Is the OEM unlock toggle missing on your Samsung Galaxy device? That’s probably because your phone has entered Prenormal KG/RMM State. In this guide, we will show you how to prevent Prenormal KG/RMM State on Samsung Galaxy Devices and avoid being locked again after flashing custom binaries. It is especially meant for users who would like to install TWRP, custom ROMs, kernels, or root their Samsung Galaxy device.
Updated on 19 June 2019: RMM State is now known as “KG State” on Samsung Galaxy devices running Android Pie, where “KG” stands for “KnoxGuard”. Thanks to XDA Developer corsicanu, we now have KG/RMM Bypass v3 zip that will help you prevent your device running Android Pie or Oreo from getting locked again.
Table of Contents
What is Prenormal KG/RMM State and How it Affects Custom Flashing?
Back in December 2017, Samsung pushed a new security feature to its device’s bootloaders to fight against theft protection. This new security feature appears as ‘RMM State’ or “KG State” when your Samsung Galaxy device is booted into Download Mode.
In a nutshell, the problem arises when the KG/RMM State is set to ‘Prenormal’. In that case, it will prevent you from flashing custom binaries like TWRP or carrying out any other sort of modifications to the phone’s software.
There are three simple ways to check if your device is locked and has Prenormal KG/RMM State:
- The OEM Unlock toggle will be missing in Settings > Developer options
- You will see ‘RMM State: Prenormal‘ OR ‘KG State: Prenormal‘ when your Samsung device is in Download Mode
- You will see “Only official released binaries are allowed to be flashed” message when trying to flash custom binaries like TWRP recovery using Odin
You can Bypass Prenormal KG/RMM State and Prevent Locking Again
A few months ago, we covered a simple trick to fix the Missing OEM Unlock Toggle. However, the method didn’t work for long and was patched by Samsung. So, it’s highly likely that you will be forced to experience the 7 days lock period for the first time. So, if the OEM Unlock toggle is missing on your Samsung Galaxy, you must have a SIM card inserted, connected to the network, and must not reboot your phone for straight 7 Days (168 Hours).
But what after the OEM Unlock toggle reappears? It doesn’t mean that your device won’t get locked again. A simple example of this situation is when you flash TWRP and reboot directly into the system (OS). In that case, your phone will be locked again and prevent you further from rooting or flashing a kernel/custom ROM.
So, to prevent Prenormal KG/RMM State on Samsung Galaxy devices, you must flash the KG/RMM State Bypass v3 zip file provided by XDA Recognized Developer corsicanu. The patch was initially developed by XDA Senior Member BlackMesa123, so a huge thanks to him.
As described by them in their respective detailed posts (1 & 2), the Prenormal KG/RMM State is triggered by a string in the services.jar file and an app (KnoxGuard.apk/RLC.apk) that comes pre-installed on the phone. The flashable zip file he provided will help you bypass Prenormal KG/RMM State and prevent your phone from getting locked again. Easy, right?
Also read: Disable DEFEX Security to Root Samsung Galaxy Devices on Oreo (Guide)
Supported Devices
The new KG/RMM State security feature was rolled out to the current users via software updates initially. On the other hand, all new devices released in 2018 and further come with this new security feature enabled. Irrespective of the Samsung device you own or when it was purchased, this method should work if it suffers from the stated issue.
The method below will help you Prevent Prernormal KG/RMM State on the following Samsung Galaxy devices:
- Samsung Galaxy S9 (SM-G960F) & Galaxy S9+ (SM-G965F)
- Samsung Galaxy S8 (SM-G950F) & Galaxy S8+ (SM-G955F)
- Samsung Galaxy Note 9 (SM-N960F)
- Samsung Galaxy Note 8 (SM-N950F)
- Samsung Galaxy Note FE (SM-N935F)
- Samsung Galaxy A8 2018 (SM-A530F) & Galaxy A8+ 2018 (SM-A730F)
- Samsung Galaxy A7 2017 (SM-A720F)
- Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 (SM-A520F)
- Samsung Galaxy A3 2017 (SM-A320F/FL)
If you observe that your Galaxy device is affected by this issue, then please let us know, we’d update this list.
Requirements
- First off, you must enable ‘OEM Unlock’ in ‘Settings’ > ‘Developer options’. The best way is to flash stock firmware on your Samsung Galaxy device. Once flashed, you must insert a SIM card, activate the network, and do no reboot your phone. After 7 Days (168 Hours) of uptime (Go to Settings > About phone > Status to view Uptime), the OEM Unlock toggle will appear and then you can enable it.
