Considering rooting an Android phone in 2026? Things have changed. Some brands still make it easy and allow rooting right away. Others have completely blocked it. Some have made you wait weeks before you can get to the bootloader. We looked at every major brand released this year and considered support for bootloader unlocking and rooting. Here is a complete list of Rootable Android Phones by brand that can be rooted in 2026.
For this guide, we updated our list of 2026 phones that can be rooted, including every major release this year. So Pixel 11 series, Galaxy S26 lineup, Poco F9, Redmi K90 series, and Xiaomi 18 Fold. We also monitored the latest roadblocks. Samsung removed OEM toggles from new builds with One UI 8. Xiaomi has lengthened its waiting periods, and BBK brands have permanently shut down their unlocking servers. Considering all of the brand updates and news, we have updated the Rootable Android Phones 2026 list.
What Makes a Phone Rootable in 2026?
Three things determine whether you can root a phone. First, the manufacturer either lets you unlock the bootloader officially or someone finds a way around. Second, you require working root method like Magisk or KernelSU. Finally, the specific model of phone matters very much. Carrier US versions usually remain locked while it is easy to root for international versions.
This last part really befuddles people. A phone purchased in Europe like Galaxy S25 Ultra looks like the one sold by Verizon but they behave differently when you get into developer options. So if you are planning to root your next phone always check for toggle for OEM unlock before you buy.
Rootable Android Phones 2026: Quick Summary
Start here for the quick verdict. Every rootable Android phone 2026 candidate on this page lands in one of three buckets: easy, moderate, or locked for good.
| Brand | 2026 Root Status | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel | All models rootable | Easy |
| Samsung Galaxy | International only, folds blocked | Moderate |
| OnePlus | All models rootable | Easy |
| Xiaomi / Poco | Rootable, long wait times | Difficult |
| Nothing | All models rootable | Easy |
| Motorola | Unlocked retail units only | Moderate |
| Lenovo (Legion) | Exploit unlock only | Difficult |
| Sony Xperia | Region dependent | Moderate |
| Fairphone | All models rootable | Easy |
| Asus | Unlock tool discontinued | Not rootable |
| RedMagic (nubia) | Rootable, official unlock | Moderate |
| Honor | No official unlock | Not rootable |
| Oppo / Realme / vivo / iQOO | Mostly locked, few Realme exceptions | Varies |
Google Pixel: Still the Easiest Phones to Root
When rooting, nothing tops a Pixel. In 2026 it is the most dependable Android phone for rooting. Google even markets bootloader unlocking as a feature. Community documentation guides you step by step. Magisk patches the init boot image in minutes. All Pixels from Pixel 6a to the new Pixel 10 series follow the same procedure.
| Model | Root Status | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Pixel 11 Pro XL | Rootable | Magisk via init_boot |
| Pixel 11 Pro | Rootable | Magisk via init_boot |
| Pixel 11 | Rootable | Magisk via init_boot |
| Pixel 10 Pro XL | Rootable | Magisk via init_boot |
| Pixel 10 Pro | Rootable | Magisk via init_boot |
| Pixel 10 | Rootable | Magisk via init_boot |
| Pixel 9a / 9 / 9 Pro | Rootable | Magisk via init_boot |
| Pixel 8a / 8 / 8 Pro | Rootable | Magisk via init_boot |
| Pixel 7a / 7 / 7 Pro | Rootable | Magisk via init_boot |
| Pixel 6a / 6 / 6 Pro | Rootable | Magisk via init_boot |
Pixel owners in particular: May 2026 will include an anti rollback bump in the bootloader update. If you flash firmware older than that update, your phone will brick. So always make sure to use correct firmware version and do not downgrade bootloader after installation of that update.
Samsung Galaxy: Rootable, but Only on the Right Variant
Samsung is in a strange position. Only the right version of S series phones will make it into the 2026 list for phones that can be rooted with Android. You can still unlock international phones using download mode trick. Magisk fixes the firmware flawlessly. But US and carriers: they are firmly locked out. Samsung has quietly removed the OEM toggle from more regional builds with One UI 8 release too.
