---
url: /rooting-guides/how-to-root-oneplus-phone.md
description: >-
  Master guide to root all OnePlus devices - OnePlus 15, 13, 12, 11, 10, Nord
  series with bootloader unlock and Magisk installation for OxygenOS.
---

# OnePlus Root Guide

Root OnePlus devices with straightforward bootloader unlock. Covers OxygenOS and ColorOS, OnePlus 15, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, Nord series, and legacy devices.

## Quick Navigation

* [Device Compatibility](#device-compatibility)
* [Prerequisites](#prerequisites)
* [Bootloader Unlock](#unlock-bootloader)
* [Root Installation](#root-installation)
* [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting)

**Related Guides:**

* [Main Rooting Guide](./index.md) - Universal rooting concepts
* [Bootloader Unlocking](./how-to-unlock-bootloader.md) - Detailed unlock guide
* [Magisk Guide](./magisk-guide.md) - Complete Magisk documentation

***

## Prerequisites

### Critical Requirements

::: danger BEFORE YOU START
**Data Wipe:** Unlocking bootloader erases everything including internal storage.

**Backup Everything:** Photos, contacts, messages, app data, authenticator codes.

**No Waiting Period:** Unlike Xiaomi, OnePlus unlock is immediate once enabled.

**OEM Unlocking:** Must be available in Developer Options. Some T-Mobile models cannot unlock.
:::

### Device Compatibility

Most OnePlus devices with unlockable bootloaders can be rooted. Check [XDA Forums](https://forum.xda-developers.com/c/oneplus.11993/) for your specific model.

::: warning INCOMPATIBLE DEVICES

* **T-Mobile and some carrier-branded models** may have permanently locked bootloaders
* **Chinese-market models** running ColorOS may have additional restrictions
  :::

::: tip 💡 Locked bootloader? Temporary root exists
On several OnePlus/OPPO/realme devices (OnePlus 13/15, Ace 6T, OPPO Pad 4 Pro and more), the **ghostlock-oneplus** exploit uses the GhostLock kernel bug (CVE-2026-43499) to grant **session-only root without unlocking the bootloader** - nothing flashed, nothing survives a reboot. See [Root Without Unlocking the Bootloader](./root-without-unlocking-bootloader.md).
:::

### Hardware Requirements

* OnePlus device (any supported model)
* Quality USB-C cable
* Computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
* 50%+ battery charge

### Software Requirements

**On Computer:**

1. **Platform Tools** (ADB/Fastboot)
   * Download: [Android Platform Tools](https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools)
   * Extract to easy location

2. **OnePlus USB Drivers** (Windows)
   * Usually auto-install with ADB
   * Or download from OnePlus site

3. **Stock Firmware** (for recovery)
   * Download via [Oxygen Updater](https://github.com/oxygen-updater/os-updater/releases/latest) (Recommended)
   * Or [XDA Forums](https://xdaforums.com/) (Alternative)
   * or https://roms.danielspringer.at/

**On Device:**

1. **Magisk APK**
   * Download: [Magisk GitHub](https://github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk/releases)
   * Latest stable version

::: tip Alternative Root Methods
For the OnePlus 15 and 13 series, **KernelSU** is recommended instead of Magisk. KernelSU patches the kernel directly and is often more successful at bypassing the latest Play Integrity (Strong Integrity) checks.
:::

2. **File Manager**
   * OxygenOS Files app
   * Or any from Play Store

### Device Preparation

**Step 1: Enable Developer Options**

1. Settings > About device
2. Tap "Build number" 7 times
3. Enter PIN/password
4. "Developer options unlocked" appears

**Step 2: Enable Required Settings**

Settings > System > Developer options:

* **OEM unlocking**: Enable (critical)
* **USB debugging**: Enable
* **Advanced reboot**: Enable (optional)

**Step 3: Verify ADB Connection**

```bash
adb devices
# Accept USB debugging prompt on device
# Should show device with "device" status
```

***

## Unlock Bootloader

OnePlus has one of simplest unlock processes.

### Step 1: Enter Fastboot Mode

**Method 1: ADB Command**

```bash
adb reboot bootloader
```

**Method 2: Hardware Keys**

1. Power off device
2. Hold Volume Up + Volume Down + Power
3. Release when fastboot screen appears

### Step 2: Verify Fastboot Connection

```bash
fastboot devices
# Should show device serial number
```

### Step 3: Unlock Bootloader

```bash
fastboot oem unlock
```

**On Device:**

1. Warning screen appears
2. Use Volume keys to navigate
3. Select "UNLOCK THE BOOTLOADER"
4. Press Power to confirm
5. Device automatically wipes and reboots

::: tip INSTANT UNLOCK
Unlike Xiaomi, OnePlus unlock is immediate. No waiting period!
:::

