for its primary functions - I haven't used it in a while so not sure what else it does that needs root
Nope - systemless/ magisk et all need bootloader unlocking, which ain't straightforward with this device...

Some good thoughts here.
If I can import a hosts file (link to tutorial?) that would be great.
Funny as I only use AdAway to block a banking app contacting its servers to report I'm rooted so I can still use the banking app. However, if I'm not rooted, I may not really require it any more.

What to consider before Rooting?

I was a Sony fan until lately it got a bit not worthy in my opinion.
I had Xperia mini then Xperia z3 compact until 3 months ago (that i got note 9)... it was rooted, custom rom, Xposed and stuff.
I know that by Rooting a Sony phone, you loose DRM features (camera improvement ...) that can be later restored by flashing a DRM fix zip and that's it, you still have everything.
but this is my first Samsung phone so I'm unfamiliar with all stuff(Odin, Knox, etc....)
questions I have:
1_ What I loose by Rooting? can they be restored after root?
2_ Wich method you suggest and why? magisk or SuperSU? or something else
3_ What do you recommend to install/set/tweak/flash after Rooting?
my phone: SM-N960F Running Android 9.0 updated 1 July 2019

Welcome to the dark side my friend!
Your Knox bit will flip from 0x0 to 0x1 - that's the first thing that will happen once you flash a custom recovery & kernel. This means that all Samsung features that check the bit status will permanently stop working; including, but not necessarily limited to, Samsung Pay, Secure Folder, S Health, Samsung Pass, the works. The change is permanent and can not be reversed by erasing everything and returning to stock firmware. As far as long-term effects on rooting go, that's pretty much it. Unlike on Sony Phones, outside these specific applications, there's no impact on other functionality like proprietary camera processing and image enhancement.
These days Magisk is generally recommended. SuperSU has been going downhill for a while, ever since Chainfire retired and handed off the development. It's also the only way to pass Google's SafetyNet checks while rooted.
As for recommended tweaks - well, that's up to your personal tastes. Myself, I'd protect the battery from excess wear by limiting maximum charge to 80%, and set up support for Sony's DualShock 3 I'm sure you'll find that most tweaks you liked on the Sony side will also work here.

You will lose samsung pay as well which supports MST which is a killer feature for me.

oddbehreif said:
Welcome to the dark side my friend!
Your Knox bit will flip from 0x0 to 0x1 - that's the first thing that will happen once you flash a custom recovery & kernel. This means that all Samsung features that check the bit status will permanently stop working; including, but not necessarily limited to, Samsung Pay, Secure Folder, S Health, Samsung Pass, the works. The change is permanent and can not be reversed by erasing everything and returning to stock firmware. As far as long-term effects on rooting go, that's pretty much it. Unlike on Sony Phones, outside these specific applications, there's no impact on other functionality like proprietary camera processing and image enhancement.
These days Magisk is generally recommended. SuperSU has been going downhill for a while, ever since Chainfire retired and handed off the development. It's also the only way to pass Google's SafetyNet checks while rooted.
As for recommended tweaks - well, that's up to your personal tastes. Myself, I'd protect the battery from excess wear by limiting maximum charge to 80%, and set up support for Sony's DualShock 3 I'm sure you'll find that most tweaks you liked on the Sony side will also work here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the Complete answer
I'm okay with, most of it... you know the secure folder is an awesome feature (at least for me) that is built in, super fast and integrated into various apps.
I haven't seen such an app as this stable and secure while maintaining this much functionality over many apps and locations inside the phone.
so that's a 'not sure yet' for me ... ?
can't something be made to reverse or change Knox trip to 0x0 again?
it made me interested... I want to participate or donate to such a project if it's ongoing

EL MAXERO said:
can't something be made to reverse or change Knox trip to 0x0 again?
it made me interested... I want to participate or donate to such a project if it's ongoing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, no. When an unsigned kernel is booted, the bootloader will detect it and trip a physical fuse in the SoC. There are ways to fake 0x0 status when fully booted, but since these features check the actual "eFuse", there's really nothing that can be done short of replacing the entire motherboard.
I remember this being a hot topic among developers since the Note 3 days; to this day nobody has claimed the bounty of several thousand dollars sitting in the Note 3 section of XDA Forums.

