Obtaining superuser rights on smartphones with an operating system Android 10 has become much more difficult compared to previous versions of the OS. Google has implemented strict security mechanisms, including mandatory data encryption and bootloader integrity verification, which requires the user to have a deep understanding of the firmware processes. However, enthusiasts and developers have found ways to bypass these restrictions using modern tools like Magisk.
You will be faced with the need to unlock the bootloader, which will inevitably lead to the complete removal of all user data from the device. This is not just a formality, but a critically important security step that cannot be missed on most modern gadgets from Samsung, Xiaomi or OnePlus. Being prepared to lose information is the first step towards complete freedom of action in the system.
Why is this complex process even needed in 2026? The answer lies in the ability to fully control the file system, block ads at the system level, and install specialized modules. However, it is worth understanding that obtaining root access forever deprives you of an official guarantee and may disrupt the operation of banking applications if additional measures are not taken to hide rights.
Preparation of the device and risk assessment
Before proceeding with technical manipulations, it is necessary soberly assess the condition of your smartphone and understand whether you are ready for the possible consequences. The procedure for obtaining administrator rights to Android 10 is irreversible in terms of warranty and carries the risk of turning the device into a “brick” if done incorrectly.
The most critical point is unlocking the bootloader, which on many devices activates the digital fuse Knox or similar systems security. After this, some features, such as Secure Folder or Contactless Payment via Google Pay (in standard form), may stop working permanently, regardless of further actions.
You will need to create a full backup of all important data, as the unlocking process will initiate an automatic factory reset. Don't rely only on cloud services; use local copying of photos, contacts and documents to an external drive or computer.
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader on devices of some telecom operators (especially in the US) may be completely blocked at the software level. In this case, obtaining root access is technically impossible without replacing hardware components.
Make sure that the battery charge level is at least 70%, since interrupting the firmware process due to a low battery is fatal to the system. Also check that you have the original USB cable, as poor-quality wires can cause a loss of connection at the critical moment of data recording.
Before starting any actions, find the exact model name of your device in the settings and check the developer forums (for example, XDA Developers) for specific nuances for your revision of the board.
Required tools and drivers
To successfully carry out the procedure, you will need a set of specialized software installed on a personal computer running Windows, Linux or macOS. Without the correct set of drivers, the computer simply will not see the smartphone in download mode, which will make further steps impossible.
The main tool for working with Android 10 is the package Android SDK Platform-Tools, containing the utilities adb i fastboot. These apps allow you to send commands to the device from the command line, manage memory partitions and load temporary recovery images.
In addition, you will need a firmware file TWRP Recoveryadapted specifically to your device model. The use of universal images is strictly not recommended, as this may lead to incorrect operation of the touch screen or lack of access to the internal storage.
- 📦 USB drivers: Install the manufacturer's official drivers (Samsung USB Driver, Xiaomi USB Driver, etc.) for correct device recognition in Fastboot mode.
- 💻 Platform Tools: Download the latest version of SDK Platform-Tools from the official Android developer website.
- 📱 Recovery image: Find the file
twrp.imgorrecovery.img, created specifically for your model and version of Android 10. - 🔑 Magisk APK: Download the latest stable version of the Magisk application to patch the boot image.
After installing the drivers, connect your smartphone to the PC and check the connection by running the command adb devices in the command line. If the device is displayed with status unauthorized, unlock the phone screen and confirm USB debugging in the pop-up window.
☑️ Tools ready
Unlocking the bootloader
The first technical stage is to remove the lock from the bootloader, which opens access to modification of system partitions. This process is implemented differently on different devices, but the general logic remains the same for the entire ecosystem Android.
First, you need to activate the developer menu by clicking seven times on the build number in the section Settings → About phone. Then in the menu that appears, enable the option Factory unlocking (OEM Unlocking) and USB debugging.
Reboot the device into mode Fastboot (this is usually done by holding down the power button and the volume down button when the phone is turned off). Connect the phone to the computer and enter the command fastboot oem unlock or fastboot flashing unlock for new devices.
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi smartphones, unlocking requires official authorization through the Mi Unlock utility and waiting from 3 to 168 hours after linking the account. An attempt to bypass this restriction may lead to blocking of the device at the server level.
A warning about data loss and voiding the warranty will appear on the smartphone screen. Confirm the action using the volume buttons. After the process is completed, the device will reboot and all data will be permanently deleted.
What to do if the OEM Unlocking item is inactive?
If the option is gray and cannot be clicked, connect the device to the Internet via Wi-Fi and wait 7 days. In some cases, you need to insert an operator SIM card, since some models block this function without an active network.
