The seventh version of the mobile operating system, released by Google under the code name Nougat, has brought many changes to the security architecture of devices. However, for many enthusiasts and advanced users, the system's standard limitations become a barrier. Obtaining root access on such gadgets opens access to system partitions, allowing you to remove pre-installed software, overclock the processor and install specialized modifications.
The process of rooting on Android 7.x is fundamentally different from the methods used in earlier versions such as KitKat or Lollipop. Manufacturers have tightened their security policies by introducing mandatory bootloader integrity checks and data encryption by default. You will be faced with the need to unlock Bootloaderwhich entails completely clearing the internal memory of the device before starting any manipulations.
Before you begin technical actions, you need to understand all the risks. Failure to follow the instructions correctly can turn your smartphone into a brick, and loss of warranty when tampering with the software is an almost inevitable consequence. However, if you are ready for responsibility and have a backup copy of important data, the transition to the advanced capabilities of the system is worth it.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
The success of the operation depends 90% on the quality of preliminary preparation. You will need not only the mobile device itself with a battery charge of at least 60%, but also a personal computer with installed drivers. It is critically important to create a complete backup copy of all user data, since the bootloader unlocking procedure will inevitably lead to formatting of the partition /data.
To interact with the phone at the command line level, you must install the package ADB i Fastboot. This is a basic developer toolkit that allows you to send commands from a PC to a smartphone in a special download mode. Without these utilities, the subsequent steps will be impossible.
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader on many devices (for example, Huawei or some Motorola models) may be officially blocked by the manufacturer. In such cases, standard Fastboot commands will not work, and you will need to search for specific exploits or paid unlocking services.
Also make sure that USB debugging mode is activated on your smartphone. To do this, go to Settings → About phone and click seven times on the item Build numberto unlock the menu for developers. Then in the section that appears For developers activate the switch USB debugging.
☑️ Ready for rooting
Unlocking the bootloader
The first and most difficult step is unlocking the bootloader. This component verifies the digital signature of the downloaded software and does not allow unofficial_recovery_ or kernels to run. The procedure varies depending on the brand, but the general algorithm remains similar for most devices based on chipsets. Connect the smartphone to the computer via the original USB cable and open the command line in the ADB tools folder. Enter the command to reboot the device into Fastboot mode: Qualcomm And MediaTek.
Connect your smartphone to your computer via the original USB cable and open the command prompt in the ADB tools folder. Enter the command to reboot the device into Fastboot mode:
adb reboot bootloaderAfter the reboot, you will see a screen with an image of Android or the manufacturer's logo. Now you can send an unlock command. For Nexus, Pixel, OnePlus and Xiaomi devices, it looks like this:
fastboot oem unlockA data loss warning will appear on the smartphone screen. Confirm the action with the volume buttons. The process will take a few seconds, after which the device will reboot in a clean state. If the command returns an error command not allowed, it means that the manufacturer has closed this option, and you will need to look for alternative ways.
For Samsung devices, the procedure is different: instead of Fastboot, Download Mode and the Odin utility are used, and unlocking the bootloader often requires entering a special code in the service menu.
Selecting a method for obtaining root access
There are several basic approaches to obtaining superuser privileges on Android 7. The specific method you choose depends on your processor model and the availability of custom recovery for your device. A universal solution that works on all smartphones with one button practically does not exist in modern realities.
The most reliable and common method is to install a custom recovery, such as TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project). This tool allows you to install ZIP archives with root access, bypassing the system's standard signature check. An alternative is to use kernel vulnerabilities through PC utilities, but this method is less stable.
The third option is to use ready-made modified boot images that already contain an embedded binary file. su. This method is suitable for experienced users who know how to work with the utility fastboot boot and patch images via Magisk.
- 🔓 TWRP method: Requires an unlocked bootloader and a compiled version of recovery for a specific model.
- 💻 PC exploits: Utilities like KingRoot or OneClickRoot (often do not work on Android 7 due to security patches).
- 🛠 Magisk Boot Image: The most modern method that allows you to get Root without modifying the system partition (Systemless Root).
Installing a custom TWRP recovery
If you chose the installation path through recovery, you need to find an image file .imgadapted specifically for your device model. Using a version from another smartphone will result in the system being unable to boot or losing touch controls in recovery mode. Download files only from trusted resources, such as the official forum XDA Developers.