With root and Dr.Ketan ROM you basically get everything from this device:
- Native call recording
- Full/Half screen caller with native dialer
- All sorts of optimizations, memory management and tweaks
- Youtube Vanced (it can be used without root, but with root is a bit more convinient)
- GPay works with Magisk
You can see the list of all features(they are a ton) on Dr.Ketan ROM thread as well on his page http://www.drketanrom.com/
I was using the same Rom+root on my Note 8, now on my Note 9. I also got his Tweaks Pro app which is paid, but very useful. It's a no-brainer for me since I care much more about the functionalities rather than the warranty of this phone.
Ofc, this is my subjective point of view.

No more Samsung Pass? I like not having to type passwords in all the time. Is there something with similar functionality?

asif9t9 said:
No more Samsung Pass? I like not having to type passwords in all the time. Is there something with similar functionality?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LastPass works but requires a yearly subscription. You can also use the one in Google.

asif9t9 said:
No more Samsung Pass? I like not having to type passwords in all the time. Is there something with similar functionality?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pretty sure it works so does the google version called auto complete.

BajaBlast4Life said:
LastPass works but requires a yearly subscription. You can also use the one in Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LastPass is free. You can get a paid version but is not necessary.

In all honesty there is really not that much of a benefit in rooting a modern day android device, unless you are a developer or an android hobbiest! As the current iterations of android are pretty good right of the bat!

Why root our phone nowadays?

Hi,
I used to root my phone but since I bought the S10 I found myself using Samsung Pay instead of using my cards all the time.
Before I used to root in order to have:
- Spotify mod, but now you can hack Spotify without root installing a modded version
- adaway but you can still use adhell
- YouTube vanced worked on non-root device
So do you think it's worth rooting the phone to maybe removing some bloating and add some minor customisations but lose Samsung Pay?

ValouSydney said:
Hi,
I used to root my phone but since I bought the S10 I found myself using Samsung Pay instead of using my cards all the time.
Before I used to root in order to have:
- Spotify mod, but now you can hack Spotify without root installing a modded version
- adaway but you can still use adhell
- YouTube vanced worked on non-root device
So do you think it's worth rooting the phone to maybe removing some bloating and add some minor customisations but lose Samsung Pay?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think yeah, debloating is the first thing to pushed me to root, but more reasons exist, like tweaks to systemui, backups, also this time i use it to be able to mock locations on pokemongo hehe.
The only thing stopping me to root my s10 was securefolder, because the warranty doesn't mind if you break,wet,loose the phone and since someone found a way to use it theres no other reason to not root for me

Chuytl said:
i think yeah, debloating is the first thing to pushed me to root, but more reasons exist, like tweaks to systemui, backups, also this time i use it to be able to mock locations on pokemongo hehe.
The only thing stopping me to root my s10 was securefolder, because the warranty doesn't mind if you break,wet,loose the phone and since someone found a way to use it theres no other reason to not root for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I DO NOT ROOT ANYMORE!
Debloating is NO LONGER an excuse either!! Infact the phones are SUPER EASY to remove ALL the bloatware from!!!
Just flash a stock "unlocked" firmware and boom, bloatfree.. you dont even need to sim unlock!!!
Modded Apks are good enough for me, and work fine on unrooted devices.
You maintain ALL features...
AND YOU KEEP YOUR WARRANTY INTACT!!!

Some apps only work with root. Root also gives you access to install a custom recovery which can be used to make nandroid backups of the phone. Something stock recovery can't do unless you use the flash fire app in which case you need root to use it.

psynetkilla said:
I DO NOT ROOT ANYMORE!
Debloating is NO LONGER an excuse either!! Infact the phones are SUPER EASY to remove ALL the bloatware from!!!
Just flash a stock "unlocked" firmware and boom, bloatfree.. you dont even need to sim unlock!!!
Modded Apks are good enough for me, and work fine on unrooted devices.
You maintain ALL features...
AND YOU KEEP YOUR WARRANTY INTACT!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if thats your choice thats ok...
warranty is not a deal with because probably I'll break my phone before any factory issue also a full debloated stock firmware?
im not telling you to root but for me is not a need is because i like to do it. manually debloting a rom, use of apps that need device admin without grant it, backups,kernel wireless and framework tweaks, ui customization and a lot of things you can do with root only

Couple of reasons why I have it rooted:
- Replace the ugly Samsung Emoji for any other (I use the legacy but updated blobs).
- Full disable Google if you care "a bit" about privacy.
- Remove Bixby and remap without accepting their contract.
- Full VPN, Android by default don't tether internet with VPN
In overall, rooting is needed if you want to own your device and care about privacy. People have more usage for rooting, but that's why I prefer rooting.

