Here is how users can easily root HTC U12+ through Magisk with the steps detailed ahead. Unlike many other devices, HTC U12+ can be easily rooted without actually having to install a custom recovery. Despite this smartphone being fairly new, enthusiasts would be looking to root it in order to run their favorite mods and tweaks. Fortunately, they can now do exactly that through this article. With Magisk, the popular system-less root utility and Magisk Manager partner app, we would be able to root all unlocked HTC U12 Plus smartphones. To get further details about Magisk and exact steps on how to root HTC U12+, keep reading.
Out of the box, HTC is shipping its new U12 Plus smartphone with Android 8.1 Oreo. Soon to be replaced by Android P, this Android revision still provides a very clean experience. Once you have root, not only would you have options to change the built-in UI, you would also be able to install custom ROMs which can help you to test out system wide tweaks such as over-clocking or under-volting for higher battery times. As for our guide, we have made sure that the steps are clear enough for first time users to implement and that each step carries complete details. Complete how to root HTC U12+ process listed ahead.
Why use Magisk to Root HTC U12+?
For root, there are a couple of options you can choose from. However, the most reliable, secure and efficient still remains to be Magisk. All of these properties are integrated into Magisk by continuous testing of the app in various scenarios and devices. Further, Magisk follows a systemless approach. Simply put, Magisk doesn’t modify the system partition hence allowing for a more cleaner install which can be removed easily if need be.
Also, unique to Magisk, are the Magisk Modules which you can install and operate using Magisk Manager app. These modules add in functionality to your smartphone and also allow you to modify certain functions to your needs. As said previously, you wont be able to run these modules on any other root utility.
Looking to download latest Magisk ZIP package for your device? Read: Download Magisk (All Versions)
How to Root HTC U12+ on Android 8.1 Oreo
Do make sure you have already done the following things:
Step 1.1 – Download Android SDK from the Android Developers website and install. Also set it up with downloading platform-tools and USB drivers package in SDK. See: How to Set up ADB and Fastboot on Windows.
or
Step 1.2 – Download ADB / Fastboot – Android SDK Platform Tools separate package and install on your computer. Download from the following links depending on your OS and extract it anywhere in your computer.
- Windows: Download platform-tools-latest-windows.zip
- MacOS: Download platform-tools-latest-darwin.zip
- Linux: Download platform-tools-latest-linux.zip
Step 2 – Enable USB Debugging mode in your HTC U12+.
Step 3 – Install latest Magisk Manager by downloading the APK file: MagiskManager-v5.7.0.apk and install it on your device. If you are having troubles, we have a further article on how to manually install APK files.
Step 4 – You would now need a boot.img file which fits your firmware. Open About Phone menu on your HTC U12+ and find the firmware number. After that, proceed to download the same firmware package from this repository and from it, extract boot.img file.
Step 5 – Copy over the boot.img (Sometimes named as boot_signed.img) file to your HTC U12+.
Step 6 – Go to your Magisk Manager app and tap twice on Install.
Step 7 – Now, proceed to choose “Patch Boot.img file” and browse to the file you copied in Step 5.
Step 8 – Once patched, connect your HTC U12+ to your PC.
Step 9 – Open up Fastboot utility and execute following command:
adb pull /sdcard/MagiskManager/patched_boot.img
Step 10 – After that, reboot to bootloader by executing:
adb reboot bootloader
Step 11 – See which is the active slot your phone is booted to, respective to your situtation, run the command:
For Slot A:
fastboot flash boot_a patched_boot.img
For Slot B:
fastboot flash boot_b patched_boot.img
Step 12 – Now simply reboot.
That’s pretty much it! You should now have a rooted HTC U12+ device which is also capable of running Magisk Modules along with standard set of root apps and mods.
