Android out of the box offers users limited access to system files and settings - this is done for the sake of security and stability. But what if you need more control? root access (or superuser rights) open the door to deep operating system capabilities that manufacturers and Google hide from ordinary users. With their help, you can remove unnecessary software, overclock the processor, change the interface beyond recognition, or even restore data after a reset.

However, you have to pay for freedom: the risk of the device becoming bricked, problems with updates and vulnerabilities for viruses become a reality. In this article we will look specific scenarioswhere root is really necessary, and where it can be replaced with more secure methods. You will also learn which smartphone models Samsung, Xiaomi and Google Pixel are easiest to root in 2026, and how to minimize the risks when obtaining superuser rights.

Spoiler: if you just want to remove ads in games or transfer applications to a memory card — root is not needed. For 80% of tasks there are alternatives without the risk of losing the warranty.

1. What are root access in simple words

Imagine Android as a house where you are a tenant. Without root, you can rearrange furniture (install applications), adjust the temperature (change screen settings) and even re-stick wallpaper (install launchers). But you are prohibited from breaking down walls, rewiring, or changing locks. root access give you keys to all rooms - including those where system files, the OS kernel and hardware settings are stored.

Technically, root is an account with maximum privileges in Linux-based Android system. It allows you to:

  • 📁 Read, edit and delete files in folders /system, /data i /vendor.
  • 🔧 Execute commands as a superuser via adb shell or terminal.
  • 🛠️ Modify the OS kernel (for example, to overclock the CPU or change the task scheduler).
  • 🚫 Bypass manufacturer restrictions (locking the bootloader, checking the firmware signature).

It is important to understand: root does not equal “hacking” the device. This is a legal mechanism that is simply built into Android to prevent accidental or malicious actions. For example, without root, you will not be able to accidentally delete the file disables protection, built into Android to prevent accidental or malicious actions. For example, without root you won't be able to accidentally delete a file /system/build.propresponsible for identifying the device - the system simply will not let you do this.

📊 Have you ever gotten root access?
Yes, on the current device
Yes, but I quit a long time ago
No, but I plan to
No and I don’t intend to

2. TOP 7 reasons to get root in 2026

If you are not a developer or a customization enthusiast, then 90% of problems can be solved without root. But there are scenarios where superuser rights are the only option. Here are current cases for modern Android devices:

🔹 Removing firmware (bloatware)

Manufacturers (especially Samsung and Xiaomi) clog smartphones with unnecessary applications - from duplicate Google services to proprietary launchers that cannot be used disable. Root allows you to:

  • 🗑️ Remove com.sec.android.app.launcher (Samsung launcher) and install Nova Launcher.
  • 🚫 Block background activity com.miui.analytics (collection of Xiaomi statistics).
  • 📉 Free up to 1–3 GB of memory on the system partition.

Alternative without root: disable applications via Settings → Applications, but they will remain in memory and can be updated.

🔹 Overclocking or lowering the clock frequency processor

Using nuclear modifications (for example, Kernel Adiutor or FrancoKernel) you can:

  • ⚡ Overclock the CPU/GPU for games (by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 an increase of up to 15% in Genshin Impact).
  • 🔋 Lower the frequency to save battery (relevant for MediaTek Dimensity 9000+).
  • 🔄 Change the task scheduler (for example, to bfq to make the interface smoother).
💡

On devices with Qualcomm overclocking can lead to overheating. Before experiments, check temperature in AIDA64 under load.

🔹 Full system backup (including application data)

Standard Android tools (adb backup or Google Drive) do not save:

  • 📱 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings (files in /data/misc/wifi).
  • 🎮 Game saves (for example, Honor of Kings or Call of Duty Mobile).
  • 🔑 Application passwords (storage /data/system/locksettings.db).

With root you can create an exact copy of the system via TWRP or Titanium Backup, including data /data/data.

🔹 Ad blocking at the system level

Ad blockers like AdGuard work via VPN, which eats up the battery With root. you can:

  • 🛡️ Edit the file /etc/hoststo block advertising domains.
  • 🚫 Delete Google Play services responsible for displaying advertising (com.google.android.gms.ads).
  • 📵 Disable Internet access for advertising SDKs in applications.

🔹 Transferring applications to a memory card (including games)

Android 10+ limits the transfer of applications to an SD card. With root you can:

  • 📱 Use App2SD or Link2SD to force the transfer.
  • 🎮 Move the game cache (for example, PUBG Mobile or Free Fire) to an external drive.
  • 🔧 Change the default path for installing APK via pm set-install-location 2.

🔹 Changing system fonts, animations and themes

Without root, customization is limited to launchers and icon packs. With superuser rights you can:

  • 🎨 Install fonts in /system/fonts (for example, San Francisco with iOS).
  • ⚡ Change the animation speed in /system/build.prop (window_animation_scale=0.5).
  • 🖌️ Replace system icons via Substratum or Hex Installer.

🔹 Recovering deleted data

If you accidentally erased photos or files, root allows you to scan the partition /data with tools like DiskDigger or Undelete. Without superuser rights, only files on the SD card are accessible.

