Access to the root directory of the Android operating system opens up opportunities for the user that are not available in standard operating mode. The folder /system contains critical components: libraries, fonts, system applications and kernel configuration files. Standard file managers, such as Google Files or the built-in explorer Samsung My Fileshide this section by default or only allow you to view its contents without write permission.
An attempt to access this area is often dictated by the desire to remove pre-installed software (bloatware), replace system fonts, or correct errors in the network configuration. However, interfering with the structure without proper preparation can lead to a cyclic reboot of the device, when the smartphone stops loading altogether. Understanding the architecture of Android partitions is the first step to secure modification. /system without proper preparation can lead to bootloop — cyclical reboot of the device, when the smartphone stops loading at all. Understanding Android's partition architecture is the first step to secure modification.
Modern versions of Android, starting from 7.0 and higher, have tightened the security policy by introducing the Verified Boot (AVB) mechanism. This means that any change to the system partition violates the bootloader's digital signature. As a result, the device may refuse to turn on or banking applications and services may stop working. However, for developers and advanced enthusiasts, there are legal and technical ways to bypass these restrictions. Google Pay. However, there are legal and technical ways around these restrictions for developers and advanced enthusiasts.
Android partition architecture and access restrictions
The Android file system is built on top of the kernel Linux and is divided into several logical volumes. The partition /system is usually mounted as read-only (read-only) immediately after the kernel boots. This is done to protect the integrity of the OS from accidental changes by the user or malware. To obtain write rights, you need to remount the partition in read-write.
On devices with an outdated partition scheme, access was carried out directly to the logical volume. New smartphones, especially those with Android 10 and higher, actively use scheme Dynamic Partitions and project Project Treble. Here, system files can be scattered across different physical areas or combined into a super partition super. Understanding this difference is critical when choosing an access method.
⚠️ Attention: Changing files in the section
/systemautomatically voids the device warranty in most service centers. Manufacturers record the fact of interference through a counter Knox (on Samsung) or bootloader flags.
In addition, it is necessary to take into account the type of file system. Old devices used ext4, while new ones are switching to f2fs to increase the speed of flash memory. Commands for working with these systems may differ, especially when using low-level recovery utilities.
Before any manipulations, create a full backup of the /system partition using custom TWRP recovery. This is the only way to quickly bring your phone back to life in case of an error.
Obtaining root access as the main access method
The most common way to easily access a folder /system is to obtain superuser privileges (Root). Having Root access allows file managers to request elevated privileges and open system directories for editing. The most popular rights management tool today is Magisk.
The process for obtaining root access varies from model to model. Devices Xiaomi require unlocking the bootloader through the official portal with a wait of 7 to 168 hours. Devices Pixel i OnePlus allow you to do this faster by simply sending a command fastboot flashing unlock. After unlocking, a modified image is flashed onto the device boot.img with embedded Magisk.
After installing superuser rights, standard applications do not automatically gain access. It is necessary to use specialized software that can correctly request permission through the demo process Magisk. A regular explorer, even with Root, may not see hidden files without the correct display settings.
Why do banking applications stop working?
The banking application security system (SafetyNet/Play Integrity API) checks the integrity of the bootloader and system partition. If you have root access, the verification fails. To bypass, use the Magisk Hide or Zygisk function, which hide the fact of having rights from specific applications.
It is important to note that the mere presence of Root does not grant write permission to /system instantly. In modern versions of Android, the partition is still mounted as read-only. An additional step is required - remounting, which many advanced file managers perform automatically when you try to save a file.
Using file managers with Root support
Standard tools are not enough to navigate system folders. Installation of specialized software is required, such as Root Explorer, Solid Explorer or MT Manager. These applications have built-in mechanisms for working with superuser rights and are able to correctly process system calls.
When you first launch such a manager, you must grant it root access through a pop-up confirmation window. After this, in the application settings you should activate the “Show hidden files” option and enable the “R/W” (Read/Write) mode. Without enabling this mode, you will only be able to view the contents, but any attempts to change the file will be blocked by the system.
- 📂 Root Explorer - a classic tool with a minimalistic interface, ideal for quickly editing text configs and replacing APK files.
- 🛡️ Solid Explorer - a modern manager with support for cloud storage and a convenient two-panel mode that allows you to easily move files between the internal memory and the system partition.
- 🔧 MT Manager is a powerful all-in-one tool for advanced users that allows you not only to copy files, but also to edit resources inside APKs, sign them and decode XML.
Navigation in these applications looks standard: the root directory is indicated by the symbol /. Going to the folder system is carried out by tapping on the corresponding directory. If you see a padlock icon or “Read-only” in the top bar, it means the partition has not been remounted. Click on the status icon to change access rights.
When working with MT Manager you should be especially careful when re-signing system applications. An error in the signature may cause the system to stop recognizing critical services, such as SystemUI or Phone, which will cause unstable operation of the interface.
