Bootloader unlock is the key to boot any custom images or binaries on Android devices. Since it’s got direct affect on the security of the devices, not every OEMs are willing to share the bootloader unlock method. Thankfully, Samsung – the global smartphone leader is not among them as bootloader unlocking of most of the Samsung devices are as easy as pie. Hence, we thought of write a piece on how to unlock the bootloader of Galaxy S9/S9+ – the powerful and more secure Samsung flagships with the Snapdragon 845 lying at its heart.
Well, before we jump right into the guide, do keep in mind that the method is not applicable for Snapdragon powered Galaxy S9/S9+ available in the U.S on which the bootloader can’t be unlocked by any means. Hence, make sure your device bears the model number SM-G9600/SM-G9650 – the Galaxy S9/S9+ models that are shipped in Hong Kong and several Latin American countries having the Snapdragon 845 at its heart.
Unlock Bootloader Of Galaxy S9/S9+ (SM-G9600/SM-G9650) Snapdragon
Step 1: Enable OEM Unlock Via Settings
- Go to Settings>>About Phone>>Software Information.
- Locate the Build Number option and tap it 5-7 times quickly to enable the Developer Options.
- Go back to Main Settings page and locate the newly added Developer Options(Usually down at the bottom).
- On Developer Options, enable the OEM unlock.
A Note On RMM Lock
Since Android O, Samsung introduced a new security feature, Remote Mobile Manager (RMM) aka Remote Lock Control (RLC). This feature allows stronger theft protection but unfortunately it also imposes a burden on users like you.
Samsung added a 7-day buffer period for enterprises or device owners to spot a missing/rogue device so they can use this feature to lock the device remotely.
In this 7-day (Prenormal) period, you can NOT flash any custom binaries including but not limited to this TWRP. OEM Unlock option won’t appear, either.
(You will meet “custom binary blocked due to remaining installment balance” or “custom binary not allowed” error when you try)
The 7-day timer will start/reset once you completed the setup wizard. After 7 days (168 hours), RLC service will send an inquiry to Samsung’s server. If your device is “clean”, the RMM state will become “Normal”.
Then you can enable “OEM Unlock” option and flash TWRP.
By this, you’ve completed the initial step. But, that’s not enough to fully unlock the Snapdragon S9/S9+, unlike its Exynos counterpart. So, proceed further by following Step 2.
Step 2: Run CROM app
Note: CROM app is a Samsung developed app for disabling CROM lock on, usually, Chinese Galaxy S flagships.
- Download CROM app from here or from Galaxy Apps store and install it.
- Open the CROM app.
- Drag the Slider to Unlock the Bootloader.
- Wait for sometime to finish the unlocking.
Important: Remove Samsung Account before the step 2 from the device to increase the success rate.
Upon completing above two steps, your device will be Bootloader unlocked. After that, you will be able to flash TWRP, and through it root or flash any available custom roms for the device. So this is our guide to unlock bootloader of Galaxy S9/S9+ Snapdragon version.
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If you have encountered any issue at any stage, please let us know in the comment section below.
Snapdragon S9+ DOES NOT have OEM Unlock….
It can happen as Samsung has earlier implemented a new protection on its booltloader known as “RMM State” lock. As its result, on some devices the OEM unlock option won’t be visible unless you leave the device switched On continously for 7 days.
After, a week or so the OEM unlock should re-appear on the Developer Option. For some, a mere disable of the developer option and then enabling had helped. Hopes any of these workaround will work for you.
Thanks.
I’ve had my device on longer than 7 days unfortunately mine still doesnt have the option for OEM unlock. =(
Hmm…sometimes it’s very tricky to get the OEM unlock appear, but we’ve no choice other than to wait for the RMM lock revert to Normal State. Just like you, the RMM lock has proved to be quite annoying for most of us. BTW, did you ever change the SIM card during the Buffer period?
Hmm…sometimes it’s very tricky to get the OEM unlock appear, but we’ve no choice other than to wait for the RMM lock revert to Normal State. Just like you, the RMM lock has proved to be quite annoying for most of us. BTW, did you ever change the SIM card during the Buffer period?
Does this also work for SM-960F models?
I have the OEM unlock developer option.
International (Exynos) models don’t require CROM app. BTW, if you have the OEM unlock option, then just enable it and you will have the bootloader unlocked.
Title:How to unlock bootloader of galaxy s9/s9+(Snapdragon)
In text: “do keep in mind that the method is not applicable for Snapdragon powered Galaxy S9/S9+”
… Well which is it?
Buddy, it’s clearly written the method is not applicable for the U.S variants. Instead, for the Chinese version of S9/S9+ with the specified model number. Still any issue?
Does this version have FM radio or will it detect the chip once rooted? Can we flash Pixel Experience ROM once rooted?
In deed, FM radio is supported.
Mere bootloader unlock won’t trip the Knox. But, if you Flash custom binaries such as TWRP or any custom ROM’s, the Knox get triggered (SPay, Secure Folder and so on will no longer function).
o meu dispositivo apenas esta com a zto da operadora mudara e isto disparou o knox foi para garantia e nao quiseram reverter , so trocando a placa mediante orçamento. se nao foi mal uso nada eles dizem que esta rooteado e nao esta .. devo ir aos procon
I tried to execute CROM and the app closed, my device is a Galaxy S9+ SM-G9650, I enable the OEM unlock and enabled USB Debbuging. What can I do ?
Now the CROM app is literally obsolete. Since you’ve enabled OEM unlock, your device is unlocked and no further action to be done given the KGState(RMM) status is Checking…
tengo el samsung s9 plus de telcel mexicano modelo sm-g9650 y no corre la apk de crom se congela y no funciona,
Hola, la aplicación CROM ya no es necesaria para desbloquear el gestor de arranque de S9 +. Si la opción de desbloqueo OEM está visible, actívela y estará listo. Además, asegúrese de que el estado de KG State sea “Checking” …
I fell into a trap and bought one that had RMM lock and it doesn’t leave the screen, I tried to perform Stock installed only main rom and cell phone went into loop. What can I do?
SM G9650 brazil
HI How Unlock Bootloader Of Any Samsung Snapdragon And Root Devices like
N960U, N960U1, N975U,
N975U1, N985U, N985U1
G960U, G960U1, G975U, G975U1
Because No Have “OEM Unlock”