Getting root access on Android is like the key to everything doors in your smartphone. With it, you can remove system applications, overclock the processor, install modified firmware, and even restore deleted files. But this same key can irreversibly damage the warranty, block the device or open holes for virusesif used thoughtlessly.

In 2026, the process of obtaining root has changed: manufacturers have tightened protection, and methods vary depending on the model (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel) and versions Android (from 12 to 15). This article will help you figure out whether the game is worth the candle, how to prepare your device, and what tools to use to minimize risks. We will not convince you of the need for root - instead, we will honestly tell you about the consequences and alternatives.

What is root access and why do you need it?

root access (from English root - "root") give the user complete control over the operating system Android. By default, you work with limited rights, as a “guest” on your own phone. Root removes these restrictions, but along with them, layers of protection.

Here is what becomes available after getting root:

  • 🔧 Removing built-in applications (bloatware) that cannot be uninstalled using standard methods (for example, com.sec.android.app.launcher on Samsung).
  • 🚀 Overclocking the processor (overclocking) or, conversely, reducing the frequency to save battery power.
  • 📱 Installing custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) with advanced functions.
  • 🔍 Recovering deleted files, including photos and messages, using tools like DiskDigger.
  • 🛡️ Blocking ads at the system level through file modification hosts.

However not all functions require root) are often sufficient.For example, transferring applications to an SD card or disabling services Google can be done via ADB without obtaining a superuser. And for data backup, standard tools like Google Drive or Swift Backup (with support Android 10+).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 13+ and processors Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 some methods of obtaining root can lead to hardware blocking of the module Titan M2 (on Pixel) or triggering Knox (on SamsungThis will make it impossible). use Samsung Pay, Secure Folder and some banking applications.

Preparing the device: 5 mandatory steps before root

Before you start unlocking, make sure that your device is ready for the procedure. Skipping at least one step can lead to "brick" (turning the phone into a “brick”) or data loss.

Make a full backup of data (photos, contacts, SMS)

Check the device model and Android version in Settings → About the phone

Make sure the battery charge is ≥ 70%

Download official drivers for your model from the manufacturer's website

Disable screen lock (PIN, pattern, fingerprint)-->

Pay special attention to backup Even if. you plan to use methods without resetting data (for example, through Magisk), there is always a risk of failure. For backup, we recommend:

  • 📲 Swift Backup (for applications and their data).
  • 🖥️ Titanium Backup (requires root, but is suitable for creating a backup before experiments).
  • ☁️ Manual copying folders /DCIM, /Downloads and /Android/data to the PC.

Also check whether OEM Unlock is unlocked in the developer settings. On some devices (Xiaomi Redmi Note 12, Realme GT Neo 5), this option may be hidden and requires additional manipulations, for example, binding. account Mi.

Yes, on the previous phone

Yes, but something went wrong

No, this will be my first time

I don’t know what it is-->

Methods for getting root: from simple to complex

Ways to get root are divided into three categories: through applications (the simplest, but least reliable), using custom recovery (TWRP), and through patching the boot image (MagiskThe choice depends on the device model and your experience.

Method Difficulty Suitable devices Risk of bricking Requires bootloader unlocking
Applications (KingRoot, Framaroot) ⭐ Old models (Android 7-9) Low No
Magisk (patching boot.img) ⭐⭐⭐ Most modern devices Medium Yes
TWRP + SuperSU ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Devices with support for custom recovery High Yes
Exploits (DirtyCOW, CVE-2023-2136) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Specific models with vulnerabilities Very high No

For most devices on Android 12-15 the optimal solution remains Magisk a tool that modifies the boot image (boot.img) without changing the system partition. This allows you to pass verification SafetyNet and use banking applications.

If your device is not supported Magisk (for example, some models Huawei without services Google), you can try alternatives:

  • 🔄 KernelSU — integration of root directly into the kernel (suitable for Pixel 7/8 and devices with Android 14+).
  • 🛠️ APatch — modular system for patching APK (alternative Xposed).
⚠️ Attention: On devices with Dynamic Partition (introduced c Android 10) incorrect resizing of partitions during installation TWRP can lead to data loss in /data i /vendor. Before experiments, check the partition structure via adb shell ls -l /dev/block/by-name.

Step-by-step guide: how to get root through Magisk

This method is suitable for most modern devices, including Samsung Galaxy S23, Google Pixel 8, OnePlus 11 i Xiaomi 13T. The main condition is an unlocked bootloader.

