How to root Android 10: safe methods and pitfalls

Getting root-rights on Android 10 opens access to hidden system functions, but turns the smartphone into a “sandbox” for experiments - with the risk of losing the warranty, data, or completely “bricking” the device. Unlike older versions of Android, where root was installed in two clicks, the tenth version is equipped with enhanced protection: DM-Verity, a locked bootloader and mandatory integrity check AVB 2.0. This means that there are no more universal solutions - the method depends on the model, firmware and even the region of sale.

In this guide, we will look at the current methods of obtaining root on Android 10 (including bypass SafetyNet for banking applications), analyze the risks for popular brands (Samsung Knox, Xiaomi Anti-Rollback, Google Pixel s Titan M, and we will also give a checklist of actions in case of failure. Important: on devices with hardware integrity check (for example, Samsung Exynos 9820 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+), bypassing the protection may require a soldering iron and a JTAG cable - such cases occur beyond software methods.

Why Android 10 is more difficult to root than previous versions

The main problem is separation of the system partition on system, vendor i product, which debuted in Android 8.0 Oreo, but in the tenth version was supplemented with mandatory hash verification via AVB (Android Verified Boot). This means:

• 🔒 Locked bootloader on most smartphones (except Google Pixel and some Xiaomi) requires official unlocking via fastboot oem unlock, which resets the device to factory settings.
• 🛡️ DM-Verity checks the integrity of system files at every boot. Any change (including root) leads to bootloop (cyclic reboot).
• 📱 Manufacturers sew protection: Samsung Knox permanently marks the device as “jailbroken” (Knox 0x1), Xiaomi blocks the bootloader for 72-168 hours after unlocking.

The second layer of complexity is SafetyNet, which banking applications (for example, SberBank Online or Tinkoff) and games (Pokémon GO, Genshin Impact) use to check the integrity of the system. Even if you get root, these applications will refuse to work without additional manipulations. with MagiskHide or module Universal SafetyNet Fix.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 10 and chipset MediaTek (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro, Realme 5 Pro) unlocking the bootloader may lead to loss IMEI and problems with cellular communication. Before you start, check for a backup copy of the partition nvram.

Preparing the device: what to do before unlocking

Before touching the bootloader, follow the required steps:

1. Create backup copy via TWRP (if supported) or ADB Backup. Pay special attention to sections /data, /efs (for Samsung) and /nvram (for MediaTek).
2. Check the model and firmware version to Settings → About the phone. Some firmware (for example, MIUI Global for Xiaomi) block unlocking without waiting.
3. Install drivers: for Windows you will need Google USB Driver + OEM driver (for example, Samsung USB Driver for Mobile Phones).
4. Charge the battery at least up to 70%. Interrupting the process due to discharge can lead to irreparable damage to the partition boot.

For devices Samsung additionally:

• 🔧 Disconnect OEM Unlock v Settings → Developer (if the option is gray, the device is tied to an operator or corporate policy).
• 📱 Make sure Knox is not activated (check through #0# in dialer).

Install ADB and Fastboot|Download the firmware for your model|Disable encryption (if possible)|Check TWRP support on the XDA forum|Save IMEI and serial number-->

For Xiaomi be sure to link your account Mi to the device and wait for SMS permission to unlock (may take up to 7 days). On some models (for example, Redmi K20 Proit is required unlocker from the official website, which only works under Windows 7/10.

Receipt methods root on Android 10

The choice of method depends on the status of the bootloader and support. Below are the current methods for 2026, sorted by reliability. TWRP. Below are the current methods for 2026, sorted by reliability.

1. Magisk (recommended method)

Magisk (author topjohnwu) is the most universal tool that bypasses SafetyNet and supports AVB 2.0. Suitable for most devices, except Samsung s Knox and some Huawei (due to a locked bootloader).

Steps:

1. Unlock the bootloader via fastboot oem unlock (for Xiaomi use Mi Unlock Tool).
2. Download latest version of Magisk (file .apk) and install it on your phone.
3. Download patched boot image:
   • For Pixel/OnePlus: use Magisk → Install → Select and patch the file (you need the original boot.img from the firmware).
   • For Xiaomi/Realme: patch via fastboot boot magisk_patched.img (temporary root).

