Rooting OnePlus Nord CE 2 on macOS: A Step-by-Step Guide

When I got my hands on the OnePlus Nord CE 2, I knew I wanted to root it. However, I quickly discovered that the process had changed significantly, especially with OnePlus removing the bootloader unlocking feature in OOS 13. Determined to find a way, I spent countless hours researching and testing different methods until I successfully rooted my device. This guide is a culmination of that experience, aimed at helping fellow enthusiasts root their OnePlus Nord CE 2 without the headaches I faced.

Prerequisites

Backup Your Data: Rooting will wipe all data from your device. Ensure you have a complete backup of all important data.

macOS Setup: Install android-platform-tools via Homebrew.

brew install --cask android-platform-tools

Unlock Developer Mode

Enable Developer Options:

• Go to Settings → About Phone → Version.
• Tap “Build number” 7–8 times until you see a message confirming that Developer Options are enabled.
• Go to Settings → Additional settings → Developer Options.
• Enable OEM unlock and USB debugging.

Downgrade from OOS 13 to OOS 11

Download the Stock OTA Zip:

• ROM IN
• ROM EU
• ROM GLO

Prepare the OTA File:

• Rename the downloaded file to oplus_ota_downgrade.zip.
• Copy this file to your mobile’s /sdcard/ location.

Install the OTA:

• Go to Settings → About device, and tap on OxygenOS.
• Tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner and select Local install.
• Select the oplus_ota_downgrade.zip file from /sdcard/.
• Follow the prompts to install OOS 11. This process will wipe your data.

Verify Developer Settings:

• Ensure Developer Mode, OEM unlock, and USB debugging are still enabled.

Unlock the Bootloader

Connect Your Device to Your Mac.

• Check ADB Connection:

adb devices

Reboot to Bootloader:

adb reboot bootloader

Check Fastboot Connection:

fastboot devices

Unlock the Bootloader:

• Run one of the following commands:

fastboot oem unlock
OR 
fastboot flashing unlock

Confirm on Your Device: Follow the on-screen instructions on your device to unlock the bootloader.

Reboot:

fastboot reboot

Congratulations, your OnePlus Nord CE 2 bootloader is now unlocked!

Rooting the Device

Download Magisk: Get the latest Magisk app from Magisk Releases.

Extract the OTA Zip:

• Unzip the OTA file downloaded earlier. Inside, find the boot.img file.
• Copy boot.img to /sdcard/ on your device:

adb push <path_to_boot.img> /sdcard/

Patch the Boot Image:

• Open the Magisk app.
• Tap Install → Select and Patch a File.
• Select the boot.img from /sdcard/.
• Magisk will patch the image and save it to /sdcard/Download/.

Transfer Patched Image to Mac:

adb pull <path_of_magisk_patched_image> <path_on_mac>

Flash the Patched Boot Image:

• Reboot to bootloader:

adb reboot bootloader

• Flash the patched image:

fastboot flash boot <path_to_magisk_patched.img>

Reboot:

fastboot reboot

Verify Root:

• Open the Magisk app to check for superuser status.
• Run the following in your terminal:

adb shell
su

• Grant permission on your device when prompted.

Congratulations! Your OnePlus Nord CE 2 is now rooted. Enjoy the full capabilities of your device with root access.