Getting root-rights on Android opens access to hidden system functions, allows you to remove built-in applications, optimize performance and install modified firmware. However, this process is fraught with risks - from loss of warranty to “brick” of the device. The forum 4PDA collects current methods for hundreds of smartphone models, but without a clear understanding of the mechanisms, it is easy to make a mistake.

In this article we will analyze legitimate ways to obtain root access taking into account the features of modern versions of Android (12–14), we will explain how unlocking works bootloader and installation Magisk, and also warn against common mistakes. The material is aimed at users with basic skills in working with ADB i Fastboot, but even beginners will find step-by-step guide here.

What are root access and why you need them

root access (or rights superuser) is full control over the Android operating system, similar to admin rights in Windows. With them you can:

  • 📱 Remove pre-installed applications (bloatware) from the manufacturer or operator.
  • ⚡ Optimize the performance of the processor and battery through the kernel (kernel tweaks).
  • 🔧 Install modified firmware (custom ROMs) like LineageOS or Pixel Experience.
  • 🛡️ Block advertising at the system level using AdAway or Blokada.
  • 📁 Receive access to hidden memory sections (/data, /system).

However, there is a downside: loss of warranty (manufacturers record the bootloader unlock status), security risk (viruses gain unlimited access), as well as unstable operation systems with incorrect changes. On 4PDA cases are often discussed when, after rooting, banking applications stop working due to a trigger Google Pay, Netflix or banking applications due to trigger SafetyNet.

⚠️ Attention: Starting with Android 10, Google has tightened the requirements for device certification. Even after successful rooting, some functions (for example, Widevine L1 for viewing HD content) may not work. Check the compatibility of your model at 4PDA before starting the procedure.

Preparation of the device: what you need to do before rooting

Before proceeding with unlocking the bootloader and installation Magisk, follow the required steps:

Unlock OEM unlocking in the developer settings

Make a backup copy of your data (photos, contacts, messages)

Charge the battery to 80% or higher

Install ADB/Fastboot drivers for your model

Download the official firmware (in case of recovery)

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The most critical stage is unlock bootloader (bootloader).On most modern smartphones (Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus) this option is hidden. To activate it:

  1. Go to Settings → About phone → Build number and tap 7 times to enable developer mode.
  2. Go back to the main settings, open the section For developers and enable:
    • 🔓 OEM unlock (OEM Unlocking).
    • 🖥️ USB debugging (USB Debugging).
  • Connect the phone to the PC and confirm permission for debugging.

    • On some devices (for example, Huawei or Honor) it is required obtain unlock code through the official website of the manufacturer. To Xiaomi you will need to link your account Mi and wait 7-14 days for unlock approval. Be sure to check these details in the topic of your model on 4PDA.

    Samsung

    Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco

    OnePlus/Nothing

    Google Pixel

    Huawei/Honor

    Other-->

    Ways to obtain root access: from Magisk to exploits

    There are several methods of rooting, but in 2026 only two are relevant:

    Method Supported devices Difficulty Risks
    Magisk (patched boot) Most devices on Android 9–14 Average Requires bootloader unlocking, possible problems with SafetyNet
    Exploits (DirtyCOW, CVE-2023-*) Device with vulnerable cores (rare) High Unstable operation, high risk of bricking
    Custom Recovery (TWRP) Devices with TWRP support Low May not work on new models due to A/B partitions

    Magisk - the most reliable method today It modifies boot.img without changing the system partition, which allows you to pass the check SafetyNet (if configured correctly):

    1. Download the latest version Magisk from GitHub (file Magisk-v26.4.zip).
    2. Extract boot.img from firmware of your device (can be found on 4PDA or download the official firmware and unpack it).
    3. Transfer boot.img to your phone and open in the application Magisk (section Install → Select and Patch a File).
    4. Received file magisk_patched.img copy to PC.
    5. Reboot the phone into mode Fastboot (adb reboot bootloaderand flash the patched boot: 
      fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img

      fastboot reboot

    For devices with the system A/B partitions (for example, Google Pixel or OnePlus) the command will be different: 

    fastboot flash boot_a magisk_patched.img

    fastboot flash boot_b magisk_patched.img

    Specify the type of markup of your device in the topic on 4PDA!

    What to do if Magisk is not flashed?

    If you see an error when flashing the firmware FAILED (remote: 'Not allowed in Lock State'), then the bootloader is not unlocked. To Samsung you need to enable OEM Unlock in Download Mode (hold Vol Up + Vol Down, connect USB), and for Xiaomi —wait for unlock approval in Mi Unlock Tool.

    The process of unlocking the bootloader differs depending on the manufacturer. Below are the current instructions for top brands (data verified in 4PDA 2026). year).

    📱 Samsung (Exynos/Snapdragon)

    On devices Samsung with processors Exynos (for example, Galaxy S22 Ultra), unlocking is possible, but with nuances:

    1. Enable OEM Unlock in the settings developer.
    2. Reboot into Download Mode (Vol Down + Power + USB).
    3. Confirm unlocking with the button Vol Up (data will be erased!).
    4. Flash TWRP or patched boot.img via Odin.
    ⚠️ Attention: On Samsung with Snapdragon (for example, Galaxy S23 for the USA) the bootloader is blocked at the hardware level. Bypass is possible only through exploits, but this is risky.

