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This app lets you root almost any Android device with one click

xperia root
© nextpit

A Chinese app which is not available in the Play Store is offering Android users a new luxury - rooting devices with one tap. The app, called KingRoot 4.0, was used in a new YouTube video to root a Verizon Galaxy Note 4 running Android Lollipop. I have so far attempted to root three devices using KingRoot 4.0; find out what happened at the update section below.

xperia root
KingRoot 4.0 can root your phone with one tap, apparently. / © ANDROIDPIT

Update: After trying to root a Galaxy Note 4, HTC One M9, and LG G3 using KingRoot, I have had no success. The reason is hard for me to determine, given that the app is written in Chinese. In the first test with the Note 4, the process reached 52 percent and then the device restarted. When we opened the Kingroot 4.0 app afterwards, it showed the image below (far right).

kingroot 4 0 test
I tested the Kingroot 4.0 on the Galaxy Note 4 and the process failed. / © ANDROIDPIT

Does this mean the app doesn't work? Not necessarily, it just means that it doesn't work in every instance. Some users have found more success, generally with older devices, while others have warned of the dangers of the app.

You can read more about this in the comments below -- thank you to everybody who has left a message. 

Previous coverage: The app can be downloaded at this article for information on Android app permissions and what they mean.

So, is KingRoot 4.0 safe? The video uploader says in the comments that “it won't mess up your phone,” but “it may send your info to China.” We haven't tried the app ourselves yet, and we’re skeptical about its inherent capabilities. There are a vast number of hoops to jump through to root any device, let alone carrier-specific models. That being said, it appears to work in this video, so maybe it is possible. 

Let us know in the comments below if you have any success with this app. The permissions it requests look relatively standard for an app that roots your device, but remember that rooting your smartphone will void your warranty. 

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Scott Adam Gordon

Scott Adam Gordon
Editor

Originally from the UK, Scott graduated in Popular Music Studies at Newcastle University and attributes much of his success there to his beloved Samsung Galaxy S2. His current aim is to write cool things about Android. And he loves it.

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  • 27
    Sorin Jan 25, 2019 Link to comment

    About KingRoot I heard very good opinions and that made me curious. I have a perfectly functional phone that I do not use it anymore, so I could test KingRoot!


  • 1
    Joseph Hamilton Nov 29, 2015 Link to comment

    I have an HTC one m7 on a regional carrier called ntelos. I used sunshine for my boot loader unlock but used king root to install twrp and cygenomod 12 on the phone. King root done awesome for me.


  • 1
    Pee Wee Oct 16, 2015 Link to comment

    Unfortunately King root doesn't work on Samsung Tab S2 (T810), who knows another solution? PAULINE


  • 1
    Jay Black Oct 14, 2015 Link to comment

    I have no problem obtaining root, however after a few hours or any reboot it is lost. Is there a way to obtain permanent root?


  • 6
    jaskaran Sep 23, 2015 Link to comment

    hey Scott its not working on lollipop .


  • 1
    Untipo LlamadoHoracio Jul 7, 2015 Link to comment

    I have a Xperia s running pure osp lollipop 5.1. This app didn't work for me. Any ideas on why I can't root my device? What does the blue envelope means? First it showed red and then blue. Help? Anyone?


  • itongito 1
    itongito Jul 6, 2015 Link to comment

    My device is already rooted through Odin mode. Why root again then verify root? I think this app is risky. In the first place, I should'nt have clicked the app, just to think it will question me before rooting, but then this app suddenly directs to rooting with just one-clicked to the app! And I know it is a risk, and is now a risk for real to my device 'cause my root-needed apps were denied access to root (i.e. GameCIH). Will someone tell me why is this happening to my device? It's hard to unroot then root again through Odin mode, you know?


    • 6
      jaskaran Jul 6, 2015 Link to comment

      hey just unroot ur phone from kingmaster app.I hope this will work.


    • 2
      Ryan Steele Jan 22, 2016 Link to comment

      Why indeed. I'm hoping I'm not misunderstanding, but are did you really use this to root when you already were rooted via the ODIN process? This app just seems like a boon to those with newer phones. I've got a new Note 5 and I'm skeptical about even rooting it, let alone with King Root.

      I have used this on a couple tablets with no hassle (Sprint's shitty and in-house developed 8" tablet and the LG G Pad 7, both running Lollipop 5.1 for some reason, even though they're both pretty underwhelming). I've got an old S3 sitting around that no longer has service. I'll probably root that as well with Kingroot. I just don't think I'd do it on the Note 5 because I still don't really know entirely what Information is really sent, and I'm not decided on whether or not I really care.