💡

Most of the tasks on this list can be solved. alternative methods (ADB, Magisk modules, cloud services). Root is only needed if you are willing to sacrifice security for total control.

3. Why root is dangerous: 5 real risks (not myths)

Manufacturers and Google limit access to root for a reason. superuser: proven threatsproblems that users encounter after gaining superuser rights:

Risk Consequences How to minimize
🚨 Loss of warranty Manufacturers (for example, Samsung or OnePlus) refuse to repair when a root is detected. Even a reset via Fastboot can leave traces in KNOX. Use Magisk with the MagiskHide to disguise root. On some devices (for example, Google Pixel), you can return the stock firmware without traces.
🛡️ Virus vulnerabilities Malware with root access can:
- steal banking application data;
- encrypt files for ransom;
- replace system libraries.		 Install only verified modules from Magisk RepoUse. data-i="158">to block network access for suspicious applications. AFWall+ to block network access for suspicious applications.
🔄 Problems with OTA updates System updates may refuse to be installed on modified devices. For example, Xiaomi blocks updates when modified boot.img. Before updating. roll back changes via Magisk or install firmware manually via TWRP.
💥 "Brick" (turning into a brick) Error while editing /system or an incompatible kernel may render the device inoperable. A common problem on MediaTekdevices with incorrect firmware preloader. Always make a backup before making changes. Check the compatibility of modifications with your model on TWRP before changes. Check the compatibility of modifications with your model at XDA Developers.
📵 Broken applications Banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff), Netflix, Pokémon GO and Google Pay block work on rooted devices due to SafetyNet. Use Magisk with modules Universal SafetyNet Fix and Hide Props ConfigFor banking applications - Island (sandbox).
⚠️ Attention: On devices with Samsung KNOX (for example, Galaxy S23 Ultra or Galaxy Z Fold 5) trigger KNOX 0x1 after getting root irreversible. This means that Samsung Pay, Secure Folder some corporate functions will stop working forever, even after rolling back to stock firmware.

Before taking any risks, check if your problem can be solved in a safer way. Here is a table of alternatives for the most common scenarios:

Task Solution without root Limitations
Removing firmware adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.app.launcher Applications remain in the system and can return after updating.
Ad blocking Applications Blokada or AdGuard (mode VPN) Does not work in all games. Eats up to 10% of the battery.
Moving applications to SD Function Adoptable Storage (Android 6–8) or AppMgr III Does not work on Android 9+. The SD card is formatted as internal memory.
Backup Swift Backup (via ADB) or Google One Does not save data of some games and system settings.
Changing animations Developer settings (Settings → System → For developers) You can only speed up/slow down, but not replace animations.

For most users, the combination ADB + Magisk without root (via modules) covers 80% of the needs. For example, the module Universal GMS Doze optimizes the background activity of Google services without full root.

How to enable developer settings?

Open Settings → About phone and click on Build number7 times. After this, a menu will appear For developers in the main settings.

5. How to get root access in 2026: step-by-step guide

The process of obtaining root depends on the device model and Android version. Below is a universal algorithm for most modern smartphones (for example Google Pixel 7 Pro with Android 14).

🔹 Step 1: Unlocking the bootloader

Without this, it is impossible to get root. The procedure erases all data on the device!

Make a backup of your data on a PC or to the cloud

Charge the phone at least 80%

Download Platform Tools (ADB and Fastboot) from Google website

Make sure that the model is supported (check on XDA Developers)

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  1. Enable Debug by USB in Settings → System → For developers.

  2. Connect your phone to the PC and run the command:

    adb reboot bootloader

  3. Unlock the bootloader (for Pixel):

    fastboot flashing unlock

    On the phone screen, confirm unlocking (with the volume + buttons power).

🔹 Step 2: Installing custom recovery (TWRP)

For most devices (except Pixel and some Xiaomi) you will need TWRP:

  1. Download the official TWRP for your model from the site twrp.me.

  2. Flash it via fastboot:

    fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-pixel7pro.img

  3. Boot into recovery:

    fastboot reboot recovery

🔹 Step 3: Magisk firmware

Magisk is the safest way to get root without losing functionality (for example, Google Pay):

  1. Download the latest version Magisk (Magisk-v26.4.zip) from GitHub.

  2. In TWRP select Install → specify the path to the ZIP file.

  3. After installation reboot. Check root via the app Magisk.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Dynamic Partition (Android 10+), the Magisk firmware can lead to a loading loop. In this case, you need to patch boot.img via PC:

magiskboot patch boot.img

And flash it back:

fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img

🔹 Step 4: Checking SafetyNet

Many applications (for example, banking) check the integrity of the system through SafetyNetTo bypass the check:

  1. B Magisk install modules:

    • Universal SafetyNet Fix
    • Hide Props Config

  • In the settings Magisk enable Enforce DenyList and add banking applications to the list.

  • Reboot the device and check the status via SafetyNet Test.

    • The process of obtaining root varies greatly depending on the manufacturer. Below are updated materials for top brands in 2026.