    📱 Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco

    For devices Xiaomi required:

    1. Link your account Mi to your phone.
    2. Download Mi Unlock Tool from official website.
    3. Connect the phone in mode Fastboot and wait for the confirmation SMS (may take up to 14 days).
    4. After unlocking, flash it TWRP or Magisk via fastboot.

    On 4PDA there are separate topics with patched versions Mi Unlock Toolthat bypass the wait, but their use may lead to account blocking.

    📱 Google Pixel

    Devices Pixel support official unlocking:

    1. Turn on OEM Unlock and connect to the PC.
    2. Run the command: 
      fastboot flashing unlock
    3. Confirm unlock on the phone screen.
    4. Flash Magisk via fastboot (see section above).
    fastboot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.img
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    Problems after rooting and how to solve them

    Even if you successfully obtain root access, problems may arise problems. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

    • 🚫 Google Pay/SafetyNet does not work: Install the module Universal SafetyNet Fix in Magisk and enable MagiskHide (starting with Magisk 24.0 used Zygisk).
    • 🔄 Looped boot (bootloop): Reflash the original boot.img via fastboot or restore the backup to TWRP.
    • 📵 No network after flashing: Check whether the modem partition has been erased. data-i="199">look for a topic with files 4PDA look for a topic with files modem.bin for your model.
    • 🔋 Fast discharge battery: Disable unnecessary modules Magisk or check the kernel settings in the application Kernel Auditor.

    If banking applications stop working after rooting (SberBank Online, Tinkoff), try:

    1. Hide root using MagiskHide or Shamiko.
    2. Install the module MagiskHide Props Config and replace the device fingerprint (fingerprint) with a certified one.
    3. Use alternative versions of applications (for example, SberBank Online Lite).
    ⚠️ Attention: Some banks (for example, VTB) block access when root access is detected, even with MagiskHideenabled. In this case, all that remains is to roll back to the stock firmware.

    How to remove root access and return the warranty

    If you need to return the device to a service center or sell it, you need completely remove traces of rootingTo do this:

    1. Download stock firmware for your model (on 4PDA or the manufacturer's official website).
    2. Flash it via Fastboot or Odin (for Samsung): 
      fastboot flash system system.img

      fastboot flash boot boot.img
      

      fastboot erase userdata

    3. Close the bootloader (if possible for your model): 
      fastboot flashing lock
    4. Reset the settings to factory settings via Recovery.

    To check the cleanliness of the system, use applications Root Checker or SafetyNet Test. If SafetyNet still does not work, then there are modified partitions left. In this case, a complete flashing via EDL mode) will help. data-i="242">Even after removing root, some manufacturers (for example, (for Qualcomm) or Download Mode (for Samsung).

    💡

    Even after unrooting, some manufacturers (for example, Samsung) record the fact of unlocking the bootloader in the hardware counter KNOXIt is impossible to return the warranty in this case - the service center will see the status KNOX: 0x1.

    Alternatives to root access: what can be done without root

    If you only need certain root functions, but don't want to risk system stability, consider alternatives:

    • 🧹 Removing bloatware: Use ADB AppControl to deactivate system applications without root: 
      adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.example.bloatware
    • ⚡ Performance optimization: Applications like Greenify or Brevent can freeze background processes through ADB.
    • 🛡️ Ad blocking: Configure DNS filtering (for example, NextDNS or AdGuard DNS) or use a browser with built-in blocking (Brave).
    • 📁 Access to files: To work with /data without root is suitable FX Explorer with a plugin Root Access (ADB command for temporary root is required).

    On 4PDA there are themes with collections ADB commands for specific models that allow you to configure hidden parameters without completely rooting. For example, for Xiaomi you can unlock high frequency display. updates or RAW photography mode.

    FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about root access

    ❓ Is it possible to get root on Android 14?

    Yes, but with reservations It is required on most devices. unlocking bootloader and firmware of the modified boot.img via Magisk. However, some manufacturers (for example, Huawei or Oppo) have completely blocked this feature on new models. Check compatibility at 4PDA.

    ❓ Why does Netflix not work after rooting?

    Netflix requires certification Widevine L1 and successful passage SafetyNetIf after rooting the video is shown in low resolution (480p), install. module MagiskHide Props Config and replace the device’s fingerprint with a certified one (for example, Pixel 6Also check the status Widevine in the application DRM Info.

    ❓ How to update the firmware with root access?

    When updating via OTA root access is lost, and the device may get stuck in loading. To avoid this:

    1. Download the full update package (full OTA) from 4PDA.
    2. Extract from it boot.img and patch it via Magisk.
    3. Flash the update manually via TWRP or ADB Sideload, then flash the patched boot.img.

    For devices with A/B sections (for example, Pixel) after the update you need to flash Magisk in both slots (boot_a and boot_b).

    ❓ Is it possible to root a phone without a computer?

    Theoretically yes, but in practice this only works for older devices (Android 8 and below). Modern ones methods require Fastboot or ADB, which means connection to a PC. Exception: some firmware for Xiaomi (for example, MIUI EU) already contain Magisk, but their installation still requires unlocking. bootloader.

    ❓ What is Magisk and how is it better than SuperSU?

    Magisk is a system for managing root access that only modifies boot.imgwithout affecting the system partition. Advantages over SuperSU:

    • 🔹 Support SafetyNet (you can hide root for banking applications).
    • 🔹 Modular system (additional functions via Magisk Modules).
    • 🔹 Regular updates and support for new versions of Android.

    SuperSU outdated and not compatible with Android 10+. It is not recommended for use. 4PDA it is not recommended for use.