yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] Koerst:
Can you post a step-by-step explaining how you unlocked the bootloader?

Also, I found a website that has a .tar file named "T290_U1_9.0_ ROOT_ Kernel_Magisk" specifically for the SM-T290 but I can't post the link here because I am a new user. I'm not sure if it will be of any help.

I tried flashing the file on that website with Odin 3.13.1 on my tab A with download mode on but it failed with the error "RQT_CLOSE". Maybe it's because I don't have the bootloader unlocked yet? Idk. I just got the device and I'm trying to figure out how to root it, but if it's unable to be rooted it is completely fine. I also tried flashing it with two other versions of Odin; however, those versions just got stuck on "boot.img" until I manually restarted the device. Any help will be appreciated :)

Here is the full log when I tried flashing it on Odin 3.13.1:

<ID:0/004> Added!!

<ID:0/004> Odin engine v(ID:3.1301)..

<ID:0/004> File analysis..

<ID:0/004> Total Binary size: 10 M

<ID:0/004> SetupConnection..

<ID:0/004> Initialzation..

<ID:0/004> Get PIT for mapping..

<ID:0/004> Firmware update start..

<ID:0/004> NAND Write Start!!

<ID:0/004> SingleDownload.

<ID:0/004> boot.img

<ID:0/004> RQT_CLOSE !!

<ID:0/004> Complete(Write) operation failed.

<OSM> All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)

<ID:0/004> Removed!!
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] Talich52:
B. Unlocking Bootloader :

https://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=80116925&postcount=1

I found a similar file for my T295 for U1 & U2, but they also do not flash :(

Although the bootloader is unlocked ...
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] xsnipuhx:
This works for the T290? What rom did you install? I would love to get away from the Samsung version.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] Koerst:
I appreciate the help, but the instructions on the post are unclear to me. I enabled the OEM unlocking option in developer settings, but when I tried the instructions on the post it just does not work. I am able to get into download, bootloader, and recovery modes but I'm not sure what else to do.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] Talich52:
Before entering the firmware mode, the device first enters the warning screen and here you need to press and hold the Volume Up button for more than 10 seconds, after which the device will go into reboot with data reset... After booting, the item unlock OEM will become gray and inactive, in firmware mode there will be a line OEM LOCK: OFF (U), and at each reboot there will be a warning screen that the bootloader is unlocked.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] Talich52:
I can't check for T290, since I have T295 ,but both models are Tab A 8.0 2019;)

Unfortunately, unlocking the bootloader did not give anything,I could not root the device and even install at least one custom file :(
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] Koerst:
I was able to successfully unlock the bootloader after trying a number of button combinations. Thanks a lot for the help! :)

I will try flashing that file again soon.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] secretwolf98:
What did you do to unlock your SM-T290? And for treble support, what do I choose? Arm or arm64, a only or A/B? And how would I install the GSI without a TWRP recovery?
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] Koerst:
These are the steps I took to unlock the bootloader that worked for me:

1. Power off the tablet (And make sure OEM unlocking is enabled in developer settings)

2. This is the part that was a little tough for me to figure out, but this is generally how I think I did it. I pressed the power button once, then instantly after I pressed one of the volume buttons (Not sure which one I pressed) and then held both volume buttons and the power button. You'll get to this screen with a bunch of text and a few options. If this way doesn't work then you should try out some other combinations.

3. One of the options on the screen is to unlock the bootloader, which tells you to hold volume up in order to unlock it.

4. The tablet will factory reset and the bootloader will be unlocked. To prove it is unlocked, the OEM unlock option in dev settings will be grayed out and will say "The bootloader is already unlocked"

I don't know about treble support or GSI, I've never actually heard of those things before and I'm sure you're much more of an expert at them than I am.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] secretwolf98:
GitHub explanation: https://github.com/phhusson/treble_experimentations/wiki/Frequently-Asked-Questions-(FAQ)

XDA explanation: https://www.xda-developers.com/goog...ze-android-so-oems-can-update-devices-faster/
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] Koerst:
Thanks for the explanations.

