Obtaining superuser rights (root access) on Android is like the key to all the doors in your smartphone. With them you can remove system applications, overclock the processor, install custom firmware and even restore deleted files. But along with freedom comes responsibility: one wrong step and the phone will turn into a “brick” and the warranty will be void.

In this article we will look at 5 working methods get root on modern devices (including Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel and others), we will assess the risks and tell you how to avoid common mistakes. And if you are not ready for radical measures, we will offer legal alternatives with similar capabilities.

Spoiler: on new smartphones with Android 14/15 the process has become more complicated due to tightened security. But there are workarounds - read on.

What are root access and why you need them?

root access (superuser rights) give complete control over the operating system Android. Essentially, you become the administrator of your device, just like on Linuxsystems. This allows:

  • 🔧 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 video card to improve performance in games (but this reduces battery life!).
  • 📱 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) to update outdated devices.
  • 🔍 Recover deleted files, even if they are not in the recycle bin.
  • 🛡️ Block advertising at the system level using AdAway or Blokada.

However, there is a downside:

  • ⚠️ Loss of warranty - most manufacturers (including Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus) will void the warranty if root is detected.
  • 🛡️ Vulnerability to viruses —malware with root access can steal data or damage the system.
  • 🔄 Problems with OTA updates —many devices stop receiving over-the-air updates.
  • 💥 Risk of “bricking” —wrong actions can make the phone inoperable.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 12+ chips Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 or Exynos 2200/2400 The process of getting root may differ due to hardware protection. Before you start, check the compatibility of your model on the forums XDA Developers or 4PDA.

Preparing the device: 7 mandatory steps before root

Before you start unlocking, follow these steps - they will save you hours on data recovery or repair:

  1. Create a backup all data (photos, contacts, messages). process due to discharge may lead to failure. Google Drive, Titanium Backup (requires root, but you can make a copy on PC) or adb backup.
  2. Charge the battery at least 70%. Interrupting the process due to discharge may result in failure.
  3. Find out the model and firmware version.. Go to Settings → About phone → Android version i Build number. Write down this data.
  4. Unlock the bootloader. Without this, root is not possible. On most devices, this is done through the command fastboot oem unlock.
  5. Install drivers for your device on a PC. For Samsung need Samsung USB Drivers, for Xiaomi — Mi Unlock Tool.
  6. Download the necessary tools:
    • 🖥️ Platform Tools (includes adb and fastboot) from the site Google.
    • 🔧 Magisk (latest version) or SuperSU (for old devices).
    • 📱 TWRP Recovery (custom recovery) for your model.
  • Disable OEM lock in the developer settings.
    1. Go to Settings → About phone → Build number and tap on it 7 times to activate developer mode.
    2. Go back in Settings → System → For developers and turn on OEM Unlocking.

    • Made a backup copy of the data|Charged the phone ≥70%|Learned the model and firmware version|Unlocked Bootloader|Install drivers and Platform Tools|Downloaded Magisk and TWRP for my model|Enabled OEM Unlocking in developer settings-->

    If you are using a device with Samsung Knox (for example, Galaxy S23 or Note 20), Please note: unlocking the bootloader forever flag will trigger, which will deprive you of the ability to use Knox 0x1, which will prevent you from using Samsung Pay, Secure Folder and some banking applications.

    Magisk is the most popular tool for obtaining root access without changing the system partition (systemless rootIt works on most devices with Android 7.0+ and supports hiding root from applications (for example, banking).

    Instructions:

    1. Download the latest version of Magisk from the official repository to GitHub (file Magisk-vXX.X.zip).
    2. Flash TWRP Recovery for your model: 
      fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.X-X-device_codename.img

      fastboot reboot recovery

      Replace device_codename with the encoding of your device (for example, davinci for Redmi K20 Pro).

    3. In TWRP, select Install → specify the path to the downloaded Magisk-vXX.X.zip → swipe swipe to confirm.
    4. Reboot the device. After downloading, install the application Magisk Manager from the same archive.

      5. To check if it worked, open Magisk Manager and make sure that the green check mark is lit at the top of the screen Installed.

      💡

      If, after flashing Magisk, the phone is stuck on the logo, try flashing the original boot image via TWRP or fastboot. To do this, download the stock firmware for your model from the manufacturer's website.