- Once OEM Unlock is enabled, you must flash TWRP on your Samsung Galaxy device using Odin. However, there are a few important things to note here:
- You must uncheck the ‘Auto Reboot’ box in ‘Options’ tab in the Odin tool window before flashing TWRP.
- Right after the flashing process finishes in Odin, you MUST reboot your device directly into TWRP. If the device tried and enters into the OS, then it might get locked again!
Once you have fulfilled the requirements, you can follow the instructions below to prevent Prenormal KG/RMM State on Samsung Galaxy devices. We will presume that you have already flashed TWRP and booted your phone directly into TWRP.
How to Bypass Prenormal KG/RMM State on Samsung Galaxy Devices?
- Download the KG/RMM State Bypass zip file: Link
- Copy the downloaded zip file to the external storage (SD card)
- In TWRP, you shall see the ‘Unmodified System Partition’ message
- Simply slide the ‘Swipe to Allow Modifications’ button
- Tap on the ‘Install’ button
- Navigate to the storage and select the ‘RMM_Bypass_v3_corsicanu.zip’ file
- Finally, slide the button to install the file and prevent Prenormal KG/RMM State on your Samsung Galaxy device.
Once the flashing process finishes, you can tap on the ‘Reboot System’ button. Your device should boot into the OS without being locked again and the ‘KG State’ or ‘RMM State’ should be shown as ‘Checking’ or ‘Normal’, respectively in Download Mode.
Note that you will need to repeat this process and install the KG/RMM State Bypass zip every time you flash a ROM. You can further root your phone as well, using the latest version of Magisk. Although we guide you to flash this bypass zip in our regular rooting tutorials, we still felt the need to create a dedicated post for it.
So, you have just learned how to Bypass Prenormal KG/RMM State on Samsung Galaxy devices and avoid being locked. We can end this post without thanking XDA developers corsicanu and BlackMesa123! If you have any questions regarding the process detailed here, please feel free to leave a comment below.
Rick
Hi,
I am trying to flash my Samsung Tab A (SM-T385), with KG status Prenormal. It’s updated to the latest android version. I was trying to flash using Odin with the latest software but the installation gets stuck at 32% after a reboot followed by erasing.
Please help.
Dhananjay Bhardwaj
Rick, this could be caused due to various factors. So, I will need you to provide me with some details. Like what version of Odin did you use? What firmware did you download, and from where? Did you use the HOME_CSC or the regular CSC file in Odin?
These should help me get a better understanding of the issue you’re facing.
Lâm
My model is s8 active,sm g982u not show oem unlock in development,how to unlock
Dhananjay
Hi. Galaxy phones sold in the US with Snapdragon SoC have non-unlockable bootloaders. That’s why you’re not able to see ‘OEM Unlock’ because it doesn’t exist in the first place.
ahmet
hi dhananjar please help me if ü have instagram to we should contact please please please
Dhananjay
Hi Ahmet. May I know what this is about? Please feel free to post your question here.
Siraj
In my phone(sm-N935L) oem unlocked but still showing kg status prenormal. How i can fix this?
Dhananjay
Hi Siraj, were you trying to flash TWRP or root your phone? The state gets triggered if the bootloader detects any modification in the software, like flashing TWRP or a root package.
SammoC
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8/how-to/guide-skipping-kg-prenormal-oneui-t3911862
Dhananjay
Hi. Thanks a lot for taking out the time and helping others around here. Really appreciate it.
Agustin
I have the RMM state in pre normal, I have a galaxy J5 prime (SM-G570M), software version R16NW.G570MUBS6CSG2, I tried to root my phone once but I failed because of it, I had to flash the official firmware and it worked fine until now that I had problems with the integrity and I wanted to reinstall android to not lose my data from it.
Agustin
I also have a question, do I have to be connected to internet at ALL times?, I also want to add that I haven’t achieved to toggle OEM on again to my previous post.
Dhananjay
Hi again, Agustin. Well, not all the time, but try to do it. Just make sure that the device stays ON for the next seven days. So do not let it power off or reboot at any time during this period, or the seven day period will start again.
Agustin
Hi,
Thanks for the fast response, i will try it, and i couldnt reinstall android because of the RMM state or the OEM unlock being turned off, i dont remember if it was turned on, i might turned it off by security reasons, i will post if this worked or not for me or the method that worked if i find one.
