How to Root Your Note 20 Ultra 5G (N986U1): Step-by-Step Guide

How to Root Your Note 20 Ultra 5G (N986U1): Step-by-Step Guide

Rooting your Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N986U1) can unlock a number of benefits, allowing for enhanced functionality, customization, and improvements over the stock experience. This guide will walk you through the process in a straightforward manner, ensuring you have all the information you need to successfully root your device.

What You’ll Need

Before you start, make sure you have the following:

  • Your Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N986U1)
  • A USB cable
  • A Windows PC
  • Odin tool
  • Latest TWRP recovery image for your device
  • Magisk Manager APK
  • A backup of all your important data

Step 1: Enable Developer Options and USB Debugging

  1. Go to Settings > About Phone and tap on Build Number seven times until you see a message that says, “You are now a developer!”
  2. Navigate back to Settings > Developer Options and enable OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging.

Step 2: Download Required Files

  • Download the Odin tool and extract it to a folder on your PC.
  • Download the latest TWRP recovery image for the Note 20 Ultra 5G.
  • Download Magisk Manager APK. This will help you manage root access later.

Step 3: Put Your Device into Download Mode

  1. Power off your device completely.
  2. Press and hold the Volume Down + Bixby + Power buttons simultaneously until you see a warning screen.
  3. Press the Volume Up button to enter Download Mode.

Step 4: Flash TWRP Recovery

  1. Open the Odin tool on your PC.
  2. Connect your phone to the PC using the USB cable. You should see a blue box in Odin, indicating that your device is recognized.
  3. Click on the AP button in Odin and select the TWRP recovery image you downloaded earlier.
  4. Make sure that Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time are checked in Odin. Do NOT check Re-Partition.
  5. Click the Start button and wait for the process to complete. Your device will restart automatically.

Step 5: Boot into TWRP Recovery

  1. Once your device is rebooted, immediately press and hold the Volume Up + Bixby + Power buttons until you see the TWRP logo.
  2. In TWRP, select Wipe and swipe to factory reset. This is crucial for a clean rooting process.

Step 6: Install Magisk

  1. In TWRP, select Install and navigate to where you have saved the Magisk Manager APK.
  2. Swipe to confirm the installation. Once done, reboot your device.

Step 7: Verify Root Access

  1. Once your device has booted up, install the Magisk Manager application.
  2. Open Magisk Manager and it should indicate whether you have root access.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • If you encounter issues booting into recovery, ensure you followed the key combinations correctly.
  • If your device gets stuck in a boot loop, you may need to factory reset again through TWRP.
  • For any Magisk concerns, the community forums are an excellent resource for troubleshooting.

Conclusion

Rooting your Note 20 Ultra 5G can enhance your experience significantly. Remember, rooting carries risks, and it’s essential to follow each step carefully. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask here!


This guide aims to provide a clear pathway for rooting your device while promoting safety and ease of understanding. Happy rooting!

1 Like

Rooting your Note 20 Ultra 5G allows you to gain full control over your device. You can uninstall bloatware, access hidden features, and customize your experience. However, it does void your warranty and can expose your device to security risks.

5 Likes

That’s a super clear explanation, William! I think users should weigh the pros and cons seriously before deciding to root.

2 Likes

It’s also worth mentioning that rooting provides the option to install custom ROMs. This can give you a whole new interface, tailored features, and the latest updates even after the official support ends!

True, but remember, custom ROMs might not be as stable as stock ROMs. It’s a trade-off between getting more features and risking your phone’s performance.

On top of that, rooting can expose your device to vulnerabilities. If you’re going for root access, be mindful of the apps you install afterward. Not all of them are safe.

Exactly! I had a bad experience with a ROM once—my phone crashed on day one. Lesson learned: research, research, research!

That’s why I prefer using a rooted device for a while before settling on a ROM. It makes a huge difference!

Some people say rooting is like opening Pandora’s box. You never know what you’re going to get—good, bad, or unexpected!

Haha, that’s a perfect analogy! It’s exciting, but careful consideration is essential. Anyone here rooted their Note 20 successfully?

I have rooted mine last week! The process was smoother than I expected, and I’m loving the extra options I have now.

That’s fantastic! What are some of the first things you did after rooting? Any must-have apps to recommend?

Definitely consider using Titanium Backup and Magisk! They’re lifesavers for rooted devices, allowing you to manage apps and apply systemless modifications.

I’ve heard of Magisk—does it really hide the root status for banking apps? That was my biggest concern!

Yes, Magisk does a great job at hiding root status from certain apps, which is why it’s popular among rooted users. Just ensure to keep it updated!

But be careful not to tinker too much! Some changes can brick your phone, turning it from a smart device into a very expensive paperweight.

Haha, right? It definitely makes you think twice before proceeding with changes! Are there good guides for beginners?

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Great to see a tutorial on rooting the Note 20 Ultra 5G! Before diving in, can anyone clarify what the prerequisites are?

3 Likes

You need to ensure you have a good backup, USB debugging enabled, and the correct drivers installed. Don’t forget a reliable tool like Magisk for rooting!

Absolutely, thanks for the info! Is there a specific version of Magisk I should use for the N986U1?