Comprehensive reference for Android rooting, customization, and recovery.
| Android Version | Recommended Method | Kernel | Notes |
|---|
| Android 16 | APatch / KernelSU | GKI 2.0 | Developer Preview - experimental support |
| Android 15 | APatch / KernelSU / Magisk | GKI 2.0 | Stable across all methods |
| Android 14 | Magisk / APatch / KernelSU | GKI 2.0 | Mature and well-tested |
| Android 13 | Magisk / KernelSU | GKI / Legacy | Broad device support |
| Android 12–12L | Magisk | GKI / Legacy | Most compatible |
| Android 11 & below | Magisk | Legacy | Long-term support |
Tip
GKI (Generic Kernel Image) devices - typically Android 12+ with kernel 5.10+ - have the widest method compatibility. Check your kernel version in Settings → About Phone → Kernel Version.
| Solution | Best For | Android | Zygisk | Hide Root | Status | Source |
|---|
| Magisk | Universal compatibility | 6.0+ | ✅ Built-in | DenyList | Active | GitHub |
| KernelSU | Kernel-level stealth root | 12+ (GKI) | Via module | Built-in | Active | GitHub |
| KernelSU Next | Advanced kernel root, broader kernel support | 4.4–6.6 kernels | Via module | Built-in + SUSFS | Active | GitHub |
| APatch | Modern GKI devices | 12+ (GKI) | Via module | KPM-based | Active | GitHub |
| LSPosed (Fork) | Xposed framework modules | 8.1–16 | Required | N/A | Active | GitHub |
Note
Magisk remains the most universally compatible solution. KernelSU and APatch offer superior stealth on GKI devices but require kernel-level integration. KernelSU Next is an advanced kernel-based root solution supporting kernels from 4.4 up to 6.6, extending compatibility to non-GKI and older devices.
Tip
For the best root hiding currently, KernelSU Next + SUSFS is recommended by the community. For Xposed modules, LSPosed (JingMatrix fork) is the actively maintained option.
| Tool | Purpose | Compatibility | Source |
|---|
| Magisk Built-in Zygisk | Default Zygisk in Magisk | Magisk 24+ | Built into Magisk |
| ZygiskNext | Standalone Zygisk for KSU/Magisk/APatch | Magisk, KernelSU, APatch | GitHub |
| ReZygisk | Transparent, open-source Zygisk fork | Magisk, KernelSU, APatch | GitHub |
| Tool | Purpose | Root Required | Source |
|---|
| Shizuku | Delegated ADB/system API access without full root | No | GitHub |
| Dhizuku | Device owner delegation via Shizuku | No | GitHub |
| aShell You | Modern ADB shell interface | No | GitHub |
| Recovery | Features | Compatibility | Source |
|---|
| TWRP | Industry standard | Universal | twrp.me |
| OrangeFox | Enhanced UI, built-in tools | Select devices | orangefox.download |
| PitchBlack | TWRP fork with extras | Select devices | pitchblackrecovery.com |
| SkyHawk | Lightweight alternative | Select devices | GitHub |
| AOSP Recovery Source | Official base recovery | Reference | AOSP |
| Tool | Purpose | Platform | Source |
|---|
| ADB & Fastboot | Core Android debug/flash tools | All | Android SDK |
| Android Flash Tool | Web-based flashing (Pixel/AOSP) | Web | flash.android.com |
| Heimdall | Open-source Samsung flashing | All | GitHub |
| Odin | Samsung firmware flashing (official) | Windows | Samsung community distribution |
| Mi Flash Tool | Xiaomi fastboot flashing | Windows | xiaomiflashtool.com |
| SP Flash Tool | MediaTek SoC flashing | Windows/Linux | spflashtool.com |
| MTK Client | Open-source MediaTek bypass/flash | Python | GitHub |
| QFIL (Qualcomm) | Qualcomm EDL mode flashing | Windows | Qualcomm package |
| LineageOS Recovery | Official LineageOS recovery builds | Device-specific | LineageOS Wiki |
| Repository | Type | Content | Link |
|---|
| MMRL | Magisk modules | Community modules | GitHub |
| Fox MMRL | Module manager | Alternative client | GitHub |
| LSPosed Modules | Xposed modules | App modifications | Repository |
| Root Apps Index | Curated collection | 500+ root apps | Collection |
| IzzyOnDroid | F-Droid repo | FOSS apps | IzzyOnDroid |
| KernelSU Module Repo | KernelSU modules | Official module repository | modules.kernelsu.org |
| Tool | Purpose | Source |
|---|
| Payload-Dumper-Android | Extract partitions from OTA.zip or payload.bin on Android without a PC | GitHub |
| payload-dumper-go | Extract payload.bin | GitHub |
| payload-dumper-py | Python payload extractor | GitHub |
| payload-dumper-rust | Android OTA payload dumper | GitHub |
| AnyKernel3 | Kernel packaging/flashing framework | GitHub |
| Project | Features | Source |
|---|
| WildKernels GKI | KernelSU/KernelSU-Next with WildKSU Manager support, SUSFS root hiding patches, BBG Baseband Guard security | GitHub |
| WildKernels OnePlus | KSU + SUSFS builds for OnePlus GKI devices | GitHub |
| Platform | Focus | Best For | Link |
