yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] roirraW "edor" ehT:
Do you mean that you actually replaced the system's built-in Play Store app (com.android.vending) with other versions of the apk via root? I remember years ago trying to replace the stock versions of some core Google APKs like the Play Store - actually replacing the apk that the stock firmware comes with - and it never worked out. I always had to dirty flash the stock ROM to get things working again. Even if it wouldn't fix the issue you were originally trying to fix, I would suggest you do the same, without wiping data of course.

Or are you installing alternative versions as updates to the stock Play app? If that's the case, dirty flashing probably wouldn't help.

Either way, I'm not surprised those actions would cause more issues than they would solve. If you didn't overwrite the actual core/stock copy of the Play Store via root, then it would still be there and you only should have to uninstall any "updates" to the app.

Attached is the copy of com.android.vending.apk (Google Play Store v30.4.17-21 [0] [PR] 445549118) that I just got out of Swift Backup. I hope it helps.

I don't know if that's exactly what's in the actual stock image or if there have been any more recent Play Store updates. I can't find the stock root location of where the Play Store app resides, but I only checked in root / system / app and system / priv-app.

Android Settings / Apps / App info for the Play Store doesn't show any updates I can uninstall so I assume this is what came in the May stock image - no idea if there's any variation for the different models, carriers, and what area of the world you got your device from.

Indeed, strange, but fairly consistent with whenever I tried to manually mess with alternate versions of stock Google apps.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] CrazyOldMaurice:
So weird, now it crashes every time. You know, I remember a day when controlling a rooted device was easier than Jailbreak, but this is whack. Anyway yeah, I got impatient earlier and literally uninstalled the stock Google Play. I'm not exactly sure how to do a dirty flash, but is there anything I'd need to backup for that?
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] CrazyOldMaurice:
Every single game that failed to download had an empty folder inside OBB, which was inside another folder named com.vending. I don't remember this folder from the past, but that doesn't seem like a coincidence.

This old thread eludes to this possibly being my exact problem.

[Solved] Can't download obb from Play Store

Hey, I got a problem. When I try to download/upgrade a game or an app with obb files, Play Store starts the download but It stops when it's almost finished and says error code: 0 I tried to reinstall Play Store, delete the cache, and other...

xdaforums.com

Edit: No dice, they solved the problem via activating all permissions, but this didn't help me.

Edit 2: In the end I was able to fix it by going into Permission Manager X and changing WRITE_SETTINGS from default to allow, and USE_ICC_AUTH_WITH_DEVICE_IDENTIFIER to allow.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] roirraW "edor" ehT:
Cool, so you're all good now? Everything's working including the Play Pass games in question?

FWIW regarding the dirty flash, the instructions are the exact same as updating your already rooted firmware, starting with Step 2 - Patch the stock firmware to make it rooted in the third post of this thread, although if everything is working, then probably no need and best to leave it alone unless other problems crop up.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] greatestandroidfan:
Just updated to X900XXU2AVE4 using instructions from post #3. And it works! (y)

Hoped missing OEM Apps will get reinstalled. but NOPE... :(

Stupid /me tried to debloat manually earlier, but obviously I'd no idea what I was doing... 🤦‍♂️

🤦‍♀️

Now various Apps are not working anymore like OpenVPN, Weather Widget App etc. And MS Authenticator crashes all the time.

Anybody willing to share the list of all OEM System installed Apps? Really don't want to start from scratch again... APKUpdater format preferred.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] DevoX0:
Hello!

Slightly off topic:

Do you also suffer from the dumb eye care / low blue light filter on the Tab S8 with LCD?

Ist there any option out there with root to change the LCD calibration and reduce the blue color channel?

Or to enable the stock android night light mode?

See also https://xdaforums.com/t/tut-enable-...t-blue-light-filter-no-root-required.4182449/
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] Vinsang:
You May want to create a separate thread to get proper answers
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] Toumakun:
If I want to update my tab but without root and available ota and without losing existing data. Can I just follow step 3 ? What do I choose as AP ? What do I have to pay attention to ?

Thanks Guy's
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] roirraW "edor" ehT:
Questions: Is your bootloader unlocked? Are you rooted right now? I'm not sure if this has any bearing, but just in case I figured I'd ask.

