yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] Richard Gówno:
Try with older twrp version, it is said that twrp-3.5.0_9-0 is the latest one to flash smoothly.

https://xdaforums.com/t/recovery-official-twrp-3-3-1-0-for-galaxy-a8-2018.3818201/page-7
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] alonzam99:
Hello, I got rmm locked.

If I will wait 7 days without turn off the internet connection and without power off the device, will the rmm get unlocked?
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] sieger007:
I dont want to use the phone until its rooted after twrp aka dont want to stick my SIM. Does the uptime need connection to network or sim ? or its an offline count down ticker ? or I have to just wait and find out
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] DuskGolem:
Follow THIS GUIDE if you still haven't been able to bypass RMM.
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] haniasita:
The second TWRP is flashed, the Knox counter gets tripped and can't be reverted. You can reinstall the stock firmware fine but once Knox is tripped, that's it as far as warranty's concerned. It's very annoying stuff, but it beats not having root for me.
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] amitams:
I have never seen something like that before, i can't see the open OEM option in my A8 device (F530F), how can i open it?
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] haniasita:
Did you read the first post before posting? Look at your screenshot in download mode. It says RMM State : Prenormal, which means your device is locked.
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] amitams:
I just bought it so, original and locked.

i never insert SIM to the smartphone.

now i must to flash full stack firmware and insert SIM card? or i can just leave it as it and wait 7 days?
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] pekcun:
I have the same question, I just bought an A8 and it seems to be locked, do I need to flash the firmware or can I just wait 7 days?

I haven't put in a SIM card but I'm connected to wifi network, if the connection dies does the timer reset back to 7 days?
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] mchlbenner:
I would wait the 168 hours.
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] amitams:
Ok... a short report

My smartphone was power off (after less than 7 days) because of low battery, i powered on it after 7 days and the OEM option is appeared, the timer wasn't on 168 hours, very weird..

I didn't insert any sim card to the smartphone, (just was connected to the wifi, with some falls connection), but i installed a new firmware.

Anyway, now i success to install TWRP, and i entered to TWRP immediately after the reboot, installed the RMM-State_Bypass.zip (from sd-card..) and reboot the system, now IT STOCK ON LOOP WITH THE SAMSUNG LOGO!

[IMG="ss"]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/3pDQvVYvxPexTUGfhZlZo1-wOJJ7NfyUBdW_6kpPIB_cc1sICUSqgGB7cFoKqKOZoWJXpSppfJ6jXzk4b6xF-4TIuRdH7hDM13rZwL0E0BPGoQmopVz9QNQtVrLtV2Jx41GO9yLJIvfs3UMmZwSAqw2-QGIAnDD5GWoN-pylSFB267sM4SmIEVqCADZsCvrYUkEGx3Y3NGn7KQDAMYC-lOxKzMNeUZOl5Mpk5sXLCmEAoUdibL_JPDTKCnH728vkmCwDFL_cSmqQAnfC2vmJ9oSkVNNE8yynMffca9oI-MWU8PYRx67qS8cbWbrMad6nphOrd_Y6zLvEP77ej2nrAsxM22_1qlsnzol6wH-M1Dj8nUG-ulAJqAWRLgkgv5hlrAdeAWB_K3AYMcbeUuhQKxcyIhY5Dl5cfhAiVlNzYeGl2LUo-FgNHjzactzlNuRY21IDtczzdIm7FQIypMDpNbam0UT_EDwXtrAHyk_Lgh8ZtSQuXg2bRrhdcbw1MnsDRN6WrpE4dGluym9R6va73LoXROtb-iSTazXG2KygAQepA0X2bMKhDGLBm8HNmu_Oog_RDIc7kO0kC9_2moBNng9L6Vhot0knIMJT-IJ6TsNws377nHl1gt-PYnrcsCwmiRuRgQ5r-ox7nBU4BCdWkHaNHHpPNved=w644-h858-no[/IMG]
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] mchlbenner:
You did benot follow directions you must install v1 custom kernel.