I would like to add that to anyone who wants to attempt to unlock the bootloader, you should do so carefully and with precautions, because your device will do a factory reset and the process can even brick your device. Backup your device before you do it.

I bricked my tablet earlier today, not right after unlocking the bootloader but after a couple of times that I rebooted it and tried flashing the file that I found on that site. I was able to somehow unbrick it by wiping the cache partition and doing a factory reset. That didn't instantly unbrick it, but after one reboot I held the volume up button and somehow my tablet started up again. Whew. Anyway, I'm most likely going to stop searching for ways to root this thing. I think I have concluded that it is unrootable until further support is given by the developers of TWRP/Magisk/whoever and someone else who has more knowledge than me is able to figure something out.

Some tips for people who may need them:

- To get into recovery mode, I discovered that all you have to do is power off the tablet, then power it on again while holding both the volume up and power buttons. Then you can let go once the screen pops up.

- From recovery mode, you can wipe the cache partition, perform a factory reset, reboot the device normally, and do a bunch of other stuff. This is what I used to unbrick my tablet.

- To get into download mode (If you're trying to flash something using Odin) I could not figure out the hardware combination for it; however, I was able to get into download mode by installing the proper drivers on my computer, downloading Minimal ADB and Fastboot, connecting my tablet to my computer, and using the command "adb reboot download" on the ADB and Fastboot command prompt.

- If your tablet does get bricked (stuck on the Samsung logo) after unlocking the bootloader, try holding down the power button and see if that reboots it. If it does, do it again but this time hold the volume up button with the power button to get to recovery mode. You can try wiping the cache or resetting the device as that is what I believe worked for me.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] Talich52:
With the bootloader unlocked, this is simple:

Send the device to reboot, first the warning screen for the unlocked bootloader appears ... Press any volume button and see a menu where we select Recovery with the same volume buttons and press power ... the device enters ODIN mode firmware mode :)
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] nickny:
Ok, well I thought everything went really well. I got my bootloader unlocked, files patched, ROM flashed, did all the magic keypresses and user folder wipes. I installed Magisk Manager again and boom it says Magisk is installed on my SM-T290.

However I am not quite passing safety check. Basic integrity is good, but I am failing - cts_profile: false. Does that mean I did something wrong? Or are there additional steps to take now to fix this?

Thanks for everyones work and discussion, I think I am in the home stretch.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] J.Michael:
Now that you have Magisk installed, go to the Magisk thread for clues on how to *maybe* pass various levels of Safety Net.

I'd say it's time to celebrate.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] secretwolf98:
Which ROM are you using?
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] Talich52:
The simplest solution:

Unzip the attached zip file And copy the folder with the file to /sbin/. magisk/modules

Set the permissions 0755.

After the reboot, go to MagiskManager and if it asks,do another reboot... :)
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] secretwolf98:
How do you root this tab?
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] Talich52:
The easiest way is to install via ODIN TWRP and then install Magisk.zip to get Root rights. :)

But there is some difficulty in logging into TWRP after installation ...

If the firmware is 10 android, but the first step is to flash part of the BL from the previous firmware 9 android ...

P.S. The file for the ODIN of the T290 model is here: https://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=83450593&postcount=117

Of the T295 model is here: https://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=83287401&postcount=215

... It assumes the bootloader is already unlocked ...
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] secretwolf98:
How do you enter TWRP after I get it installed via odin?
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] secretwolf98:
TWRP keeps failing to install with the Android 9 firmware BL.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] Talich52:
Authorization fails. Is the model exactly SM-T290? What firmware is installed?

Bootloader unlocked?
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] secretwolf98:
Model is exactly SM-T290 wifi XAR. Android 10 is the system. But Android 9 is the BL. And yes, BL is unlocked.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] Talich52:
What's in Downloading firmware mode? Is there a KG Status line and which one? The Checking status does not interfere with the firmware, but the Prenormal status will not allow you to install a custom recovery ... Unfortunately, no one has yet installed the TWRP file on the T290 model, the T295 is installed and working on my device ...