### Step 4: Verify Unlock Status

After automatic factory reset:

```bash
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot getvar unlocked
# Should return: yes
```

Or check on device boot:

* "The bootloader is unlocked" warning (normal)

***

## Root Installation

### Determine Correct Image

| Device Generation | Image to Patch |
|---|---|
| OnePlus 10 and newer (Android 13+) | `init_boot.img` |
| OnePlus 9 and older | `boot.img` |

**Quick Check in Magisk:**

* Install Magisk app first
* Check "Ramdisk" field
* "Yes" = `boot.img`, "No" = `init_boot.img`

::: tip Verified Boot
Always ensure you have a copy of the stock `vbmeta.img`. When flashing a patched image on newer OxygenOS versions, you may need to disable verity using:
`fastboot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.img`
:::

***

### Method 1: Boot Image Patching (Recommended)

**Step 1: Download Stock Firmware**

**Using Oxygen Updater (Recommended):**

1. Install [Oxygen Updater](https://github.com/oxygen-updater/os-updater/releases/latest) on your device
2. Launch app and verify device name
3. Go to Settings > Update Method > Select "Full"
4. Enable "Advanced Mode" in settings
5. Return to Home tab and tap "Download Update"
6. Firmware ZIP will be downloaded to internal storage
7. Transfer ZIP to computer for extraction
8. Extract payload.bin from the downloaded ZIP

**Alternative Method (XDA Forums):**

1. Visit [XDA OnePlus Forums](https://xdaforums.com/c/oneplus.11993/)
2. Find your device section
3. Download matching firmware
4. Extract payload.bin

::: tip WHY OXYGEN UPDATER?
OnePlus no longer provides direct firmware downloads. Oxygen Updater is the most reliable method to get official firmware files.
:::

**Step 2: Extract Boot Image**

Use payload-dumper-go:

```bash
# Download payload-dumper-go
# Extract images
./payload-dumper-go -o extracted payload.bin

# Find boot.img or init_boot.img in extracted/
```

**Step 3: Transfer to Device**

```bash
# For newer devices (OnePlus 10+)
adb push init_boot.img /sdcard/Download/

# For older devices
adb push boot.img /sdcard/Download/
```

**Step 4: Install Magisk and Patch**

```bash
# Install Magisk APK
adb install Magisk-v27.0.apk
```

On device:

1. Open Magisk app
2. Tap "Install" next to Magisk
3. Select "Select and Patch a File"
4. Choose boot.img or init_boot.img
5. Wait for patching

**Output:** `magisk_patched_[random].img`

**Step 5: Transfer Patched Image**

```bash
adb pull /sdcard/Download/magisk_patched_xxxxx.img ./
```

**Step 6: Flash Patched Image**

```bash
# Boot to fastboot
adb reboot bootloader

# Verify connection
fastboot devices

# For newer devices (init_boot)
fastboot flash init_boot magisk_patched_xxxxx.img

# For older devices (boot)
fastboot flash boot magisk_patched_xxxxx.img

# Reboot
fastboot reboot
```

**Step 7: Verify Root**

1. First boot takes 2-5 minutes
2. Open Magisk app
3. Should show:
   * Magisk: Installed (version)
   * App: Latest (version)

Test root:

```bash
adb shell
su
id
# Should return: uid=0(root)
```

***

### Method 2: TWRP Recovery (Older Devices)

For OnePlus 8 series and older with TWRP:

**Step 1: Download TWRP**

1. Visit [TWRP OnePlus](https://twrp.me/Devices/OnePlus/)
2. Find your device
3. Download TWRP image

**Step 2: Boot TWRP**

```bash
fastboot boot twrp.img
```

**Step 3: Flash Magisk**

1. Download Magisk ZIP
2. Push to device:

```bash
adb push Magisk-v27.0.zip /sdcard/
```

3. In TWRP: Install > Select ZIP
4. Swipe to flash
5. Reboot system

**Note:** OnePlus 10+ devices generally lack TWRP support.

***

## Post-Root Setup

### Configure Magisk

**Step 1: Basic Settings**

Magisk > Settings:

* **Zygisk**: Enable
* **Enforce DenyList**: Enable
* **Hide Magisk app**: Recommended for banking

**Step 2: Configure DenyList**

Add to DenyList:

* Google Play Services (all)
* Google Play Store
* Banking apps
* Payment apps (Google Pay, etc.)
* Play Integrity-sensitive apps

**Step 3: Install Essential Modules**

Recommended for OnePlus:

* **Play Integrity Fix** - Banking compatibility
* **Shamiko** - Enhanced root hiding
* **LSPosed (Zygisk)** - Framework
* **Systemless Hosts** - Ad blocking