Step 1: Unlock the bootloader. this:

  1. Activate Developer options (click on Build number 7 times in Settings → About the phone).
  2. Enable OEM Unlock i USB debugging in the developer menu.
  3. Connect the phone to the PC and run the command: 
    fastboot flashing unlock

    On some devices (Xiaomi, Redmi), you will need to link the manufacturer's account.

Step 2: Download the original boot.img for your model. It can be extracted from:

  • 📦 Official firmware from the manufacturer's website. (for example Firmware.mobi for Samsung).
  • 🔄 Current firmware via command: 
    adb shell dd if=/dev/block/by-name/boot of=/sdcard/boot.img

Step 3: Patch boot.img via Magisk:

  1. Copy boot.img to the phone.
  2. Install Magisk APK (not from Play Market!).
  3. In Magisk select Install → Select and Patch a File.
  4. After patching, copy the received one magisk_patched.img on the PC.

Step 4: Flash the patched image: 

fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img

fastboot reboot

If after reboot Magisk does not appear in the application menu, install the APK manually. To check the rights, run in the terminal: 

su

If a prompt appears. superuser (#), root was obtained successfully.

💡

On devices with A/B partitions (for example, Pixel, OnePlus) instead of boot you may need to flash both slots: boot__a i boot__b. Check the current active slot with the command fastboot getvar current-slot

What to do if something goes wrong

Even if you follow the instructions exactly, failures are possible. Here are the most common problems and their solutions:

1. The device does not turn on after flashing the firmware (bootloop).

  • 🔌 Try going to fastboot (hold Power + Vol Down) and flash the original boot.img.
  • 🔄 If that doesn't help, reset via fastboot -w (erases the data!).

2. Magisk fails SafetyNet.

  • 🛡️ Install modules Universal SafetyNet Fix i MagiskHide Props Config.
  • 🔄 Reboot the device and check the status via YASNAC (checking application SafetyNet).

3. Banking applications do not work.

  • 🏦 Enable MagiskHide (in settings Magisk) and add the application to the list of hidden ones.
  • 🔄 For SberBank i Tinkoff may require module Shamiko.

4. Loss of network after root.

  • 📶 Check if IMEI. You can restore it via ChimeraTool or Maui META (requires boxing).
  • 🔄 If the problem is in the module Magisk, try disabling all modules and reboot.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with eSIM (for example, iPhone SE 2022 or Google Pixel 7a) incorrect change of partitions modem or efs can lead to permanent loss of connection. Restoration is possible only through an official service center.
How to restore IMEI without boxing?

If after getting root the IMEI is gone and service tools are not available, you can try the manual method via ADB:

1 Make sure you have a backup copy of the /efs folder (if not, chances are good). are minimal).

2. Connect the phone to the PC and do:

adb shell

su


dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p3 of=/sdcard/efs_backup.img

3. Send the file for analysis in thematic chats (for example, w3bsit3-dns.com) - they can help restore the structure.

⚠️ This method does not guarantee success and may aggravate the problem!

How to hide root from applications and services

Many applications (banking, games with protection Netflix) block access on devices with root. To bypass the restrictions, use a combination of tools:

1. MagiskHide (built into Magisk):

  • 🔍 Activate the option in settings Magisk.
  • 📱 Add problematic applications to the list of hidden ones (for example, com.sberbank.mobile).

2. Modules for bypassing checks:

  • 🛡️ Universal SafetyNet Fix — corrects responses to requests SafetyNet API.
  • 🎭 Shamiko — hides root from applications that use Google Play Integrity API.
  • 🔄 Play Integrity Fix — to bypass the new verification system Google (with Android 13).

3. Alternative methods:

  • 📲 Island (sandbox) — launching applications in an isolated environment.
  • 🔄 VirtualXposed — emulation Xposed without real root (suitable for some games).

To check the current status, use:

  • 🔍 YASNAC - check SafetyNet and Play Integrity.
  • 📊 Root Checker - basic check for the presence of root.
💡

Even with hidden root, some applications (for example, Pokémon GO or G-Pay) can detect modifications. In this case, only completely removing root or using a second phone without modifications will help.

