How to make the device root and use Root Explorer on Android

Getting root access on Android allows access to system files, hidden settings and advanced device management options. However, this process is fraught with risks - from loss of warranty to complete “bricking” of the smartphone. Root Explorer (or any other file manager with root support) becomes a powerful tool for editing system partitions, backing up applications with data, and even removing firmware.

In this article we will figure out how to safely get root access on modern versions of Android (including Android 13/14), what tools are needed for this, and how to configure Root Explorer or its analogues (FX File Explorer, Solid Explorer) to work with root access. We will pay special attention alternative methods for devices with a locked bootloader and workarounds without full rooting.

We warn you right away: the procedure requires technical training. If you have never worked with ADB, Fastboot or custom firmware, it is better to practice on an old device. And for most tasks (clearing cache, transferring applications to an SD card) there are legal alternatives without rooting.

1. What are root access and why you need them for Root Explorer

root access (or superuser rights) on Android, similar to administrator rights in Windows. They allow you to:

• 📁 edit system files in folders /system, /data, /vendor;
• 🔧 delete pre-installed applications (bloatware) that cannot be uninstalled using standard methods;
• 🔄 create full backup copies of applications along with their data (including game saves);
• 🛠️ modify system settings (for example, change build.prop to cheat applications or overclock the CPU).

Root Explorer is a file manager that can work with root access. Without them, it is no different from the standard Explorer. With root access you can:

• 🔍 view hidden system folders;
• 📝 edit files with rights rw-r--r-- (read only);
• 🗑️ delete protected files, including remnants of viruses or undeletable updates;
• 🔄 mount partitions in write mode (mount -o rw,remount /system).

However starting with Android 10 Google has tightened its security policy: many system partitions are now mounted read-only (ro), and their modification requires additional tricks (for example, using Magisk or patching boot.img).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Samsung Knox (Galactic smartphones and tablets) obtaining root access the Knox flag is irreversibly triggered (0x1), which voids the warranty and blocks access to Samsung Pay, Secure Folder and some banking applications.

2. Preparing the device: what needs to be done before rooting

Before you start obtaining root access, complete the required steps steps:

Unlock OEM unlocking in developer settings

Back up important data (photos, contacts, messages)

Charge the device at least 70%

Install ADB/Fastboot drivers on PC

Download the official firmware for your model (in case of recovery)-->

First of all, activate developer mode:

1. Go to Settings → About phone.
2. Find the item Build number and tap on it 7 times.
3. Return to the main settings menu - a new section will appear For developers.

Inside enable it:

• 🔓 OEM unlocking (allows bootloader unlocking);
• 🖥️ USB debugging (to work with ADB);
• 🔄 Unlocking the bootloader (on some devices, for example Xiaomi).

On devices Huawei, Honor and some models Sony may be required unlock code, which is available on the manufacturer's official website. For Samsung a patch is often needed. via Odion or Magisk.

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader on most devices erases all data (including internal memory) Do not rely on Google backups - they do not save SMS, calls and some settings. applications.

3. Methods for obtaining root access in 2026

Rooting methods depend on the Android version, device model and bootloader status:

The most universal and safe method is Magisk. It works on the principle of systemless-root, that is, it does not modify the system partition, but replaces boot.img. This allows you to pass verification SafetyNet (needed for banking applications) and receive. OTA updates.

To install Magisk:

1. Download the latest version Magisk from official repository (file Magisk-vXX.X.zip).
2. Extract boot.img from the firmware of your device (you can via Payload Dumper to .ozip/.payload.bin).
3. Open Magisk Manager (or patch manually via ADB):

   adb push boot.img /sdcard/
   adb shell
   su
   magisk --patch /sdcard/boot.img

4. Flash patched magisk_patched.img via fastboot:

   fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img
   fastboot reboot

4. Setting up Root Explorer after getting root

After successful rooting, install Root Explorer (or alternatives: FX File Explorer, MiXplorer, Solid Explorer) from Google Play or APKMirrorWhen you first start:

1. Give the application root access (a request will appear from Magisk or SuperSU).
2. In the settings, enable:
   • 🔒 Mount File System (mount how R/W);
   • 👁️ Show Hidden Files (show hidden files);
   • 🔄 Root Access Mode (access mode - select Superuser or Magisk).

mount -o rw,remount /system

Important folders in Root Explorer:

• 📱 /data/app — user applications;
• 🔧 /system/app and /system/priv-app — system applications;
• 📄 /data/data — application data (saves, cache);
• 🔒 /system/etc — configuration files (hosts, permissions).