Installing custom Recovery and Magisk firmware
Standard Android recovery does not allow installing unsigned system files, so it must be replaced with a custom solution such as TWRP. It is through this that we will implement superuser rights into the system.
Boot the phone into Fastboot mode again and use the command to temporarily download the recovery image: fastboot boot twrp.img. Do not use the command flash immediately if you are not sure about the stability of the image, since temporary loading is safer.
In the TWRP menu, first of all, make a full backup of the current system (Boot, System, Data sections), even if you have already copied the data to the PC. This is insurance in case the process does not go according to plan and a rollback is required.
Copy the file Magisk.apk to the internal memory of the phone. In some cases, you may need to rename the file extension from .apk to .zip, although modern versions of Magisk often understand both formats. Select Install, select the file and swipe to confirm installation.
| Stage | Action | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Upload to Fastboot | Low |
| 2 | Entering the boot command | Medium |
| 3 | Installing Magisk | High |
| 4 | First boot | Critical |
After installation, click the Reboot System button. The first boot may take up to 5-10 minutes as the system optimizes applications and applies new permissions. Do not interrupt this process, even if the screen goes dark.
The successful installation of Magisk is confirmed by the appearance of a new application in the menu. If it is not there, it means that the firmware process did not complete correctly and you need to repeat the steps.
Setting up hiding Root for banking applications
Modern banking applications and services like Google Pay use a mechanism SafetyNet to check the integrity of the system. Detection of root access leads to blocking of functionality, so you need to properly configure masking.
Open the Magisk application and go to settings (gear at the top). Activate the switch Zygisk (or MagiskHide in older versions) and reboot your device. This will allow you to embed the masking code into the application launch process.
In the “Set up DenyList” section, select all banking applications, Google Play Services and Google Pay. This will indicate to the system that the environment should appear “clean” and unmodified for these apps.
- 🛡️ MagiskHide: Hides the fact of root from specific applications.
- 🎭 Zygisk: A modern injection method that works at the Zygote level.
- 🧹 Data cleaning: After setting up the disguise, be sure to clear the cache and data of banking applications.
If standard methods are not enough, you may need to install a module Universal SafetyNet Fix. It replaces the device's digital fingerprints, making Google services think that you are using stock firmware.
⚠️ Attention: Constant updates to banking applications and Google services may disrupt the operation of disguise. Regularly check your Magisk settings after updating the software.
Possible problems and methods for solving them
Even if you strictly follow the instructions, unforeseen situations may arise related to the characteristics of a particular hardware or firmware version. Understanding common errors will help you quickly bring your device back to life.
The most common problem is bootloop (infinite reboot). This happens if the Recovery image is not compatible with the kernel version or if the data partition has been damaged. In this case, you need to enter Recovery mode again and perform a factory reset (Wipe Data/Factory Reset).
Lack of Internet access after flashing often indicates damage to the partition EFS or Modem. If you have a backup of these partitions, restore them via TWRP. If there is no backup, you may need to flash the stock firmware using official utilities (Odin, Mi Flash).
Sometimes the Magisk application is installed, but the rights are not issued. Check in the developer settings to see if the "Unlock bootloader" option is disabled after the first boot. Also make sure that you do not install several root managers at the same time, as they conflict with each other.
How to exit Bootloop without losing data?
Try booting into safe mode (hold the power button on the boot logo). If the login is successful, delete the latest installed Magisk modules through the file manager in the /data/adb/modules folder.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will the phone reset to factory settings after Rooting?
Yes, the process of unlocking the bootloader, which is mandatory condition for obtaining superuser rights on Android 10, automatically initiates a full device reset (Wipe Data). All photos, contacts and applications will be deleted.
Is it possible to get Root on Android 10 without unlocking the bootloader?
No, this is not possible on modern devices with Android 10 and higher. Vulnerabilities that allowed this to happen through exploits (like KingRoot in the past) have been fixed by Google developers. Unlocking the bootloader is the only legal method.
Will Google Pay work after installing Magisk?
By default - no. However, using hiding functions (MagiskHide/Zygisk) and security modules it is possible to bypass the SafetyNet check. But this is an “arms race”: banks can update the protection, and the payment system will stop working until the next setting.
Will Root increase battery life?
Root itself does not increase autonomy. However, it makes it possible to install applications for deep freezing background processes or controlling the processor frequency, which can indirectly extend the life of the battery with proper configuration.
How to return the phone to its original state?
To do this, you need to download the official stock firmware for your model and flash it through a computer (using Odin for Samsung, Fastboot for Pixel, etc.). This will completely erase the modified boot partition and close the bootloader.