      Method 2: Root via custom firmware (for experienced users)

      If you want not only root, but and a clean system without unnecessary applications, you can install custom firmware with a pre-installed superuser. Popular options:

      • 📱 LineageOS —stable open source firmware, supports most devices.
      • ⚡ Pixel Experience —ported firmware with Google Pixel, includes all the functions of stock Android.
      • 🔧 Havoc-OS —firmware with an abundance of settings for fine customization.

    Action algorithm:

    1. Download the firmware for your model from the official website (for example, lineageos.org).
    2. Download GApps (Google services package) suitable size (nano, pico or full).
    3. Flash the firmware and GApps via TWRP: 
      1. Boot into TWRP (hold Power + Volume Up).

      2. Select Wipe → Advanced Wipe and check Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
      

      3. Return to the main menu, click Install and flash the firmware first, then GApps.
      

      4. Reboot the device.

    4. After the first boot (it may take 10-15 minutes), install Magisk managing root access.
    ⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Huawei or Honor with processors Kirin) installation of custom firmware is impossible due to a locked bootloader. First, check compatibility on XDA.
    Firmware Root support Requires GApps Installation complexity
    LineageOS Yes (via Magisk) Yes Medium
    Pixel Experience Yes (built-in) No High
    Havoc-OS Yes (via Magisk) Yes High
    MIUI (modified) Yes No Low

    Method 3: Root without a computer (for devices with an unlocked bootloader)

    If you do not have access to a PC, you can try to root directly from your phone. This method works on devices that are already unlocked bootloader and support TWRP.

    Instructions:

    1. Download to your phone:
      • 📱 TWRP in format .img for your model.
      • 🔧 Latest version Magisk (.zip).
      • 📎 Application Flashify or Rashr for firmware without a PC.
  • Open Flashify, select Recovery image and specify the path to the downloaded TWRP.img.
  • Reboot into TWRP (there is a button Flashify there is a button Reboot to Recovery).
  • In TWRP click Install → select Magisk.zip → swipe to confirm.
  • Reboot the device and install Magisk Manager.

    • On devices with Android 13+ and dynamic partitions (dynamic_partitions) this the method may not work. In this case, you will need to patch boot.img manually via a PC.

    Via Magisk from a PC|Via custom firmware|Without a computer (phone only)|I haven’t decided yet|I’m looking for an alternative without root-->

    Method 4: Root for Samsung (with taking into account Knox and OEM)

    Devices Samsung are one of the most difficult to get root due to protection KnoxHowever, there are workarounds, for example, through a patch boot.img using Magisk.

    Step-by-step. instructions for Galaxy S22/S23, Note 20 and other modern models:

    1. Unlock OEM in the developer settings (see the "Preparation" section).
    2. Download the stock firmware for your model from the site SamMobile or Frija.
    3. Extract boot.img.lz4 from the firmware (use 7-Zip or WinRAR).
    4. Unpack boot.img.lz4 to boot.img using LZ4 Tool.
    5. Patch boot.img via Magisk:
      1. Copy boot.img to your phone.
      2. Open Magisk Manager → Install → Select and Patch a File.
      3. Select boot.img and wait for the file to be created magisk_patched.img.
    6. Flash the patched boot.img via fastboot: 
      fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img

      fastboot reboot

      7. ⚠️ Attention: On devices Samsung s One UI 5.0+ after patched firmware boot.img may work Knox and block some functions (for example, Secure Folder or Samsung HealthThis is irreversible!
      What to do if the phone does not turn on after flashing the firmware?

      If the device is stuck on the logo or goes into bootloop, try:

      1. data-i="248">(hold Recovery Mode (hold Power + Volume Up + Bixby for Samsung).

      2. Do Wipe Cache Partition.

      3. If it doesn’t help, flash the original boot.img via fastboot or use the app Odin for a complete flashing.

      Method 5: Root through exploits (for devices without bootloader unlocking)

      If the manufacturer has blocked bootloader unlocking (as on some Huawei, Xiaomi for the Chinese market or Motorola), you can try using exploits. It's risky, but sometimes it works.

      Popular tools:

      • 🛠️ DirtyCOW - exploit for Android 6.0–7.1 (outdated, but can work on older devices).
      • 🔓 KingRoot - automatic tool, but often installs malware.
      • 📱 TowelRoot — worked on Android 4.4, is now irrelevant.
      • 🔧 MTK-su — for devices on processors MediaTek (requires unlocking via SP Flash Tool).