To remove built-in applications (bloatware):

1. Go to /system/app or /system/priv-app.
2. Find the folder with the name of the unnecessary application (for example, Facebook, GooglePlayMovies).
3. Delete the folder or rename it (add .bak at the end).
4. Reboot the device.

⚠️ Attention: Removing critical system applications (for example, Settings, TelephonyProvider) may lead to device failure. Before deleting, check the package name through ADB:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "keyword"

5. Alternatives to Root Explorer without full rooting

If rooting is not possible (locked bootloader, corporate device) or is too risky, consider alternatives:

• 🔧 ADB commands without root: some operations (uninstalling applications, changing settings) can be performed through ADB with user rights. For example, disabling an application:

  adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.package.name

• 📁 Shizuku + AppOps: tool Shizuku allows you to manage application permissions without root (required ADB).
• 🔄 Custom firmware without root: some firmwares (for example, LineageOS) offer advanced settings without the need for rooting.
• 🗑️ Debloater tools: Universal Android Debloater (GUI for PC) removes pre-installed applications via ADB.

To backup data without root, use:

• 📱 Swift Backup (works via ADB backup);
• 🔧 Titanium Backup (requires root, but there are workarounds for some functions);
• ☁️ Cloud services (Google Drive, Syncthing) to synchronize files.

6. Risks and how to minimize them

Root access violates the integrity of the Android system, which entails. the following risks:

• 🚨 Loss of warranty: most manufacturers will void the warranty if a root is detected (checked through getprop ro.boot.verifiedbootstate).
• 🛡️ Problems with SafetyNet: banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff), Google Pay and some games (for example, Pokémon GO) can block operation on rooted devices.
• 🐛 Vulnerabilities security: malware with root access can gain full control of the device.
• 💥 "Brick" devices: incorrect editing of system files or flashing the wrong firmware boot.img can make the smartphone inoperable.

How to reduce risks:

• 🔒 Use MagiskHide (or Universal SafetyNet Fix) to bypass SafetyNet checks.
• 📱 Regularly update Magisk and the device kernel.
• 🔄 Make backups via TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery before any modifications.
• 🛠️ Install only verified Magisk modules (from the official repository).

To check the SafetyNet status, use the command:

adb shell su -c "magisk --safetynet-check"

Or application YASNAC (Yet Another SafetyNet Attestation Checker).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 12+ and kernel 5.10+ some Magisk modules may not work due to stricter policy SELinuxBefore installing the module, check its compatibility. forums XDA Developers.

7. How to cancel root access and return the device to its original state

If you need to return the warranty, sell the device or fix problems after rooting, follow these steps:

1. Uninstall Magisk:
   • Open Magisk Manager.
   • Go to Settings → Delete Magisk deleted): Settings → Remove Magisk.
   • Select Complete removal (this will restore the original boot.img).

fastboot flash boot stock_boot.img
fastboot reboot

fastboot flash recovery stock_recovery.img

fastboot oem lock

For devices Samsung you may additionally need to reset the flag Knox via Triangle Away (does not work on all models). through Xiaomi check unlock status via fastboot oem device-info — if Device unlocked: false, the bootloader is successfully locked.

After all manipulations, check the status of the device:

• 🔍 Run adb shell su —if an error appears Permission denied, root has been removed.
• 📱 Install Root Checker from Google Play - the application should show the lack of root access.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Root Explorer and rooting