What is the firmware installed? I will make a file for rooting, then you can install TWRP recovery.

There are 2 firmwares for the XAR region: https://samfrew.com/ru/model/SM-T290/region/XAR/

T290XXU3BTG1 or T290UEU3BTG1 ?
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] secretwolf98:
I am using T290XXU3BTG1 (the non kids edition).
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] madcaesar18:
This thread is all over the place. Can someone who has successfully rooted this device make a nice clear post on how to root?
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] Talich52:
Here is the file for rooting. Select as part of AP in ODIN and flash ...

Let me remind you that before this the bootloader must be unlocked and the BL file installed from the previous firmware 9 of the android, specifically from T290XXS3ATF1

In general, it is enough to replace even not the entire BL part, not all bootloaders, but only the aboot.mbn and vaultkeeper.mbn files.

I will attach the required file, select it as part of BL and flash it .

P.S. If Magisk Manager is not installed, then manually install the stable version 7.5.1
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] secretwolf98:
Thank you. For Android 9, I am using CT2. Will that work?
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] Talich52:
Maybe from T290XXS3ATC2?

Well, here the bootloader is also 3 versions, so the device must start and work with it.

In general, it is enough to replace even not the entire BL part, not all bootloaders, but only the aboot.mbn and vaultkeeper.mbn files.

Above in the message attached.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] nickny:
I have everything you need to root T290XXS3ATC2 if you need.

The issue I keep having is that I can't disable the Samsung auto-update. After ignoring it a few times, and even unchecking auto-update in the developer options, it always seems to install an update and wipe me back out.

I am considering just trying the next few versions of firmware down.

I appreciate the Safety Net check workaround Talich, I will def check that out.

I should mention that I did not use TWRP to root my SM-T290, I would have preferred to have/use TWRP but I did not think it was available for this model.

1. Download fresh T290XXS3ATC2 from [MENTION=3852065]sevsman[/MENTION]'s link and unzip it -- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v_0qLVZi8cF4wn8SLpl1DCFexGxNowd6/view?usp=drivesdk

2. Download my pre-patched AP tar file -- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WuFRID20kfcIpbSmKrYn38Sw-t1Omu-1/view?usp=sharing

3. Unlock Bootloader via Developer tools and fancy key combo on startup (see [MENTION=1826556]gcrutchr[/MENTION]'s main thread) put into Download mode so we can use Odin

4. In Odin settings, uncheck Reboot after option. Now select the stock firmware files for all EXCEPT AP. For AP use my patched tar above.

5. Flash via Odin. When down, press PWR + VOL-DOWN to reboot. Then immediately press PWR+VOL-UP to boot into STOCK recovery, NOT TWRP.

6. Stock recovery select Wipe/Format. Let it run. Then goto Reboot device now.

7. When you reboot, install Magisk Manager via sideload APK. And then you should be good to go.

These are all instructions outlined in [MENTION=1826556]gcrutchr[/MENTION]s thread, and also here - https://topjohnwu.github.io/Magisk/install.html#samsung-system-as-root

If you are using XXATC2 then these two links should be all the firmware files you need.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] Talich52:
To disable updates, you need to Disable (Freeze) through Titanium, two software update applications.

In general, when the bootloader is unlocked, the device will not update even if it downloads the update file ... ;)
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] J.Michael:
There is a Setting -> Software update -> Auto download over Wi-Fi. I have it disabled. My tablet is still XXU1ASH1.

(I have not installed Titanium Backup. I don't think I used any other app to disable updates.)

I have a permanent Notification that an update is available -- it won't let me swipe right to remove the notification from the list, even temporarily. I live in constant fear of accidentally touching the notification and having them pretend that I gave them permission to update, but, so far, so good.

Of course, it could be too late for [MENTION=8447099]nickny[/MENTION].
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] Talich52:
Go to the Application Manager, find the Software Update applications and disable notifications from them;)
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] J.Michael:
If "Application Manager" is Settings -> Apps, there are two apps named "Software update". Under Notifications, one claims "This app hasn't sent you any notifications."; the other has Category General Sounds enabled and greyed out. For both apps, I have the option to disable App icon badges. I do not have the option to disable notifications entirely.

