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SM-G950F - DREAMLTE I HAVE BEEN TRYING FOR DAYS AND STILL WASN’T ABLE TO INSTALL

Resolving “Only Officials Binaries Are Allowed To Be Flashed (RECOVERY)” Error on Samsung Galaxy S8 (SM-G950F - dreamlte)

We understand the immense frustration that comes with attempting to install a custom recovery like TWRP on a Samsung device, only to be met with the cryptic and persistent error: Only officials binaries are allowed to be flashed (RECOVERY). This specific roadblock is a well-documented yet notoriously tricky hurdle for owners of the Samsung Galaxy S8 (Exynos variant, model SM-G950F, codename dreamlte). The journey to custom ROMs and rooting often begins with unlocking the bootloader, but as many users discover, simply toggling the OEM Unlock switch in the Developer Options is not always sufficient. This guide is designed to be the definitive resource for overcoming this exact issue. We will dissect the causes of this error, provide a meticulous, step-by-step procedure to bypass it, and explain the underlying mechanics of Samsung’s security protocols. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and precise instructions needed to successfully flash TWRP and proceed with your goal of installing a custom ROM like One UI 7.

Understanding the Core Problem: Samsung’s FRP Lock and Bootloader State

The error message “Only officials binaries are allowed to be flashed (RECOVERY)” is not a generic Odin failure; it is a direct response from the device’s bootloader. It indicates that the bootloader is in a locked or partially locked state, preventing the flash of any unauthorized (non-Samsung signed) recovery partition. This is a crucial security feature designed to protect the integrity of the device’s operating system. Let’s break down why this happens even after you have enabled OEM Unlock.

The Nuance of OEM Unlock in Developer Options

Enabling OEM Unlock in the Developer Options menu on a Samsung device does not, in itself, unlock the bootloader. Instead, it performs a critical preparatory action: it unlocks the Factory Reset Protection (FRP) lock. The FRP lock is a security mechanism that ties the device to a Google account. When OEM Unlock is enabled, it allows the bootloader to be unlocked later via a specific command or an Odin flash. However, this is only the first step.

For the bootloader to be considered truly unlocked and to allow the flashing of custom recoveries or kernels, a specific condition must be met: a 72-hour waiting period must pass. After enabling the OEM Unlock toggle, Samsung imposes a mandatory 3-day (72-hour) countdown. During this period, the bootloader remains effectively locked to flashing unsigned binaries. If you attempt to flash TWRP via Odin before this countdown has expired, you will almost certainly encounter the “Only officials binaries are allowed to be flashed” error.

The 72-Hour Countdown and Its Visual Confirmation

A common point of confusion is the lack of a clear visual indicator that the bootloader is unlocked. Unlike some other Android manufacturers, Samsung devices do not typically display a warning message on boot confirming an unlocked bootloader. The primary confirmation comes from the behavior of the device during the boot process itself and, more importantly, the behavior of Odin. If the 72-hour wait has not completed, Odin will reject the custom recovery flash. The user in the provided scenario mentioned their device does not show a message upon boot, which is normal for a standard Samsung device. The true test is whether Odin accepts the flash. The error “Only officials binaries are allowed to be flashed” is Odin’s way of saying the bootloader is still in a “locked” state, primarily due to this waiting period.

Prerequisites for a Successful TWRP Installation on SM-G950F

Before we begin the step-by-step process, ensuring you have the correct tools and files is paramount. An incorrect setup will lead to failure and can potentially cause bootloops. We will only use official and trusted sources for these files.

Essential Software and Tools

Step-by-Step Guide to Bypassing the “Only Officials Binaries” Error

This procedure is designed to methodically address the bootloader state and ensure all conditions for flashing TWRP are met. We will follow a precise order of operations to maximize success.

Step 1: Initiating the 72-Hour Wait Period

This is the most crucial step if you have recently enabled OEM Unlock.

  1. Navigate to Settings > About Phone > Software Information.
  2. Tap on the Build Number seven times until you see the message “Developer mode has been turned on”.
  3. Go back to the main Settings menu and enter Developer Options.
  4. Locate the OEM Unlocking toggle and enable it. You may need to agree to a warning dialog.
  5. Once enabled, immediately restart your device. Do not attempt to flash anything yet.
  6. The 72-hour countdown begins the moment you restart your phone after enabling the toggle. You must wait for a full three days (72 hours) before proceeding.