The main reasons I used to root were
-Install black theme. These days every manufacturer offers black themes and Google also offers black themes.
-Adaway for ads removal. There are many alternatives for non rooted devices.
-Viper 4 Android for superior sound. I bought an external DAC which is much better.
-Debloating. Nowdays we are able to remove most of the apps we don't want.
I like my rooted LG G4 a lot, but I need my S10 to use my bank apps without hassle, so I will probably never root it.

Not any real important reasons that usually can't be done some other way, sometimes because their friends are doing it.

Tel864 said:
Not any real important reasons that usually can't be done some other way, sometimes because their friends are doing it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting is cool, only cool kids root :good:

I root my phone just because I want to have the freedom to do what I want.
I like to modify config files for apps (whatsapp for example - better photo quality, larger videos and so on).
Adhell isn't working anymore and non-root adblockers including AdGuard DNS are either sucking battery or you need to disable it often to enter websites. You can't add filters to the DNS. Adaway works great on root.
Also Substratum or similar is great and I like the Swift Black theme.
For me it's more the principe. Before I switched to Android I used to have jailbroken iPhones, only - and I loved the freedom.
But since my warranty's void and my USB port got destroyed by fake moisture I'm thinking about to suppress my thoughts of "Android freedom" - the repair shop wanted 400€ for switching the mainboard. I let them send my S10 back and now VaultKeeper prevents booting...and without USB I don't have any chance to use the phone.
So, rooting is great but if your device got damaged it gets expensive.
It's annoying that the phone brands are working so hard to prevent rooting without any logical reason...VaulKeeper and KNOX are just two examples just by Samsung. Huawei, for example, disabled the unlocking of their devices completely, this was the reason for me to switch to Samsung.

Question questions about customization

I'm considering getting an S21 5G or S21 Ultra. Is it normal that there isn't much in terms of modding/rooting/etc for Samsung phones? I don't normally go for things like this.
I like the Nexus 5 and have a V30+ right now. I want to be able to control the phone and modify a few things I don't like about the stock experience.
What kind of situation am I looking at here? Is there a safe and reliable root? Or are things extremely locked down like an iPhone?

sneak said:
I'm considering getting an S21 5G or S21 Ultra. Is it normal that there isn't much in terms of modding/rooting/etc for Samsung phones? I don't normally go for things like this.
I like the Nexus 5 and have a V30+ right now. I want to be able to control the phone and modify a few things I don't like about the stock experience.
What kind of situation am I looking at here? Is there a safe and reliable root? Or are things extremely locked down like an iPhone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your better get a Oneplus Phones for modding / rooting purpose.
For samsung phones, somebody have to find a solution for knox trip.

sneak said:
I'm considering getting an S21 5G or S21 Ultra. Is it normal that there isn't much in terms of modding/rooting/etc for Samsung phones? I don't normally go for things like this.
...
What kind of situation am I looking at here? Is there a safe and reliable root? Or are things extremely locked down like an iPhone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, as you already noticed the modding/rooting community for the S21 series is not that active (yet?), maybe indeed different to phones like the Oneplus 8 Pro etc...
But still there is a reliably working method for rooting the device, although depending from your location warranty may be void afterwards. And then there is Knox, so rooting will definitely disable some specific Samsung functions (Samsung pay & Safe Folder among them).
If you are interested, there are threads on rooting and TWRP - the forum is presently only one for all S21U topics so things move down the line pretty quickly :
I for myself as a long-time "rooter" decided to go with locked stock ROM and while missing some detailed tweakings things are running pretty nicely so far. One of the things I noticed is that 90% of the things you do with rooting are workarounds to cover the negative effects of rooting - like making Gpay work etc.

