Obtaining root access na Android is like opening the door to the hidden world of your smartphone's capabilities. With them you can remove pre-installed applications, overclock the processor, install custom firmware and even recover deleted files. But along with superpowers comes super responsibility: one wrong step can turn your Samsung Galaxy or Xiaomi Redmi into a “brick”.

B In 2026, the rooting process became more difficult due to tightening security policies Google and manufacturers. Many new models (for example, Pixel 8 Pro or OnePlus 12) block standard methods, and bypassing the protection requires deep knowledge. This article will help you understand Which phones can still be rooted without losing the warranty, and which ones only at your own peril and risk. We will look at current methods, from universal utilities to manually unlocking the bootloader, and will also tell you how to minimize risks.

What are root access and why you need them

root access (or superuser rights) give full control over the operating system Android. It's like administrator access Windows, but with much greater capabilities. With their help, you can:

  • 🔧 Remove built-in applications (bloatware) that cannot be uninstalled using standard methods (for example, com.sec.android.app.launcher on Samsung).
  • ⚡ Overclock the processor and a video card to improve performance in games (but this reduces battery life!).
  • 📱 Install custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experienceto get a clean Android without manufacturer shells.
  • 🔍 Recover deleted files, even if they were erased from the recycle bin.
  • 🛡️ Block advertising at the system level using AdAway or Blokada.

However, there is a downside to the coin: With root access you lose:

  • 🔒 Manufacturer's warranty (if you don't return everything back before visiting the service center).
  • 🛡️ Protection from malware - many banking applications (SberBank Online, Tinkoff) refuse to work on rooted devices.
  • 🔄 Ability to receive OTA updates over the air (you will have to install them manually).
⚠️ Attention: Starting from Android 14, Google has introduced a mechanism Rollback Protectionthat can block the device when trying to roll back the firmware Before. By rooting, check whether your model supports official bootloader unlocking on the manufacturer's website.

Which phones can be rooted in 2026

Not all smartphones are equally easy to root. Manufacturers are divided into three categories:

Category Examples of models Difficulty of rooting Risk of "bricking"
Root-friendly Google Pixel 7/8, OnePlus 10/11, Xiaomi POCO F5 Low Minimal
Conditionally unlocked Samsung Galaxy S23/S24, Realme GT Neo 5, Oppo Find X6 Medium Moderate (requires unlocking the bootloader through the official website)
Locked Huawei Mate 60, Honor Magic 5, most phones for the USA (Verizon, AT&T) High/Impossible High (possible loss of IMEI or complete blocking)

The most loyal brands to rooting are Google (line Pixel) and OnePlus. They provide official tools for unlocking the bootloader, and the developer community quickly releases patches for new versions. But Android. But Huawei and Samsung (especially models for the American market) actively fight rooting, blocking even standard commands. fastboot.

Check before starting the process. support for your model on the forums XDA Developers or 4PDA. For example, Samsung Galaxy S24 may require a special firmware version with a patch BL_G925F, and for Xiaomi 13T -waiting 7 days after unlocking the bootloader.

📊 What is the brand of your Android smartphone?
Samsung
Xiaomi
Google Pixel
OnePlus
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Preparing your phone for rooting: security checklist

Before you start getting root access, follow the required steps. This will reduce the risk of losing data or turning your phone into a root. "brick".

Make a full backup of your data (photos, contacts, SMS) on a PC or cloud|

Check the battery charge (at least 70%)|

Find out the model and firmware version in Settings → About the phone|

Download official drivers for your device (for example, Samsung USB Driver for Galaxy)|

Disable the screen lock (PIN, pattern) - it may interfere with the process|

Install ADB and Fastboot to the computer (instructions below)-->

Pay special attention to backup. Rooting erases all data from the internal memory! Use:

  • 📱 Local backup: Titanium Backup (requires root, but you can make a backup before rooting via ADB).
  • ☁️ Cloud backup: Google Drive (contacts, photos), Samsung Cloud (for devices Galaxy).
  • 💾 EFS backup: Folder /efs contains IMEI and serial numbers - its loss will lead to the absence of the network. For backup, use the command: 
    adb pull /efs efs_backup

Also make sure that the correct drivers are installed on your PC Windows download:

  • 🖥️ Android SDK Platform-Tools (official ADB and Fastboot from Google).
  • 🔌 Drivers for your brand: Samsung USB Driver, Xiaomi Mi PC Suite etc.
⚠️ Attention: If you use data-i="132">or MacOS or Linux, install ADB via package managers: 
brew install android-platform-tools # for MacOS

sudo apt install adb fastboot # for Ubuntu/Debian

Rights to execute commands may be required sudo.

