Modern smartphones running Android 9 Pie have significant improvements in security, which makes the procedure for obtaining superuser rights more complex compared to previous versions. Users often strive for root access not for the sake of hooliganism, but for complete control over the file system, removing system garbage and installing specialized modules.
However, it is worth understanding that with the release Android 9 Google has introduced strict integrity checks of the bootloader and system partition. Simple "one-click" applications that worked on older versions are now practically useless and can even harm the device. You will need to unlock the bootloader use proven tools like Magisk.
In this article we will analyze in detail a safe algorithm of actions that minimizes the risks of turning your smartphone into a “brick”. The process will require care and execution of commands through the computer, but the result is worth it.
Device preparation and backup
Before starting any manipulations with system partitions, it is critical to save all personal data. The procedure for unlocking the bootloader on most devices running Android 9 will lead to a complete reset to factory settings. This means the loss of photos, contacts and installed applications.
Make sure the battery charge is at least 60%. Interrupting the firmware process due to a dead battery can lead to irreversible damage to the boot sector. You will also need an original USB cable and a computer with ADB and Fastboot drivers installed.
⚠️ Attention: Getting root access will automatically void the manufacturer's warranty in most cases. If your device is still under warranty, think twice before starting the procedure.
Make a complete backup of your important data to an external drive or cloud storage. Pay special attention to folders DCIM i Download, and also export the list of contacts to a file .vcf.
☑️ Preparing for rooting
Unlocking the bootloader
The first and most important step is unlocking bootloader. Without this step, installing a custom recovery or a modified system image is impossible. On devices of different brands, this procedure may differ, but the general principle is the same.
First, you need to activate developer mode. Go to Settings → About phone and quickly click 7 times on the item Build number. After the message “You have become a developer” appears, go to the new menu For developers and enable items Factory unlocking and USB debugging.
Connect your smartphone to your computer and open the command line in the ADB tools folder. Enter the command to reboot into fastboot mode:
adb reboot bootloaderAfter entering fastboot mode, enter the unlock command. On Xiaomi, OnePlus and Pixel devices it looks like fastboot flashing unlock or fastboot oem unlock. A warning will appear on the phone screen, the confirmation of which will erase all data.
Unlocking nuances for different brands
On Huawei and Honor smartphones with Android 9, bootloader unlocking has been officially closed since 2018. They require paid services or complex workarounds that do not guarantee results. On Samsung, instead of fastboot, the Download mode and the Odin app are used, and the unlock command is not applied directly through the console.
Installing custom TWRP recovery
Stock Recovery does not allow you to install unsigned system images required to get root. Therefore, we will replace it with TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project). This is the most popular and functional custom recovery.
You need to find an image TWRPdesigned specifically for your device model and version of Android 9. Using an image from another model is guaranteed to break the phone. Download the file twrp.img and place it in the folder with ADB.
Boot the phone into fastboot mode (if it is already turned off, press and hold Volume Down + Power). Enter the command to temporarily boot the recovery without permanently flashing it (this is safer to start with):
fastboot boot twrp.imgIf the phone has successfully booted into the TWRP menu, you can proceed to the next step. For a permanent installation, use the command fastboot flash recovery twrp.img, but only if you are sure that the image is compatible.
If after a reboot the phone returns to stock recovery, this means that the Android 9 system automatically replaced it upon boot. In this case, immediately after flashing the TWRP firmware, you need to hold down the combination of buttons to enter Recovery, without releasing them until the TWRP logo appears.
Magisk firmware for obtaining root access
In the era Android 9 and above, the de facto standard for obtaining superuser rights became Magisk. Unlike the old SuperSU, Magisk works on the "Systemless" principle, that is, it does not directly modify the system partition, which allows you to bypass some security checks (SafetyNet).
Download the latest stable version of the file Magisk.apk from the official GitHub repository. Rename the file extension from .apk to .zipso that the recovery can recognize it as a flashed archive.
