Magisk Guide 2025 β
Complete Magisk installation, configuration, and usage guide - Everything you need to know about the most popular systemless root solution for Android.
Table of Contents β
- What is Magisk?
- Features & Benefits
- Requirements
- Installation Methods
- First Time Setup
- Magisk Manager
- Magisk Modules
- Zygisk & DenyList
- Troubleshooting
- Uninstallation
What is Magisk? β
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.
π― Quick Start
Already have unlocked bootloader and custom recovery? Jump to Installation Methods to get started immediately.
Why Magisk? β
- 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 β
π₯ Core Features β
- 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 β
π Essential Prerequisites β
- β Unlocked bootloader - Bootloader unlock guide
- β Custom recovery (TWRP recommended) - Recovery installation guide
- β Stock boot.img - Original boot image for your firmware
- β Computer with ADB/Fastboot - Platform Tools
- β 40%+ battery - Sufficient power for installation
πΎ Required Downloads β
- Magisk APK (Latest: v29.0)
- Stock firmware for your device (for boot.img extraction)
- Custom recovery compatible with your device
β οΈ Important
Always download Magisk from the official GitHub repository only. Fake versions may contain malware or cause bootloops.
Installation Methods β
Method 1: Custom Recovery Installation (Recommended) β
Best for: First-time users, most reliable method
Step 1: Prepare Files β
# Download latest Magisk APK
# Rename .apk to .zip (e.g., Magisk-v29.0.apk β Magisk-v29.0.zip)
Step 2: Flash via Recovery β
- Boot to recovery - Power + Volume Down/Up (device dependent)
- Backup current ROM - Always create nandroid backup first
- Flash Magisk:
- Select "Install" or "Install ZIP"
- Navigate to renamed Magisk ZIP file
- Swipe to confirm flash
- Reboot system - Do not install TWRP app if prompted
Step 3: Install Magisk Manager β
- Install APK - Install the original Magisk APK file
- Grant permissions - Allow all requested permissions
- Verify installation - Check if root access is working
Method 2: Boot Image Patching (Advanced) β
Best for: Devices without custom recovery, A/B partition devices
Step 1: Extract Boot Image β
# 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 β
- Install Magisk APK on your device
- Open Magisk Manager
- Tap "Install" β "Select and Patch a File"
- Select boot.img you extracted
- Wait for patching - Creates magisk_patched_[random].img
- Copy patched image to computer
Step 3: Flash Patched Boot β
# 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) β
For updating Magisk or switching installation methods
- Open Magisk Manager
- Tap "Install" next to Magisk
- Choose method:
- "Direct Install" - Updates existing installation
- "Install to Inactive Slot" - For A/B devices
- Reboot when prompted
First Time Setup β
π― Initial Configuration β
1. Verify Installation β
# Check via ADB
adb shell
su
# Should show root shell (#)
2. Configure Magisk Manager β
- Update channel: Stable (recommended) or Beta
- Auto-update: Enable for security updates
- Restart system: After major updates
3. Basic Settings β
- Multiuser mode: Disable (unless needed)
- Mount namespace mode: Global (default)
- Automatic response: Grant (for trusted apps)
π Root Permission Management β
Grant Root Access β
- App requests root - Popup appears
- Review request - Check app legitimacy
- Choose duration:
- Forever (trusted apps)
- Session only (testing)
- Deny (suspicious apps)
Root Access Logs β
- Access history - See which apps used root
- Detailed logs - Commands executed by root apps
- Security monitoring - Detect unauthorized access
Magisk Manager β
π Main Interface β
Status Section β
- Magisk version - Currently installed version
- SafetyNet status - Pass/Fail for banking apps
- Device info - Android version, security patch
Quick Actions β
- Install - Update or install Magisk
- Modules - Manage installed modules
- Superuser - Root permission management
- Logs - Debug and error information
βοΈ Settings Configuration β
Update Settings β
- Update channel: Stable vs Beta releases
- Auto-update: Automatic security updates
- Download via: WiFi only vs Mobile data
Magisk Core Settings β
- Zygisk: Enable for advanced module features
- Enforce DenyList: Hide root from specified apps
- Systemless hosts: Enable system-wide ad blocking
App Settings β
- Hide Magisk app: Rename to avoid detection
- Biometric authentication: Secure manager access
- Language: Interface localization
Magisk Modules β
π¦ What are Modules? β
Magisk modules are systemless modifications that add features or modify system behavior without touching the actual system partition.
