Obtaining root access (or root access) on a smartphone running Android opens up almost unlimited possibilities for customizing the system: from removing built-in applications to installing custom firmware. However, this process is fraught with risks - from loss of warranty to “brick” of the device, when the phone turns into a useless “brick”. In 2026, methods for obtaining root access have evolved, but the basic principles remain the same: unlocking the bootloader, installing a custom recovery and a modified kernel.

This article will examine in detail the current methods of obtaining root access for different brands (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel etc.), will explain how to minimize risks and provide solutions to common problems. We will not convince you of the need for root access - the decision must be made by the user, aware of all the consequences. If you are ready to sacrifice a guarantee for the sake of complete control over the device, let's get started.

What is root access and why do you need it

root access (from English root — "root") provide the user administrative access to the operating system Android, similar to superuser rights in Linux. Without them, the system limits the user's capabilities for the sake of security: you cannot delete system applications, change files in a folder /system or gain low-level access to hardware components.

With root access you can:

  • 🧹 Remove built-in applications (bloatware), which cannot be uninstalled using standard means.
  • 🔧 Install modified firmware (custom ROMs) to extend the life of an old smartphone.
  • 📱 Block advertising at the system level using AdAway or Blokada.
  • 🔋 Optimize battery life using applications like Greenify or Battery Charge Limit.
  • 🎮 Use game emulators for other platforms (for example, Nintendo Switch or PlayStation).

However, there are downside:

  • 🚫 Loss of warranty — most manufacturers consider root access a violation of warranty terms.
  • 🛡️ Security vulnerability —malware with root access can cause irreparable harm to the system.
  • 🔄 Problems with OTA updates —many firmwares refuse to install on rooted devices.
  • 💥 Risk of "brick" —wrong actions can make the phone inoperable.
⚠️ Attention: Some banking applications (for example, SberBank Online or Tinkoff) block work on rooted devices due to security requirements. Before obtaining root access, check whether you are using such applications.
📊 Why do you need root access?
Removing built-in applications
Installing custom firmware
Ad blocking
Optimization batteries
Other

Preparing the device: what you need to do before getting root access

Before you start unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk (the most popular tool for getting root access in 2026), you need to complete several critical steps. Neglecting them can lead to data loss or impossibility of recovery. device.

1. Create a complete backup of your data. Root access requires unlocking the bootloader, which leads to resetting the device to factory settings. Use:

  • 📱 Built-in backup tools (Settings → Google → Backup).
  • 💾 Third-party utilities like Swift Backup (requires root access, but can be used on another device).
  • 🖥️ Manual copying of important files (photos, videos, documents) to a PC.

2. Check the compatibility of your device. Not all smartphones support bootloader unlocking. For example:

  • 📱 Google Pixel - officially supports unlocking, but requires the option to be enabled OEM Unlock.
  • 📱 Samsung - on new models (2023+ years), bootloader unlocking can be locked at the hardware level software.
  • 📱 Xiaomi —requires account linking Mi and waiting for unlocking (from 72 hours to 7 days).

3. Install the necessary tools on your PC:

  • 🖥️ ADB and Fastboot (included in Android SDK Platform-Tools).
  • 🔧 Drivers for your device (for example, Samsung USB Drivers or Xiaomi USB Drivers).
  • 📦 Latest version Magisk (download only from the official repository on GitHub).

☑️ Preparation to obtain root access

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⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Huawei or Honor), unlocking the bootloader requires a unique code, which is issued by the manufacturer after checking the serial number. This process may take several days.

Step-by-step guide: how to unlock the bootloader

Unlocking the bootloader (bootloader) is a mandatory step before obtaining root access. Without this, the system will not allow you to install modified files. The process differs depending on the manufacturer, but the general scheme looks like this. like this:

Step 1. Enable developer mode and USB debugging.

  1. Go to Settings → About phone.
  2. Find the item Build number and tap on it 7 times until the notification “You have become a developer” appears.
  3. Go back to the main settings and open System → For developers.
  4. Activate options USB Debugging i OEM Unlocking (on some devices may be called OEM Unlock).

Step 2. Connect the device to the PC and check the connection.

adb devices

If the device is shown in the list, the connection is established correctly. If not, check the drivers and cable.

Step 3. Unlock the bootloader via Fastboot.

adb reboot bootloader

fastboot flashing unlock

A warning will appear on the device screen. Confirm unlocking using the volume and power buttons.

Step 4. Wait for the process to complete. The device will automatically complete the process. reset to factory settings. After reboot, the bootloader will be unlocked.