If you have already done this days ago and are still getting the error, ensure that your device has not been factory reset or re-flashed with stock firmware in the meantime, as this will reset the 72-hour timer. If your device was purchased second-hand and you are unsure of its history, a factory reset followed by a new 72-hour wait may be necessary.

Step 2: Preparing the Device and Computer

While the 72-hour wait is in progress, prepare your environment.

  1. Install the latest Samsung USB Drivers on your computer.
  2. Download and extract Odin3 to a convenient location on your PC.
  3. Download the correct TWRP (.tar) file for the SM-G950F (dreamlte).
  4. Download the latest stock firmware for your device. Extract the firmware package to get the individual files, including the AP.tar.md5 file.

Step 3: Modifying the Stock AP File (The Advanced Method)

For devices that are stubborn or where the 72-hour wait seems insufficient, a more robust method is to patch the stock firmware’s AP file. This method ensures that the bootloader is flashed with a modified version that explicitly allows custom recovery, bypassing the standard checks.

  1. Download Magisk Manager: If you plan to root your device later, download the latest Magisk Manager APK and install it.
  2. Patch the AP File:
    • Transfer the stock AP.tar.md5 file (or simply AP.tar) from your extracted firmware folder to your phone’s internal storage.
    • Open the Magisk Manager app. Tap Install > Select and Patch a File.
    • Navigate to and select the AP.tar.md5 file.
    • Magisk will create a patched file, typically named magisk_patched.tar, in your Downloads folder.
    • Transfer this magisk_patched.tar file back to your computer. This file now contains the patched boot and recovery images.
  3. Extracting TWRP: You need to integrate TWRP into this patched AP file.
    • Use a tool like 7-Zip to open the magisk_patched.tar file.
    • Find the recovery.img file inside the archive (this is the stock recovery).
    • Delete recovery.img from the archive.
    • Add your downloaded TWRP .tar file (you may need to extract the recovery.img from it first) and rename it to recovery.img inside the archive.
    • Save the changes. The resulting file is your final AP file for Odin.

Step 4: The Odin Flashing Procedure

After the 72-hour wait is confirmed to be complete, you can proceed with flashing.

  1. Enter Download Mode:
    • Power off your Samsung Galaxy S8 completely.
    • Press and hold Volume Down + Bixby + Power buttons simultaneously.
    • When the warning screen appears, press Volume Up to continue.
    • You are now in Download Mode.
  2. Configure Odin:
    • Run Odin3 as an administrator on your computer.
    • Connect your phone to the PC using the USB cable. The ID:COM box in Odin should turn blue or yellow, indicating a successful connection.
    • Load the files:
      • Click the AP button and select the patched AP.tar file you created in the previous step (or the stock AP file if you are only flashing TWRP directly).
      • Note: If you are flashing TWRP directly without patching AP (only recommended if the 72-hour wait is confirmed successful), load the TWRP .tar file into the AP slot.
      • Ensure no other slots (BL, CP, CSC) are loaded unless you are performing a full firmware flash.
    • Check Odin Options:
      • Ensure Auto Reboot is unchecked. This is vital. If the phone reboots automatically, it will overwrite the custom recovery with the stock recovery.
      • Ensure F. Reset Time is checked.
      • Do NOT check Re-Partition.
  3. Start the Flash:
    • Click the Start button in Odin.
    • The flashing process will begin and should take a few minutes. You will see a progress bar on your phone screen and a log in Odin’s message box.
    • If successful, Odin will display “PASS!” in green. The ID:COM box will also show “PASS!”.
    • Immediately disconnect the phone from the PC.

Step 5: Booting into TWRP Recovery

Since we left Auto Reboot unchecked, the phone will remain in Download Mode after the flash is complete.

  1. Disconnect the USB cable.
  2. Press and hold Volume Down + Power to exit Download Mode.
  3. As soon as the screen goes black, immediately swap to holding Volume Up + Bixby + Power.
  4. Continue holding these buttons until you see the TWRP splash screen. You have now successfully booted into TWRP Recovery.

