Samsung Galaxy S22 and S22 Ultra OEM Unlocking Guide

Prerequisites

Before we jump into the steps, let’s make sure you have everything you need:

• A Samsung Galaxy S22 or S22 Ultra. This guide works for the Exynos (SM-S908B) or Snapdragon versions (for the USA, like the SM-S908U).
• Odin Flash Tool: Download Odin3 v3.14.1
• Samsung USB Drivers: Download Samsung Drivers

Keep in mind that enabling OEM unlock will void your warranty and erase all data from your phone. Make sure to back up your important data before proceeding. If you’re still with me, let’s move forward.

Enable OEM Unlock on Samsung Galaxy S22/S22 Ultra (Exynos)

For those of you with the Exynos version of the Galaxy S22, enabling OEM unlock is possible and can give you more control over your phone. Let’s break it down step by step.

Turn on Developer Options

The first thing you need to do is enable Developer Options:

• Open Settings > About Phone > Software Information.
• Tap Build Number 7 times until you see a message saying, “You are now a developer.”
• Go back to Settings, then scroll down to Developer Options, and look for OEM Unlocking.

Use the Date Change Trick if OEM Unlock Isn’t Showing

If you don’t see the OEM Unlock option, don’t panic—there’s a workaround:

• Reset your phone (don’t insert the SIM or connect to any accounts).
• Connect to Wi-Fi, but don’t log into your Google account.
• Go to Settings > Date & Time, and set the date back by 8 days.
• Turn off Automatic Time Zone and Automatic Date and Time.
• Restart your phone and go to Settings > Software Update, and check for updates (don’t install any).
• Now, go back to Developer Options and the OEM Unlock toggle should appear.

Unlock the Bootloader

Once the OEM unlock is enabled, here’s what to do next:

• Turn off your phone.
• Press and hold Volume Down + Power to get into Download Mode.
• Once you see Download Mode, long press Volume Up to enable bootloader unlocking.
• Confirm the action by pressing Volume Up again.

This will reset your device, and once it’s done, you’ll have more control over your phone.

Fix OEM Unlock Option Missing on Samsung Galaxy S22/S22 Ultra (Snapdragon, USA)

If you’re using a U.S. version of the Galaxy S22 with a Snapdragon processor (like SM-S908U), things get a little trickier. These models are often locked by the carrier, and you won’t find the OEM Unlock option.

Unfortunately, for most U.S. models, you won’t be able to enable OEM unlock or root the device. The Snapdragon version is more restricted, and this limitation is built in by the carriers, so it’s not something you can easily change. If you’re set on rooting or making more changes to your phone, your best bet might be to look for an Exynos version that allows more freedom.

Rooting Samsung Galaxy S22/S22 Ultra

If you’ve managed to enable OEM unlocking (for those with Exynos models), you’re now ready to root your device. Here’s how to do it.

Install Magisk

• Download the latest Magisk APK: Download Magisk v24.1 and install it on your phone.
• Download the firmware for your phone model using tools like Samloader or SamFrew.

Patch the AP File

• Transfer the AP file from the firmware to your phone.
• Open Magisk, then choose Install > Select and Patch a File.
• Select the AP file you transferred, and Magisk will create a new patched file, called magisk_patched.tar.

Flash the Patched File with Odin

• Boot your phone into Download Mode by pressing Volume Down + Power.
• Connect your phone to your computer and open Odin.
• In Odin, load the patched file into the AP slot and click Start.

Once Odin finishes the process, your phone will reboot, and you’ll have root access!

And that’s it! Once you’ve gone through these steps, your Galaxy S22 or S22 Ultra will be set up for more advanced use. If you’re using a U.S. version, it’s a little tougher, but for Exynos users, this guide should have helped you gain more control over your phone. Good luck, and enjoy discovering what your device can really do!