Dhananjay
Hi. Flashing official binaries (Stock firmware, which is signed officially by Samsung) does not require OEM unlock and nor does the RMM State will affect it.
You can download the latest stock firmware using this tool and then flash it using the instructions here (In case you’re not acquainted with the process).
Zubair
My A305f u2 and oem not showing kg state prenormal and due to this i am unable to root my device time date methed not working will i have to wait 168 hours?
Dhananjay
Hi Zubair. Please try the instructions as shared by one of our readers here.
In case it still doesn’t show up, then you will have to wait for 168 Hours before KG/RMM state turns back to normal and OEM unlock appears again.
Zubair
I have done wait and uptime is 180 hourse but still not showing. Now what should i do
Dhananjay
Hi Zubair. Did you flash the stock firmware and keep your phone connected to WiFi/mobile network with the Samsung account logged in?
Dhananjay
Hi Agustin. When flashing the stock firmware, make sure that you use the HOME_CSC file instead of the regular CSC file to preserve data, when selecting the CSC file in Odin.
asgpk
hi
i have note 8 koeran sm-n950n
I tried to install twrp , its was already rooted , oem was already unlocked. but suddenly i lost my both sim signal, so i tried to reinstall everything,
after twrp
logo appears and then
error
“” only official released binaries are allowed to be flashed “‘
i can not go on OS mode,
there is only download mode, and i again tried to install twrp, but failed
and KG= prenormal
kindly help me
Dhananjay
Hi. It means that KG/RMM state has been triggered. And you wouldn’t be able to flash any custom binaries (like TWRP) for the next seven days. After the said period, you can re-flash TWRP and root your phone.
For now, you will have to download the official stock firmware and install it via Odin. Make sure to use the “HOME_CSC” file instead of the regular CSC file in the stock firmware.
gibell raditya
I experienced only being released to be flashed locked after installing Twrp on Samsung A6 Is there anyone who can help me not to be locked again after installing Twrp because before I activated OEM before Flash Twrp
Dhananjay
Hi. You have to wait for the 7 day period for the OEM Unlock toggle to appear again. Once done, turn it on and flash the TWRP recovery and make sure to reboot directly into it, then flash the Bypass zip. Entering the OS after flashing TWRP will again turn on the Prenormal RMM/KG state on your device.
Instructions for the same could be found in this post.
gibell raditya
hi bro, after waiting for the block 7 days can it be flashed again and if oem has been opened and when i flash my cellphone it is locked for 7 days what is my first oem open is it locked again because before that i have activated oem 7 days does the OEM still open when it is free of key 7 days I want to flash the root of my cellphone Samsung A6
gibell raditya
Hey all, please help
I have rooted Samsung A6 2018 but after I restarted my cell the shocking thing, my cellphone came up with a logo and there was a red text only allowed to be flashed, my cellphone was dead how to prevent my cellphone from experiencing this and not locked again help so that I can root Samsung A6
gibell raditya
Hey all, please help
sata has been rooted for Samsung A6 2018 but after I restarted my cell, the thing that surprised my cellphone came the Samsunng logo and there was a red text only official released are allowed to be flashed. help so that I can root Samsung A6
josh
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
my 168hr is completed , but i try enable oem again, it asked me to wipe my phone again
just like the first time
Dhananjay
Hi Josh. Yes, when you enable OEM unlock it will wipe the phone. That’s normal procedure. Once enabled, it shouldn’t be disabled even if the phone is wiped.
jin baba
sir my problem is with the g960f.
when i flash twrp it says only official binaries are allowed to be flashed
Dhananjay
Hi Jin. It means that the Prenormal RMM/KG State has kicked in. You will need to wait for 7 days and keep your phone signed in with the Google & Samsung accounts, and also keep it connected to WiFi/Mobile data during this period. After that, the KG/RMM State should turn back to normal and you should be able to flash custom binaries like TWRP, etc.
Dhananjay
Hi Josh. Just to be sure, is the Galaxy S10, S10+ or S10e that you’re talking about here? Samsung seems to have changed a lot of things with these devices, and thus they require a special set of instructions to unlock the bootloader. Please confirm if it is any of the said devices so that I can guide you further.
josh
my 168hr is completed , but i try enable oem again, it asked me to wise my phone
feta85
I have OEM and FAP unlock in “Developer options” but in download mods i I have the order in which it is written “KG STATUS : Prenormal” and i can not flash Twrp.