Yes, unless there's a solution for the Samsung Knox issues, rooting will void your warranty. FWIW, the stock software has so much customization options that even after 2 months of using it I still haven't got hold of all the customizations. Yes, you might do in OnePlus where the software is quite bland/ featureless but that's not the case with One UI

fairyshacker said:
Your better get a Oneplus Phones for modding / rooting purpose.
For samsung phones, somebody have to find a solution for knox trip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't want anything from a Chinese company.
s3axel said:
Well, as you already noticed the modding/rooting community for the S21 series is not that active (yet?), maybe indeed different to phones like the Oneplus 8 Pro etc...
But still there is a reliably working method for rooting the device, although depending from your location warranty may be void afterwards. And then there is Knox, so rooting will definitely disable some specific Samsung functions (Samsung pay & Safe Folder among them).
If you are interested, there are threads on rooting and TWRP - the forum is presently only one for all S21U topics so things move down the line pretty quickly :
I for myself as a long-time "rooter" decided to go with locked stock ROM and while missing some detailed tweakings things are running pretty nicely so far. One of the things I noticed is that 90% of the things you do with rooting are workarounds to cover the negative effects of rooting - like making Gpay work etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not worried about warranties. I don't know if I'd ever need the samsung specific things like Samsung Pay. Not sure what Safe Folder is but I guess it's some kind of encryption based file storing? I generally don't use all these mainstream things people like.
I don't really spend time making Google Pay work because I have no use for it. I'll have an occasional issue with an app refusing to operate because of rooting and Magisk Hide doesn't work, but it isn't a big deal.
I like tweaking things like the battery logo (I like having a circle with percentage number inside and not having the extra/stock battery logo up there at the same time). I like to disable certain system icons from the top bar that aren't necessary to be there and just clog it up. I like adding the "clear all" type buttons in the running apps page. I like customizing the behavior of holding the power button so I can reboot, reboot to recovery, or shut the phone off easily.
For example, on my LG V30+ right now I am running the stock rom but rooted it and did things like I described above. Nothing major and don't need Google Pay. The LG app for air conditioners won't run because of my root. My bank app notifies me of root very occasionally but isn't a big deal. Yeah, I don't think my SafetyNet passes, but I don't care.
I am using Xposed, hostless AdAway, No Shutter Sound, Highway Radar and YouTube Vanced as well.
amirage said:
Yes, unless there's a solution for the Samsung Knox issues, rooting will void your warranty. FWIW, the stock software has so much customization options that even after 2 months of using it I still haven't got hold of all the customizations. Yes, you might do in OnePlus where the software is quite bland/ featureless but that's not the case with One UI
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tend to go through every single setting in a phone before I even start really dailying it . I don't mind it. I like customization. That's great to hear. I do like unrestricted or not very restricted phones as opposed to iPhone style lockdown stuff, though.
I used to consider the OnePlus phones but lately I have been more insistent on not buying things made in China or from Chinese companies as much as possible... for various reasons.
---
So assuming I don't care about things like warranty and Samsung Pay.. what other drawbacks are there? What would stop me from going this route? I intend on picking it up from Google because they have really good deals and I can even make 0% interest payments. I just have to stick with Fi for 3 months, then I can go back to ATT.
Another concern I have is the size of the phone. It makes me lean towards the S21 5G. I just like the Ultra for the other enhancements.
Thanks to all of you as well for the replies.

I wouldn't get that phone if my intent was to root it. One of the more easily rootable Samsung models probably be a better choice*. If you want a blackhole gravity well to get frozen in time with while you're troubleshooting the root then this is a good choice.
That said stock Samsung's are the most customizable phones there are. Hundreds of free icon packs/themes, the Good Lock family of apps and more. The SSC codec for the Buds+ that seamlessly connect to this model with the propiatory Samsung new 360° audio support.
You can lock it down with PD MDM package disabler and Karma Firewall.
*Also no SD card slot so no dual drive ie data drive; you lose a valuble key feature.
Personally I loathe it's rounded corners/display and it's larger frame to display ratio. It's ugly compared to the Note 10+ or N 20 U; I take either of these over the 21 series any day.
Yeah, I really don't like the 21 series... even at half price I would spurn them.