Manufacturer Unlocking features Link to official instructions
Google Pixel Supports official unlocking via fastboot flashing unlockRequired to be enabled OEM Unlock. developers.google.com/android/images
Xiaomi Requires account linking Mi and use of the utility Mi Unlock Tool. Waiting for unlocking up to 7 days. new.c.mi.com/global/miui/unlock
Samsung On new models, unlocking may be blocked. You need to enable OEM Unlock in developer mode. developer.samsung.com
OnePlus Unlocking via fastboot oem unlockSome models require additional confirmation through your account OnePlus. forums.oneplus.com
What to do if the fastboot flashing unlock command does not work. does it work?

On some devices (for example, older Samsung models), instead of fastboot flashing unlock you need to use fastboot oem unlock. If this does not work, check whether the option OEM Unlock is enabled in the developer settings. On devices with a processor. MediaTek a special utility may be required, e.g. SP Flash Tool.

Installing Magisk: obtaining root access without custom recovery

Magisk is a universal tool for obtaining root access that allows you to bypass security checks (for example, SafetyNet) and hide the fact of having root access from applications. In 2026 Magisk remains the most reliable and supported solution.

Step 1. Download the latest version Magisk. Official repository - https://github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk. Avoid third-party sources so as not to download a modified version with malicious code.

Step 2. Extract the file boot.img from the firmware of your device. This can be done in two ways:

  • 📱 If you already have custom recovery installed (TWRP), boot into it and create a backup copy of the partition boot.
  • 🖥️ If there is no custom recovery, download the official firmware for your model from the manufacturer’s website and extract boot.img using the utility payload-dumper-go.

Step 3. Modify boot.img using Magisk.

  1. Copy boot.img to the device.
  2. Install APK file Magisk (do not run it!).
  3. In Magisk select Install → Select and Patch a File and specify the path to boot.img.
  4. After processing, the file magisk_patched.img will appear in folder Download.

Step 4. Flash the modified boot.img via Fastboot.

adb reboot bootloader

fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img


fastboot reboot

After rebooting, the application will appear on the device Magisk Manager, and root access will be activated. Check it using the application Root Checker.

💡

If after flashing magisk_patched.img the device does not boot, try flashing the original one boot.img back. This will return the phone to working condition, but there will be no root access.

Solving typical problems when obtaining root access

Even if you strictly follow the instructions, errors may occur. Let's look at the most common of them and ways to eliminate them.

1. The device is not detected in ADB or Fastboot.

  • 🔌 Check the cable - use the original USB cable that came with the device.
  • 🖥️ Install or update drivers for your device (for example, Google USB Driver for Pixel or Samsung USB Driver for gadgets Samsung).
  • 🔄 Restart the PC and device, then reconnect.

2. Command fastboot flashing unlock returns error.

  • 🔓 Make sure that the option OEM Unlock is enabled in the developer settings.
  • 📱 On devices Xiaomi unlocking is possible only through the official utility Mi Unlock Tool.
  • 🔧 On some devices Samsung you need to disable protection Knox using the utility Samsung Knox Removal (risky!).

3. After flashing magisk_patched.img the device boots into bootloop (infinite reboot).

  • 🔄 Boot into Fastboot and flash the original boot.img:
    • fastboot flash boot stock_boot.img
  • 📱 If you have custom recovery installed (TWRP), boot into it and restore the backup copy of the partition boot.
  • 🔧 Check the compatibility of the version Magisk with your firmware. For example, Magisk 26.4 may not work with Android 14 on some devices.

4. Bank applications or Netflix refuse to work.

  • 🛡️ Enable the Magisk option MagiskHide (or Zygisk in new versions) and add problematic applications to the list hiding.
  • 🔄 Update Magisk to the latest version - developers regularly fix problems with SafetyNet.
  • 📱 Install the module Universal SafetyNet Fix via Magisk.
💡

If none of the methods helped solve the problem with bootloop, your device may require flashing the full firmware image via Odin (for Samsung) or Fastboot (for Google Pixel).

How to hide root access from applications (MagiskHide and alternatives)

Many applications, especially banking and streaming services (Netflix, Disney+), block operation on rooted devices due to security requirements. Fortunately, Magisk offers tools to bypass these restrictions.

1. Enabling MagiskHide (or Zygisk in new versions).

  1. Open the application Magisk.
  2. Go to Settings and activate the option Zygisk (in older versions - MagiskHide).
  3. In section Configure DenyList add applications that need to be hidden from root access (for example, SberBank or Google Pay).