Z Fold 7 is the biggest loser for 2026. You can’t unlock anywhere. Fold 6 and Flip 7 owners are facing the same wall. Fold 8 and Flip 8 don’t even show OEM toggle; One UI 8 ships with it absent. If you need foldable phones and root access is important Samsung is no longer for you.
| Model | Root Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S26 Ultra | Rootable (intl) | One UI 8 unlock via Odin, US models locked |
| Galaxy S26+ / S26 | Rootable (intl) | One UI 8 unlock via Odin, US models locked |
| Galaxy S25 Ultra | Rootable (intl) | US models locked |
| Galaxy S25+ / S25 | Rootable (intl) | US models locked |
| Galaxy S25 FE | Rootable (intl) | Exynos models unlock |
| Galaxy Z Flip 8 | Not rootable | No unlock in any region |
| Galaxy Z Flip 7 | Not rootable | No unlock in any region |
| Galaxy Z Fold 8 | Not rootable | Bootloader fully blocked |
| Galaxy Z Fold 7 | Not rootable | Bootloader fully blocked |
| Galaxy A57 | Rootable (intl) | Community unlock bypass |
| Galaxy A56 / A36 / A26 | Rootable (intl) | Check OEM toggle first |
OnePlus Rootable Android Phones Update
OnePlus keeps its promise and so its phones among easiest to root Android phones, even into 2026 models. Rooting requires just a fastboot command and there is no delay, no approval app and no regional restrictions. Within half an hour after opening a OnePlus 15 you can root with KernelSU or Magisk. Community members have also found ways to keep root access even with locked bootloader.
| Model | Root Status | Method | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| OnePlus 15 | Rootable | Magisk / KernelSU | Guide |
| OnePlus 15R | Rootable | Magisk / KernelSU | Guide |
| OnePlus 13s / 13R | Rootable | Magisk / KernelSU | 13s / 13R |
| OnePlus Nord 5 | Rootable | Magisk / KernelSU | Guide |
Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco: Rootable Android Phones
Xiaomi still allows you to unlock your devices but it’s a real test of patience. You still have to register with Community app and wait for the 72 hour verification and periods that can drag for 7 days, 15 days or even 30 days. This has remained true until 2026. Random quota errors appear. HyperOS 3 also introduced new obstacles and community members now bypass them using scripts.
| Model | Root Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Poco F9 | Rootable | Standard unlock flow |
| Poco F8 Ultra / F8 Pro | Rootable | Bypass needed on some firmware |
| Poco F8 | Rootable | Standard unlock flow |
| Poco F7 Ultra / F7 Pro / F7 | Rootable | Standard unlock flow |
| Poco X8 Pro / X8 / X8 Power | Rootable | Standard unlock flow |
| Poco X7 Pro / X7 | Rootable | Standard unlock flow |
| Poco M7 Pro | Rootable | Standard unlock flow |
| Redmi Note 17 series | Rootable | Standard unlock flow |
| Redmi Note 15 Pro+ / 15 Pro / 15 | Rootable | Community app registration required |
| Redmi Note 14 Pro+ / 14 Pro / 14 | Rootable | Standard unlock flow |
| Redmi K100 Pro Max | Rootable | China only, long wait times |
| Redmi K90 Ultra / K90 Max | Rootable | China only, long wait times |
| Redmi K90 | Rootable | China first, long wait times |
| Redmi K80 Ultra / K80 Pro / K80 | Rootable | Standard unlock flow |
| Xiaomi 18 Fold | Rootable | China only, long wait times |
| Xiaomi 17 Ultra / 17T / 17 Pro / 17 | Rootable | China first, long wait times |
| Xiaomi 15T / 15T Pro | Rootable | Standard unlock flow |
| Xiaomi 15 Ultra / 15 Pro / 15 | Rootable | Standard unlock flow |
Nothing Phone: The Surprise Root Champion
Unlocking is official, takes minutes and trips no permanent fuse. Every model below is a rootable Android phone 2026 you can trust without drama. The Phone 3, the 3a series and the new 4a, 4a Pro and 4b models all root cleanly with KernelSU, and SukiSU custom kernels already exist for the 3a.