Place the downloaded file in the folder with ADB tools on your computer and rename it to recovery.img for convenience. Put the phone into Fastboot mode again and run the firmware command:
fastboot flash recovery recovery.imgCritical point for Android 7 owners: after flashing, you should not allow the phone to boot into a regular system immediately. The standard Android bootloader will automatically replace the custom recovery with the stock one the first time you boot. To prevent this, immediately after executing the firmware command, use a combination of buttons to enter recovery mode or the command:
fastboot boot recovery.img⚠️ Attention: On devices with data encryption (Encryption), the TWRP screen may ask for a password. If you cannot enter the password or the sensor does not work, you may have to format the data section through the Wipe → Format Data menu by entering the word "yes". This will delete all files.
Installing Magisk and obtaining privileges
In the environment Android 7 classic superuser SuperSU is considered obsolete and does not work correctly with the mechanism boot image verification. The utility Magiskhas become the gold standard. It implements access rights in a system-independent manner, allowing you to pass system integrity checks (SafetyNet) and use banking applications.
Download the latest ZIP archive with Magisk firmware and copy it to the internal memory of your smartphone. Boot into TWRP mode. In the main menu, select Install, find the downloaded archive and swipe to confirm the installation. The process will take a few seconds.
After successful installation, click the button Reboot System. When loading for the first time, the process may take longer than usual as the system optimizes applications. After turning on, you will find a new application in the menu Magisk Manager, which will confirm that you have superuser rights.
| Option | SuperSU (Obsolete) | Magisk (Recommended) |
|---|---|---|
| Implementation method | Modification of the system partition | Systemless (without changing the system) |
| OTA update | Often impossible without a reset | Possible with proper configuration |
| Security (SafetyNet) | Verification fails | Verification passes (hidden root) |
| Rights management | Basic | Advanced, with modules |
Using Magisk allows you to hide the fact of obtaining root access from banking applications and games, which is a critical advantage compared to old methods.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
The rooting process rarely goes perfectly smoothly on all devices. Users often experience a cyclic reboot (bootloop), lack of rights after installation, or network loss. In the case of bootloop, when the phone constantly reboots, you need to go into TWRP again and clear the cache (Wipe → Cache/Dalvik).
If rights are not granted, check in the Magisk settings whether the “Superuser” option is enabled. Sometimes you need to reinstall the application by selecting “Full uninstall” in the manager menu, followed by re-installing the ZIP archive. Problems with IMEI or network are usually associated with corruption section EFS or Persist if the bootloader is not unlocked correctly.
It is worth noting that some applications categorically refuse to work on rooted devices. To bypass this limitation, Magisk has a function called “MagiskHide” (in new versions, set up an exception list in the settings of the application itself). necessary apps, and they will stop detecting root.
What to do if the phone does not turn on after flashing?
If the device does not show signs of life or hangs on the logo for more than 10 minutes, try holding down the Volume Down + Power buttons to enter Fastboot and flash the stock recovery or boot image. If this does not help, you will need to flash the entire device through. official utilities (Odin, MiFlash, SP Flash Tool).
⚠️ Attention: Modifying the system software can lead to unstable operation of communication modules (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS). If you notice a loss of network, restore the backup copy of the EFS partition if it was made before starting the procedures.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will the warranty be reset after receiving root access?
In most cases, yes, physical tags inside the device (trippers) change state when the bootloader is unlocked. Official service centers may refuse free repairs, even if the failure is not related to software. Some manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi) allow you to officially unlock the bootloader, but this will still void the software warranty.
Is it possible to update the system over the air (OTA) after rooting?
A standard OTA update will most likely not be installed or will lead to the loss of root access and a cyclic reboot. boot image, get the update, and then flash the patched image through Magisk again. Or use manual installation of full firmware.
Is it safe to use banking applications with Root?
The rights themselves do not steal data, but they reduce the level of security of the system. However, using Magisk and hiding the presence of Root from specific applications (through settings. DenyList or MagiskHide), you can successfully launch banking clients and payment systems without restrictions.
What is a “brick” and can it be restored?
“Brick” is the state of the device when it does not boot and does not respond to buttons. There are “soft bricks” (the phone hangs on the logo, it is treated. flashing) and “hard” (complete inoperability). In 95% of cases, Android devices can be restored through the Download/EDL modes and official firmware utilities, if the hardware has not been damaged.