@skrowl or someone else more experienced with Samsung may have to answer your question as I don't feel confident.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] Toumakun:
My Bootloader is locked and i dont plan on rooting my device. Just manually updating via Odin etc, is my intention.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] skrowl:
If you want to update your tab without root, just use the regular Samsung provided over-the-air update.

If you don't want to root your device, you shouldn't be using SamFirm + Odin, etc. They add extra complexitiy that you don't need if you're not rooting your device.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] Toumakun:
Understood. But i debloated my Tab -> [NO-ROOT] Complete Samsung Galaxy Optimization Guide

and it was recommended to use Odin + Frija to Update instead of OTA cause OTA can break debloat/tweak changes etc.

It doesn't matter if it gets a lil more complicated.

Thanks for your help.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] Techguy777:
Anyone working on a Twrp or other custom recovery? I checked Samsung open source and it has the kernel source available for all of the models I put in. I did the S8 ultra, S8 plus and S8 wifi. I know custom recoveries aren't what they used to be for backing up and restoring but it's still better to have for uninstalling magisk modules that cause a bootloop. I know the bootloop fix magisk module I have it on my tab S6 and it doesn't always work.

Side note you guys should check to see if you can change selinux to permissive. I can on my Tab S6 and S10 lite both running android one ui 4.1. I'm hoping Samsung continues keeping the option for us who are no scared to death of someone stealing my information. If Google has your face unlock, fingerprint, your id and credit card number, all of your passwords and emails have you not already given everything to Google and Samsung? Lol uses fake name and email like I do. Gift cards for play store
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] roirraW "edor" ehT:
The last I saw - but that was months ago - TWRP hasn't been made for any Android 12 device yet. If someone knows of an Android 12 device that has gotten TWRP, feel free to correct me. I have hardly missed it, so I don't stay on top of the news about it.

So if they still haven't, they need to work on getting it Android 12-compatible in general, and then they can start tackling individual Android 12 devices.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] Techguy777:
My Poco F3 is android 12 with orange fox and twrp available but it didn't come with Android 12. Twrp for Android 12 is unable to decrypt the internal storage however it doesn't matter if you decrypt the internal storage. I believe the the S22 ultra was working on it. But I don't really follow I just check when I'm bored because honestly every year we seem to lose more and more control even with root. So I worry that any year could be the last year we can root.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] Techguy777:
Has anyone tried to change selinux to permissive to check? You can literally instantly switch it right back to enforcing.

If you use termux

You type su hit enter and give root

Type setenforce 0 enter

To check type getenforce hit enter and it'll tell you enforcing or permissive.

Type setenforce 1 hit enter to change it back to enforcing.

If anyone tries it let me know I would appreciate it thanks.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] roirraW "edor" ehT:
Did you see this, by the way?

https://xdaforums.com/t/recovery-un...ab-s8-series-snapdragon.4455491/post-87001053
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] Techguy777:
Awesome now I wish I had the S8 tablet. How do you feel about it? I've heard the same thing I think of my tab S6. It's a great tablet except the cameras could be better.

Did you react to my post saying you tried permissive mode or because your wondering to?
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] roirraW "edor" ehT:
To be honest, I haven't used it that much yet. My wife and I both like the idea of having it available, and we'll both possibly use it more when we go out of town for a few days. We both like the idea of having an Android tablet with one of Samsung's capable stylus to use when we need to. So far, besides my initial root and setup of it, most of my time on it has been just updating it once a month.

I'm just curious to know, and I liked your post just because it's a good question, but I don't think I'm motivated to try it.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] Techguy777:
Right on yes the Spen is great and ironically enough writing with it it's probably the least feature I use. I use it a lot to translate and select stuff like a mouse.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] killerzac:
anyone rooted SM-X806B 5G ? I have enabled the OEM unlock, but I can never get the Unlock bootloader option from the download mode. I would wonder If it is because my Tab S8+ is LTE ?
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] roirraW "edor" ehT:
It was explained to me that all the 5G versions of the Samsung tablets in the United States (if that's where you are) are not able to have their bootloader unlocked - no matter what carrier variant. If outside the United States, I don't know if the situation is different.

