Affiliate links on Android Authority may earn us a commission.Learn more.
Samsung Galaxy Note 8 (Snapdragon) rooted without tripping Knox
July 15, 2025
A root method for the Snapdragon (US) variant of theSamsung Galaxy Note 8has now been provided thanks to team from theXDA Developersforums. The method is known as SamFAIL and the folks behind it have even managed to achieve it without trippingKnox.
The procedure is based on a modified boot image which can be flashed using Samsung’s ODIN utility software, and you can re-flash the stock Note 8 software at any time (again, without tripping Knox). It won’t unlock your bootloader or SIM unlock your Note 8, it simply grants it root privileges.
Knox is Samsung’s security system that can, among other things, void your device warranty and prevent Samsung Pay from functioning. This occurs when your device becomes “compromised” or you tamper with the system in order to try and prevent potential security threats.
Though your device warranty would seemingly remain intact, there are some caveats with the procedure that could be deal breakers. Firstly, this root method would cause Google’s SafetyNet API to fail — and you may’tMagiskyour way around it — meaning certain apps would no longer work (like Netflix). Worse still, the Note 8 will stop charging at 80% once it had been rooted.
This is something that had been seen in aprevious Samsung root method, and it has possibly been implemented by Samsung to deter people from rooting the device. That said,XDA Developersnotes that this may be just a visual indicator, and the device may still charge as normal.
If you want to root your Galaxy Note 8, visit thededicated SamFAIL XDA thread here.
Thank you for being part of our community. Read ourComment Policybefore posting.