Go read what had posted on this.
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] amitams:
I don't see here any kernel installation expect of the RMM-State_Bypass.zip
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] mchlbenner:
I have posted and reposted it.

You must flash custom kernel v1 or you will likely get locked out again.

If you did your homework you would have read on this.

If your not locked out use TWRP file manager and delete Vic app you may not get locked out.
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] amitams:
Got you, you mean this no-verity-no-encrypt_ashyx.zip, and about the Mesa's Kernel, can i use Mesa's Custom Kernel v2.1 instead of Mesa's Custom Kernel v1?
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] mchlbenner:
No use custom kernel v1 because v2.1 will not work.
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] pekcun:
So I can't install TWRP and apply the RMM fix with stock ROM and stock kernel?
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] mchlbenner:
I don't recommend that but you can delete the Vic app.

You can use magisk an mtp will work.

With v1 custom kernel.
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] stfn74:
Just to confirm that the steps from the OP worked just fine on the SM-A530W variant (Canadian Koodoo/Telus). Thanks a lot!

I used SuperSU and did not patch custom kernel.
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] mchlbenner:
The custom kernel is already patch.

Just let others to know.
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] stfn74:
Maybe. But I just tired the custom kernel and it did not work on my SM-A530W. So, for owners of this variant, the combination of stock kernel and RMM-State_Bypass fix is the only working combination, for now at least.

=============================

Update: the above only applies to v2/2.1. Version 1 seems to work just fine on SM-A530W
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] mchlbenner:
Which one v1 should work?
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] stfn74:
Correct, v1 seems to work. I've updated my post above.
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] a.jimmy23:
can i root my samsung galaxy note fe sm n935L?

thanks
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] mchlbenner:
Wrong thread
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] a.jimmy23:
thanks so much..

but that is for international version, not for korean version SM N935L
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] gibby_420:
ROOT, TWRP & Custom ROMS for Canadian BELL, AT&T or VIRGIN GALAXY A8 (SM-A530W)?

I keep hearing contradicting speak on this here...

whether or not I can flash the same ROM, TWRP & ROOT files to my SM-A530W like the SM-A530F?

Only difference I can tell is the "F" has a locked bootloder...

Mine don't, and has the same guts.

Can't stand stock firmware, sh*ts gotta go!...

So if y'all could help me out with some solid info and links, that would be much appreciated.

Thanx

Gibby
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] 587.saboor:
I have a530w, just flash it like u would on a530f
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] amitams:
I lost my MTP after install TWRP, there is any way to fix it?
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] mchlbenner:
Mtp will doesn't work with TWRP so no fix.
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] :
Hi,

I successfully rooted my Galaxy A8. I'm very glad with it, everything works flawlessly. I just wondered: I will be in Japan on holiday, so I considered buying a data SIM card and inserting it into one of my two SIM card slots (I use the European Duos version). Now reading the instructions again it says:

Does this situation apply to rooted devices (with TWRP, the flashed no-verity, RMM_state_bypass and SuperSU) too or only to devices without the enhacement (of the RMM bypass)? Will I be in danger of getting locked? I don't want to jeopardize going over the whole thing again... :)
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] mchlbenner:
As long as you are rooted already you should be good that will happen if you where not rooted.

Glad you got root.
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] gibby_420:
So just follow the instructions in this thread here to a tee then eh...

https://xdaforums.com/galaxy-a8-201.../twrp-3-2-1-1-a8-sm-a530f-02-02-2018-t3744169

Anything else I need to know?
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] Guofan Zhao:
Hi, my a530f after flashing Twrp successfully, I booted into Twrp . But as soon as I did, I found that all the files had been formatted already even the system. I had to flash the firmware again and wait for about 7days, how do I solve this problem? (my firmware is Taiwan (BRI) )
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] badadam:
Just to be 100% certain that I don´t mess things up....I have the toggle in Developer Settings to unlock OEM. That means my SM-A530F is unlocked and I can proceed with installing TWRP and flashing Magisk?