After reboot, check the root via Magisk Manager or command su in Terminal. If SafetyNet does not work, install the module Universal SafetyNet Fix in Magisk → Modules.

2. TWRP + Magisk (for devices with support for custom recovery)

If your model has TWRP (check at official website or XDA Developers), the process simplified:

1. Install TWRP via fastboot flash recovery twrp.img.
2. Boot into recovery (fastboot boot twrp.img or a combination of buttons).
3. Make a backup of the partitions boot, data, system.
4. Flash Magisk.zip via Install to TWRP.

Important: On some devices (for example, OnePlus 7T) TWRP does not support encryption FBE (File-Based Encryption), so after installing the root, the data in /data will become inaccessible. The solution is to disable encryption before flashing.

3. data-i="170">If the bootloader is not unlocked (for example, on

If the bootloader does not unlock (for example, on Huawei after May 2018 or LG s Bootloader Unlock Allow = No), the following remain:

• 🔓 Exploits: DirtyCOW (outdated), CVE-2020-0041 (works on some Qualcomm).The risk is high - from an accidental reboot to a complete brick.
• 📱 JTAG/EDL: Hardware method for devices with a damaged bootpartition Requires a soldering iron and knowledge. circuit design.
• 🔄 Downgrade: Downgrading the Android version to 9 Pie or 8 Oreo, where the protection is weaker. Risk: data loss and possible account ban Google (on some Samsung).
📊 What is the root method? have you tried?
Magisk
TWRP + Magisk
Exploits (DirtyCOW, etc.)
JTAG/EDL
None, just reading

Risks and how to minimize them

Even a successful root can turn into problems. avoid:

Risk	Consequences	Solution
Trigger Knox 0x1 (Samsung)	Loss of warranty, refusal Samsung Pay, Secure Folder	Use Magisk with module Reset Knox Counter (does not always work)
Triggering DM-Verity	Bootloop (cyclic reboot)	Disable verification via magiskboot --disable-verity or flash disable_dm_verity_forceencrypt.zip
Blocking SafetyNet	Banking applications do not work Netflix, Pokémon GO	Install modules Universal SafetyNet Fix + MagiskHide Props Config
IMEI loss (MediaTek)	No cellular connection, Wi-Fi works	Restore nvram from backup or via Maui META

The most dangerous scenario — hard brick (the device does not turn on, is not detected by the computer). This happens when:

• 🔌 Interruption of the firmware (for example, the USB cable was pulled out).
• 📥 Incompatible firmware boot.img (for example, from another model).
• 🔧 Incorrect separation system (on some Xiaomi s Dynamic Partition).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 10 and chipset Exynos 9820/9825 (for example, Samsung Galaxy S10, Note 10) incorrect firmware vbmeta leads to the impossibility of recovery even after Odin. Before manipulating this partition, check its presence with the command fastboot getvar all.

What to do if something goes wrong

If after manipulation the phone does not boot or is unstable, follow the algorithm:

1. Soft Brick (the device turns on, but does not boot)

• 🔄 Reboot into fastboot (Battery + Power + Vol Down) and flash the original boot.img.
• 📱 If stuck on the logo: try to boot into safe mode (hold Power + Vol Down while loading).
• 🔧 For Samsung: use Odin for flashing the full firmware (file AP + BL + CP + CSC).

2. Hard Brick (the device does not respond)

If the phone is not detected by the computer and does not charge:

• 🔌 Check another cable and USB port (better USB 2.0 on the back panel PC).
• 📌 For Qualcomm: try mode EDL (9008) through a combination of buttons or short circuit test points.
• 🔧 For MediaTek: use SP Flash Tool with the file preloader.bin (be careful - an error will lead to complete failure!).

If all else fails, all that remains is:

• 🔧 JTAG: connecting to the motherboard via a special connector (requires a soldering iron and experience).
• 🏠 Service center: check if they work with “bricks” (many refuse).

su -c "magisk --safetynet-check"