Obtaining superuser rights on modern devices running Android 13 has become much more difficult than in previous versions of the operating system. Tightening protocols Verified Boot and introducing new kernel protection mechanisms require the user to have a deep understanding of firmware processes. However, enthusiasts continue to look for ways to bypass restrictions to install custom modules and complete control over the system.
In this article we will analyze in detail the current method of obtaining privileges using the tool Magisk and the image patching method. It is worth understanding that this procedure requires technical literacy. Errors at any stage can lead to data loss or the smartphone turning into a “brick.”
The process is not universal for all manufacturers. Differences in the architecture of processors Snapdragon and MediaTek, as well as features of the implementation of bootloaders between brands Xiaomi, Samsung or Pixel, make their own adjustments. Preparation will take more time than obtaining the rights itself.
Preparing equipment and software
Before starting any manipulations with system partitions, you must make sure that you have all the required tools. Without a high-quality cable and an installed driver, interaction with the device in Fastboot mode will be impossible.
You will need a computer running Windows, Linux or macOS with the package installed. ADB and Fastboot. It is also critically important to download the official firmware specifically for your smartphone model. The firmware version must completely match the one installed on the device at the moment, otherwise a version conflict will arise.
⚠️ Attention: Using firmware from a different model or another version of Android will lead to a locked bootloader or an endless reboot (bootloop).
☑️ Checking readiness for rooting
Make a full backup of all important data. The process of unlocking the bootloader, which is a mandatory step, completely clears the internal memory of the device. Photos, contacts and messages will be permanently deleted the first time you launch them after unlocking.
Bootloader Unlock
The foundation for obtaining superuser rights is an unlocked bootloader. Smartphone manufacturers block this feature by default to ensure security, so you need to disable it manually using special commands.
First, activate developer mode. Go to Settings → About phone and quickly click on the build number seven times. After this, a new item “For Developers” will appear in the menu. Enable the option OEM unlocking and USB debugging.
Connect your smartphone to the computer and put it in Fastbootmode. This is usually done by using a combination of the volume and power buttons while the device is turned off. Enter the command to check the connection:
adb devicesIf the device is displayed in the list, switch it to bootloader mode:
adb reboot bootloaderOn some devices, for example Samsung, the procedure is different and requires the use of a utility Odin and a special mode Download Mode. Xiaomi often requires waiting for 7 days after linking the account.
If the unlock command does not work, check whether the smartphone is connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi or a mobile network - some manufacturers require online account verification.
Direct unlocking is performed with the command:
fastboot flashing unlockA warning about data loss will appear on the smartphone screen. Confirm the action with the volume buttons. After the reboot, the device will be reset to factory settings, and the bootloader will receive the status Unlocked.
Extracting and modifying the boot image
The most reliable way to get Root on Android 13 is to patch the image boot.img using the application Magisk. This method allows you to implement superuser rights without directly changing the system partition, which increases stability.
You need to extract the file boot.img from the previously downloaded firmware. If the firmware is archived in .zip or .tarformat, use an archiver to unpack it. In some cases, especially on devices with processors MediaTek, the image may be called init_boot.img.
Copy the resulting file to the internal memory of the smartphone. Install the application Magisk (download APK from the official GitHub repository). Open the application and click the “Install” button in the Magisk block.
What to do if the boot.img file is not in the firmware?
In some firmware, the bootloader image may be built into the payload.bin file. To extract it, you will need the payload_dumper utility, which will unpack the contents of this container.
Select the “Patch boot image” method and specify the path to the file that you copied. The application will begin the modification process. Upon completion, a file with the name of the type will appear in the folder Download a file with the name of the view will appear magisk_patched_[random].img.
Return this patched file back to the computer in the folder with ADB tools. It will be used for the final firmware of the boot section.
Flashing the modified image and obtaining root access
The final stage is to write the modified image to the boot section of the device. Make sure that the smartphone is back in mode Fastboot and connected to the PC.
Run the command to flash the image. Please note that for Android 13 on some new devices you need to specify init_boot instead of boot:
fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.imgIf the command is successful, restart the device:
fastboot rebootAfter the system boots, open the Magisk application. If you see the active version and the "Superuser" button, then the process was successful. Now you have full rights to manage the system.
Successful flashing of a patched image is a point of no return. You can roll back changes only by completely flashing the stock boot.img image.
To check rights, you can install the application Root Checker from the application store. It will confirm the presence of superuser privileges and the correct operation of binary files.
Risks and precautions during operation
Having root access on Android 13 carries specific risks associated with data security and the operation of banking applications. The security system Google Play Integrity actively scans the device for changes.
- 📉 Banking applications may refuse to launch if they detect an unlocked bootloader or the presence of Magisk.
- 🔒 Contactless payment functions (Google Pay, Samsung Pay) often stop working without additional hide settings rue.
- ⚠️ Warranty service may be canceled by the manufacturer if traces of tampering in the software are detected.
To minimize these risks, you should enable the function Zygisk in the Magisk settings and configure the exclusion list (DenyList). This will allow you to hide the presence of root from specific applications, while maintaining functionality for other tasks.
⚠️ Attention: Banking application interfaces and root detection methods are constantly updated. What worked yesterday may stop working after updating the bank application.
Do not install modules from unverified sources. A module that is not compatible with the Android 13 kernel version may cause a cyclic reboot. In this case, you will need to enter safe mode or use the ADB command to remove the problematic module.
Comparison of methods for obtaining root access
There are several approaches to obtaining privileges, but not all of them are relevant for Android 13. Below is a table comparing popular methods in terms of complexity and security.
| Method | Difficulty | Security | Compatible with Android 13 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magisk (Patch Boot) | Medium | High | Full |
| KSU (KernelSU) | High | Very high | Requires a custom kernel |
| KingRoot / OneClick | Low | Low | Does not work |
| Custom Recovery (TWRP) | High | Medium | Depends on the device |
The method using KernelSU is gaining popularity as it works on kernel level and is better hidden from security systems. However, it requires a specific kernel or its own compilation, which is only suitable for experienced users.
Outdated methods like KingRoot or OneClickRoot on Android 13 do not work. They exploit vulnerabilities that were closed by Google developers several years ago. An attempt to use them will only clog the system with adware.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will the phone reset its settings after unlocking the bootloader?
Yes, the command fastboot flashing unlock initiates a full data reset (Factory Reset). This is a security measure to prevent data theft from a locked device. Be sure to make a backup copy before starting the process.
Is it possible to get Root without unlocking the bootloader?
On modern devices with Android 13, this is almost impossible. The only exceptions are isolated cases of vulnerabilities in specific models, which are quickly fixed by security updates. The standard path always requires unlocking BL.
Will system updates work over the air (OTA)?
After modifying the boot partition, automatic updates will no longer be installed. When you try to update, the system will detect a checksum mismatch. You will have to manually flash full firmware images or use special modules to save OTA.
How to remove root access and return the phone to its original state?
In the Magisk application there is a button “Remove Magisk” with the option “Restore stock image”. If this method does not work, you need to flash the original file boot.img from the factory firmware via Fastboot and re-lock the bootloader.