I just read up on Samsung Pay and it's actually pretty interesting. I may actually try and use that. I would love to not have to pull out my wallet all the time and swipe/insert my bank card. That alone is very enticing.
I don't watch TV and haven't had TV service in ages, but I found out with this phone I'll have access to TV stations without a subscription or any kind of fee. That's pretty cool as an added bonus and I may find some shows I like.
blackhawk said:
I wouldn't get that phone if my intent was to root it. One of the more easily rootable Samsung models probably be a better choice*. If you want a blackhole gravity well to get frozen in time with while you're troubleshooting the root then this is a good choice.
That said stock Samsung's are the most customizable phones there are. Hundreds of free icon packs/themes, the Good Lock family of apps and more. The SSC codec for the Buds+ that seamlessly connect to this model with the propiatory Samsung new 360° audio support.
You can lock it down with PD MDM package disabler and Karma Firewall.
*Also no SD card slot so no dual drive ie data drive; you lose a valuble key feature.
Personally I loathe it's rounded corners/display and it's larger frame to display ratio. It's ugly compared to the Note 10+ or N 20 U; I take either of these over the 21 series any day.
Yeah, I really don't like the 21 series... even at half price I would spurn them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That package disabled is really nice to know about, thanks. That is also something I did on my current phone but I did it through ADB (well, I uninstalled things I didn't want and saved the APK of the app).
I'm pretty sure I can use AdAway and YouTube Vanced without root. I'm currently using an older version of Vanced because newer ones do not work. Mine is from Magisk. I figure it has to do with Vanced on this specific phone and I can probably use some other version on the S21/Ultra.
Not sure what you meant about gravity and about a "valuble key feature". I am aware it has no sd card support, but I've found that I have never had the need for this on my current phone which supports up to 2 TB sd cards.
There is one thing that I doubt I'll be able to do which I've done on my V30+... I have the stock phone app modified to have a built-in recording feature. One press and I record calls with no notification beeps or anything stupid like that. After the call ends it prompts me to listen now or later. It saves the recording automatically as a file, based on the settings I've already configured. I can turn this on and off whenever I want during the call and if I turn it on before the call is answered, the app automatically waits until the call is connected to enable call recording. It records both sides in clear quality whether or not it's using the speaker or regular mode.
Is there a shutter sound on the S21? If so, is there a way to disable it without root?

sneak said:
I'm considering getting an S21 5G or S21 Ultra. Is it normal that there isn't much in terms of modding/rooting/etc for Samsung phones? I don't normally go for things like this.
I like the Nexus 5 and have a V30+ right now. I want to be able to control the phone and modify a few things I don't like about the stock experience.
What kind of situation am I looking at here? Is there a safe and reliable root? Or are things extremely locked down like an iPhone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just come over to the S21 Ultra from Xiaomi. I loved how you could theme the Xiaomi. I tried a few themes from the Samsung store but nothing would change all the icons. A real miss match and it looked terrible. Maybe I never searched hard enough well anyway I downloaded Good Lock and some modules from the Samsung store. It has some good customisations and it changes all icons to the same style and hides icons from status bar. Not sure if this is what your after but I knew when I got this phone there would not be much development on it at the start. Actually not to fussed about rooting at the moment. Also aodNotify as I missed the notification light. Moved away from Chinese phones myself. Here's a couple of pics if this is the sort of thing that your after.
Hope this helps