Boot into the previously installed TWRP. Connect your phone to your PC and copy the file Magisk.zip to the internal memory. In the recovery menu, select Install, find the archive and swipe to confirm the firmware.
| Stage | Action | Risk of error |
|---|---|---|
| Unlock BL | Erasing data | Low (official procedure) |
| Installing TWRP | Replacing Recovery | Medium (risk of bricking if the image is incorrect) |
| Magisk firmware | Getting Root | Low (easy to roll back) |
| Configuring modules | System modification | High (cyclic reboots are possible) |
After successful installation, press the button Reboot System. The first time you boot, the process may take longer than usual. Once enabled, look for the Magisk icon in the application menu - this is confirmation of success.
Magisk Manager is now simply called Magisk. If after a reboot the application icon disappears, but the rights are there, simply install the Magisk APK file again as a regular application - it will find the already installed rights.
Checking rights and setting up access
After the first download, open the application Magisk. If in the center of the screen you see a green checkmark and the installation version, congratulations - you have successfully obtained Android 9. Now you need to configure access for third-party applications. root access on Android 9. Now you need to configure access for third-party applications.
When any application requests superuser rights, a pop-up window from Magisk will appear on the screen. You can choose to grant access forever, only once, or deny. Be extremely careful and do not grant rights to dubious apps.
To check, you can use specialized utilities from Google Play, for example, Root Checker. Run the test and the application will confirm that you have access to system files. You can also use the terminal and enter the command su - if the permission prompt appears and the invitation symbol changes to #, everything works correctly.
⚠️ Attention: Some banking applications and games (for example, Pokémon GO) may refuse to work on rooted devices. In the Magisk settings, enable the "MagiskHide" function (or Zygisk in new versions) and add the necessary applications there to hide the fact of having root.
Now you can install modules, change system fonts, remove pre-installed software and make full backups via TWRP. The capabilities of the device are almost limitless.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Despite careful preparation, during the rooting process Android 9 unforeseen situations may arise. The most common problem is "bootloop" (cyclic reboot). This occurs if an incompatible TWRP image was flashed or the system partition is damaged.
If your phone is stuck on the logo when booting, try logging into TWRP (by holding Volume Up + Power). If recovery is available, do wipe cache/dalvik and try to reboot again. In the worst case, you will have to return the stock firmware via fastboot or the manufacturer's official utilities (MiFlash, Odin, SP Flash Tool).
Another common problem on Android 9 is the loss of camera or fingerprint functionality after unlocking the bootloader. This is due to the fact that some encryption keys are tied to the state of the bootloader. Unfortunately, this is a hardware limitation that is difficult to fix programmatically.
If the Magisk application does not open or displays an error, try clearing the application data and installing it again. Sometimes it helps to flash the current version directly through the Magisk menu by selecting the "Install" item inside the application.
Is it safe to get Root on Android 9 in 2026-2026?
From the point of view of technical feasibility - yes, it is safe if you follow the instructions. However, from a data security perspective, the risks are increasing. Malware with root privileges can cause serious damage. Use root only if you understand why you need it.
Is it possible to update the system over the air (OTA) after receiving Root?
Usually no. The presence of a modified bootloader or boot image blocks the installation of official OTA updates. You will have to download the full firmware image manually and flash it, re-getting root access after each update.
Are root access reset when resetting to factory settings?
No. A regular data reset (Wipe Data) from the Android settings menu does not delete the modified boot image where Magisk is registered. Rights will remain. To remove root, you need to flash the original boot.img image via fastboot.
What to do if the computer does not see the phone in Fastboot mode?
Try another USB cable (preferably original and short), another USB port (preferably USB 2.0 on the back of the PC). Make sure there are no unknown devices with a yellow icon in Windows Device Manager - if there are, reinstall the ADB/Fastboot drivers manually.
Will the information be deleted when unlocking the bootloader?
Yes, in 99% of cases, the unlocking bootloader command initiates a full device reset (Factory Reset). This is a security measure to ensure that the new owner does not gain access to the previous user's data. A backup is required.