root access on Android: how to get them in 5 minutes without the risk of being “bricked”

Getting root access on Android gives access to hidden system functions, allows you to remove built-in applications, overclock the processor and install modified firmware. However, the process is fraught with risks - from loss of warranty to complete failure of the device. In this guide, we will look at relevant in 2026 methods for obtaining root access that work on most modern smartphones, including models Samsung Galaxy S24, Google Pixel 8 and Xiaomi 14.

It is important to understand that There is no universal method: the choice of method depends on the Android version, device model, and even the firmware region. For example, for Samsung with a processor Exynos one tool is suitable, and for Qualcommversions - another. We'll look at both simple one-click solutions for beginners and advanced methods for advanced users, including bootloader unlocking and installation. Before you begin, check: Battery charge is at least 70% (interrupting the process may cause irreparable damage bootloader Magisk.

Before you begin, check:

• 🔋 Battery charge is at least 70% (interrupting the process may lead to irreparable damage to the bootloader)
• 📱 Data backup (root can erase internal memory)
• 🔧 Original or certified USB cable (cheap cables often cause errors when flashing)

1. What are root access and why you need them?

root access (from English root - root) provide the user with full control over the Android operating system, similar to administrator rights in Windows. With their help you can:

• 🚀 Delete system applications (bloatware) that cannot be uninstalled using standard means
• 🔧 Modify the system kernel to overclock the processor or improve autonomy
• 📱 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)
• 🔒 Bypass manufacturer restrictions (for example, unlocking the bootloader on Huawei)
• 🛠️ Use applications that require deep access (for example, Titanium Backup or Greenify)

However, there is a downside:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (manufacturers refuse to repair if root is detected)
• 🛡️ Security risk (viruses gain unlimited access to the system)
• 🔄 Problems with OTA updates (many firmware refuse to install on rooted devices)
• 💥 Possibility of "bricking" (turning the phone into a "brick" if there is a firmware error)

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 14+ some methods of obtaining root may be blocked by the system AVB 2.0 (Android Verified Boot) (Before you start, check the compatibility of your model on the forums XDA Developers or 4PDA.

2. Preparing the device: unlocking the bootloader

Before obtaining root access on most modern smartphones, you must unlock bootloader (bootloader). copy.

Instructions for most devices (except Huawei and some models Xiaomi):

1. Activate Developer mode: go to Settings → About phone → Build number and tap on it 7 times.
2. Go back to Settings → System → For developers and enable:
   • 🔓 OEM unlocking (this item may not be available on some devices)
   • 🔌 USB debugging

adb reboot bootloader

fastboot flashing unlock

fastboot oem unlock

For Xiaomi additional permission is required via Mi Unlock Tool, which may take up to 72 hours. data-i="95">with Samsung With Knox unlocking the bootloader is triggered Knox 0x1which voids the warranty.

Make sure that the model supports unlocking|Download ADB and Fastboot|Enable developer mode|Make a backup copy of your data|Charge your phone until 70%. data-i="103">Attention:

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 13+ unlocking the bootloader may block some features such as Google Pay or Widevine L1 (downgrade streaming quality to 480p).

3. Method 1: Getting root through Magisk (recommended)

Magisk - the most popular tool for obtaining root access in 2026. It allows you to hide root from applications (for example, banking) and supports a modular system for expanding functionality.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Download the latest version Magisk from the official repository on GitHub (avoid third-party sources!).
2. Download the firmware (boot.img) for your phone model. It can be extracted from the official firmware or downloaded from XDA.
3. Move boot.img to your phone and open it via Magisk (click Install → Select and Patch a File).
4. After processing, copy the resulting file magisk_patched.img on the PC.
5. Reboot the phone in fastboot and flash the patched boot:

   fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img

6. Reboot the device. After loading, check for root via the app Root Checker.

For devices with Android 12+ and dynamic partitions (dynamic_partitions) may require firmware via fastbootd:

fastboot reboot fastboot
fastboot flash init_boot magisk_patched.img

What to do if Magisk does not detect boot.img?

If Magisk does not see your boot.img, try:

1. boot.img (without spaces)

2. Use Magisk Alpha for new versions of Android

3. Extract boot.img from the full firmware via Payload Dumper (for Pixel)

4. Check that the file is not damaged (compare the hash with original)

Device model	Supported method	Features
Google Pixel 6/7/8	Magisk (patched boot)	Requires shutdown AVB via fastboot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.img
Samsung Galaxy S22/S23/S24	Magisk (patched AP)	Needs flashing via Odinh3 with disabled VBMETA
Xiaomi 13/14	Magisk (patched boot)	Unlocking the bootloader takes 7 days for new accounts
OnePlus 10/11/12	Magisk or KernelSU	Supports OOS 13/14 without data loss with correct firmware

4. Method 2: One-click utilities (for beginners)

If you need root access without deep diving into the firmware, you can use automatic tools. They are suitable for older devices (Android 9 and below) or specific models.

Popular. utilities:

• 🛠️ KingRoot —works on Mediatek and some Qualcommdevices, but often installs adware
• 🔧 iRoot —supports Samsung Exynos i Huawei Kirin, but requires connection to PC
• ⚡ TowelRoot — for very old devices (Android 4.4 - 5.1)
• 📱 Framaroot — works with chips Mediatek i Spreadtrum, but has not been updated since 2018

Warnings when using one-click solutions:

• ⚠️ 80% of utilities contain malicious code or advertising
• 🔒 Many banking applications block rooted devices from these tools
• 🔄 After use, manual cleaning of the system is often required

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 10+ one-click utilities almost never work due to enhanced protection. DM-VerityUse them only if Magisk. not suitable.

5. Method 3: Installing custom recovery (TWRP)

For experienced users, the best option is installing TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) allows you to flash modified images. make backups and get root without a PC.

Instructions:

1. Download the official version of TWRP for your model from the site twrp.me.
2. Flash the recovery via fastboot:

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

   (replace the file name with yours)

3. Boot into TWRP by pressing Volume up + Power.
4. In TWRP select Install and flash Magisk.zip.
5. Reboot the device.

Advantages of TWRP:

• 🔄 Possibility of full system backup (including /data i /boot)
• 🛠️ Flashing custom kernels and mods
• 🔧 Recovery after "soft brick"

On new devices (Pixel 7, Samsung Galaxy S23) TWRP may not work due to A/B partitions. In this case, use OrangeFox Recovery or PitchBlack Recovery.

6. Method 4: Root through the kernel (KernelSU)

KernelSU —an alternative to Magisk, built directly into the Android kernel. This method is suitable for devices where Magisk does not work (for example, on some firmware MIUI 14 or ColorOS 13).

How to install:

1. Download a custom kernel with KernelSU support (for example, Radiant Kernel for Pixel or Arter97 Kernel for Xiaomi).
2. Flash the kernel via TWRP or fastboot:

   fastboot flash boot kernelsu_boot.img

3. Install the application KernelSU from GitHub.
4. Activate root in the application settings.

Pros of KernelSU:

• 🔒 Better compatibility with SELinux i SafetyNet
• 🚀 Fewer performance problems
• 🛡️ Support for new versions of Android (including Android 15)

Cons:

• ⚠️ Requires custom kernel firmware (risk of instability)
• 🔧 Fewer modules compared to Magisk

7. How to hide root from applications (Magisk and Universal SafetyNet Fix)

Many applications (banks, games, streaming services) block devices with root. To get around this, use:

1. Enable: Magisk enable:
   • 🔒 Enforce DenyList (previously MagiskHide)
   • 📱 Add problematic applications to the exclusion list