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Magisk Guide 2025 ​

Complete Magisk installation, configuration, and usage guide - Everything you need to know about the most popular systemless root solution for Android.

Table of Contents ​

What is Magisk? ​

Magisk is a systemless root solution for Android that provides root access without modifying the system partition. Created by topjohnwu, it's the most popular and advanced rooting solution available.

Key Concept: Instead of modifying /system, Magisk creates a "magic mount" that overlays changes, keeping your system partition untouched.

🎯 Quick Start

Already have unlocked bootloader and custom recovery? Jump to Installation Methods to get started immediately.

Why Magisk? ​

  • Systemless design - Doesn't modify system partition
  • Passes SafetyNet - Works with banking apps (when properly configured)
  • Module system - Easy modification installation/removal
  • OTA friendly - Can survive system updates
  • Active development - Regular updates and improvements

Features & Benefits ​

πŸ”₯ Core Features ​

  • MagiskSU - Full root access for applications
  • Magisk Modules - Systemless modifications via OverlayFS
  • MagiskBoot - Complete tool for boot image manipulation
  • Zygisk - Run code in every Android app's process
  • DenyList - Hide root from specific apps

Requirements ​

πŸ“‹ Essential Prerequisites ​

πŸ’Ύ Required Downloads ​

  • Magisk APK (Latest: v29.0)
  • Stock firmware for your device (for boot.img extraction)
  • Custom recovery compatible with your device

⚠️ Important

Always download Magisk from the official GitHub repository only. Fake versions may contain malware or cause bootloops.

Installation Methods ​

Best for: First-time users, most reliable method

Step 1: Prepare Files ​

bash
# Download latest Magisk APK
# Rename .apk to .zip (e.g., Magisk-v29.0.apk β†’ Magisk-v29.0.zip)

Step 2: Flash via Recovery ​

  1. Boot to recovery - Power + Volume Down/Up (device dependent)
  2. Backup current ROM - Always create nandroid backup first
  3. Flash Magisk:
    • Select "Install" or "Install ZIP"
    • Navigate to renamed Magisk ZIP file
    • Swipe to confirm flash
  4. Reboot system - Do not install TWRP app if prompted

Step 3: Install Magisk Manager ​

  1. Install APK - Install the original Magisk APK file
  2. Grant permissions - Allow all requested permissions
  3. Verify installation - Check if root access is working

Method 2: Boot Image Patching (Advanced) ​

Best for: Devices without custom recovery, A/B partition devices

Step 1: Extract Boot Image ​

bash
# From stock firmware ZIP
unzip firmware.zip boot.img

# Or from device (requires root)
adb shell
su
dd if=/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/boot of=/sdcard/boot.img

Step 2: Patch Boot Image ​

  1. Install Magisk APK on your device
  2. Open Magisk Manager
  3. Tap "Install" β†’ "Select and Patch a File"
  4. Select boot.img you extracted
  5. Wait for patching - Creates magisk_patched_[random].img
  6. Copy patched image to computer

Step 3: Flash Patched Boot ​

bash
# Boot to fastboot mode
adb reboot bootloader

# Flash patched boot image
fastboot flash boot magisk_patched_[random].img

# Reboot device
fastboot reboot

Method 3: Direct Installation (Magisk Already Installed) ​

For updating Magisk or switching installation methods

  1. Open Magisk Manager
  2. Tap "Install" next to Magisk
  3. Choose method:
    • "Direct Install" - Updates existing installation
    • "Install to Inactive Slot" - For A/B devices
  4. Reboot when prompted

First Time Setup ​

🎯 Initial Configuration ​

1. Verify Installation ​

bash
# Check via ADB
adb shell
su
# Should show root shell (#)

2. Configure Magisk Manager ​

  • Update channel: Stable (recommended) or Beta
  • Auto-update: Enable for security updates
  • Restart system: After major updates