Clarkie_955i said:
I just come over to the S21 Ultra from Xiaomi. I loved how you could theme the Xiaomi. I tried a few themes from the Samsung store but nothing would change all the icons. A real miss match and it looked terrible. Maybe I never searched hard enough well anyway I downloaded Good Lock and some modules from the Samsung store. It has some good customisations and it changes all icons to the same style and hides icons from status bar. Not sure if this is what your after but I knew when I got this phone there would not be much development on it at the start. Actually not to fussed about rooting at the moment. Also aodNotify as I missed the notification light. Moved away from Chinese phones myself. Here's a couple of pics if this is the sort of thing that your after.
Hope this helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Congrats on leaving Chinese brands. I'm also making effort to buy things not made in China as much as possible as well. So Taiwan, Japan, USA, etc...
I don't usually do the whole custom icon set thing on phones, but I am aware that's a big thing so I understand why that would be frustrating when you can't find one you like. The most theming I've done is choose one I like (color wise) from some LG app I had on the phone which worked well.
Other small changes may count as theme changes in some ways, but it wasn't the intention.. it was mostly for functionality.
Thanks for the info.
Also I have researched a few things...
1. AdAway. It can now be used without root, which I didn't know. It can be run on S21 variants. BUT, you have to run an AdAway VPN to do it.. so might as well find another method for ad blocking. My friend showed me a screen on the S20 where there is a "private DNS" option. I could block ads that way.
2. Vanced doesn't need root. It actually is arguably better without root because you only have to set the app to open YT links and it doesn't replace the YT app. Right now I can't use auto app updates because it won't let me pick and choose which to not auto-update and one of the ones I would need to stop from auto updating is the stock YT app.
3. From research online and after asking Google about the variant they sell, you can disable shutter sound in the settings (which is actually better than what the LG V30+ supports.. a huge surprise).
4. Don't think I can use Xposed. There MAY be some bootleg way with partial functionality or something but I don't know for sure.
Can I (without root) remove the stock battery icon and replace it with a circle and percentage? Like this:
I also want to enable the seconds counter and add the date.. I want to do all that stuff, if possible.. that I did there.. including hcanging the size of fonts and capitalization of fonts in the top middle area.
Main thing I want is the seconds counter.
A friend showed me this from his s20:
So that's cool that he can change the icons displayed. I used Gravity Box or Xposed.

Not so much I cant find what I like it's just they don't change system wide like Xiaomi did. So I end up having half custom and half stock and looks crap with all the different colors in the folders. At least Good Lock manages to change them system wide which I don't quite understand why Samsung theme store will change maybe fifty percent. Anyway got it to how I like it.
With Good Lock you can remove status bar icons but no customisation with battery indicators. That pic is a pic of Good Lock the one you posted. I went with the Hong Kong version with Snapdragon which you can unlock bootloader in development options. Don't think you can on US Snapdragon versions. Here in OZ we only had the Exynos. Got the 16/512 Snapdragon for $1550 AUD. Same phone with Exynos just over $2200 here.
AdAway have not really missed it. Had it on my previous phone and maybe I'm not taking any notice of adds and just enjoying the phone. Never use Vanced. Cant see any setting in camera to turn off shutter sound but you can silence it in volume controls. Haven't looked into Xposed yet.
Don't know what model your going to get but there is root and TWRP available for ultra models. But soon as you flash a boot image you will trip Knox and lose some features of Samsung apps. Mainly Samsung pay I believe and warranty if you buy local. Still sussing this out myself. Have a old Tab S that I rooted and my first Android was a Samsung Galaxy Gio (GT-S5660)
Overall extremely happy with this phone.
Hoe this helps Sneak

A stock Note 10+, heavily customized.
Running fast and stable on Pie/OneUI.

sneak said:
I don't want anything from a Chinese company.
I'm not worried about warranties. I don't know if I'd ever need the samsung specific things like Samsung Pay. Not sure what Safe Folder is but I guess it's some kind of encryption based file storing? I generally don't use all these mainstream things people like.
I don't really spend time making Google Pay work because I have no use for it. I'll have an occasional issue with an app refusing to operate because of rooting and Magisk Hide doesn't work, but it isn't a big deal.
I like tweaking things like the battery logo (I like having a circle with percentage number inside and not having the extra/stock battery logo up there at the same time). I like to disable certain system icons from the top bar that aren't necessary to be there and just clog it up. I like adding the "clear all" type buttons in the running apps page. I like customizing the behavior of holding the power button so I can reboot, reboot to recovery, or shut the phone off easily.
For example, on my LG V30+ right now I am running the stock rom but rooted it and did things like I described above. Nothing major and don't need Google Pay. The LG app for air conditioners won't run because of my root. My bank app notifies me of root very occasionally but isn't a big deal. Yeah, I don't think my SafetyNet passes, but I don't care.
I am using Xposed, hostless AdAway, No Shutter Sound, Highway Radar and YouTube Vanced as well.
I tend to go through every single setting in a phone before I even start really dailying it . I don't mind it. I like customization. That's great to hear. I do like unrestricted or not very restricted phones as opposed to iPhone style lockdown stuff, though.
I used to consider the OnePlus phones but lately I have been more insistent on not buying things made in China or from Chinese companies as much as possible... for various reasons.
---
So assuming I don't care about things like warranty and Samsung Pay.. what other drawbacks are there? What would stop me from going this route? I intend on picking it up from Google because they have really good deals and I can even make 0% interest payments. I just have to stick with Fi for 3 months, then I can go back to ATT.
Another concern I have is the size of the phone. It makes me lean towards the S21 5G. I just like the Ultra for the other enhancements.
Thanks to all of you as well for the replies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In 100% me..
You just write that's way am here on xda,
Am a fan to customise my phone as I want,
And if I pay so much money we should have the right, and possibility to choice and use ..
Sorry for my English.