Module Structure β
module_root/
βββ META-INF/
β βββ com/google/android/
β βββ update-binary
β βββ updater-script
βββ module.prop # Module metadata
βββ service.sh # Boot service script
βββ post-fs-data.sh # Early boot script
βββ system/ # System modifications
π₯ Popular Modules β
Performance & Battery β
- Universal GMS Doze - Optimize Google Play Services
- Extreme Battery Saver - Aggressive power saving
Privacy & Security β
- Zygisk Detach - Detach apps from Play Store
- Shamiko - Advanced root hiding
TIP
Visit our Root Apps and Modules Section for more than 290+ apps and modules
π₯ Installing Modules β
Method 1: Magisk Manager Repository β
- Open Magisk Manager
- Tap "Modules" tab
- Browse available modules
- Tap module β "Install"
- Reboot when installation completes
Method 2: Manual ZIP Installation β
- Download module ZIP from trusted source
- Open Magisk Manager β "Modules"
- Tap "Install from storage"
- Select ZIP file
- Reboot to activate
Method 3: Recovery Installation β
- Boot to custom recovery
- Flash module ZIP like any other ZIP
- Reboot system
π οΈ Module Management β
Enable/Disable Modules β
- Toggle switch - Enable/disable without removing
- Remove button - Completely uninstall module
- Update check - Keep modules current
Module Troubleshooting β
# 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 β
π Zygisk Explained β
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 β
- 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
π‘οΈ DenyList Configuration β
DenyList hides root access from apps that shouldn't detect it (banking apps, games, streaming services).
Enable DenyList β
- Open Magisk Manager
- Settings β "Zygisk" β Enable
- Settings β "Enforce DenyList" β Enable
- Reboot device
Configure DenyList β
- Magisk Manager β "DenyList"
- Find target app (e.g., banking app)
- Enable checkbox for the app
- Select processes to hide root from
- Test app - Should no longer detect root
Advanced DenyList β
# Command line DenyList management
magisk --denylist add com.app.package
magisk --denylist rm com.app.package
magisk --denylist ls
π± Common Apps for DenyList β
- 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 β
π¨ Common Issues β
Installation Failed β
Symptoms: Magisk won't install or bootloop after installation
# 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 β
Symptoms: Apps can't get root access
# Fixes:
1. Reinstall Magisk Manager APK
2. Check Superuser settings
3. Clear Magisk Manager data
4. Reflash Magisk ZIP
SafetyNet Failing β
Symptoms: Banking apps detect root
# 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 β
Symptoms: Installed modules have no effect
# 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
π§ Emergency Recovery β
Boot Loop Fix β
# 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 β
# 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
π Debug Information β
Collect Logs β
- Magisk Manager β "Logs"
- Save logs before reporting issues
- Include device info and steps to reproduce
Useful Commands β
# Check Magisk status
magisk --version
# List modules
ls /data/adb/modules/
# Check SELinux status
getenforce
# Verify mount points
mount | grep magisk
Uninstallation β
ποΈ Complete Removal β
Method 1: Magisk Manager β
- Open Magisk Manager
- Tap "Uninstall" β "Complete Uninstall"
- Confirm removal
- Reboot device
Method 2: Recovery Method β
- Download Magisk uninstaller from GitHub releases
- Boot to recovery
- Flash uninstaller ZIP
- Reboot system
Method 3: Fastboot Method β
# Flash original boot image
fastboot flash boot stock_boot.img
fastboot reboot
π§Ή Clean Removal β
# Remove all traces
adb shell rm -rf /data/adb/magisk*
adb shell rm -rf /data/adb/modules
adb shell rm -rf /data/magisk*
π‘ 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 β
π― Continue Your Android Journey:
- LSPosed Guide - Advanced Xposed framework
- KernelSU Guide - Alternative kernel-based root
- Custom ROM Installation - Transform your Android experience
- Root Apps Collection - Best apps for rooted devices
Need help? Join our community discussions or check the FAQ section for common questions and solutions.