  • 1
    Eujin Parinas Jun 15, 2015 Link to comment

    tried it on my bootloader unlocked xperia t2 ultra d5303 single sim variant running android 5.0.2 build 19.3.A.0.470 and it worked on my first attempt. all my apps that need root access works (like titanium backup, rom toolbox, scr pro, etc...). there are times some apps will fail to gain root access but works after i try again (is that what they mean by temporary root?)

    then awhile ago i flashed a different build of android 5.0.2 on my phone this time the build is 19.3.A.0.472 and my bootloader is locked but kingroot didn't work the first time. i tried it a couple times, reset my phone then try it again before i was able to root my phone. im not sure if the build has something to do with, or is it the bootloader or maybe my internet connection (i noticed kingroot has to be online to work). but bottomline is it still works. now im out to try if its stable.


    • 1
      Eujin Parinas Jun 16, 2015 Link to comment

      no issues. so far so good...


  • 10
    Edward Amarille Jun 11, 2015 Link to comment

    Just a little heads up, before using this exploit, open as many apps as you can. It is a memory based exploit so the more apps you have running, the better the chances.

    Also note that depending on your device's kernel, there is a chance that the root is temporary. Those familiar with rooting should already know the next steps if their device only got temp root.


  • 2
    Sathish Jun 11, 2015 Link to comment

    Android users mostly expected supersu
    After reset ur device kinguser also cleared

    jaskaran


  • 2
    Sathish Jun 11, 2015 Link to comment

    It's basic root some times permission shows failed including (MOTOROLA DEVICES)


  • 2
    whkruis Jun 11, 2015 Link to comment

    It works on the note 3


    • 1
      GD Lucci Sep 20, 2015 Link to comment

      Was your note 3 already updated to lollipop?


  • 2
    river Jun 3, 2015 Link to comment

    Use App Opps (available on Play Store) to control permissions for all apps on rooted device. Just don't mess with system apps


  • 1
    Dave Berlou Jun 2, 2015 Link to comment

    Just installed it. Why does it want permission to take pictures and video?


  • 2
    river May 30, 2015 Link to comment

    CCleaner for Android or Master Cleaner


  • 1
    Mayor Goonberg May 30, 2015 Link to comment

    Anyone know how to get rid of stray files left behind by towel root ?? Like I got files I can't delete and it's keeping me from getting root again


    • siva hari prasad 1
      siva hari prasad Jul 26, 2015 Link to comment

      Use super_sume app from play store after rooting your phone with kingroot :)


  • 1
    Paul Mccabe May 30, 2015 Link to comment

    Worked with the xperia t3 first go, and the only other to root is to downgrade firmware +1 for me


  • 2
    river May 26, 2015 Link to comment

    Marquis, what makes you think the root is temporary?.....As for others who say their antivirus software shows this tool to be a virus, all root tools will show up as a virus when scanned as they attempt to bypass androids built in security to gain root access.


  • 6
    jaskaran May 26, 2015 Link to comment

    me 2


  • 1
    Rattus Black May 26, 2015 Link to comment

    I've used it on my Galaxy Fame & it seems to of worked. I now have an icon called "KingUser" displayed. This was my first time rooting and having done it I'm interested in adding custom Roms & Kernels but unsure of what to do & where to start. Any advice therefore is most welcome.


    • 2
      Nick Nicholas Jun 12, 2015 Link to comment

      Mate, go to www.xda-developers.com, there type your brand name and see if you find any development thread, if you find then there is what you looking for ( kernels and roms). I advice you to read carefully the instructions before you proceed in flashing a kernel or rom. Good luck!


  • 1
    Marquis Bryant May 25, 2015 Link to comment

    It's temporary though, i want permanent root.


    • 1
      Dave Berlou Jun 2, 2015 Link to comment

      Once you get temporary root all you have to do is replace a couple of files like su and superSU to make it permanent. Many guides are online.


  • 1
    Sean Raye May 25, 2015 Link to comment

    What will i do if it says root device unavailable? :/


    • 1
      Marquis Bryant May 25, 2015 Link to comment

      keep trying, that's what i did. But the bad thing is, it's temporary


  • 1
    Sam May 24, 2015 Link to comment

    The app is detected as virus on my cell (avast) !!!