Well, I bought one from Google. If there are serious issues I don't want to put up with I will return it.
As long as I can disable the stock battery icon I would think I could get an app which has a custom battery icon.
I hope it's possible as well to do vertical listing of apps in app screen instead of having the left/right pages.

sneak said:
Well, I bought one from Google. If there are serious issues I don't want to put up with I will return it.
As long as I can disable the stock battery icon I would think I could get an app which has a custom battery icon.
I hope it's possible as well to do vertical listing of apps in app screen instead of having the left/right pages.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Congrats
The scrolling from the right was a pain at first. But all good now. Hopefully Good Lock will bring something out in the future and change it.

sneak said:
I'm considering getting an S21 5G or S21 Ultra. Is it normal that there isn't much in terms of modding/rooting/etc for Samsung phones? I don't normally go for things like this.
I like the Nexus 5 and have a V30+ right now. I want to be able to control the phone and modify a few things I don't like about the stock experience.
What kind of situation am I looking at here? Is there a safe and reliable root? Or are things extremely locked down like an iPhone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea rooting is possible and safe if right software is used but might affect warranty i guess

If anyone remembers the whole Carrier IQ thing, do you know if there's something like this on the S21 Ultra?
System UI Tuner doesn't seem to work as far as showing seconds in the status bar clock.
I would love to be able to customize the recently used apps section in the apps drawer. Either remove it completely or set static apps or somehow customize a blacklist or whitelist or some other variables to determine what goes there.
When I use jetaudio+ it puts a notification with details in the menu from the top. I can't swipe it away and it stays there even after I close the app and remove it from app list. I found out I have to drag down on it to expand it to be slightly larger and then an "x" appears. These "x" buttons would appear by default on apps like this on my old phone and they were a little larger relative to the rest of the UI as well. Would love to be able to tweak this functionality.
I want a feature I had on my LG V30+ where based on my GPS location I can enable or disable WiFi. Meaning, the same as hitting the wifi icon in the quick toggles based on entering a certain location or leaving that location. That way when I get home my phone will automatically globally turn on wifi and when I leave it twill automatically turn it off so it isn't hunting for networks.
Another feature in the same section was something which allowed me to have the phone remain unlocked when paired with a specific device. I want the phone to stay unlocked when paired with my car instead of having to unlock it all the time with fingerprint.
I would like to be able to scroll the apps list vertically, like normal.. instead of this left and right pages stuff.
I want a battery indicator setup where there is a percentage inside of a circle and the circle is representative of the percentage. Not finding an app option that has what I want. Does anyone know of a way to do this or an app?
I also want to make pressing the home button in the bottom center of the screen do a full open of the bar from the top.
On my current phone I've also found some way to keep the alarm clock icon from Alarm Clock Xtreme without having a persistent notification of the next alarm. Not sure how on this.

MacroDroid!
the answer to toggles based on location. A lot of features there to look into. Very nice.

MacroDroid seems fine for the WiFi toggle but it doesn't keep the phone from locking. At first it was keeping the screen on but then it just did nothing. I want the screen to still shut off if necessary but not require thumbprint or code or anything to unlock, while paired with phone.

sneak said:
MacroDroid seems fine for the WiFi toggle but it doesn't keep the phone from locking. At first it was keeping the screen on but then it just did nothing. I want the screen to still shut off if necessary but not require thumbprint or code or anything to unlock, while paired with phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't advise using it but stupid Bixby probably can ie Bixby Routines.

blackhawk said:
I don't advise using it but stupid Bixby probably can ie Bixby Routines.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the first thing I checked but I couldn't figure out how to do it. It's not very intuitive....