      Example of use KingRoot:

      1. Download KingRoot APK from the official website (not from third-party sources!).
      2. Enable installation from unknown sources in the security settings.
      3. Install and run the application, click Try to Root.
      4. Wait for the process to complete (it may take 5–10 minutes).
      5. Reboot the device.
      ⚠️ Attention: Using exploits can lead to unstable system operation, random reboots, or data leaks. In addition, many banking applications (for example, SberBank Online or Tinkoff) block access when such methods are detected. root.

      How to hide root from applications (MagiskHide and alternatives)

      Many applications (banking, games with protection Netflix, Pokémon GO) refuse to work on devices with root. Fortunately, Magisk is able to mask the presence of superuser rights.

      Setup instructions MagiskHide:

      1. Open Magisk Manager and go to section Settings.
      2. Enable the option MagiskHide.
      3. Return to the main screen and click on the icon MagiskHide (shield).
      4. Tick the boxes of applications that need to hide root (for example, SberBank, Google Pay).
      5. Reboot the device.

      If MagiskHide does not work (relevant for Android 11+), try:

      • 🔄 Universal SafetyNet Fix — module for Magisk, which bypasses the check SafetyNet.
      • 🛡️ Shamiko - an alternative MagiskHide for new versions Magisk.
      • 📱 Island (or Shelter) - creates an isolated profile without root for sensitive applications.
      💡

      Even with With MagiskHide enabled, some applications (for example, banking applications with a high level of security) can detect root. In this case, try using a virtual machine (UserLAnd) or a second user profile.

      What to do if something goes wrong: error recovery

      If after manipulating root the phone does not turn on, it is stuck in a loop. on the logo or displays errors, do not panic. In 90% of cases, the device can be restored.

      Common problems and solutions:

      Problem Possible cause Solution
      Bootloop (cyclic reboot) Incompatible Magisk module or firmware error Boot into TWRP and remove the problematic module or flash the original one boot.img.
      Phone does not turn on (black screen) Damaged bootloader or firmware Flash the stock firmware via fastboot or Odin (for Samsung).
      Applications do not work (banks, games) Root detected Enable MagiskHide or use modules Universal SafetyNet Fix.
      No network or IMEI reset Partition damaged modem or EFS Restore the backup EFS or flash the stock one modem.

      If all else fails, try a full reset via fastboot:

      fastboot erase userdata

      fastboot erase cache
      

      fastboot flash system system.img
      

      fastboot reboot

      For devices Samsung use Odin with the option Re-Partition (if the firmware supports it).

      FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about root access

      Is it possible to get root on Android 14/15?

      Yes, but the process has become more complicated. On new versions of Android you need to patch init_boot.img instead of boot.img (this is supported from version 26.0+) You may also need to disable Magisk this is supported from version 26.0+). You may also need to unplug AVB 2.0 (Android Verified Boot) command fastboot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.img.

      How to remove root and return the warranty?

      To return the device to its original status:

      1. Delete Magisk via Magisk Manager (option Uninstall).
      2. Flash stock firmware via fastboot or Odin.
      3. Restore stock boot.img.
      4. Reset the counter Knox (for Samsung) using Triangle Away (does not work on all models).
      Attention: on some devices (for example, Samsung c Knox 0x1it is impossible to return the warranty - this is written to the hardware chip.

      Will does Google Pay work with root?

      Officially - no, because Google Pay checks SafetyNet. However, you can bypass the limitation:

      • Enable MagiskHide and add Google Pay to the list of hidden applications.
      • Install the module Universal SafetyNet Fix.
      • Use alternatives: Revolut, Curve or virtual cards.

      The Android 12+ may require additional configuration via Terminal:

      su

      props
      

      Find the line with ro.boot.verifiedbootstate and change it to green

      Is it possible to get root without unlocking bootloader?

      Theoretically, yes, but only on older devices (up to Android 7.0) or through exploits, which are often unstable. On modern smartphones (Android 10+), unlocking the bootloader is mandatory. The exception is some devices on MediaTekwhere you can use MTK-su or SP Flash Tool for temporary root.

      How to update Android from root?

      Over the air (OTA) updates from root usually lead to loss of rights or bootloop. To update:

      1. Download the full firmware for your model from the official website.
      2. Flash it via TWRP or fastboot, but do not remove Magisk.
      3. After updating, flash Magisk again (you may need a new version).

      For Samsung use Odin with disabled Auto Reboot, then manually flash Magisk via TWRP.