How to Root an Android Device

Rooting provides administrator level access to the Android operating system. Normally Android restricts access to important system areas in order to protect the device and the user. With root access you gain full control over the operating system, allowing you to modify system behaviour, run advanced tools, and customise the device far beyond the default limitations.

In this guide we demonstrate the rooting process using the Samsung Galaxy A71. The general workflow is similar for many Samsung devices.

The process uses the following tools:

• Odin, Samsung firmware flashing tool
• Frija, Samsung firmware downloader
• Magisk, modern Android root manager

Step 1: Enable Developer Options

Android hides advanced system controls by default. These controls are intended for developers and advanced users and must first be unlocked.

1. Open Settings.
2. Navigate to About Phone.
3. Locate the Build Number field.
4. Tap the build number seven times.

After doing this the system will display a message confirming that Developer Options have been enabled.

Developer Options exposes additional system controls that are required for unlocking the bootloader and enabling debugging functionality.

Step 2: Enable OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging

Next we must enable two critical options that allow system modifications.

1. Open Settings → Developer Options.
2. Enable OEM Unlocking.
3. Enable USB Debugging.

OEM unlocking allows the device bootloader to be unlocked. Without this option enabled, Samsung devices will refuse to unlock the bootloader.

USB debugging allows communication between the Android device and a computer using developer tools such as ADB.

Step 3: Unlock the Bootloader

The bootloader controls which operating system images the device is allowed to start. Manufacturers lock the bootloader to prevent unauthorised system modifications.

To install a modified boot image, the bootloader must first be unlocked.

1. Power off the phone completely.
2. Hold Volume Up + Volume Down.
3. While holding the buttons, connect the USB cable to the computer.
4. The device will enter Download Mode.
5. Select Unlock Bootloader when prompted.

Important notes about bootloader unlocking:

• The device will perform a factory reset.
• All personal data will be erased.
• Samsung Knox security will likely be permanently tripped.

After the bootloader is unlocked the device will reboot and you must complete the Android setup process again.

Step 4: Download the Official Firmware

Next we download the official firmware for the device. This firmware will later be modified in order to insert the Magisk root manager.

Using the Frija firmware downloader:

1. Enter the device model (for example SM-A715F for the Galaxy A71).
2. Enter the region code (for example ILO).
3. Click Check Update.
4. Download the firmware package.

The firmware archive contains several files that correspond to different partitions of the phone:

• BL, Bootloader
• AP, Main system image
• CP, Modem firmware
• CSC, Regional configuration

Step 5: Patch the Firmware with Magisk

Magisk enables root access by patching the boot image while keeping the system partition untouched. This technique is known as systemless rooting.

1. Copy the AP firmware file to the phone.
2. Install the Magisk APK on the device.
3. Open the Magisk application.
4. Select Install → Select and Patch a File.
5. Choose the AP firmware file.

Magisk will process the file and generate a patched firmware archive named:

magisk_patched.tar

Copy this patched file back to the computer for flashing.

Step 6: Flash the Patched Firmware with Odin

Now we flash the modified firmware to the device using Odin.

Load the files in Odin as follows:

• BL → BL firmware file
• AP → magisk_patched.tar
• CP → CP firmware file
• CSC → HOME_CSC firmware file

Leave USERDATA empty.

1. Boot the phone into Download Mode again.
2. Connect the phone to the computer.
3. Odin should show the device in the ID:COM field.
4. Click Start to begin flashing.

Flashing usually takes several minutes. Do not disconnect the device during this process.

Step 7: First Boot

After flashing the modified firmware the device will reboot.

In some cases Android may display a warning about data corruption. If this happens select:

• Factory Data Reset

This behaviour is normal after bootloader unlocking and firmware modification.

The first boot may take several minutes while Android rebuilds its internal data structures.

Step 8: Verify Root Access

Once the device finishes booting you can verify that root access is working correctly.

1. Open the Magisk application.
2. The app should display a message showing Magisk is installed.

Installed
Magisk Version: 30.x

You can also verify root access from a terminal by running:

su

If a superuser permission request appears, root access is active.

What Root Access Allows

• Modifying system configuration files
• Removing system applications
• System wide ad blocking
• Running advanced security tools
• Deep Android customisation

Important Warnings