2. Installing the Universal SafetyNet Fix module.

  • 📥 Download the module Universal SafetyNet Fix from the official repository Magisk.
  • 📦 Install it through the section Modules in the application Magisk.
  • 🔄 Reboot the device.

3. Checking the SafetyNet status.

Use the application SafetyNet Test (available in Google Play) to make sure that ctsProfile and basicIntegrity pass verification. If not, try:

  • 🔄 Update Magisk and modules to the latest versions.
  • 📱 Remove other modules that may conflict with SafetyNet.
  • 🔧 Manually clear data Google Play Services (Settings → Applications → Google Play Services → Storage → Clear data).
⚠️ Attention: Some banking applications (for example, Tinkoff or VTB Online) use additional methods for detecting root access, which MagiskHide cannot always deceive. In this case, the only way out is to temporarily remove root access. (via Uninstall Magisk in the application settings).

How to remove root access and return the device to its original state

If you no longer need root access (for example, to sell a device or restore a warranty), you can completely remove them. The process depends on how you obtained root access.

Method 1. Removal via Magisk (if installed).

  1. Open the application Magisk.
  2. Go in Settings and select Uninstall → Complete Uninstall.
  3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

This method will remove Magiskbut the bootloader will remain unlocked to return the device to a completely stock one. condition, you need to flash the original firmware.

Method 2. Flashing the original boot.img.

adb reboot bootloader

fastboot flash boot stock_boot.img


fastboot reboot

Where stock_boot.img is the original file boot from the stock firmware of your device.

Method 3. Full reset via stock recovery.

  • 📱 Turn off the device.
  • 🔧 Press the combination of buttons to enter the recovery (for example, Power + Volume Up for Google Pixel).
  • 🗑️ Select Wipe data/factory reset.
  • 🔄 Reboot the device.

This method will not remove root access if it was installed through modification boot.img, but will return the device to factory settings.

Method 4. Flashing the full stock image firmware.

The most reliable way to return the device to its original state is to flash the official firmware via:

  • 📱 Odin for devices Samsung.
  • 📱 Fastboot for devices Google Pixel, OnePlus, Xiaomi.
  • 📱 SP Flash Tool for devices with processors MediaTek.
⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Samsung s Knox) the bootloader unlock counter (Knox Warranty Void) is reset only through an official service center, and this may cost more than the device itself.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about root access

Is it possible to get root access without unlocking the bootloader?

No, unlocking the bootloader is required for most modern devices. The exception is some older models (for example, Samsung Galaxy S5 or LG G4), where they exist. exploits for obtaining root access without unlocking. However, such methods are unreliable and can lead to unstable operation of the system.

Will Google Pay work after obtaining root access?

Most likely not - Google Pay uses SafetyNet for verification system integrity. However, you can try:

  1. Enable MagiskHide (or Zygisk) and add Google Pay to the list of hidden applications.
  2. Install the module Universal SafetyNet Fix.
  3. Use alternative payment systems that do not check root access (for example, Samsung Pay on devices Samsung).

If all else fails, you will have to temporarily remove root access to use Google Pay.

Is it possible to update Android via OTA with root access?

Technically it is possible, but this is fraught with loss of root access or even bootloop. When updating via OTA:

  1. Magisk will be automatically deleted, but root access will remain (re-installation will be required Magisk).
  2. If the update modifies the partition boot, the device may stop booting.

Recommended update method:

  1. Uninstall Magisk via Complete Uninstall.
  2. Install an OTA update.
  3. Repeat the process of obtaining root access for the new firmware version.
How to check if the bootloader is unlocked on my device?

There are several ways:

  1. Turn off the device and boot into Fastboot (usually a combination Power + Volume Down). If there is an inscription at the top of the screen Unlocked or Device State: Unlocked the bootloader is unlocked.
  2. Turn on the device and check for a warning about bootloader unlocking at boot (on some devices it appears for a few seconds).
  3. Use the command in ADB:
    4. adb shell getprop ro.boot.verifiedbootstate

    If the answer is orange —the bootloader is unlocked, if green —it is locked.

Is it possible to get root access on devices with Android 14?

Yes, but the process may differ from older versions. Main changes:

  • 🔧 Magisk fully supports Android 14, but version required 26.4+.
  • 📱 On some devices (for example, Google Pixel 8), additional kernel configuration may be required.
  • 🔒 Manufacturers are tightening protection: on new ones devices Samsung and Xiaomi unlocking the bootloader may not be possible without official permission.

Before trying to get root access on Android 14 be sure to check the compatibility of your model on forums like XDA Developers.