When I try it with the Odin display “Only official released binaries are allowed to be flashed”
samsung galaxy j4+ (sm-415fn)
Dhananjay
Hi. You must wait for 7 Days until the RMM state becomes normal and then you can flash whatever you want.
gibell raditya
hi bro, after waiting for the block 7 days can it be flashed again and if oem has been opened and when i flash my cellphone it is locked for 7 days what is my first oem open is it locked again because before that i have activated oem 7 days does the OEM still open when it is free of key 7 days I want to flash the root of my cellphone Samsung A6
Ivan REBOUR
Buenas noches. Le planteo mi caso. Recibi un J5 prime, SM-G570M con reinicios constantes, se tildaba en el logotipo, etc. Evidentemente problemas de la rom. Procedí a flashear (Android 7, Binario 3 de TT). Sin problemas, el celular funcionando a la perfección. A las horas, el propietario me hace saber que el equipo indicaba NO REGISTRADO EN LA RED. Evidentemente ya había sido reparado el imei y parchado y por lo tanto rooteado (contador de Knox:1). Con android 7 se activa desbloqueo de oem, etc y procedo a rootear mediante Odin con CF- Auto root indicado que solo se puden flashear binarios de stock rom o algo asi (contador de Knox en 1, por eso el mensaje). Procedo a intentar rootear con chimera (ya que es imprescindible para parchear el certificado) y para android 7 no tiene root, pero si para android 8. Instalo rom de android 8 (activo desbloqueo de OEM con el truco de los dias, etc) y comienzo a realizar root. Al reiniciar el celular y esperar la conexión adb surge el mismo mensaje: solo se pueden flashear binarios de stock rom, o algo asi. EL ESTADO DE RMM ES PRENORMAL. Alguna solucion o guia para mi problema. Desde ya muchas gracias.
Goodnight. I raise my case. I received a J5 prime, SM-G570M with constant reboots, it was marked on the logo, etc. Evidently problems of the rom. I proceeded to flash (Android 7, Binary 3 of TT). No problems, the cell phone working perfectly. At the time, the owner lets me know that the equipment indicated NOT REGISTERED ON THE NETWORK. Obviously the imei had already been repaired and patched and therefore rooted (Knox’s counter: 1). With android 7 is activated unlock of oem, etc and I proceed to rootear through Odin with CF- Auto root indicated that only can be blasted rom stock binaries or something like that (Knox counter in 1, that’s why the message). I proceed to try to root with chimera (since it is essential to patch the certificate) and for android 7 it does not have root, but for android 8. I install rom of android 8 (active unlock of OEM with the trick of the days, etc) and I start to go root. When you restart the cell phone and wait for the adb connection, the same message appears: you can only flash binaries from rom stock, or something like that. THE STATE OF RMM IS PRENORMAL. Some solution or guide for my problem. From already thank you very much
Agustin
Hola,
Espero no llegar tarde, en este caso, yo he pasado por lo mismo, deberias de poder flashear un firmware oficial, permitir al RMM que cambie a normal y flashear TWRP, recuerda de desactivar auto-reboot ya que no puedes iniciar al sistema despues de flashear TWRP, luego de apagar el telefono despues de flashear TWRP debes de prenderlo directamente a TWRP y flashear un bypass especifico para el RMM, este debe de permitir flashear magisk o alguna ROM personalizada, dejare un link a un foro de XDA para guiarte en esto si mis instrucciones no fueron claras por alguna razon, junto a este dejare el link al el archivo de bypass del RMM.
Foro con instrucciones:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-j5/samsung-galaxy-j5-prime-roms-kernels-recoveries–other-development/twrp-touch-recovery-t3806409
Bypass del RMM:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UvqcYUbVTFomAmKCVkMyfTWeuz1sEz8n/view
Si estos links no funcionan, por favor responde a este comentario.
Dhananjay
Hi Agustin. Thanks for helping out a fellow reader. Really appreciate all the effort and time you have put it. Not many people do it.
zabiullah
Hello to all.
can to help me to use samsung pass and secure folder after unroot my a6+ with knox 0×1
Dhananjay
Hi. Could you boot into Download Mode and see what shows up next to the ‘Warranty Void’ label?
Jakub
I have uptime over 168h, mobile network activate all the time and that oem button doesn’t appear.. What to do?
Dhananjay
Hi Jakub. Please go to Settings > About phone > Status and let me know the exact Uptime shown there. Also, please let me know the device name and model number.