|---|
| XDA Developers | Development hub | ROMs, kernels, mods | Forum |
| X/Twitter | General rooting | Quick help, discussions | X |
| r/Magisk | Magisk specific | Modules, troubleshooting | Reddit |
| r/LineageOS | Custom ROMs | ROM support | Reddit |
| Telegram Groups | Real-time chat | Quick responses | Various channels |
| Pixel Community | Pixel specific rooting | Device updates | Reddit |
| ReZygisk Telegram | ReZygisk support | Module updates & discussion | Telegram |
| Brand | Unlock Method | Warranty Impact | Wait Period | Reversible | Guide |
|---|
| Google Pixel | OEM unlock toggle | Maintained | None | ✅ | Guide |
| OnePlus | OEM unlock toggle | Voided | None | ✅ | Guide |
| Xiaomi | Mi Unlock Tool | Voided | 7–30 days | ✅ | Guide |
| Samsung | OEM unlock (regional) | Voided + Knox tripped | None | ❌ Knox permanent | Guide |
| Nothing | OEM unlock toggle | Voided | None | ✅ | Guide |
| Motorola | Unlock code request | Voided | None | ✅ | Guide |
| ASUS | ASUS Unlock app | Voided | None | ✅ | ASUS Unlock Tool |
| Realme | Deep Testing app | Voided | Application required | ✅ | Realme Community |
| Sony | Unlock code via website | Voided + DRM keys lost | None | ⚠️ DRM permanent | Sony Developer portal |
| Fairphone | OEM unlock toggle | Maintained | None | ✅ | Fairphone docs |
| OPPO | Discontinued | N/A | N/A | N/A | No longer available |
| Huawei | Blocked since 2018 | N/A | N/A | N/A | Third-party only (risky) |
| ROM | Base | Focus | Root Support | Website |
|---|
| LineageOS | AOSP | Stability, privacy, broad device support | Optional (add-on) | lineageos.org |
| GrapheneOS | AOSP | Hardened security | Discouraged | grapheneos.org |
| CalyxOS | AOSP | Privacy with usability | Optional | calyxos.org |
| /e/OS (Murena) | LineageOS | De-Googled, microG built-in | Optional | e.foundation |
| crDroid | LineageOS | Heavy customization | Built-in support | crdroid.net |
| Evolution X | AOSP | Pixel features + customization | Built-in support | evolution-x.org |
| Paranoid Android | AOSP | Unique UX features | Optional | paranoidandroid.co |
| PixelOS | AOSP | Pixel experience on non-Pixels | Built-in support | pixelos.net |
| Pixel Experience | AOSP | Pixel features (broader devices) | Built-in support | pixelexperience.org |
Note
Some ROMs (like Evolution X) include spoofing in the ROM itself. Check your ROM's documentation before adding PIF, you might not need it. Custom ROMs like CrDroid, InfinityX, and Matrixx already come with Keybox injection by default. Instead of using a PIF module, you can use TrickyStore + Keybox injection from your own ROM.
| Issue | Symptoms | Solution | Guide |
|---|
| Bootloop | Stuck at logo | Flash stock firmware | Fix Guide |
| Soft Brick | System errors | Custom recovery restore | Recovery Guide |
| Hard Brick | No response | EDL/Download mode | Device forums |
| IMEI Loss | No network | Backup restoration | IMEI Guide |
| SafetyNet Fail | App detection | Hide root methods | Hiding Guide |
| Chipset | Tool | Mode | Purpose |
|---|
| Qualcomm | QFIL/EDL Tools | EDL (9008) | Deep flash recovery |
| MediaTek | SP Flash Tool | Download Mode | Full flash recovery |
| Samsung Exynos | Odin/Heimdall | Download Mode | Firmware restoration |
| Kirin (Huawei) | HiSuite | Fastboot | Limited recovery |
| Backup Type | When | Tool | Restore Method |
|---|
| EFS/IMEI | Before first root | TWRP/DD | Custom recovery |
| Boot Image | Before patching | Stock firmware | Fastboot flash |
| Full Nandroid | Before major mods | TWRP | TWRP restore |
| Persist Partition | Once after unlock | DD command | Fastboot/Recovery |
| Topic | Coverage | Link |
|---|
| Play Integrity API | Official guidance on root detection | Developer Docs |
| A/B System Updates | Seamless update flow | A/B System |
| Project Treble | HAL abstraction layers | Treble Docs |
| Mainline Modules | Modular update delivery | Mainline |
| Channel | Content Type | Quality | Link |
|---|
| XDA TV | Official tutorials | Professional | YouTube |
| HowToMen | Android modifications | Step-by-step | YouTube |
| Sam Beckman | Reviews & tutorials | Well-produced | YouTube |
| TechDoctorUK | Android TV & phones | Comprehensive | YouTube |
⚠️ Always verify video tutorials against written documentation for accuracy
Important: Rooting your device:
- May void your warranty
- Could brick your device if done incorrectly
- Might expose security vulnerabilities
- Can trigger anti-tampering mechanisms
Always:
- Back up your data before rooting
- Use official firmware sources
- Follow guides carefully
- Understand the risks involved
This is a community-driven project. Contributions are welcome!