3. Basic Settings ​

  • Multiuser mode: Disable (unless needed)
  • Mount namespace mode: Global (default)
  • Automatic response: Grant (for trusted apps)

πŸ” Root Permission Management ​

Grant Root Access ​

  1. App requests root - Popup appears
  2. Review request - Check app legitimacy
  3. Choose duration:
    • Forever (trusted apps)
    • Session only (testing)
    • Deny (suspicious apps)

Root Access Logs ​

  • Access history - See which apps used root
  • Detailed logs - Commands executed by root apps
  • Security monitoring - Detect unauthorized access

Magisk Manager ​

🏠 Main Interface ​

Status Section ​

  • Magisk version - Currently installed version
  • SafetyNet status - Pass/Fail for banking apps
  • Device info - Android version, security patch

Quick Actions ​

  • Install - Update or install Magisk
  • Modules - Manage installed modules
  • Superuser - Root permission management
  • Logs - Debug and error information

βš™οΈ Settings Configuration ​

Update Settings ​

  • Update channel: Stable vs Beta releases
  • Auto-update: Automatic security updates
  • Download via: WiFi only vs Mobile data

Magisk Core Settings ​

  • Zygisk: Enable for advanced module features
  • Enforce DenyList: Hide root from specified apps
  • Systemless hosts: Enable system-wide ad blocking

App Settings ​

  • Hide Magisk app: Rename to avoid detection
  • Biometric authentication: Secure manager access
  • Language: Interface localization

Magisk Modules ​

πŸ“¦ What are Modules? ​

Magisk modules are systemless modifications that add features or modify system behavior without touching the actual system partition.

Module Structure ​

module_root/
β”œβ”€β”€ META-INF/
β”‚   └── com/google/android/
β”‚       β”œβ”€β”€ update-binary
β”‚       └── updater-script
β”œβ”€β”€ module.prop          # Module metadata
β”œβ”€β”€ service.sh          # Boot service script
β”œβ”€β”€ post-fs-data.sh     # Early boot script
└── system/             # System modifications

Performance & Battery ​

Privacy & Security ​

TIP

Visit our Root Apps and Modules Section for more than 290+ apps and modules

πŸ“₯ Installing Modules ​

Method 1: Magisk Manager Repository ​

  1. Open Magisk Manager
  2. Tap "Modules" tab
  3. Browse available modules
  4. Tap module β†’ "Install"
  5. Reboot when installation completes

Method 2: Manual ZIP Installation ​

  1. Download module ZIP from trusted source
  2. Open Magisk Manager β†’ "Modules"
  3. Tap "Install from storage"
  4. Select ZIP file
  5. Reboot to activate

Method 3: Recovery Installation ​

  1. Boot to custom recovery
  2. Flash module ZIP like any other ZIP
  3. Reboot system

πŸ› οΈ Module Management ​

Enable/Disable Modules ​

  • Toggle switch - Enable/disable without removing
  • Remove button - Completely uninstall module
  • Update check - Keep modules current

Module Troubleshooting ​

bash
# Disable all modules (emergency)
adb shell touch /data/adb/modules/.disable_all

# Remove specific module
adb shell rm -rf /data/adb/modules/module_name

# Safe mode boot
# Boot without any modules loaded

Zygisk & DenyList ​

πŸ” Zygisk Explained ​

Zygisk (Zygote + Magisk) allows Magisk to run code in every Android application's process, enabling advanced features like root hiding and app hooking.

Key Features ​

  • Process injection - Run code in app contexts
  • Root hiding - Make root invisible to specific apps
  • Module enhancement - Advanced module capabilities
  • Improved compatibility - Better app support

πŸ›‘οΈ DenyList Configuration ​

DenyList hides root access from apps that shouldn't detect it (banking apps, games, streaming services).