Maybe that option was added by one of the updates I have not allowed. (That is not what I expect from Samsung.) Maybe you have made some other modification of your device.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] Talich52:
Yes, You are right, these apps do not disable notifications :( Then I suggest installing the Package Disabler Pro v15. 2 app and disabling these 2 apps. You don't need Root rights...
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] secretwolf98:
Odin keeps failing in the middle of the installation.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] Talich52:
More specifically? attach the ODIN log or what is on the display of the device?

Is the bootloader unlocked exactly? there should be a warning window on any reboot that the bootloader is unlocked ...

Make a screenshot from the Developer section, the Factory unlock label should be gray (inactive).
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] secretwolf98:
Log: <ID:0/004> Added!!

<ID:0/004> Removed!!

<ID:0/004> Added!!

<OSM> Enter CS for MD5..

<OSM> Check MD5.. Do not unplug the cable..

<OSM> Please wait..

<OSM> Checking MD5 finished Sucessfully..

<OSM> Leave CS..

<OSM> Enter CS for MD5..

<OSM> Check MD5.. Do not unplug the cable..

<OSM> Please wait..

<OSM> Checking MD5 finished Sucessfully..

<OSM> Leave CS..

<OSM> Enter CS for MD5..

<OSM> Check MD5.. Do not unplug the cable..

<OSM> Please wait..

<OSM> Checking MD5 finished Sucessfully..

<OSM> Leave CS..

<OSM> Enter CS for MD5..

<OSM> Check MD5.. Do not unplug the cable..

<OSM> Please wait..

<OSM> Checking MD5 finished Sucessfully..

<OSM> Leave CS..

<ID:0/004> Odin engine v(ID:3.1401)..

<ID:0/004> File analysis..

<ID:0/004> Total Binary size: 655 M

<ID:0/004> SetupConnection..

<ID:0/004> Initialzation..

<ID:0/004> Set PIT file..

<ID:0/004> DO NOT TURN OFF TARGET!!

<ID:0/004> Get PIT for mapping..

<ID:0/004> Firmware update start..

<ID:0/004> NAND Write Start!!

<ID:0/004> SingleDownload.

<ID:0/004> aboot.mbn

<ID:0/004> sbl1.mbn

<ID:0/004> rpm.mbn

<ID:0/004> tz.mbn

<ID:0/004> devcfg.mbn

<ID:0/004> cmnlib_30.mbn

<ID:0/004> cmnlib64_30.mbn

<ID:0/004> km4.mbn

<ID:0/004> apdp.mbn

<ID:0/004> msadp.mbn

<ID:0/004> NON-HLOS.bin

<ID:0/004> sec.dat

<ID:0/004> mdtp.mbn

<ID:0/004> bksecapp.mbn

<ID:0/004> vaultkeeper.mbn

<ID:0/004> boot.img

<ID:0/004> vbmeta.img

<ID:0/004> recovery.img

<ID:0/004> FAIL! (Auth)

<ID:0/004>

<ID:0/004> Complete(Write) operation failed.

<OSM> All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)

<ID:0/004> Removed!!

Yes, it is unlocked. A unlocked warning appears on restarts. In bootloader mode, it says only official firmware can be flashed.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] Talich52:
Such a warning occurs with the line KG Status: Prenormal and others. Isn't there a similar line in Bootloader mode?

It would be nice to attach a photo of the download mode.

If there is such a line, then flash the stock firmware completely and request a software update for communication with the Samsung server so that the line changes to KG Status: Checking, which does not prevent the flashed of custom files.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] secretwolf98:
Current binary: Samsung Official

OEM Lock: Off (U)

KG Status: Prenormal

Qualcomm secureboot: Enable (CSB)

RP SWREV: S1, T1, R1, A3, P3

RP SWREV: K 3, S 3

Secure download: Enable

DID: 0000975596bf

download mode !!
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] Talich52:
Well, that's the problem. :(

Above in the message, what to do...

refresh the page ...
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] secretwolf98:
Do I flash the Android 9 or Android 10 firmware? Also, do I need to lock the bootloader to request a software update?
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] Talich52:
You don't need to lock the bootloader back! Which android to install, decide for yourself. If you are planning 10 android for work and rooting, then install the firmware full 10 android.