I'm surprised it even lets you enable OEM Unlocking.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] killerzac:
has anyone tried to flash the WIFI rom on LTE version's tablet. As I'm aware most of samsung firmware of WIFI and LTE are compatible. Anyone has tried it to unlock bootloader with the WIFI firmware on LTE tablet ?
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] roirraW "edor" ehT:
I presume an unlocked bootloader would be required to flash any firmware that's not meant for the device - as that's usually the case. I hope I'm wrong for your sake, though.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] killerzac:
oh well, worth asking
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] belveder69:
It's so hard now to follow this. A couple years ago I always did it on all my devices but the last 2 years I just can't do it anymore. Darn it. I so miss having a rooted device
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] roirraW "edor" ehT:
You tried the third post?
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] Valiante:
Do I need to be on a specific firmware to root? Or can all firmwares be rooted?
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] roirraW "edor" ehT:
Any firmware. As long as you are using a tablet model which your able to enable OEM Unlocking (and then unlock the bootloader), you're good.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] Valiante:
That's insane, how is it that the S22 doesn't allow this but the Tab S8 does. I wanted to jump on Samsung's wagon this cycle, the lack of root on the snapdragon variant alone stopped me.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] roirraW "edor" ehT:
I agree. When I bought my factory (SIM) unlocked Note 10+ (which I loved the hardware but hated the software on) in 2020, I thought I'd be able to unlock the bootloader since it wasn't tied to any specific carrier version of Note 10+. I went back to Pixel (6 Pro) although I hate being without a MicroSD slot - but recent Samsung flagships don't even give that.

I apologize for off-topic.

For the record, at least in the United States, if you buy a carrier-version of any Tab S8 variant, then you can't unlock the bootloader. So, only non-carrier Wi-Fi models in the U.S. can have the bootloader unlocked.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] Valiante:
Fantastic job with this guide, everything was clear. Quick word about the Microsoft Redistributables you need the older versions in order to run Frija, I believe that's 2008 and 2010 x86 (not x64).

Upon reboot, I also had to reinstall Magisk from Github.

Otherwise it's all good and everything worked exactly like it was supposed to.

Now time to permanently uninstall some bloat lol

EDIT: Stick to the Samsung Debloat list for safe removables, I went a little "root" crazy uninstalling random things. Now I have to reflash the tablet and start from the beginning LOL
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] robq391:
Is it possible to network unlock a tab s8+ 5g without rooting it?
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] roirraW "edor" ehT:
If you mean the same as SIM unlock or carrier unlock, as far as I know, you can't achieve that with root either. Only the carrier can carrier unlock a device.

Edit: Also, normally a rooted device is already SIM unlocked, as it's very common that although SIM unlocking and bootloader unlocking are separate, there is no way to achieve bootloader unlock until a device is already SIM unlocked. And bootloader unlock is required for root.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] robq391:
Thank you
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] pcriz:
Did something change in relationship to the widevine lvl 3 issue?

I only ask because I rooted today and set up as per the instructions (except I block everything relating to the play store and play services) and I'm showing level 1.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] UmiCat:
I'm thinking of buying S8 5G. Has anyone successfully rooted the UK (or EU) model?
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] Arial91:
Hi guys

I got my s8 ultra 5g eu version.

I never rooted a device and i wanted to know what pluses do i get from rooting it?

I only got into this idea because i want to use it as a linux machine with high portability.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] roirraW "edor" ehT:
Hello! Welcome to XDA. I like being able to use Swift Backup to backup all apps and all app data to the cloud. I also like to Automate some things that require root to do so. There are more reasons but they mostly apply to other devices such as my Pixel 6 Pro. Off the top of my head, this early in my morning, I can't think of any other reasons why I root other than that if it wasn't rooted and I suddenly thought of a modification I want to do which requires root, and I don't want to do a factory reset after I've had the tablet up and running the way I like for months.

But that's technically a reason to unlock the bootloader, and not necessarily a reason to already be rooted, since unlocking the bootloader is what triggers a factory reset, so I always unlock the bootloader on my device immediately when I get it, before setting it up the way I like.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] ukSimon:
Hi, I have the tab S8 Ultra 5G UK model and have rooted without any issues.