Troubleshooting Common Issues and Errors

Even with a perfect procedure, things can go wrong. Here is how to handle the most common scenarios.

Odin Fails with “FAIL!” (Auth/Signed Error)

If Odin fails with a message related to “signature verification” or “only official binaries are allowed,” it confirms the 72-hour wait has not been respected or completed. The solution is to:

  1. Power cycle the device.
  2. Re-enter Download Mode.
  3. Wait for the remaining time on the 72-hour clock to pass. Remember, the timer starts after you enable OEM unlock and reboot. There is no way to bypass this timer.

Odin Hangs on “SetupConnection”

This is almost always a driver issue.

  1. Unplug the device.
  2. Uninstall and reinstall the Samsung USB drivers.
  3. Try a different USB port on your computer (preferably a USB 2.0 port on the back of the motherboard).
  4. Use a different, high-quality USB cable.

Phone Boots Directly to System After Flashing (TWRP is Gone)

This is caused by Auto Reboot being enabled in Odin or the phone rebooting on its own. The stock System partition overwrites the custom Recovery partition during the boot process.

  1. You must repeat the Odin flashing procedure (Step 4).
  2. Crucially, ensure “Auto Reboot” is UNCHECKED.
  3. After flashing, manually boot directly into recovery using the key combination described in Step 5.

Bootloop After Flashing TWRP and/or Rooting

This can happen if you flash an incompatible file or if data corruption occurs. TWRP is a recovery tool, not a system patch. You must now use TWRP to make permanent changes.

  1. Boot into TWRP.
  2. Before installing any ROMs or root (Magisk), you should perform a full wipe. Go to Wipe > Format Data. This will factory reset the device and encrypt the storage.
  3. After formatting data, you can sideload Magisk (for root) or a custom ROM via Wipe > Advanced Wipe > Dalvik/ART Cache & System and then install the respective ZIP files via Install.

The Path Forward: Custom ROMs and Root on SM-G950F

With TWRP successfully installed, your Galaxy S8 is unlocked for customization.

Installing Magisk for Root Access

If your goal is root access (likely necessary for advanced modules and system modifications on a custom ROM):

  1. Download the latest Magisk ZIP file from the official GitHub repository.
  2. Transfer the ZIP file to your phone’s internal storage.
  3. Boot into TWRP Recovery.
  4. Go to Install, select the Magisk ZIP, and swipe to flash.
  5. Reboot your system. You will now have root access managed by the Magisk app.

Flashing a One UI 7 Custom ROM

You mentioned your goal is to install a One UI 7 Custom ROM. This is an excellent way to bring a modern Android experience to the aging Galaxy S8.

  1. Find a ROM: Search XDA-Developers forums for a stable One UI 7 ROM specifically for the SM-G950F (dreamlte). Popular options often come from developers like Dr. Ketan or the official One UI ROM threads. Ensure the ROM is stable and actively supported.
  2. Download the ROM: Download the ROM ZIP file. Some ROMs may require you to also flash the One UI core, modem, and other components. Read the ROM thread instructions carefully.
  3. Wipe in TWRP:
    • Boot into TWRP.
    • Go to Wipe > Advanced Wipe.
    • Select Dalvik/ART Cache, System, Data, and Cache.
    • Swipe to wipe.
    • (Optional but recommended) Go to Wipe > Format Data and type “yes” to completely clean the device. This is essential if you are switching from another ROM or moving from stock.
  4. Install the ROM:
    • Go to Install in TWRP.
    • Select the ROM ZIP file.
    • If the ROM instructions specify additional files (like a modem or fixes), add them to the flash queue in the correct order.
    • Swipe to flash.
  5. Reboot: After the installation is complete, reboot the system. The first boot may take several minutes.

By following this comprehensive guide, you have successfully navigated the “Only officials binaries are allowed to be flashed (RECOVERY)” error. The key lies in understanding Samsung’s 72-hour bootloader unlock delay and using the correct tools and methods to ensure the bootloader is in the correct state before attempting to flash TWRP. Your Galaxy S8 (SM-G950F) is now a canvas for your customization projects, ready for Magisk modules and powerful custom ROMs.

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