How to change the model of an Android smartphone using root access: risks and step-by-step process

Changing the model of an Android device through root access is a procedure that may be needed to bypass application restrictions, test software or disguise the device as another model. However, this process is fraught with serious risks: from loss of warranty to complete failure of the smartphone. Unlike standard settings, where the phone model is displayed only for information, editing system files requires a deep understanding of the operation Android and the consequences of such changes.

It is important to understand that changing the model in build.prop or through specialized utilities does not change your Samsung Galaxy A52 v Google Pixel 7 physically - only the identifiers that the system and applications “see” change. Some apps (for example, banking or secure games) can block work on “fake” devices, and updating the firmware after such manipulations will become impossible without returning the original parameters.

In this article we will look at legal ways to change the model, tools for editing system files, and also tell you how to minimize risks and return everything back if something goes wrong. If you are new to the world root access, we recommend that you first learn the basics of working with ADB, Magisk and backup NANDroid.

Why do users change the Android device model?

The main reasons for changing the smartphone model through root access usually associated with bypassing software restrictions or testing:

• 🎮 Access to games/applicationslimited by device model (for example, beta versions or regional releases).
• 📱 Cheating verification systems (for example, for installing firmware intended for other devices of the same line).
• 🔍 Compatibility testing Software or mods that do not officially support your model.
• 🛡️ Disguise from trackers or analytical systems (although this is weak protection).
• 🔧 Experiments with customization interface, where the device model affects the displayed settings.

However, there is a downside: many services (for example, Google Pay, Netflix or banking applications) block devices with changed system parameters due to the risk of fraud. In addition, some firmware may refuse to be installed if the model in build.prop does not match the real one.

⚠️ Attention: Changing the device model can lead to loss of OTA updateserrors in the operation of the sensors or even a “brick” (breakage) of the smartphone if the new parameters conflict with the hardware. Always create NANDroid backup before editing system files.

Preparation: what needs to be done before changing the model?

Before you start editing system files, complete the required preparatory steps:

1. Get root access (for example, through Magisk or SuperSU). Without root access, it is impossible to change the model.
2. Create a backup copy the current state of the system. It is best to do NANDroid backup via TWRP or a similar recovery.
3. Check compatibility of the target model with your device. For example, you cannot replace Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 with Samsung Galaxy S22 —this will lead to critical errors.
4. Install a file manager with root access (for example, Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
5. Download the original firmware for your model in case of recovery.

Also make sure that the device has enough battery charge (at least 70%) and disable all protections that can block changes to system files (for example, Knox on Samsung or MIUI Optimization on Xiaomi).

Root access was obtained (Magisk/SuperSU)|NANDroid backup was created|Compatibility of the target model was checked|Root file manager was installed|Original firmware for recovery was downloaded-->

If you plan to change the model to bypass restrictions in games (for example, in PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact), please note that many anti-cheats will detect such changes and block your account. In this case, it is better to use alternative methods, for example, emulators.

Method 1: Editing the build.prop file. manually

The main system file where information about the device model is stored is /system/build.prop. It can be edited manually through any text editor with root access. Here are step-by-step guide:

1. Open a file manager with root access and go to the folder /system/.
2. Find file build.prop and make a copy of it (just in case).
3. Open the original file in a text editor (for example, through QuickEdit or the built-in editor Root Explorer).
4. Find lines starting with:

   ro.product.model=
   ro.product.brand=
   ro.product.name=
   ro.product.device=

5. Change the values to the desired ones (for example, instead of ro.product.model=RMX3363 specify ro.product.model=SM-G991B to disguise as Samsung Galaxy S21).
6. Save the changes and reboot the device.

After reboot, check the new model in the settings (Settings → About phone → Device model) or through command:

adb shell getprop ro.product.model

⚠️ Attention: Some manufacturers (for example, Huawei or Oppo) use additional checks in the boot section (boot.img). editing build.prop may not work or cause a boot loop (bootloop).

Method 2: Using applications to change the model

If manual editing build.prop seems difficult, you can use specialized utilities Below are proven applications that automate the process:

The most secure option is Magisk Module: Props Config, since it does not make changes directly to the system partition, but uses a masking mechanism. You can install it via Magisk Manager:

1. Open Magisk Manager and go to the section Modules.
2. Click + and select the downloaded module file Props Config.
3. Reboot the device.
4. After reboot, open Terminal i enter:

   su
   props

5. Follow the on-screen instructions to select a new model.

The advantage of this method is that the changes are applied on the fly and do not affect the original build.propwhich makes rollback easier.

Manually editing build.prop|BuildProp type applications Editor|Magisk Module: Props Config|Another method-->

Checking results and possible problems

After changing the device model, you need to check whether the new parameters are applied correctly in several ways:

• 📱 In the phone settings: Settings → About phone → Device model.
• 🔍 Via ADB:

  adb shell getprop ro.product.model

• 🌐 On device definition sites (for example, WhatIsMyDevice or DeviceInfo).
• 🎯 In applications that previously blocked your model (for example, games or beta versions of software).

If the model has not changed or the device behaves unstable, the following problems are possible:

Critical error: If after changing the model the device stops booting and there is no backup, the only way out is to flash the firmware via Fastboot or ODIN (for Samsung). In some cases, you may need to flash the bootable one. section (boot.img), if the changes affected critical parameters.

How to return the original device model?

If after experiments you decide to return the original settings, do it in one of the following ways:

1. Restoring from a backup:
   • Boot into TWRP (or another custom recovery).
   • Select Restore and specify the path to the saved NANDroid backup.
   • Confirm recovery and reboot the device.
2. Manual editing build.prop:
   • Open the file /system/build.prop and return the original values.
   • If the file is damaged, copy it from a backup or original firmware.
3. Removing Magisk modules:
   • Open Magisk Manager and remove the module Props Config.
   • Reboot the device.

adb shell getprop ro.product.model
adb shell getprop ro.product.brand