Netflix streams with Widevine L1 Full HD and Adblock works perfectly.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] UmiCat:
Thanks so much! I had a bad experience with rooting S7 in the past (I managed to hard brick it in the process!) so I really want to make sure I am making the right choice.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] ukSimon:
Follow the guide in post 3 which I did it's really easy.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] TiTiB:
The main reason for me is to have control of what apps are installed and their behavior (actual ownership of my device, if you will).

Uninstalling, Freezing, Permissions Modification are things I always do when I first get a device. Not a fan of Google or Samsung apps—love Samsung's hardware, though.

I end up uninstalling or freezing about 140 'things' on each of the Samsung tablets I've owned.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] UmiCat:
OEM Unlocking Missing

OK so I ended up getting S8 5G. (using UK model in the UK). It has just arrived... but now I am hitting the familiar problem with not finding OEM Unlocking on Developer Options.

I've tried usual tricks: (1) turn off 'automatic data and time' and set it to some earlier date (currently on 1 May 2022) & reboot; (2) turn off 'Auto update system' on DO; (3) turn off 'Auto download over wifi' on Software update; (4) connect to wifi and wait & reboot; (4) also briefly turn on Mobile Data; (5) factory reset & reboot.

So far, nothing has worked. I can't believe my bad luck...! Can anyone help me??!! I am on X706BXXU1AVC5 (Android Security Patch - 1 Feb 2022). I could update the firmware to see how it goes, but it could take me to a U2 bootloader (X706BXXU2AVE4), which you can't downgrade to U1 (and in another thread I read someone trying to find OEM Unlocking (just like me) on U2... so I want to avoid it if I can).

I am stuck at Step 1 - 3 in Post #3 in this thread (amazing guide, btw!). Can I proceed to Download Mode without turning on OEM Unlocking? Or would I not get the prompt? Also, can I re-flash the same version of firmware on Odin? Or would Odin not work on a device with a locked bootloader?

I once managed to hard-brick a brand-new S7 in the same process. So I really want to be careful. ... does anyone know who might be able to help me 'remotely'?

Any help would be much appreciated!!
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] UmiCat:
Problem solved (for now). I updated the software OTA, and now I can see OEM Unlocking... Phew. I will proceed to the next (harder) step. I have experience with rooting android devices for a good few years, and have rooted quite a few devices. But my last experience with killing S7 has made me completely paranoid!
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] roirraW "edor" ehT:
Glad you solved the immediate issue. Follow the appropriate steps in post #3 of this thread to the letter - measure twice, flash once, and you'll be fine.

Just make sure when/if you go to update your tablet whenever there are new OTAs to follow the appropriate steps for that, also in post #3. Almost exactly the same steps but with one crucial difference (otherwise you'll have to wipe your device and start over).
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] UmiCat:
Actually I spoke too soon! I am back to square 1. When I followed the instruction to get the prompt for unlocking, I got something a green screen saying 'Warning: A custom OS can cause critical problems bla bla'... then I pressed Volume up (as instructed to continue), I got the green screen saying 'downloading' with knox info etc. There, I still got OEM Lock: ON (U1). I rebooted then now the OS is updated but OEM Unlocking is gone!

So in Step 1 of the instruction (post #3):

6. Press and hold volume up for 5 seconds, the screen will change to a confirmation prompt

7. Press volume up again to confirm, the tablet will reboot

I thought I would get a prompt specifically for unlocking, but I got the generic warning above (a custom OS....). Then when I pressed Vol up, the tab didn't reboot, but I got the Downloading... green screen. I am now probably worse off as I am with the up-to-date firmware while I have yet again lost OEM Unlocking! As far as I know, I haven't heard that UK mobile carriers prevent bootloader unlocking. There was someone in the UK in this thread saying they managed to unlock their S8 ultra 5G (mine is S8, but probably wouldn't be any different). Totally stuck...!
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] UmiCat:
I am beginning to suspect my device is built bootloader unlockable. I have since managed to get OEM Unlocking a couple of times (very randomly), but still couldn't get Unlock Bootloader? prompt. I am stuck on download mode 'downloading...' without an option to press Vol + for Unlock Bootloader? prompt. Has anyone experienced the same? How did you solve it?

