Start Your Android Tinkering Journey with Magisk

Preface

Don’t ask why to do this. If you’re reading this article and interested in continuing, then you have this need too.

What is Magisk

Introduction

Magisk is a suite of open source software for customizing Android, supporting devices higher than Android 6.0.

Some highlight features:

MagiskSU: Provide root access for applications
Magisk Modules: Modify read-only partitions by installing modules
MagiskBoot: The most complete tool for unpacking and repacking Android boot images
Zygisk: Run code in every Android applications’ processes

Operation Steps Preview

Unlock BL
Install Magisk App
Download corresponding system version ROM package and extract boot.img
Use Magisk to modify boot.img
Flash the modified boot.img
Install Magisk modules
Enjoy the “free new world”

Unlock BL

Each has its own way, handle it yourself.
Xiaomi devices can refer to Xiaomi Unlock BL
OnePlus devices can refer to OnePlus Amu
Other devices please search yourself

In 2024, the best device to unlock is OnePlus. Others are inferior.

(Originally considered buying Xiaomi 14, but BL lock deterred a 10-year Xiaomi fan)

Install Magisk App

Download Magisk/releases

After downloading, install on your phone.

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adb install Magisk-v26.4.apk

Extract boot.img

Download corresponding system version ROM package and extract boot.img

If it’s a flash package, directly unzip and find boot.img

If it’s a line brush package, unzip to get payload.bin, need to use tools to extract.

On Windows, use FastbootEnhance tool; on Mac/Linux, use payload_dumper tool.

Basically similar.

Use Magisk to Generate Patched boot.img

Magisk App -> Install -> Install -> Select and Patch a File -> Select boot.img
Wait for patched boot.img to be generated, automatically saved to /sdcard/Download/magisk_patched-xxx.img

Flash the Modified boot.img

Phone enters Fastboot mode, connect to computer

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# Check if device is connected successfully
fastboot devices

# Flash the modified boot.img
fastboot flash boot /sdcard/Download/magisk_patched-xxx.img

After flashing, reboot phone.

Activate Magisk

After rebooting, reopen Magisk App, first time should prompt to start repair.

Normally, after repair completes, phone will reboot, and after reboot, it’s done.

Install Magisk Modules

Download Magisk modules, install locally.

The general process is basically this.

Common Commands List

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# Enter Fastboot mode
adb reboot bootloader

# Check if fastboot device is connected successfully
fastboot devices

# Unlock
fastboot oem unlock

# Unlock BL for other devices
fastboot flashing unlock

# Flash boot.img
fastboot flash boot ./Download/magisk_patched-xxx.img

# Reboot
fastboot reboot

LineageOS Build Archive Download

LineageOS Set Network Detection Address

Change captive connection verification server

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adb shell settings delete global captive_portal_https_url
adb shell settings delete global captive_portal_http_url
adb shell settings put global captive_portal_https_url https://connect.rom.miui.com/generate_204
adb shell settings put global captive_portal_http_url http://connect.rom.miui.com/generate_204