Telegram

How to Use Secure Folder on Rooted/Unlock Bootloader Samsung

Understanding the Core Conflict: Samsung Knox, Root, and Secure Folder

We understand the inherent risks and rewards associated with modifying the Android operating system. Unlocking the bootloader and gaining root access via Magisk grants unparalleled control over your device. However, this freedom comes with significant trade-offs, particularly for Samsung users. The Samsung Secure Folder, a powerful, Knox-protected sandbox environment, relies entirely on the integrity of the Bootloader and the TrustZone.

When you unlock the bootloader, the Knox Warranty Void flag is tripped (changing from 0x0 to 0x1). This action fundamentally breaks the chain of trust required by Secure Folder. Consequently, the service detects the “compromised” state of the device and refuses to initialize. Users are often greeted with error messages stating that Secure Folder cannot be used due to security policy violations.

Our objective here is to provide a comprehensive, technical roadmap to circumvent these restrictions. We will explore the mechanisms required to restore Secure Folder functionality on a rooted Samsung device, primarily utilizing the Magisk ecosystem. This guide addresses the nuances of Samsung Pass, Samsung Pay, and the Secure Folder itself, ensuring that your daily workflow remains uninterrupted despite your modified system status.

Prerequisites for Bypassing Secure Folder Restrictions

Before attempting to restore Secure Folder functionality, we must ensure the environment is correctly prepared. A rushed installation often leads to bootloops or detection failures. We advise strictly adhering to the following prerequisites to ensure a stable foundation.

The Primary Solution: Shamiko and Zygisk

The most reliable method we have identified for restoring Secure Folder on rooted devices involves a specific combination of Magisk modules and configuration settings. The core concept is to hide the existence of the root manager (Magisk) from the Samsung Knox validation servers and the Secure Folder app itself.

Enabling Zygisk in Magisk Settings

Zygisk is a framework injected into the Zygote process (the parent of all Android apps). It allows Magisk modules to modify app behavior before they even start. This is crucial for hiding root.

  1. Open the Magisk app.
  2. Tap the Settings gear icon in the top right corner.
  3. Locate the Zygisk toggle and switch it to the ON position.
  4. You will likely be prompted to reboot your device. Do this immediately. Zygisk cannot function without a system restart.

Installing the Shamiko Module

Shamiko is the successor to the popular “MagiskHide” feature. It is a “systemless” root hider that works in tandem with Zygisk. Unlike older methods, Shamiko is specifically designed to hide root from advanced detection methods used by banking apps and Samsung services.

  1. Download the latest Shamiko module zip file from the official source (usually found on GitHub).
  2. Open the Magisk app and go to the Modules section.
  3. Select Install from Storage and navigate to the downloaded Shamiko zip file.
  4. Once installed, Reboot your device.
  5. Upon reboot, open the Magisk Settings again. You should see a new option for Enforce DenyList. Enable this.

Note: Shamiko is designed to work with Zygisk enabled. It will not function if Zygisk is disabled.

Configuring the DenyList (Universal SafetyNet Fix)

Even with Shamiko installed, we must explicitly tell Magisk to hide its presence from specific system components. This is done via the Configure DenyList.

  1. In Magisk Settings, tap Configure DenyList.
  2. You will see a list of all installed apps, plus Show System Apps (you must enable this toggle in the top right menu to see system components).
  3. We need to add the following to the DenyList:
    • Samsung Pass
    • Samsung Pay
    • Samsung Account (Core system service)
    • Samsung Experience Service
    • Secure Folder (Usually listed as com.samsung.knox.securefolder)
    • Google Play Services (Essential for SafetyNet/Play Integrity)
    • Google Play Store

By checking these boxes, Magisk mounts a “fake” unrooted environment for these specific apps, effectively blinding them to the superuser access sitting beneath them.

Critical Module: Tricky Store for Play Integrity

Samsung has recently tightened security by implementing Play Integrity API checks. Even if you pass basic SafetyNet, the “Device Integrity” check on a rooted device will fail. This failure often propagates to Secure Folder, causing it to close immediately. To fix this, we must use Tricky Store.

What is Tricky Store?

Tricky Store is a Magisk module that bypasses the Play Integrity (PI) API checks. It works by spoofing the device’s integrity verdict to the servers, making the device appear as if it has never been tampered with.

Installation Steps

  1. Download the Tricky Store module zip.
  2. Download the Tricky Store Addon (often required for specific keyboxes, though Tricky Store often handles this automatically now).
  3. Install both zips via the Magisk Modules -> Install from Storage menu.
  4. Reboot the device.
  5. After rebooting, open the Tricky Store app (if installed) or check Magisk modules list to ensure it is active.

We must emphasize that Tricky Store is dynamic. It requires a working internet connection to fetch the necessary tokens. If your device is offline, the bypass may not hold.

Alternative Method: Using Riru and EdXposed (Legacy/Alternative)

While Zygisk and Shamiko are the modern standard, some users on older Samsung devices or specific ROMs may find better success with the Riru and EdXposed framework. This method injects code via a different mechanism.

