The Samsung Galaxy S9, released in 2018, remains a popular and capable smartphone to this day. However, many S9 users find themselves wanting more control and customization of their device, which often requires unlocking the phone’s OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) lock first before rooting or flashing custom firmware.
Unlocking the OEM lock allows you to flash custom recoveries, kernels, and ROMs to your S9, opening up many new possibilities. However, the process can seem complicated, especially for the SM-G960U Snapdragon model sold by carriers in the United States. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about OEM unlocking the Galaxy S9 SM-G960U.
What is OEM Lock?
The OEM lock, sometimes called OEM unlock or bootloader lock, is a security measure implemented on most Android devices. It prevents users from installing custom recoveries, kernels, and operating systems that the manufacturer (Samsung in this case) has not approved. This keeps devices secure and stable for the average consumer but limits customizability for advanced users.
When you enable the OEM unlock toggle in developer options, you allow the bootloader to be unlocked, removing this limitation but also decreasing security. With the bootloader unlocked, custom firmware with malware could be installed, though this remains rare.
Still, most custom ROM enthusiasts consider OEM unlock to be an essential first step towards total control and customization of their Galaxy S9. As you’ll see, there are a few key requirements and steps for achieving this on the SM-G960U.
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Requirements for Unlocking SM-G960U
Before you unlock your Galaxy S9 SM-G960U, make sure you meet these requirements:
United States Carrier Model
Only the USA carrier variants of the Galaxy S9 support bootloader unlocking officially through Samsung. International and unlocked models already come unlocked.
Updated Software Version
Your S9 SM-G960U must be running the latest Android 9 Pie (or Android 10 or 11) software, along with the minimum security patch level from 2019 or later. Updates provide patches that may be required for this process.
Registered Samsung Account
You’ll need a Samsung Account for getting the unlock key. Make sure you use the same account on your phone in the Settings app.
Active SIM Card
An activated SIM card from AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, or another supported US carrier must be inserted into your device. This is another security requirement from Samsung’s side.
Sufficient Battery Level
OEM unlocking and related steps require a battery charge of at least 30%. So plug your phone in throughout the process.
Backup Critical Data
Unlocking your device and installing custom firmware carries certain risks, like potential data loss. So fully backup contacts, photos, accounts, and other critical data beforehand.
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Enabling OEM Unlock on Galaxy S9 SM-G960U
With the requirements met, you’re ready to begin the Samsung OEM unlock process. The first step is enabling the necessary toggle within Android on your Galaxy S9:
- Open Settings, search for Build Number and tap it 7 times to enable Developer Options.
- Within Developer Options, find and enable the “OEM unlock” toggle. Read the disclaimer and tap OK to confirm.
- Reboot your device for this setting to fully take effect.
That’s it! This allows you to later unlock the bootloader through authorized methods supported by Samsung, covered next.
Acquiring the Samsung Unlock Key
The actual unlock process requires obtaining a unique Samsung unlock key tied to your specific device’s info and your Samsung account:
- On your Galaxy S9 SM-G960U, open the dialer and dial *#1234#.
- In the Service Mode menu that appears, tap Debugging.
- Locate and note down your Device Identifier (I) and Security Code (C). You’ll need both codes soon.
- On your Windows PC, Sign in with your Samsung account.
- Submit your phone’s Identifier and Security Code on the unlock page when prompted.
- Samsung will verify your device info and account and then email you a 16-digit binary unlock key containing 0s and 1s.
- Keep this key safe as you’ll use it to unlock the Galaxy S9 bootloader next. Don’t share it publicly either.
With Samsung’s authorization in place, now comes the actual unlock process from your PC.
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Unlocking Bootloader on SM-G960U
Use these step-by-step instructions to finish OEM unlocking your carrier-branded Galaxy S9 SM-G960U using your PC and the unlock key from Samsung:
Install Drivers
To communicate with your S9 from Windows, begin by installing the proper. Download and run the Samsung USB Driver Installer package on your computer.
Download Odin
Odin is Samsung’s own utility for interfacing with devices in Download mode. (Odin3) from Samsung’s site as well. Extract and run the Odin3 exe on your computer when ready.
Enter Download Mode
With your phone powered off, hold Volume Down + Bixby + Power until the warning screen appears. Press Volume Up to enter download mode. Connect your Galaxy S9 to your PC now using the original data cable while it’s in this mode.
Add Unlock Key in Odin
In Odin on your computer, click the AP button and select the binary unlock key file emailed to you earlier by Samsung. Make sure Auto Reboot and F.Reset Time are checked.
Unlock Bootloader
Finally, click Start in Odin to flash the unlock key onto your SM-G960U. Once completed, your Galaxy S9 reboots into recovery mode. The bootloader is now successfully unlocked on your carrier device!
Next up, since you have an unlocked bootloader, you can start flashing custom recoveries like TWRP to really open up strong Galaxy S9 customization with Magisk, custom ROMs, and more.
Locking Bootloader on SM-G960U
I realize some people reading just wanted to know how to re-lock their S9’s bootloader after experimenting with custom firmware. Thankfully that too is straightforward:
- Download the latest G960USQU factory image for your S9 from. Extract the included AP tar file only.
- With the phone powered off, enter download mode again (Volume Down + Bixby + Power).
- In Odin, load the AP file from firmware using AP button. Click Start to flash it.
- Once flashing completes, your Galaxy S9 SM-G960U reboots back to stock recovery with bootloader locked again. You are returned to a fully stock, secured software state.
So in summary, Odin and the firmware files provided by Samsung also allow you conveniently re-lock the bootloader on the Galaxy S9.
Additional Bootloader Unlock Considerations
Now that you understand the full OEM unlock process for the SM-G960U Snapdragon Galaxy S9 model, below are some final additional considerations to keep mind:
Voided Warranty
Unlocking your bootloader does technically void Samsung’s warranty since you are tampering with the device’s protections enforced by the OEM lock. Just be prepared for that outcome.
Custom Firmware Compatibility
Remember to flash custom recoveries, ROMs, and kernels specifically developed for the SM-G960U Snapdragon variant only for stability and compatibility. Never mix Exynos and Snapdragon firmware.
Reset FRP Lock
If you flash non-Samsung software and later can’t boot back into Android, you may trigger FRP (Factory Reset Protection) from Google. Just re-flash stock Samsung firmware in Odin to reset FRP as needed.
Carrier Support
Though Samsung fully authorizes the bootloader unlock, some US carriers reportedly still refuse to provide technical support on devices with unlocked bootloaders. So that’s another potential downside to weigh if relying on your carrier’s customer service.
Conclusion
And there you have it! By following this guide, your Galaxy S9 SM-G960 should now have an unlocked OEM ready for installing custom recoveries, boot animations, kernels, or even entirely custom ROM builds.
Just be sure to make backups, brush up on basic modding, and understand the risks before continuing. Unlocking your OEM lets you tap into advanced functions but also skips Samsung’s protections.
Own your device but stay safe! With this unlock completed, your S9 is now a powerful pocket computer limited only by your imagination and caution.