### OxygenOS/ColorOS Optimization

**Battery Optimization:**

1. Settings > Battery > Battery optimization
2. Find Magisk and root apps
3. Set to "Don't optimize"

**Autostart Permission:**

1. Settings > Apps > Manage apps
2. Magisk and root apps
3. Enable "Autostart"

**Background Restrictions:**

1. Settings > Apps > Manage apps
2. Magisk and root apps
3. Disable "Restrict background activity"

***

## OTA Handling

### For A/B Devices (All Modern OnePlus)

**Step 1: Download OTA**

Settings > System > System update

Download update but **DO NOT reboot**

**Step 2: Install with Magisk**

1. Open Magisk app
2. Tap "Install" next to Magisk
3. Select "Install to Inactive Slot (After OTA)"
4. Wait for installation
5. Tap "Reboot" when prompted

**Step 3: Verify After Update**

* System boots to updated version
* Magisk still installed
* Root preserved

***

## Troubleshooting

### Bootloader Issues

**"OEM Unlocking" Greyed Out**

Causes:

* Device protection active
* Carrier-locked (T-Mobile)
* Account lock

Solutions:

1. Remove all accounts
2. Factory reset device
3. Wait 24 hours after setup
4. Try again

If still grey: Device may be carrier-locked

**Fastboot Not Detecting**

Solutions:

* Update Platform Tools
* Try USB 2.0 port
* Different USB cable
* Reinstall drivers (Windows)
* Try different computer

### Installation Issues

**Magisk Shows "N/A"**

Causes:

* Wrong image patched
* Wrong partition flashed

Solutions:

1. Verify correct image (boot vs init_boot)
2. Check Android version
3. Re-extract and patch correct image
4. Flash to correct partition

**Device Bootloop**

Solutions:

```bash
# Flash stock image
fastboot flash boot stock_boot.img
# Or
fastboot flash init_boot stock_init_boot.img
fastboot reboot
```

### Root Access Issues

**Apps Not Getting Root**

Solutions:

1. Open Magisk, check status
2. Grant root to shell: `adb shell su`
3. Reinstall via Direct Install
4. Clear Magisk app data

**Play Integrity Fails**

Solutions:

1. Enable Zygisk
2. Configure DenyList
3. Hide Magisk app
4. Install Play Integrity Fix module
5. Clear Google Play Services
6. Reboot

***

## Unroot and Restore

### Remove Root Only

```bash
# Magisk > Uninstall > Restore Images
# Root removed, bootloader still unlocked
```

### Flash Stock Firmware

**Method 1: Fastboot ROM**

1. Download fastboot ROM
2. Extract and run flash script:

```bash
# Windows
flash-all.bat

# Linux/Mac
./flash-all.sh
```

**Method 2: MSM Download Tool**

For complete restore and unbrick:

1. Download MSM tool for your device (XDA)
2. Boot to EDL mode
3. Run MSM tool
4. Complete stock restoration

### Relock Bootloader (Optional)

::: danger RELOCK WARNING
Only relock when completely stock. Relocking with modified system will brick!
:::

```bash
fastboot oem lock
```

***

## Best Practices

### Security

1. **Hide Magisk** for banking apps
2. **Configure DenyList** properly
3. **Only install trusted modules**
4. **Keep Magisk updated**
5. **Backup stock images**
6. **Use strong device security** (PIN, password, biometrics)

***

## Community Resources

**Official OnePlus:**

* [OnePlus Forums](https://forums.oneplus.com/) - Official community
* [OnePlus Support](https://www.oneplus.com/support) - Official support

**Firmware Downloads:**

* [Oxygen Updater](https://github.com/oxygen-updater/os-updater/releases/latest) - Primary firmware source (App)
* [Oxygen Updater GitHub](https://github.com/oxygen-updater/oxygen-updater) - Alternative download

**Developer Community:**

* [XDA OnePlus Forums](https://xdaforums.com/c/oneplus.11993/) - Device discussions
* [Reddit r/OnePlus](https://www.reddit.com/r/oneplus/) - Community help

### Getting Help

**When asking for help, provide:**

* Exact OnePlus model
* OxygenOS/ColorOS version
* Android version
* Which image patched
* Exact error messages
* Steps attempted

***

## Next Steps

**After Rooting Your OnePlus:**

1. **Essential apps:**
   * [Root Apps Collection](../apps-and-modules/) - Curated list

2. **Enhance experience:**
   * [Ad Blocking Guide](../general-guides/android-adblocking.md) - System-wide blocking
   * [Debloating Guide](../general-guides/android-apps-debloating.md) - Remove bloat
   * [LSPosed Guide](./lsposed-guide.md) - App modifications

3. **Explore ROMs:**
   * [Custom ROM Guide](./custom-rom-installation.md) - Installation guide
   * LineageOS for stability
   * Pixel Experience for clean look