In this guide, we will show you the steps to unlock the bootloader and then root your OnePlus 13R/Ace 3 via KernelSU. The affordable variant of the latest flagship manages to checkmark all the prerequisites without bringing a hole in your pocket. While it might take some time for the device to pick up pace in the custom development [as it has recently been released], however, you can still gain administrative privileges over it- either via Magisk or KernelSU. In this guide, our focus will be on the latter.
As far as the reason for the same is concerned, KernelSU uses the kernel instead of the boot and hence is less detectable by banking and payment apps [and even the likes of Intune, Outlook & Teams] when compared with Magisk. Along the same lines, KernelSU is also more actively maintained than its counterpart. So owing to all these benefits, let’s make you aware of the steps to unlock the bootloader and root your OnePlus 13R/Ace 3 via KernelSU.
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Benefits and Risks of Rooting OnePlus 13
Once you root your device, you will be in a position to flash a plethora of mods. These include the likes of Fox Magisk Modules, Substratum Themes, Xposed Framework via LSPosed, and Viper4Android among others. Along the same lines, you could also flash a custom kernel and implement your desired CPU profile. However, such tweaks do come with a few risks as well.
To begin with, rooting requires you to unlock the bootloader- which will wipe off all the data and could nullify the warranty as well. Likewise, SafetyNet will be triggered [FIXED] which will result in your inability to use banking apps [FIXED]. So if that’s all well and good, then let’s get started with the steps to root your OnePlus 13 via the Magisk patched init_boot.img.
Root OnePlus 13 via Magisk Patched Init_Boot
The below instructions are listed under separate sections for ease of understanding. Make sure to follow in the exact same sequence as mentioned. Droidwin and its members wouldn’t be held responsible in case of a thermonuclear war, your alarm doesn’t wake you up, or if anything happens to your device and data by performing the below steps.
STEP 1: Install Android SDK
First and foremost, you will have to install the Android SDK Platform Tools on your PC. This is the official ADB and Fastboot binary provided by Google and is the only recommended one. So download it and then extract it to any convenient location on your PC. Doing so will give you the platform-tools folder, which will be used throughout this guide.
STEP 2: Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking
Next up, you will have to enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking on your device. The former will make your device recognizable by the PC in ADB mode. This will then allow you to boot your device to Fastboot Mode. On the other hand, OEM Unlocking is required to carry out the bootloader unlocking process.
So head over to Settings > About Phone > Tap on Build Number 7 times > Go back to Settings > System > Advanced > Developer Options > Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking.
STEP 3: Unlock Bootloader on OnePlus 13
After this, you will have to unlock the bootloader on your device. Do keep in mind that this process will wipe off all the data and might nullify the device’s warranty as well. So if that’s all well and good, then refer to our comprehensive guide on How to Unlock Bootloader on OnePlus Devices. In short, boot your device to Fastboot Mode > use fastboot flashing unlock command > Confirm Unlock the Bootloader.
STEP 4: Extract OnePlus 13R/Ace 3 Payload.bin
- Download the firmware for your device from here or via Oxygen Updater.
- Then extract it and you’ll get a couple of files, including payload.bin.
- Once that is done, download and extract the Fastboot Enhance Tool on your PC.
- Then go to its Payload Dumper tab, click Browse, and load the payload.bin file.
- Now select the init_boot.img, check Allow Incremental, and hit Extract Image.
- Choose the location and the file will be extracted. Now transfer it to your device.
STEP 5A: LKM Root via KernelSU
- Download and install KernelSU or KernelSU Next on your device.
- After that, launch the app and patch the stock init_boot.img file.
- Once done, transfer the patched file to the platform tools folder.
- Now boot your device to Fastboot Mode via the below command:
adb reboot bootloader
- To verify the Fastboot connection, type in the below command:
fastboot devices
- Then type the below command to flash this patched file:
fastboot flash init_boot_patched.img
- Finally, type in the below command to boot to the rooted OS:
fastboot reboot
STEP 5B: GKI Root via KernelSU
- Download the kernel corresponding to your device:
OnePlus 13R | OnePlus Ace 3
- Next up, download and install a Kernel Flasher app.
- Then launch it, give it root access, and restart device.
- Finally, launch app > flash the kernel > restart device.
That’s it. These were the steps to root your OnePlus 13R/Ace 3 via KernelSU. If you have any queries concerning the aforementioned steps, do let us know in the comments. We will get back to you with a solution as soon as possible.