| Model | Root Status | Method | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nothing Phone (4a) Pro | Rootable | KernelSU / Magisk | – |
| Nothing Phone (4a) | Rootable | KernelSU / Magisk | – |
| Nothing Phone 4b | Rootable | KernelSU / Magisk | – |
| Nothing Phone 3 | Rootable | KernelSU / Magisk | Guide |
| Nothing Phone 3a / 3a Pro | Rootable | KernelSU | Guide |
| CMF Phone 2 Pro | Rootable | KernelSU | – |
Motorola: Official Unlock, Fewer Strings
Motorola’s official program is very friendly and second only to that of Google. That is why it is still on the list of phones that can be rooted for 2026. You just get an unlock code through their portal and it takes minutes not weeks. Then you flash Magisk with fastboot. This works for Edge 60 and Razr 60 as well as new 2026 models of unlocked G. Just be sure to choose wisely and don’t try on phones locked by US carriers though.
| Model | Root Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Moto Edge 60 Pro / 60 | Rootable | Official unlock code |
| Razr 60 Ultra / Razr 60 | Rootable | Official unlock code |
| Moto G96 / G56 | Rootable | Official unlock code |
| Moto G86 / G86 Power | Rootable | Official unlock code |
| Moto G67 Power | Rootable | Official unlock code |
| Moto G 2026 / G Stylus / G Play 2026 | Rootable | Unlocked retail units only |
Lenovo Legion: Rootable, but Only Through an Exploit
Lenovo killed the easy path. The no-bootloader KernelSU method that worked on the Legion Y700 Gen 2, 3 and 4 is dead, because the Gen 5 tablet ships with a closed Lenovo-private key and no official unlock portal at all. The community found a way around it anyway. A universal SM8850 bootloader unlock exploit still works on the Gen 5, and the GitHub tooling for it is public. Root after that is the usual Magisk or KernelSU patch.
One catch makes the Legion the trickiest rootable Android phone 2026 entry on this list. Lenovo can patch the exploit with a single OTA, and reports say the update will permanently blow the SoC fuses. If you own a Legion Y700 Gen 5, disable the system updater immediately with ADB and do not let the tablet update until the community confirms a safe version.
| Model | Root Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Legion Y700 Gen 4 (2025) | Rootable | KernelSU no-bootloader method |
| Legion Y700 Gen 5 (2026) | Rootable (exploit) | SM8850 unlock exploit, no official route, block OTAs |
RedMagic (nubia): Free Official Unlock
Nubia stands out among companies that have shut down their unlock portals. While other manufacturers close their unlock portals, Nubia keeps them open. Free service goes into effect in 2026. RedMagic gaming phones have a functional OEM toggle for unlocking. Magisk patches init boot image directly so bypass is not needed. This works on RedMagic 11 Pro, 11 Air and also older Red Magic 10 Pro. Budget Nubia Neo series uses ZTE unlock tools and follows same route.
Warning: Some Red Magic owners report bricking phones through OTA updates with unlocked bootloader. Root if you do so and ensure you stick to firmware version used for unlocking and disable auto updates until safe version is known.
| Model | Root Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RedMagic 11 Pro | Rootable | Official unlock + Magisk |
| RedMagic 11 Air | Rootable | Official unlock + Magisk |
| RedMagic 10 Pro | Rootable | Official unlock + Magisk |
| Nubia Neo 5 / Neo 5 Max | Rootable | ZTE unlock tools |
Sony, Asus, Fairphone and the Rest
Sony has its official unlock portal but stricter rules apply. You can no longer unlock Xperia 1 VII models from US or Japan. European versions follow standard process for developers. Always check your exact model code before purchasing.