And no need to flash RMM-State_Bypass.zip, right?
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] mchlbenner:
As long as you flash custom v1 kernel.
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] 587.saboor:
Ok so its not actually formatted, it just couldnt be read by the system because theres something where if you modify the stock firmware, then the whole phone gets encrypted (its a security thing). so u have to format data and it will be fixed, thats the only way

---------- Post added at 05:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:58 PM ----------

Nope, you do need to flash the zips provided in the op
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] Guofan Zhao:
I just followed the steps you mentioned. But after formatting data, it said can't mount something (sorry I forgot to write down.) and it still loops rebooting. Bad news I have to wait for 7 days again.. :(
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] mchlbenner:
Did you do this on Oreo update?
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] Guofan Zhao:
Nope, I just wanna root my phone, twrp is exactly flashed successfully. But I booted to it and I found there are actually internal storage folders exist. But it looks cannot mount something. and with an unanswered looping reboot. :(

Let me describe my flashing steps maybe there is mistake during it.

1. open odin

2. boot my phone to download mode and connect with Usb cable.

3. open AP slot and apply twrp recovery

4. unticked Auto-reboot

5. boot to tarp successfully
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] mchlbenner:
Before you boot into TWRP you need to install a second sdcard then download all files you will need I recommend using custom kernel v1.

Before flash anything boot TWRP swipe allow modifications then reformat reboot to TWRP then flash needed files then reboot.
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] 587.saboor:
mention/quote him or hes not gonna get any notifications ?
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] pabloluih:
I have waited the 168hours to have the oem unlock button visible because the firmware seems to be from another country. but I was thinking about the possibility of flashing the firmware of my country and not having more troubles in the future. so my question is that, if it is possible to flash my country rom and be able to root without waiting the 168hours.

so, it deserves flashing my country rom to root easily or it is better to keep the firmware I have now.

thanks in advance!
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] mchlbenner:
Are you flash Oreo or 7.1.

For 7.1 you need to flash TWRP then boot TWRP swipe allow modifications then reformat then reboot to TWRP then flash custom kernel v1 then root ect then reboot.

Oreo check allow oem unlocking.

Then flash TWRP boot to TWRP swipe allow modifications then reformat reboot to TWRP flash root this where it different you need to delete the Vic app then reboot

You find Vic app in private app.
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] 587.saboor:
its not private app, its privileged app ? dont worry ur not the only one who thinks that cuz i thought that before too ?
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] Guofan Zhao:
Yes, I just see the comment?
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] DFurax:
Hi,

I did everything like in the first post but when I booted on the system after rooting I have this message "Verification failed unable to restart your device".

Is it normal ? And should I click on the reset button that Samsung shows ?

Thanks !
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] shunsai:
I just ordered this phone, so I won't have it for at least a few days. I always flash TWRP recovery and root my phones. What should I do to prevent this lock from ever happening? Is it enough to enable OEM unlock in Developer options before flashing TWRP and superSU?
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] adek89:
will root add the knox flag?
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] 587.saboor:
flash both of those zips, the rmm bypass and the boot fix

---------- Post added at 04:39 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:37 AM ----------

no, enable oem unlock, then flash twrp but flash magisk, not supersu but before you do that, flash those rmm bypass and boot fix zips on twrp
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] smurfkiller4:
Dual sim variant

does this affect thesm-a530F/DS i think the dual sim might make it that samsung allows having foreign sd card
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] corsicanu:
Slightly updated the guide for Oreo, added FAQ, no-verity-opt-encrypt-6.0 patch, hope i covered all misunderstandings.

Let me know if i missed something else and will be added. Regards
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] shunsai:
I have a question about the timing between steps 3 & 4.

From what I've seen, after I toggle the OEM Unlock switch on, I'm given the chance to either Cancel or Enable, right?

Once I press Enable, should I wait for the system to begin the shut down process and the screen to go to black or should I manually shutdown/restart right away (Power + Vol Down + Vol Up)?
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] corsicanu:
You can do it as you wish, doesn't affect the process with anything.
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] mchlbenner:
Right know if you root phone following all directions you lose your Sims because of Samsung new root protection.