Installing Riru

  1. Download the Riru module zip (ensure compatibility with your Magisk version).
  2. Install via Magisk and reboot.

Installing EdXposed or LSPosed

LSPosed is the more modern fork of Xposed.

  1. Download the LSPosed module zip.
  2. Install via Magisk and reboot.
  3. Open the LSPosed manager and ensure it is active.

Installing the Samsung Security Bypass Module

Within the LSPosed repository, there are specific modules designed for Samsung devices. Look for modules named Samsung Security Bypass or Samsung Pass Fix.

  1. Download the module zip.
  2. Install it via Magisk (or LSPosed if supported).
  3. Activate the module within LSPosed, targeting Samsung Pass, Samsung Account, and System Framework.
  4. Reboot.

This method hooks into the system processes to disable the signature checks that identify a rooted environment. However, this is often more unstable than the Shamiko method and can break with Samsung system updates.

Managing Knox Triage and Internal Storage

Rooting a Samsung device affects the Knox Triage status. Even if we bypass the software checks for Secure Folder, we must address the physical state of the device.

The Odin Method and Triage Reset

There is a persistent rumor in the community that using Odin to flash a stock firmware without USERDATA can reset the Knox E-Fuse. We must clarify this: You cannot reset the physical Knox Warranty Void (0x1) flag. Once tripped, it is permanent. However, you can sometimes reset the software triage status that apps check.

If Secure Folder refuses to open even after using Shamiko:

  1. Download the exact stock firmware for your specific model and region.
  2. Extract the AP, BL, CP, and CSC files.
  3. Do not flash the USERDATA file.
  4. Use Odin to flash these files.
  5. Root immediately using the Magisk AP patching method before logging into your Samsung account. This can sometimes trick the system into allowing a fresh instance of Secure Folder to initialize.

Internal Storage Decryption

When you root, you may encounter issues with internal storage encryption (FBE - File-Based Encryption). Secure Folder relies heavily on this. If you cannot access your internal storage after rooting, you need to ensure you are keeping force-encrypt disabled or handling decryption correctly during the root process.

Troubleshooting Common Errors

Even with the perfect configuration, you may encounter specific errors. Here is how we address them.

“Secure Folder has Stopped” or “Couldn’t Set Up Secure Folder”

This usually indicates that the Samsung Account authentication is failing due to root detection.

Samsung Pay “Security Error”

Samsung Pay is the most stubborn app. It checks for unlocked bootloaders via the Knox sensor.

Google SafetyNet Fail

If the ctsProfile fails in the Magisk “Check SafetyNet” section, Secure Folder will not work.

Maintaining Stability After Implementation

Once you have successfully restored Secure Folder, maintenance is key. Samsung pushes frequent updates that can break your root hiding capabilities.

Updating Magisk and Modules

Never update Magisk via the in-app “Direct Install” if you are relying on complex module setups.

  1. Download the new Magisk AP file.
  2. Patch it in the current Magisk app.
  3. Flash via Odin.
  4. Reinstall modules if necessary (though they usually persist).

Handling Samsung System Updates

We advise disabling Auto Update Systems in the device settings. Before accepting any OTA (Over-the-Air) update:

  1. Uninstall all root-hiding modules (Shamiko, Tricky Store).
  2. Reboot.
  3. Install the OTA.
  4. Do not reboot yet.
  5. Go to Magisk and select Install to Inactive Slot (After OTA).
  6. Reinstall your necessary modules and reboot.

If you skip step 5, you will lose root, and subsequently, Secure Folder access will break again until you re-root and re-apply the fixes.

Advanced: Using RMM Fix and KNOX Patch

For older devices (S8, S9, Note 8, Note 9), there are specific issues related to RMM (Remote Management Module) and KNOX that lock the device after flashing firmware.

RMM Preloader Fix

If your device gets stuck on the “Set Warranty Bit: Kernel” screen or boots directly to recovery, you need the RMM Preloader Fix module. This must be installed before you flash the firmware that causes the lock.

  1. Download the RMM Preloader Fix zip.
  2. Install via Magisk/TWRP.
  3. Reboot.

KNOX Patch (Legacy)

Some modules claim to patch the KNOX framework to allow Secure Folder to function. These are generally obsolete with One UI 3.0 and above, as the architecture changed. We recommend sticking to the Shamiko/Zygisk method for modern devices (S20 series and newer).

Conclusion: The Delicate Balance

We recognize that using Secure Folder on a rooted Samsung device is a cat-and-mouse game. Samsung employs aggressive detection techniques that target the Bootloader state and System Integrity. By utilizing a layered approach—enabling Zygisk, configuring the DenyList, installing Shamiko, and ensuring Play Integrity is satisfied with Tricky Store—we can successfully restore this functionality.

Success depends on vigilance. Keep your modules updated, pay close attention to Samsung updates, and always verify that your Magisk configuration is actively hiding root from the specific Samsung services listed. For the best experience and access to the essential modules mentioned in this guide, visit our repository at Magisk Module Repository.

By following this comprehensive guide, you can maintain the security advantages of the Secure Folder while enjoying the full benefits of a rooted Android environment.

You also may like 〣〣
Explore More
Redirecting in 20 seconds...