Ways to obtain root access: comparison of methods

In 2026, four main methods of rooting are relevant:

Method Suitable devices Pros Cons
Magisk (patched boot) Any devices with an unlocked bootloader ✅ Does not change the system section
✅ Supports SafetyNet (banking applications work)		 ❌ Requires manual firmware via Fastboot or custom recovery
SuperSU (outdated) Old devices on Android 7-9 ✅ Easy to install ❌ Not updated since 2018
❌ Does not work SafetyNet
One-Click utilities (KingRoot, iRoot) Devices with firmware vulnerabilities ✅ No computer required
✅ Fast (5-10 minutes)		 ❌ High risk of malware Software
❌ Often breaks the system
Custom recovery (TWRP) Devices with an officially unlocked bootloader ✅ Full control over the firmware
✅ Ability to install ZIP mods		 ❌ Difficult for beginners
❌ Risk of losing data

The most reliable and modern method is Magisk (developer topjohnwu). system partition, but only modifies the boot image (boot.imgThis allows you to pass verification SafetyNet and use banking applications. However, to install it you will need to:

  1. Unlock the bootloader (OEM Unlock).
  2. Download the stock firmware for yours). model.
  3. Extract boot.img and patch it via Magisk Manager.
  4. Flash the patched boot.img via fastboot.

For devices Samsung (for example, Galaxy S23) the process becomes more complicated due to protection KNOX. Here you will need a special patch Magisk for init_boot, and not for boot.img. Look for details in the topics on XDA for your model.

💡

If you are a beginner, start with Magisk Delta - this is a fork of the original Magisk with open source code and more active support for new devices. You can download it on official website.

Step-by-step guide: rooting via Magisk (universal method)

This method is suitable for most devices with an unlocked bootloader. We will look at the process using an example Google Pixel 7, but the steps are similar for OnePlus, Xiaomi and other brands with official support OEM Unlock.

Step 1: Unlocking the bootloader

This is the most critical stage. On some devices (for example, Xiaomi), you need to link your account Mi and wait 7-14 days.

  1. Activate Developer mode: go to Settings → About phone and click on Build number.
  2. Go back to Settings → System → For developers and enable:
    • 🔓 OEM Unlock (unlocking the bootloader).
    • 🖥️ USB debugging.
  • Connect the phone to the PC and run the command: 
    adb reboot bootloader
  • In mode fastboot enter: 
    fastboot flashing unlock

    Confirm unlocking on the phone screen (this will erase all data!).

    • Step 2: Patching boot.img via Magisk

    Download the stock firmware for your model from the official website (for example, Google Factory Images for Pixel). Extract the file from the archive. specify the path to boot.img (or init_boot.img for new devices).

    1. Install Magisk Manager (you can download from GitHub).
    2. In the application, click Install → Select and patch the file and indicate the path to boot.img.
    3. The patched file will appear in the folder Download/magisk_patched_[random].img. Rename it to magisk_patched.img.

      4. Step 3: Firmware patched boot.img

      Return to mode fastboot and do:

      fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img

      fastboot reboot

      For devices with init_boot (for example, Pixel 7) use:

      fastboot flash init_boot magisk_patched.img

      After reboot, check for root access using application Root Checker. If everything went well, in Magisk Manager you will see a green check mark and version Magisk.

      💡

      On devices Samsung with One UI 5/6 instead of boot.img the file is patched AP (tar.md5) via Magisk in the format .tar>. Detailed instructions are in the topic XDA for your model.

      Problem solving: what to do if something goes wrong

      Even if you follow the instructions exactly, errors may occur. Here are the most common problems and their solutions:

      • 🔴 The phone does not turn on after the firmware (bootloop).
        Cause: Incorrectly patched boot.img or incompatible version Magisk.
        Solution: Flash the original boot.img via fastboot flash boot boot_original.img.
      • 🔴 The mobile network or Wi-Fi does not work.
        Reason: Damaged folder /efs (contains IMEI).
        Solution: Restore the backup efs or flash the stock firmware.
      • 🔴 Magisk does not work SafetyNet.
        Reason: Traces of modifications detected.
        Solution: Enable options in the settings Magisk options:
        • 🔲 Enforce DenyList (hide Magisk from banking applications).
        • 🔲 Zygisk (experimental function to bypass checks).
      • 🔴 The computer does not see the phone in mode fastboot.
        Reason: Missing drivers or incorrect USB cable.
        Solution: Use the original cable and install the drivers manually via Device Manager.