Asus stopped tool for bootloader unlock in 2024 and never brought it back. That means every ROG Phone 9 and newer Zenfone is locked. Fairphone is different: the Fairphone 6 and 5 come with a built-in unlocked bootloader. Older HTC, LG and Nokia phones can still be rooted but current models are not worth the effort. Honor has quietly ended its unlock program for years so every Honor phone released in 2026 and beyond ships locked including 600, Win and Robot Phone.
| Brand | 2026 Models | Root Status |
|---|---|---|
| Sony | Xperia 1 VII | Region dependent |
| Sony | Xperia 10 VII | Region dependent |
| Asus | ROG Phone 9 series | Not rootable |
| Asus | Zenfone lineup | Not rootable |
| Fairphone | Fairphone 6 / 5 | Rootable, official |
| Honor | 600 / Win / Win RT / Robot Phone | Not rootable |
Oppo, Realme and Vivo: The Locked Club in 2026
For phones from Oppo, Realme or Vivo in 2026, rooting is not possible anymore. Realme has closed that channel and Oppo never took requests and Vivo never offered any option at all for global rooting. If rooting is a must for you, you should look elsewhere. No phones from those companies will be rooting friendly in 2026. Only Realme GT 7T, GT 8, GT 7, P4, C71 and 15 series can be unlocked by using their deep test APK and these still are modifiable. Instructions for them can be found above.
| Model | Root Status | Notes | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oppo K15 / K15 Pro / F33 Pro | Not rootable | Unlock servers shut | – |
| vivo X300 series / X Fold6 | Not rootable | No global unlock option | – |
| iQOO Neo 11 / Neo 11 Ultra / Z10 series | Not rootable | No global unlock option | – |
| Realme NARZO 80 Lite | Not rootable | No unlock route | – |
| Realme GT 8 / GT 8 Pro | Rootable | Deep test APK route | Guide |
| Realme GT 7 / GT 7 Pro | Rootable | Deep test APK route | Guide |
| Realme GT 7T | Rootable | Deep test APK route | Guide |
| Realme P4 / P4 Pro | Rootable | Deep test APK route | Guide |
| Realme C71 | Rootable | Deep test APK route | Guide |
| Realme 15 / Realme 15 Pro | Rootable | Deep test APK route | Guide |
Things to Check Before You Root Android Phones
Run through these checks before you buy any rootable Android phone 2026 candidate from this list.
- Open developer options and look for the OEM unlocking toggle. If it is missing or greyed out, the bootloader is locked at the carrier or regional level and no guide will help.
- Rooting trips Samsung Knox permanently, voids most warranties and can disable banking apps, contactless payments and camera features on some models.
- Banking and DRM apps check Play Integrity. Magisk modules can restore most of it, but strong integrity remains hit and miss in 2026.
- Take a full backup before touching anything. Every official unlock wipes the device completely.
- Follow the XDA thread for your exact model number, not just the marketing name. Firmware differences inside one family matter.
FAQ
Which Android phone is the easiest to root in 2026?
Any Google Pixel. It is the easiest rootable Android phone 2026 offers, the bootloader unlocks officially and Magisk does the rest in minutes. The Nothing Phone 3 and the OnePlus 15 are close seconds.
Can you root the Samsung Galaxy S25?
Yep, on international unlocked units. US versions and carrier ones have permanent bootloader locks. Forget about Z Fold 7 and Flip 7; they’re blocked everywhere.
Is rooting still worth it in 2026?
If you want full control for backing up, serious ad blocking, custom ROMs and fine per app firewall rules then rooting is still worth it, but if you just want a theme, it’s probably not worth all the bother anymore.
Does rooting void the warranty?
Yeah, in practice that is how it works. Samsung Knox trips permanently, Google and OnePlus allow relocking but the history stays detectable, and Motorola says it plainly in the unlock terms.
