Gone are the days when root exploits, Magisk, and custom recoveries were the most sought-after things for Android power users. The Android OS has evolved a lot over the years. With new features added with every update rollout, modding through root and custom ROMs is losing relevance. Shizuku uses Android’s system APIs directly to facilitate supported apps that require root access for ADB permission. Today, we’ll learn how to use Shizuku-authorized apps to enjoy ADB-based rootless apps and mods.
ADB is a powerful tool to control and manage Android devices but it has its limitations. Developed by Rikka, Shizuku takes advantage of ADB and combines it with system APIs to achieve rootless mods and tweaks with the help of supported apps. This unique technique enables Sizuku to eliminate the need for granting root access to apps to implement system-level modifications to Android devices.
For instance, Android users require root or ADB commands to uninstall system apps traditionally. With Shizuku-supported apps like Canta and Package Manager, you can remove system apps without root. Dozens of other apps leverage Shizuku’s capabilities to tweak, customize, and modify Android devices.
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Setting Up Shizuku on Android
Via Wireless Debugging (without Root)
Before you explore Sizuku’s rootless capabilities, you must install and set up the app. Shizuku uses ADB but that doesn’t mean you have to use ADB commands to perform system-level tasks. You only need to grant it wireless debugging access via the Developer options on your device.
Let’s check out the detailed steps to install and prepare Shizuku.
- Navigate to Settings > About phone.
- Look for Build number. On a Samsung Galaxy device, you can find the Build number under About phone > Software information.
- Tap the Build number 7 times and enter your device PIN when prompted to enable the hidden Developer options.
- Now, download and install Shizuku from the Google Play Store.
- When the app is installed, launch it and tap the Pairing option under the Start via Wireless debugging section.
- Shizuku will prompt you to permit Notifications. Tap Notification options and then the toggle next to Notifications to allow permission.
- Tap the back button to return to Shizuku’s Pairing screen and tap Developer options.
- You’ll be taken to the Developer options.
- Scroll down to the Debugging section and tap the toggle next to the Wireless debugging option to enable it. Then tap the option itself to view Wireless debugging settings.
- On the next screen, tap the Pair device with pairing code option.
- You’ll get a 6-digit pairing code.
- Swipe down the status bar on your device and tap the Pairing device found notification from Shizuku. Then tap Enter pairing code, type the code, and select Send.
- Finally, open Shizuku and tap the Start button. Shizuku will run a privileged API script and start running in the background.
That’s it! You have set up Shizuku on your Android device and are ready to enjoy custom mods without root.
Setting Up Shizuku on Rooted Android Devices
Shizuku was born as an alternative for power users who do not want to root their devices and enjoy rootless mods. You can use it without root but if you have already rooted your device, you can set Shizuku more easily. Follow these quick steps.
- Launch Shizuku on your device and tap the Start button under the Start (for rooted devices) section.
- When Shizuku prompts you to allow Superuser privilege, tap Grant.
- That’s it! Shizuku will start running. Shizuku automatically starts running on rooted devices. If you want it to be deactivated when you reboot your device, you can do that from the app settings.
Steps to Set Up Shizuku via ADB
Enabling Shizuku via Wireless debugging is the easiest way to set up and use the app. However, you can also start Shizuku using an ADB command via your computer. This message is also easy given that Android SDK Platform Tools are installed on your PC.
If you are starting from scratch, do the following.
- Download the latest Android SDK platform-tools and unzip the file.
- Navigate to Settings > Developer options, tap the toggle button next to USB debugging, and select OK when prompted to Allow USB debugging.
- Connect your Android phone to your computer via a USB cable.
- Navigate to the ‘platform-tools‘ folder, right-click inside the folder window, and select the Open in Terminal option from the context menu. Alternatively, you can type “powershell” or “cmd” in the folder address bar to launch a command window.
- Make sure your phone’s screen is on or unlocked during the ADB session otherwise, you will get an error.
- Now type
adb devicesin the command window and hit Enter to verify the connection. At this time, a dialog box entitled “Allow USB debugging” will appear on the device, tap Allow.
- ADB will return an alphanumeric value under List of devices attached. This means ADB has recognized your device.
- Copy the following command, paste it into the command windows and press Enter.
adb shell sh /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/moe.shizuku.privileged.api/start.sh
- If the command output ends with “shizuku_starter exit with 0“, Shizuku was started successfully.
List of Useful Shizuku-Supported Apps & Mods
Shizuku can open new vistas of customization with the aid of supported apps. Below is a list of around 50 best Shizuku apps and mods that utilize the app’s ADB Shell-level permissions to unlock hidden features, modify the system, customize UI, and tweak settings on Android without root.