Enable DenyList ​

  1. Open Magisk Manager
  2. Settings β†’ "Zygisk" β†’ Enable
  3. Settings β†’ "Enforce DenyList" β†’ Enable
  4. Reboot device

Configure DenyList ​

  1. Magisk Manager β†’ "DenyList"
  2. Find target app (e.g., banking app)
  3. Enable checkbox for the app
  4. Select processes to hide root from
  5. Test app - Should no longer detect root

Advanced DenyList ​

bash
# Command line DenyList management
magisk --denylist add com.app.package
magisk --denylist rm com.app.package
magisk --denylist ls

πŸ“± Common Apps for DenyList ​

  • Banking: Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo
  • Payment: Google Pay, Samsung Pay, PayPal
  • Streaming: Netflix, Disney+, Hulu
  • Games: PokΓ©mon GO, Call of Duty Mobile
  • Work: Microsoft Intune, enterprise apps

Troubleshooting ​

🚨 Common Issues ​

Installation Failed ​

Symptoms: Magisk won't install or bootloop after installation

bash
# Solutions:
1. Verify bootloader is unlocked
2. Use correct boot.img for your firmware
3. Try different installation method
4. Check recovery compatibility

Root Not Working ​

Symptoms: Apps can't get root access

bash
# Fixes:
1. Reinstall Magisk Manager APK
2. Check Superuser settings
3. Clear Magisk Manager data
4. Reflash Magisk ZIP

SafetyNet Failing ​

Symptoms: Banking apps detect root

bash
# Solutions:
1. Enable Zygisk + DenyList
2. Install Universal SafetyNet Fix module
3. Hide Magisk Manager (rename app)
4. Add banking apps to DenyList

Modules Not Working ​

Symptoms: Installed modules have no effect

bash
# Troubleshooting:
1. Ensure Zygisk is enabled (if module requires it)
2. Check module compatibility with Android version
3. Verify module installation in /data/adb/modules/
4. Reboot after module installation

πŸ”§ Emergency Recovery ​

Boot Loop Fix ​

bash
# Method 1: Disable modules
adb shell touch /data/adb/modules/.disable_all
adb reboot

# Method 2: Remove problematic module
adb shell rm -rf /data/adb/modules/problem_module

# Method 3: Magisk Safe Mode
# Hold Volume Up during boot (device dependent)

Complete Magisk Removal ​

bash
# Via recovery (if accessible)
1. Flash Magisk uninstaller ZIP
2. Or restore clean boot.img backup

# Via fastboot (last resort)
fastboot flash boot stock_boot.img
fastboot reboot

πŸ“Š Debug Information ​

Collect Logs ​

  1. Magisk Manager β†’ "Logs"
  2. Save logs before reporting issues
  3. Include device info and steps to reproduce

Useful Commands ​

bash
# Check Magisk status
magisk --version

# List modules
ls /data/adb/modules/

# Check SELinux status
getenforce

# Verify mount points
mount | grep magisk

Uninstallation ​

πŸ—‘οΈ Complete Removal ​

Method 1: Magisk Manager ​

  1. Open Magisk Manager
  2. Tap "Uninstall" β†’ "Complete Uninstall"
  3. Confirm removal
  4. Reboot device

Method 2: Recovery Method ​

  1. Download Magisk uninstaller from GitHub releases
  2. Boot to recovery
  3. Flash uninstaller ZIP
  4. Reboot system

Method 3: Fastboot Method ​

bash
# Flash original boot image
fastboot flash boot stock_boot.img
fastboot reboot

🧹 Clean Removal ​

bash
# Remove all traces
adb shell rm -rf /data/adb/magisk*
adb shell rm -rf /data/adb/modules
adb shell rm -rf /data/magisk*

πŸ’‘ Pro Tips

  • Always backup your working setup before making changes
  • Test modules one at a time to identify problems
  • Keep stock firmware files for emergency recovery
  • Join Magisk community forums for help and updates
  • Regularly update Magisk for security and compatibility

Next Steps ​

🎯 Continue Your Android Journey:


Need help? Join our community discussions or check the FAQ section for common questions and solutions.

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