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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Sometimes, on specific firmware—but there is no universal, Samsung-supported way to root every Galaxy S25 or S26 while leaving its bootloader locked. Community documentation describes temporary KernelSU root for selected Galaxy S25 builds, while a May 2026 report covered an exploit on the Exynos Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus. Neither establishes a safe, persistent method for every model, region, firmware build, or security patch.
Before attempting anything, identify the exact model and software build and verify it against current project documentation. Root access may be temporary, an update may close the opportunity, and loading an unofficial kernel can permanently trip Samsung’s Knox Warranty Bit.
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What “root without unlocking” means
Root access and bootloader unlocking are related, but they are not the same thing. Root gives elevated control over Android. The conventional modification route commonly depends on unlocking the bootloader and altering boot-related software. A kernel exploit can, in some cases, provide root access without that conventional unlock—but that is an exploit-dependent exception, not a general Samsung procedure.
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Android’s generic flashing-unlock flow applies only to devices that support it: users enable OEM unlocking where available, acknowledge a warning, and accept a factory reset. The Android Open Source Project documentation does not establish that a particular Galaxy model, carrier, region, or firmware offers the option.
#1 Best Overall
- MULTIPLE TASKS WITH ONE ASK: Streamline your day with an assistant that gets you. Ask it to Google search for a pet-friendly vegan restaurant nearby and text it to your friend— your Galaxy S25+ handles multiple tasks with a single ask.¹
- START THE DAY SMARTER: Stay one step ahead with a phone that gives you the info you need before you even know you need it with Now Brief.²
- REDUCE THE NOISE. REVEAL THE MAGIC: AI Camera with Audio Eraser lets you capture vibrant videos in low light and minimize unwanted noises so you can relive your favorite moments with fewer distractions.³
- BRING OUT THE BEST IN EVERY FACE: Capture every portrait with clarity and confidence on the Galaxy S25+ Series. The advanced portrait features adjust skin tones and preserve natural textures, giving every shot a polished, professional look.
- MORE POWER TO YOU: Reimagine what’s possible with the Galaxy S25+, featuring our most powerful processor yet. Effortlessly translate your calls, slow down a video, or edit your photos without skipping a beat.
What is known for Galaxy S25 and S26
| Device or method | What the cited source reports | What it does not establish |
|---|---|---|
| Selected Galaxy S25 firmware | The Root-My-Galaxy-Extended project documents temporary KernelSU root without unlocking the bootloader or flashing a modified boot image for selected build profiles. Its listed coverage includes selected SM-S938B and SM-S937B profiles, with limited or advanced support for other S25 variants. Check the project’s live documentation for the exact profile and requirements. | Compatibility with every S25, region, firmware, or current security patch; persistent root; or a universally safe procedure. |
| Exynos Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus | Android Authority reported on May 12, 2026 that a security group obtained root on Exynos 2600 S26 and S26 Plus models, and that a researcher had Magisk working. | A public, safe, persistent method; support for every firmware or patch level; or applicability to the S26 Ultra. The report says the exploit does not apply to the Snapdragon-powered S26 Ultra. |
| Ordinary bootloader unlocking | The AOSP page describes the generic process for devices that support flashing unlock, including a factory reset. | That the OEM Unlocking option is available on any specific Samsung model or software build. |
Compatibility is not determined by the “S25” or “S26” name alone. Verify the full model number, chipset where relevant, firmware build, and security patch against the method’s current documentation. A match on one of those details is not enough.
Why there is no universal step-by-step recipe
The available evidence describes narrow, changing exploit conditions—not one validated workflow for all Galaxy S25 and S26 phones. The S25 project warns that an attempt can reboot or panic the device, that a full reboot clears its temporary root session, and that a software update may invalidate a supported profile. The dated S26 report is a research result, not confirmation that the exploit remains unpatched or that readers can safely reproduce it.
Rank #2
- 6.2" Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X QHD+, 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate, HDR10+, 1080x2340px, Android 15, up to 7 major Android upgrades, One UI 7
- 128GB, 12GB RAM, No SD Card Slot, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm), Octa-Core, Adreno 830 GPU, 4000mAh Battery
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8, wide + 10MP, f/2.4, telephoto + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/2.2, wide
- 2G: 850/900/1800/1900, 3G: UMTS 1(2100)/2(1900)/4(AWS)/5(850)/8(900), 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: N1/2/5/7/25/28/41/66/71/77/78/257/258/260/261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)
- US Model - Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
For those reasons, do not use instructions for a different model or build, or treat a video or generic “S25/S26 root” label as proof of compatibility. The cited sources do not establish a universal safe procedure. If the exact current build is not explicitly covered by reputable, current project documentation, do not proceed on the assumption that it will work.