App |
Description |
|---|---|
| AAAD | Android Auto Apps Downloader (AAAD) lets you download 3rd-party apps on Android Auto without root. |
| aBattery | Get battery status information like battery type, health, maximum capacity, charge cycle, temperature, manufacturing and first usage date, etc. on Android 14 or later. |
| Amarok | A nifty Shujuku-powered app for privacy lovers that allows you to hide files and data on Android without root. |
| Android-Screener | It’s a simple tool to set custom values for screen resolution and DPI and scale the screen. |
| Android-Show-Taps | Customizes screen taps. |
| aShell | LADB (local ADB) shell allows you to execute ADB Shell commands right from your device. You can enjoy the tool with Material design with aShell You. |
| AuroraStore | An open-source and privacy-focused app market for Android like the Google Play Store. |
| App Ops | A Shizuku-powered app that lets you manage app permissions on Android. |
| AutoDND | Enable or disable the DND mode on a per-app basis automatically. |
| AutoDark | Schedule dark mode on Android devices. |
| Batt | A useful Shijuku app that lets you check battery health, charge cycle, and manufacturing date on Android 14 and later. |
| Better Internet Tiles | Enable the Wi-Fi and mobile data tiles in the Quick Settings panel. |
| Blocker | Manage activities, services, receivers, and providers on Android without root. |
| Canta | Uninstall the system and user apps and debloat Android without root. |
| CarrierVanityName | Customize network operator or carrier name on unrooted devices. |
| ColorBlendr | Modify the Material You colors and use custom colors to revamp your Android phone or tablet. |
| CurrentActivity | Monitor background processes and activities on Android devices. |
| DSU-Sideloader | Install Google System Images (GSIs) on Android devices via DSU (Dynamic System Updates). |
| DarQ | Force dark mode on per-app basis. |
| DisabledLauncher | This small app lets you disable unused apps and access them easily whenever you want. |
| FV File Manager | It is a File manager that allows you to access ‘/Android/data’ and ‘/Android/obb’ files without root. |
| FreezeYou | Freeze unused apps to enjoy faster performance and extended battery life. |
| Hail | Create app groups and disable, freeze, or hide them at once. |
| Hex Installer | It’s a system-wide theming engine for Samsung OneUI that normally requires root access but works with Shizuku without root. |
| Ice Box | Freeze or hide unwanted apps. |
| InstallWithOptions | Install APKs on Android devices with advanced options. It even lets you install the older version of an app. |
| Inure App Manager | Manage apps on Android with or without root. |
| Island | Isolate, clone, freeze and hide apps on your Android phone. |
| KeyMapper | Remap the hardware and navigation buttons and assign custom behavior. |
| Language-Selector | Set different languages for individual apps. |
| Obtainium | Update Android apps directly from their sources, and receive notifications when new releases are available. |
| PI | Package Installer (PI) lets you install app packages. |
| Package Manager | It’s a powerful app manager for Android that lets you freeze, disable, uninstall, install, and split apps/package bundles. |
| PhoneProfilesPlus | Customize how your phone behaves in specific life situations such as at home, work, drive, sleep, outside, etc. |
| RebootMenu | If your phone’s power button is broken and you can’t access the power menu, this app will let you open the power menu using shortcuts. |
| Repainter | Customize Material You on Android devices without root. |
| RootlessJamesDSP | Implement custom audio settings on non-rooted Android devices with the JamesDSP audio processing engine. |
| SDMaid-SE | Keep your device clean and tidy with SD Maid 2/SE. |
| ScreenOff | Turn off your Android’s screen while everything else working in the background. |
| SecondScreen | Cast your phone’s screen to external devices. |
| SensorsOff | Toggle device sensors via quick settings. |
| ShizuTools | Debloat Android devices, patch themes, downgrade apps and use ADB Shell commands on non-rooted devices. |
| Show Taps | See your screen taps or touch events. |
| SimpleWear | Control your Android phone from your WearOS watch. |
| SkyDroid | A decentralized app store for Android. |
| Swift Backup | Backup and restore your phone’s apps, media, and data without root. |
| System UI Tuner | Modify hidden settings on Android devices. |
| TakoStats | A must-have app for Android geeks that shows technical information about the CPU, GPU, Battery, FPS, memory usage, download and upload speed, and more in real-time. |
| Taskbar | The app hasn’t been updated for 3 years but it still works. It displays a start menu icon and a recent apps tray accessible anywhere. |
| UpgradeAll | Check updates for Android apps and Magisk modules. |
| WiFiList | View your saved WiFi passwords without root. |
| XtMapper | Remap your phone’s hardware and navigation buttons. |
When you install and run these apps, please ensure that Shizuku is running in the background. Open the app when installed and authorize it to access Shizuku. After that, you can use all the rootless features of the app.
Shizuku has revolutionized how we used to modify Android devices with root apps. It lets you enjoy the benefits of ADB-based rootless mods without voiding the warranty of your device or compromising security. Sure, it doesn’t give a sense of power Superuser does, but it’s still a great option if you want to customize and modify your device to avail system-level tweaks.