Access via ADB without root access (limited mode)
There is a method for accessing some system files without obtaining full root access, using USB debugging (ADB). This method is safer, since it does not violate the integrity of the bootloader, but its capabilities are strictly limited by the SELinux security policy and user rights shell.
To get started, you must activate developer mode. Go to Settings → About phone and quickly click 7 times on the “Build number” item. Then, in the Developer Options menu, enable USB debugging. Connect your smartphone to the PC and run the command to check the connection:
adb devicesIn response to the request, you should see the serial number of the device. If the status is unauthorized, confirm the connection on the smartphone screen. Next, you can try to enter the device shell with the command adb shell. In this mode, you get user rights shellwhich are higher than those of a regular application, but lower than those of root.
| ADB command | Description of action | Requires Root |
|---|---|---|
adb shell pm list packages |
List all installed packages | No |
adb shell ls /system |
Viewing the contents of the system folder | No |
adb push file.apk /system/app/ |
Copying a file to the system | Yes |
adb shell rm /system/app/bloat.apk |
Deleting the system applications | Yes |
Using ADB, you can delete applications for the current user without physically touching the files in the section /system. The command pm uninstall -k --user 0 <package_name> hides the application from the interface and disables it, freeing up resources. This is a safe alternative to directly deleting files.
⚠️ Attention: Direct deletion of files via ADB without root access is not possible on most modern firmware. An attempt to write to
/systemwill return an errorRead-only file system.
Mounting the system partition in write mode
If you have root access, but the file manager for some reason cannot save changes, you must manually remount the partition. This is done through the terminal on the device itself or through ADB with superuser rights. The mount command depends on the kernel version and file system.
First you need to know the mount point and file system type. Run the command mount in the terminal and find the line containing /system. You will see something like /dev/block/mmcblk0p... on /system type ext4 .... To remount, use the flag -o remount,rw.
adb shellsu
mount -o remount,rw /system
On devices with Android 10+ and dynamic partitions, the command may look different, since /system is often part of a logical volume. In such cases, using a utility magisk inside the shell or specific remounting scripts that depend on the manufacturer helps.
Successfully remounting a partition into RW (Read-Write) mode is a key step. If the command is executed without errors, you can edit and replace files in the system folder.
After making all the necessary changes, it is strongly recommended that you immediately return the partition to read-only mode with the command mount -o remount,ro /system. This minimizes the risk of data damage in the event of a sudden power failure or the system freezes during operation.
Risks of modification and system recovery
Tampering with operation /system carries serious risks. Deleting a critical file, such as framework-res.apk or a library libandroid_runtime.sois guaranteed to make the operating system unable to boot. Even changing one byte in the configuration file can cause instability of the radio module or sensor.
If the device stops booting (stuck on the logo), the only way out is often to enter recovery mode (Recovery Mode). On stock firmware, the recovery functionality is limited to resetting to factory settings (Wipe Data), which will delete all user data, but may not help if the system image itself is damaged.
- 🔄 Soft Brick — the device turns on, but does not work correctly or reboots cyclically. It can be treated by flashing it via Fastboot or returning the backup to TWRP.
- 💀 Hard Brick —the device shows no signs of life and does not respond to buttons. Requires the use of modes Download Mode (Samsung), EDL (Qualcomm) or programmers.
- 🔒 Bootloader Lock — after an unsuccessful modification, the bootloader may be locked, requiring official unlocking, which is impossible without a code from the manufacturer.
To minimize the consequences, always have a computer with ADB and Fastboot drivers installed, as well as original firmware image for your specific model. The ability to quickly return to the stock state is the experimenter’s only insurance.
☑️ Ready to modify the system
⚠️ Attention: Menu interfaces and item names may differ depending on the shell (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS). Always check the documentation for your specific model before starting work.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to enter the system folder without root access?
Full access with write rights (changing, deleting files) without root access is not possible on modern versions of Android. Through ADB, you can only view files or delete applications for the current user without affecting the physical partition.
What happens if I accidentally delete an important file from the system?
At best, a specific function (for example, camera or sound) will stop working. In the worst case, the smartphone will go into an endless reboot (bootloop). To fix it, you will need to flash the device via a computer.
Is it safe to use Magisk to access the system?
Magisk itself is safe and uses a systemless editing system. However, apps you run as Root through Magisk can be harmful if you don't understand what they are changing.
Why does the partition become Read-only again after remounting?
This is normal behavior for some power saving or security scenarios. This can also occur due to file system errors. It is recommended to perform all operations quickly and return the partition to RO mode immediately after completion.
Does access to the system affect the operation of banking applications?
Yes, the very fact of an unlocked bootloader and the presence of Root access is often detected by banks. Even if you have not changed files in the system, the application may refuse to work. It is necessary to use the functions of hiding Root in the Magisk settings.