I believe a solution can be found in build prop.

If you want I can upload you build prop?
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] shunsai:
I've seen this mentioned by [MENTION=6094549]salimskiy[/MENTION] and [MENTION=6781156]WilliamJ123[/MENTION] in the other thread, but their posts and methods were unclear. [MENTION=1010321]ultradj83[/MENTION] in a different thread said he was able to root Oreo and his sim works fine. Have you experienced your phone not recognizing your sim card too? Can anyone else confirm?
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] 587.saboor:
Can you send me the link to those posts?
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] shunsai:
[MENTION=6094549]salimskiy[/MENTION]'s posts are here and here.

[MENTION=6781156]WilliamJ123[/MENTION]'s post is here.

[MENTION=1010321]ultradj83[/MENTION]'s post is here.
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] 587.saboor:
They arent clear cuz they dont even have instructions ??
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] shunsai:
Yup, so much disinformation, secondhand information, and confusion, it's hard to know what's really working and what isn't.

I hope more people will start posting their own experiences and methods soon.
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] WilliamJ123:
i've install the last twrp, format date and then i've flashed rmm fix and no verity fix, and both works, but when flash magisk (i try 16.0 , 16.6 and 16.7) when the phone reboot, it dont see the sim, but befor flash magisk it work perfectly, anyway after flash magisk the root work but don't the sim
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] 587.saboor:
Still though you lose the sim network and u have to reflash the current kernel u r on to uninstall magisk
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] salimskiy:
A8+ 8.0 Works magisk 14.2, root is there, there is a connection, but it is written that the magisk is not installed.hide does not work.GPay работает.
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] mchlbenner:
You right root does work but show no manager
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] salimskiy:
http://4pda.ru/forum/index.php?showtopic=890928&view=findpost&p=75251915
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] 587.saboor:
Thanks but the link for the zip is down, please upload the zip file on xda

Btw im using ur oreo rom and it is running perfectly!
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] WilliamJ123:
[/COLOR]

How can reflash the kernel?
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] 587.saboor:
If u didnt flash a kernel then flash the mesa custom kernel oreo
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] cheupe:
Has the issue about v1 working without a hitch and v2 not working been resolved. (Nougat 7.1 firmware)
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] 587.saboor:
Here is root for oreo

https://xdaforums.com/galaxy-a8-201...--other-development/root-magisk-oreo-t3825096

---------- Post added at 09:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:57 PM ----------

Here is root for oreo

https://xdaforums.com/galaxy-a8-201...--other-development/root-magisk-oreo-t3825096
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] masrysat:
phone Galaxy A8 plus 2018

I have a sm-a730F device

Does a phone fit
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] 587.saboor:
I dont know what ur asking but i think youre asking if a730f works, yes
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] masrysat:
I mean the A8 + 2017 device

Is this root fit for my device or will not fit

Please explain how the error will not occur during root

You are making the root steps in order
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] adek89:
Can someone explain to me what is going on with this 7 days oem? I want to switch this option on and wait for 7 days without switching it off or what is it? how and if I make it root this way he will plump the knox flag ?

sorry for errors ,I use Google translator
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] 587.saboor:
You have to wait 7 days without rebooting your device if you dont see the oem unlock

And it is not possible to get root without tripping knox flag
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] masrysat:
hi

i need root Magisk my phone sm-a730f
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] 587.saboor:
https://xdaforums.com/galaxy-a8-201...es-news--discussion/root-magisk-oreo-t3825096

This will work
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] masrysat:
Does anyone try this root and get it with it without problems because my machine worked format yesterday and unable to experience it has to wait 168 hours until the OEM shows