If you install 9 android, then disable Automatic download of updates before asking for updates.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] Reick7:
wow, I'm happy to know that you already got TWRP, is it 100% functional? will you already try some rom treble?
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] Talich52:
The developer of TWRP is not me, but mehanik6.

TWRP itself works, but I did not check all the modes ...

Here's another developer of the alternative TWRP:

https://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=83484129&postcount=124

https://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=83441921&postcount=253
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] Reick7:
thanks, I'll take a look later, Now we have a powerful tool to work with the T290, this version is for the T295, but it works perfectly on the T290, right?
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] nickny:
Wow [MENTION=3378358]Talich52[/MENTION] great diagnosis there, impressive! Yea unfortunately secretwolf I am not as well versed in this stuff as Talich, so I am of little help with that error msg, it seems you did everything correctly, just have to figure out this Prenormal thing.

I can promise you that those patched files are correct. If you are going to be using Android 9, you can just reflash the stock tars I gave you in the first link, the original stock Samsung firmware. The only difference is the AP file. Then you can try whatever Talich suggested to get rid of that Prenormal message.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] Talich52:
The first TWRP link is for the T290 model, although it works on the T295 and on android 9 and 10 :)
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] Reick7:
huh, I didn't see any links or anything, this is the recovery made by secretwolf98? have boot errors been fixed? I remember giving up installing this one due to errors in startup.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] Talich52:
Here is a link to TWRP from the author mehanik6 for the T290 model:

https://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=83450593&postcount=117

TWRP is for the T290 model, although it works on the T295 and on android 9 and 10 :)
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] secretwolf98:
After wiping things in the stock recovery. How long should it take to boot into the system? I have been stuck on the Samsung logo for the past 5 minutes.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] Talich52:
Loading after deleting data is usually 5-6 minutes, but you can wait a maximum of 10

If the boot failed, then something was done wrong and there is a problem with the kernel

or with the system ...

P.S. I recommend flashing the full stock firmware T290XXS3ATC2 or another, wait for the download and then just proceed to rooting ...
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] secretwolf98:
I did a reboot to the stock recovery. Then I went to the bootloader to flash the TWRP .tar file. I got into TWRP, but it isn't in English. It has been so long that I have used TWRP. Remind me, how do I set it to English?
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] Talich52:
Настройки(Settings) - top right globe - select English - bottom right - Установить язык(Set language)
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] secretwolf98:
I tried to flash the Project Treble GSI, but every one that I try, it just bootloops. Suggestions?
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] Reick7:
huh, which one are you testing? our device is A-only, it would also be interesting to test only Android 9 versions

---------- Post added at 02:23 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:13 AM ----------

very thanks :good:
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] secretwolf98:
I tested A only, arm, arm32 binder64, and amd64. All resulted in a bootloop. Android 10 GSI.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] Reick7:
our device is arm64 A-only, trying to install others can bootlooops, I believe it is the recovery itself, I noticed some bugs regarding the system, such as installing or restoring, it simply cannot, maybe you still lack success in this regard, or that is, it is likely that we will receive an "ok img installed" message, but it has not actually been installed, not completely, and sometimes it is not possible to mount the data, the only fully functional thing is the install zip function
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] secretwolf98:
Yeah, I have tried arm64 a-only. It just led to a bootloop.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] sevsman:
Hello mate, I sent you a pm but it's not in my sent box for some reason and I just wanted to check you got it :svetius:
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] Talich52:
Most firmware has a 64-bit core, but the Korean firmware has a 32-bit core.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Guides, News, & Discus] Reick7:
Interestingly, what difference is there? do you think you have a better performance?