If you have your Tab 8 series rooted / bootloader unlocked, could you kindly check the following commands on ADB and let me know what you got (and your model)?:

adb devices
adb shell getprop ro.oem_unlock_supported
adb shell getprop sys.oem_unlock_allowed

I got no return for ro.oem, and 1 for sys.oem. Apparently for ro.oem you should get 1 if the device is allowed to be unlocked, and 0 if not allowed. I don't know what to make of no return. For sys.oem, I read a post on XDA saying some devices have sys.oem instead of ro.oem. If that's the case, there is a hope for me... I tried these commands on my 2 rooted devices. They both returned 1 for ro.oem and nothing for sys.oem. So it's probably one or the other, but I'd like to check with people with the same/similar device.

https://xdaforums.com/t/just-bought-an-s20-fe-5g-and-cant-find-how-to-unlock-oem.4220279/

Also, has anyone flashed firmware on a device with a locked bootloader (samsung) on Odin? I am tempted but really terrified...

Meow
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] roirraW "edor" ehT:
I can't do the rest right now, but to answer this question, as far as I remember, Odin will only flash official unmodified firmware if your bootloader is locked, and in that case, only either the same version of firmware that's already on the device, or newer.

I could be misremembering, though. There is no way you're going to be able to root with the bootloader locked.

Meow back from our two cats.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] UmiCat:
Thanks so much! @roirraW "edor" ehT

I have since managed to flash the firmware on Odin without an issue. Yay! The bad news is that it didn't change the problem with not having the bootloader unlocking option on download mode warning screen. I am supposed to get an option with long pressing Vol+, but it isn't there. If I press Vol+, then I am taken to the Downloading... screen and I can only get out of the screen and reboot without achieving anything. And everytime I do that, OEM Unlocking option is gone, and I have to start from strach blindly (as I haven't worked out the regularity in the causality).

I think the following XDA threads explain the same issue (some people talk about bootloader / recovery mode etc, but I am not using it):

https://xdaforums.com/t/my-nervs-i-cant-unlock-my-bootloader.3978561/

https://xdaforums.com/t/unable-to-e...om-adb-it-makes-me-restart-my-device.4433963/

Sigh.... 😿 I really don't seem to have a good affinity with Samsung. Last time with S7, I could at least unlock the bootloader. This time, it's not even possible. I can still return it and perhaps get another one from another seller to see if it's specific to this particular tablet. Or just give up, and go back to my old Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro. (now Pad 5 doesn't seem to be so bad at all...)

Thanks for your help. Grrrr to Samsung from my cats!
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] ukSimon:
Is your tablet network locked? Also, is it the UK version with UK firmware? Mine was unlocked and UK version and rooted just fine (S8 Ultra 5g) so I'm wondering what is different with yours.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] joe535:
Worked perfectly for me, thanks.

Just one hint: A short intro would be nice, just to understand the basics, since the rooting process is different from older devices...

For older Tablets, I did not need to download, decrypt a kernel-image, transfer to the mobile, use magisk-app to patch this image, copy back to PC and finally flash via odin...

I actually was used to just upload TWRP temporarily (using ADB) and then install magisk. ZIP directly..

:)

Ah, anyone knows if a custom ROM is planned for Tab S8 ??
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] ukSimon:
I agree. Samsung have changed things in recent years. My tab S6 lite from 2020 also required similar steps to root as does the Note 20 Ultra 5G. The last easy root was on a Tab A from 2016.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] ughlife:
Are there any methods for people who use MacOS / Linux? Looks like odin and frija are windows-only, and I've been successfully avoiding Windows for over a decade.
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] dadmi:
I am a windows guy and spin up Linux VMs when I need for my work research.

**Mod Edit: Removed disrespectful language**
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] djhell26:
will this work on a 'VERIZON' Galaxy tab s8+
[Samsung Galaxy Tab S8] roirraW "edor" ehT:
If you can enable OEM Unlocking in the Developer options and unlock your bootloader, then yes.

But all United States Samsung tablets have OEM Unlocking grayed out, so there's no way to enable it. You have to get a Wi-Fi only model to be able to unlock the bootloader.