Alternatives to root: when you can do without it

Before taking risks, evaluate whether it is possible to achieve the goal without it. root. Modern Android provides many tools through ADB and standard settings:

1. Removing system applications:

  • 🗑️ Through ADB: 
    adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.app.launcher

    (replace com.sec.android.app.launcher to the package of the desired application).

  • 🔧 Applications like App Inspector help you find the names of packages.

2. Ad blocking:

  • 🚫 Blokada or AdGuard —work without root via VPN.
  • 🌐 Change DNS to 1.1.1.3 (Cloudflare Family) or 94.140.14.14 (AdGuard DNS).

3. Backup:

  • ☁️ Swift Backup (without root copies applications and their data to Android 10+).
  • 📱 Titanium Backup in mode ADB Backup.

4. Overclocking/undervolting:

  • ⚡ Kernel Adiutor (requires an unlocked bootloader, but not root).
  • 🔋 FrancoKernel Manager — control of processor frequencies via sysfs.

If your goal is to simply remove unnecessary applications or block advertising 90% of problems can be solved without root. For example, on Samsung you can disable Bixby via Settings → Applications, and on Xiaomi you can delete MIUIservices via ADB.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Can I get root on Samsung without a Knox trigger?

No at all. devices Samsung s Knox 3.7+ (released after 2020), unlocking the bootloader inevitably activates the flag Knox (0x1). This blocks some functions Samsung Pay, Secure Folder and some functions DeX. There is no way around this. even returning to the stock firmware will not reset the counter.

Exception: some models for the market China (for example, Galaxy S23 SM-S9110) may not have Knox, but they are not officially sold in Russia and Europe.

Will Google Pay work after getting root?

Most likely not - but there are workarounds. Google Pay checks the integrity of the system through SafetyNet i Play Integrity APITo make it work:

  1. Install Magisk and activate MagiskHide.
  2. Add Google Pay (com.google.android.apps.walletnfcrel) to the list of hidden applications.
  3. Install modules Universal SafetyNet Fix and Play Integrity Fix.
  4. Reboot the device and check the status via YASNAC.

If Google Pay still does not work, try:

  • Delete all application data (Settings → Applications → Google Pay → Storage → Clear data).
  • Use alternatives: SberPay, Tinkoff Pay or virtual cards Curve.
How to remove root and return everything as it was?

To completely remove root and return the device to stock status:

  1. Download the original firmware for your model (for example, from SamMobile for Samsung or Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
  2. Flash it via fastboot or Odin (for Samsung): 
    fastboot flash boot boot.img

    fastboot flash system system.img
    

    fastboot -w

  3. If used Magisk, before flashing, perform in the application Uninstall → Complete Uninstall.
  4. For Samsung a reset may be required Knox via Combination Firmware (available only to service centers).

After returning to stock firmware:

  • Flag Knox or Orange State (on Pixel) not will be reset.
  • The manufacturer's warranty will be void (if there was no service reset).
Is it possible to get root on Android 15?

Yes, but the process has become more complicated. Android 15 Google it has tightened control. modifications:

  • Prohibition on modification init: now patching boot.img may require additional actions (for example, editing init.rc).
  • New checks Play Integrity: the module helps to bypass them Play Integrity Fix, but it requires regular updates.
  • Limitations on devices with Tensor G3/G4: on Pixel 8/9 you may need to roll back to an older version of the bootloader.

For Android 15 we recommend:

  1. Use Magisk Delta (fork with support for new versions).
  2. Before updating the firmware, check compatibility on XDA Developers or in thematic chats.
  3. Be prepared for the fact that some modules (Xposed, EdXposed) may not work.
Which models cannot be flashed via fastboot?

Some devices use proprietary firmware protocols:

  • Samsung: requires Odin (for models on Exynos) or QFil (for Snapdragon in regions like USA/China).
  • Huawei/Honor: firmware via HiSuite or Huawei Multi-Tool (requires unlocking the bootloader through the official service).
  • MediaTek (for example, Redmi Note 11, Realme 9): used SP Flash Tool with authorization (Auth File).
  • Google Pixel: although it supports fastboot, to unlock the bootloader you need to disable OEM Lock in the settings (on some operators this is blocked).

Before flashing the firmware, be sure to check:

  • Processor type (Snapdragon, Exynos, MediaTek, Tensor).
  • Device region (for example, Samsung SM-G991B - international version SM-G991U — for USA).
  • Bootloader version (fastboot getvar all).