---------- Post added at 01:34 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:46 AM ----------

hi

my phone a8 plus 2018

not a8 2018

Does the root device fit A8 + 2018
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] 587.saboor:
Read "this will work" so yes...
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] BlackMesa123:
A8 and A8+ are the same exact phone. The only thing you should worry about is if the mod/ROM you're downloading contains a kernel for A8 2018, there you will get touchscreen not working caused by mismatched panel drivers in kernel, but flashing an A8+ kernel fixes the issue
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] adek89:
ok, if in this time the phone reset, then I have to reset the reset for 7 days anyway? how to remove the 0x1 flag later?
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] 587.saboor:
Yes

Replace the whole motherboard of the phone
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] adek89:
root

So far, it's best not to do root as if you had something to spoil and he had to go for a guarantee
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] mchlbenner:
When trying to root a phone their is never a guarantee
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] ervius:
Hi all, tested root and TWRP here posted on mine, from unbranded Italian A8, after done, no sim card recognized, I had to reflash oreo firmware from here:

https://xdaforums.com/galaxy-a8-201...lopment/rom-a530fxxu2brg1-oreo-a530f-t3814221

now I have the phne work with both sim cards, but now? Try to reflash TWRP and all others and lost my sim cards? anyone else?

thanks,
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] BlackMesa123:
It's related due to new Samsung protection in kernel (Defex) that blocks cpboot-daemon to run properly. Till now topjohnwu hasn't implemented the hexpatches for disabling it in stock kernel so the only way for now is to use my custom kernel if you want to root your phone
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] ervius:
ok,I ll'try, thanks!

Done, after flashed your kernel, all works well! No more lost sim cards, Thanks!
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] mdude22:
Step 6 says:

Flash root zip downloaded at step #1

Which zip exactly do we have to install, it doesn't say anything about root in post 1

Samsung Firmware download - Updato / Sammobile / Samsung-Firmware.org / Samsung-Updates.com

Samsung Usb Drivers

Odin 3.13.1

Latest SuperSU stable or test/beta

Latest Magisk stable or test/beta

RMM-State_Bypass

no-verity-opt-encrypt-6.0
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] mdude22:
nevermind, i figured it out,

flash root means Latest Magisk stable or test/beta
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] :
I would install Magisk manager 5.8.3, not SuperSU.
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] mossywell:
Before step 1?

Android Oreo 8.0.0

UAE model (dual SIM) A530FXXU3BRG1

Step 1 mentions installing the stock rom for "my country". My phone is new, I have not yet inserted any SIM and I have not yet conected it to Wifi. So, I'm guessing that step 0 is something like this:

0. Insert a SIM for the country you live in. (UK in my case, so I insert a UK SIM.)

Or is that step not necessary? Do I just not bother inserting a SIM and just install the stock UK rom anyway and then wait 7 days?

TIA
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] mchlbenner:
If your going to root I would not put sim in until you get rooting done.

Also read before you do or you may get locked out and have to wait 168 hour to try again.
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] mossywell:
Thanks. Yes I will be rooting it. I think have read the instructions 100 times. :) But I am trying to understand why step 1 says to install the stock Rom of my country? It that anything to do with the process of unlocking the bootloader or is it more a case of "you will want your own Rom on so you might as well do it now"?
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] mchlbenner:
Make you flash rmms state by pass v2.zip.
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] mossywell:
That's step 2 of "how to install TWRP". I'm talking about step 1 of "how to unlock" - why is it imporant to install the firmware from my region - especially if I don't insert a SIM? The 168 hour timer will start even if I keep the UAE firmware. Yet, the instructions write it in bold as if it's really really important and I don't understand why?
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] mchlbenner:
I leave USA and their is not firmware for my count and all works very with my moded csc.
[Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) Guides, News, & Discussio] corsicanu:
The process of unlocking the bootloader needs proper csc, so you must have the right csc for your country applied to unlock it, orelse oem toggle won't appear even after those 168h.

You can find on fw download websites which csc do you need, you can also check the current csc in Settings-About phone-Software info, at Service provider, last line should look like this "fw csc/sim csc/phone csc".

But ofc, if you have oem toggle, probably you are unlocked and you need only twrp and rmm bypass.