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Samsung describes the Knox Warranty Bit as a feature that detects installation of unofficial software. According to Samsung’s trusted-boot documentation and its Knox FAQ, loading a non-Knox kernel can change the one-time programmable bit from 0x0 to 0x1. Samsung says it cannot be reverted through ordinary software restoration.
Rank #3
- 2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 4G bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 5G bands 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
- Dimensions 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2 mm (5.78 x 2.78 x 0.28 in) Weight 162 g (5.71 oz) Build Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame SIM Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)
- Display Type Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 480Hz PWM, HDR10+, 2600 nits (peak) Size 6.2 inches, 94.4 cm2 (~91.1% screen-to-body ratio) Resolution 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~416 ppi density) Protection Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
- OS Android 15, up to 7 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 Chipset Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) CPU Octa-core (2x4.47 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M) GPU Adreno 830
- Main Camera Triple 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 10 MP, f/2.4, 67mm (telephoto), 1/3.94", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55" 1.4µm, Super Steady video Features Best Face, LED flash, auto-HDR, panorama Video 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS
- Samsung says Knox-dependent services such as Samsung Pay and Secure Folder may stop working after the Warranty Bit trips. It also says a new Knox Workspace cannot be created and existing Workspace data cannot be retrieved.
- This is not a claim that every personal function on the phone stops working. It is a persistent security-state change with specific Knox and service implications.
- Samsung’s general rooting guidance also warns about malware exposure, device damage or bricking, warranty issues, and possible loss of official over-the-air updates. That guidance is general risk information, not a rooting walkthrough for these Galaxy models.
Do not assume that relocking the bootloader, restoring stock software, or hiding root will reset a tripped Warranty Bit. Samsung documents the bit as a persistent hardware record.
How to decide whether to proceed
- Record the exact device details. Confirm the model number, chipset if applicable, complete firmware build, and security patch level in the phone’s software information.
- Check the live method documentation. Compare every identifier with the project’s current supported profiles. Do not infer support from a similar model or an older firmware entry.
- Check the consequences, not just the root claim. Establish whether the method requires an unlock or modified image, whether root survives reboot, what failure behavior is reported, and whether an update has changed compatibility.
- Decide whether persistent Knox effects are acceptable. If Samsung Pay, Secure Folder, Knox Workspace, or the phone’s official software-maintenance path matters to you, the documented risks may outweigh temporary root access.
- Stop if any key detail is uncertain. The sources reviewed here do not validate a one-size-fits-all flashing or exploit procedure for these phones.
One UI 8 and the OEM Unlocking option
A July 26, 2025 report from 9to5Google said OEM Unlocking was missing in the One UI 8 beta on the Galaxy S25 Ultra and on One UI 8 launch devices. At the time, the report said the effect on devices already on the market was unclear. This is dated reporting about a software change, not proof of one uniform unlock state across all later S25 and S26 models or builds. Check the phone itself and current, model-specific documentation rather than assuming the option is present or absent.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- MULTIPLE TASKS WITH ONE ASK: Streamline your day with an assistant that gets you. Ask it to Google search for a pet-friendly vegan restaurant nearby and text it to your friend— your Galaxy S25 handles multiple tasks with a single ask.¹
- START THE DAY SMARTER: Stay one step ahead with a phone that gives you the info you need before you even know you need it with Now Brief.²
- REDUCE THE NOISE. REVEAL THE MAGIC: AI Camera with Audio Eraser lets you capture vibrant videos in low light and minimize unwanted noises so you can relive your favorite moments with fewer distractions.³
- BRING OUT THE BEST IN EVERY FACE: Capture every portrait with clarity and confidence on the Galaxy S25. The advanced portrait features adjust skin tones and preserve natural textures, giving every shot a polished, professional look.
- MORE POWER TO YOU: Reimagine what’s possible with the Galaxy S25. featuring our most powerful processor yet. Effortlessly translate your calls, slow down a video, or edit your photos without skipping a beat.
Rank #4
- 6.2" Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X QHD+, 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate, HDR10+, 1080x2340px, Android 15, up to 7 major Android upgrades, One UI 7
- 128GB, 12GB RAM, No SD Card Slot, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm), Octa-Core, Adreno 830 GPU, 4000mAh Battery
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8, wide + 10MP, f/2.4, telephoto + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/2.2, wide
- 2G: 850/900/1800/1900, 3G: UMTS 1(2100)/2(1900)/4(AWS)/5(850)/8(900), 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: N1/2/5/7/25/28/41/66/71/77/78/257/258/260/261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)
- US Model - No Warranty. Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Sprint.
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