    If the phone turned into a “brick” (does not respond to buttons, does not load), try:

    1. Hold down the combination of buttons to enter Download Mode (for Samsung: Volume down + Power).
    2. Flash the stock firmware via Odin (for Samsung) or Fastboot (for Pixel/OnePlus).
    3. If all else fails, contact the service center (but don’t say that you tried to root!).
    ⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy S24 with a chip Snapdragon for the USA) unlocking the bootloader can lead to hardware locking of the modem (hard brickBefore rooting, check if your model is in black. list.

    How to hide root access from banking applications

    The main problem of rooted devices is the inability to use banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff, Google PayThis is due to the mechanism SafetyNetthat checks the integrity of the system. However, there are ways to bypass the checks:

    Method 1: MagiskHide (built into Magisk)

    From version Magisk 24+ function MagiskHide was replaced by DenyList, but the principle of operation remained the same:

    1. Open Magisk and go to Settings → Hide the Magisk application (this will hide the application itself).
    2. Enable Zygisk in settings.
    3. Add banking applications to DenyList (exception list).
    4. Reboot your phone.

    Method 2: Modules for bypassing SafetyNet

    Install via Magisk the following modules (you can download from the repository Magisk or on GitHub):

    • 🔒 Universal SafetyNet Fix —corrects errors CTS Profile.
    • 🔒 Shamiko — hides root from applications that use su-checks.
    • 🔒 Hide My Applist — masks the list of installed applications (useful for Google Play Protect).

    After installing modules, check the status SafetyNet through the app YASNAC (Yet Another SafetyNet Attestation Checker). If the test is passed (CTS Profile: true), banking applications should work.

    What to do if SafetyNet still does not pass?

    If after all the manipulations SafetyNet it gives an error, try:

    1. Remove all modules Magisk and leave only Universal SafetyNet Fix.

    2. Disable Enforce DenyList and use only Zygisk.

    3. mode Magisk in mode recovery instead of boot (if your device supports TWRP).

    4. Try alternative builds Magisk, for example, Magisk Delta or Kitsune Mask.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about root access on Android

    ❓ Is it possible to get root access without a computer?

    Yes, but only on older devices with vulnerabilities. To do this, use one-click utilities like KingRoot or iRootHowever:

    • 🚫 The risk of catching a virus or spyware is very high.
    • 🚫 Most modern phones (starting from Android 10) do not support this method.
    • 🚫 Root obtained in this way often breaks the system and does not work. SafetyNet.

    For new devices (Android 12+), a computer is required.

    ❓ How to remove root access and return the warranty?

    To return the phone to stock state:

    1. Delete Magisk through its menu (Delete → Complete removal).
    2. Flash the original boot.img (or stock firmware via Odin/Fastboot).
    3. Enable bootloader lock: 
      fastboot flashing lock
    4. Reset to factory settings (Settings → System → Reset).

    For Samsung additionally reset the counter KNOX using Triangle Away (does not work on all models).

    ❓ Will Google Pay and other payment systems work after rooting?

    Most likely not - if you do not configure Magisk correctly. Google Pay and similar services require passage SafetyNet and Play Integrity API. To make them work:

    1. Install modules Universal SafetyNet Fix and Play Integrity Fix.
    2. Add Google Play Services and Google Pay in DenyList.
    3. Use Zygisk instead MagiskHide.
    4. Check the status through YASNAC -should be MEETS_DEVICE_INTEGRITY.

    If all else fails, try alternative payment systems like Revolut or Buy on Creditthat do not check root.

    ❓ Is it possible to update Android after rooting?

    Yes, but not through OTA updates! When you try to install an update over the air, you will receive an error due to a modified boot.img. Instead:

    1. Download the full stock firmware for your model (for example, from SamFW for Samsung).
    2. Extract a new one from it boot.img and patch it via Magisk.
    3. Flash the updated firmware (except boot.imgvia Odin or Fastboot.
    4. Flash the patched boot.img.

    For devices with TWRP you can install the update in ZIP format, but first make sure that it is compatible with your version Magisk.

    ❓ What alternatives to rooting exist in 2026?

    If you only need certain root functions, try these methods without rooting:

    • 🔧 ADB commands: Can be disabled bloatware via adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.package.name.
    • 📱 Shizuku + App Ops: Allows you to manage the permissions of system applications without root.
    • ⚡ VirtualXposed: Emulator Xposed Framework for running modules in the sandbox.
    • 🛡️ Island (Work Profile): Creates an isolated environment for applications where you can block trackers.

    There are no alternatives for overclocking the processor or deeply tuning the system - here root is required.