    🔹 Samsung (Galaxy S23/S24, Z Fold/Flip)

    • 🔒 Loader: Unlocking is possible, but triggers KNOX 0x1 (loss Samsung Pay and Secure Folder).
    • 🛠️ Method: Only via patch boot.img (without TWRP). Use Magisk + Samsung KNOX Disabler (does not guarantee 100% bypass).
    • ⚠️ Risk: High chance of a “soft brick” if an error occurs odm.img.

    🔹 Xiaomi (Redmi, POCO, Mi)

    • 🔓 Bootloader: Unlocking via Mi Unlock Tool (requires account linking and waiting 7–15 days).
    • 🛠️ Method: Installation TWRP + Magisk. On new devices (for example, Xiaomi 14 Pro), a rollback to an older firmware is required.
    • ⚠️ Risk: After unlocking the bootloader, data encryption is disabled (must be enabled manually).

    🔹 Google Pixel (Pixel 7/8, Fold)

    • 🔓 Bootloader: Unlocking via fastboot flashing unlock (erases data).
    • 🛠️ Method: Patch init_boot.img via Magisk (from Android 13+ boot.img replaced by init_boot).
    • ✅ Plus: The easiest way is to return the stock firmware for updates.

    🔹 OnePlus / Oppo / Realme

    • 🔒 Bootloader: Unlocking via fastboot oem unlock, but on new models (for example, OnePlus 12) a code from the manufacturer is required.
    • 🛠️ Method: TWRP + Magisk. On devices with ColorOS 14 you need to disable AVB 2.0.
    • ⚠️ Risk: On some models (Realme GT Neo 5), unlocking the bootloader leads to loss of IMEI.

    🔹 Devices based on MediaTek (Redmi Note, Tecno, Infinix)

    • 🔧 Feature: Requires unlocking SP Flash Tool or MTK Bypass.
    • ⚠️ Risk: High chance of a “hard brick” if the firmware is incorrect preloader. Always check the compatibility of the scatter file.
    • 🛠️ Method: Patch boot.img via Magisk + firmware via fastboot.
    ⚠️ Attention: On devices with Dynamic Partition (all flagships with Android 10+) it is not recommended to use older versions TWRPThis may lead to data loss in partitions. super i product.

    7. How to remove root and return the device to stock state

    If you need to return the phone to a service or sell it, you need to remove root. Here is a universal method for most devices:

    🔹 Method. 1: Via Magisk (soft rollback)

    1. Open the application Magisk.

    2. Go to Settings → Complete removal.

    3. Confirm the action and reboot the device.

    This method removes only Magisk, but leaves an unlocked bootloader and custom recovery.

    🔹 Method 2: Flashing stock firmware (full rollback)

    For a full return to the "factory" state:

    1. Download the stock firmware for your model (for example, from the site SamMobile for Samsung or Xiaomi Firmware Updater).

    2. Unpack the firmware and find the file flash-all.bat (for Pixel) or use Odin (for Samsung).

    3. Flash the firmware via fastboot or Odin:

      fastboot flash-all

      For Samsung in Odin select files in order: BL → AP → CP → CSC (select HOME_CSCso as not to lose data).

    4. After flashing the bootloader will remain unlocked. To block it back:

      fastboot flashing lock
    ⚠️ Attention: On devices with Samsung KNOX or LG LMK, rolling back to stock firmware will not reset the unlock counter. This means that the guarantee will still not apply even if root is removed.

    8. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

    ❓ Is it possible to get root without unlocking the bootloader?

    No. Unlocking the bootloader is a mandatory step to get root. The exception is vulnerabilities in older versions of Android (for example, DirtyCOW on Android 7), but they have long been closed.

    Some "one-click" apps (like KingRoot or iRoot) promise root without unlocking, but:

    • They install malware.
    • Root is incomplete (no access to /system).
    • After updating Android, the rights are lost.
    ❓ Will banking applications work after getting root?

    Most banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff, VTB) block work on rooted devices due to verification SafetyNet or Play Integrity API.

    Bypass is possible through:

    • 🔹 Magisk with modules Universal SafetyNet Fix i Hide Props Config.
    • 🔹 Application Island (creates an isolated sandbox for banking applications).
    • 🔹 Manual editing of properties data-i="387">❓ Is it possible to update Android with root access? ro.build.tags And ro.build.type on user.

    However, some banks (for example, Alfa-Bank) use additional checks that cannot be bypassed.

    ❓ Is it possible to update Android with root access?

    Yes, but with reservations:

    • 📱 OTA updates: Most often blocked. When you try to install the update, the system will detect changes in /system and refuse to continue.
    • 🔧 Manual firmware: You need to download the full update package (full OTA) and flash it via TWRP or ADB Sideload.
    • ⚠️ Risk: After the update, you may need to repeat installation Magisk.

    Recommendation: before updating, make a backup via TWRP and disable all modules Magisk.

    ❓ How to check if the phone has root?

    There are several ways:

    1. Install the application Root Checker from Google Play.

    2. Open a terminal and enter:

      su

      If a superuser prompt appears (#) - root exists.

    3. Check