  • 1
    JL79 May 23, 2015 Link to comment

    Tried it on my At&T Samsung Galaxy Mega running kitkat and nothing. Phone is still locked down.


  • 1
    Mayor Goonberg May 23, 2015 Link to comment

    Ok got it to work...but takes me to developer options screen..what now ??


  • Shanishka Gemba 2
    Shanishka Gemba May 23, 2015 Link to comment

    If i root my sony it will be slow on proformas.. ?? because after rooting my samsung galaxy s3 it used to work like a snail...


  • 1
    Shami Zaheer May 23, 2015 Link to comment

    its amazing tool to get rooted and you said right almost all devices.


  • 1
    Suranjaya Priyanath May 21, 2015 Link to comment

    Ativiras says is that Viras. i'ts tru or not. ples tel me


    • 10
      Edward Amarille May 24, 2015 Link to comment

      All root tools will come up as a virus. If you aren't familiar with this then it's best to research root before you actually do it.


  • 2
    Hervé URBAIN May 18, 2015 Link to comment

    Sucess to root my Chinese phone DOOGEE LEO LG280 Android 4.4.2. Few minutes and do not lost anything.


  • 5
    Bouyabess Messouce May 16, 2015 Link to comment

    I try it on my Xperia z2 5.0.2 and it work pretty good thx


  • 2
    river May 16, 2015 Link to comment

    Owner of ZTE Z7 Max.... Towelroot, Kingoroot, etc didn't work when trying to root my phone, but this did work, and immediately too!... My phone has also remained stable when installing apps that require SU authentication....(have had previous experience of this phone unrooting itself when certain apps are installed)... Anyway, so far so good, and no bugs from China either....


  • 1
    Becky redman May 15, 2015 Link to comment

    worked on my ZTE warp without that was updated and patched!


  • Deezul Yusof 9
    Deezul Yusof May 15, 2015 Link to comment

    Nope it(Kingoroot) will cause heartache later on, it leaves behind a few orphan files all over your system. I have been asking my Forum users to to use the Vroot/iRoot one click root method.
    This is what happens when using Kingoroot - the "Superuser.apk" is named "Kingroot.apk" the "su" binaries is named "ksu" and there are other files left behind after you have "bumped" it off with SuperSU. Most other root app , even Chinese ones named their "Superuser as "Superuser" but not this one. Vroot/iRoot has MTK devices 100% success rate and then some.

    Mark Rgs


    • 5
      Bouyabess Messouce May 15, 2015 Link to comment

      what's you mean


      • Deezul Yusof 9
        Deezul Yusof May 16, 2015 Link to comment

        I will not put Kingoroot on my devices no matter how successful these guys say it was on their devices. I use exclusively Vroot/iRoot (and I am not a promoter of this app) since after this I would like to Replace the Root with SuperSU. And Kingoroot has reported some problems from my users due to the orphan files left behind (If you dont belief me just study system folder after Kingo is installed.


      • 1
        Shami Zaheer May 23, 2015 Link to comment

        somehow you are right .


  • 2
    Hasan Ali May 14, 2015 Link to comment

    Will it work in lg g2?


    • 1
      Shami Zaheer May 23, 2015 Link to comment

      offcourse


  • 2
    Urs VedaVyas May 14, 2015 Link to comment

    thanks you there...
    I have rooted my Huwaei Honor holly with just one click..
    It is done in say 5-7 mins max...


  • 2
    Prabhu C May 14, 2015 Link to comment

    Do we need to unlock boot loader first? or directly use this to root?


  • 2
    Prabhu C May 14, 2015 Link to comment

    Do we need to unlock boot loader first? or directly use this to root?


  • 3
    Steven May 14, 2015 Link to comment

    FYI .. if your intent is to flash a custom rom (ie cm 12.1) .. you do NOT need to root it first

    download your rom of choice
    download your gapps of choice
    flash a custom recovery (recommend twrp)
    boot into recovery
    create a nandroid backup of your current/stock rom
    flash rom zip
    flash gapps zip
    flash superSu zip, if needed (most custom roms have built-in root)
    reboot
    enjoy


  • Chad_Higgins 15
    Chad_Higgins May 13, 2015 Link to comment

    Anyone try it on a S5 ?


  • 2
    Barney Alpert May 13, 2015 Link to comment

    I was able to root my Samsung Galaxy S3 running 4.2.2. I was able to download SuperSU from ChainFire. I was also able to download TRPW. It is the I9300.


  • 8
    Deactivated Account May 13, 2015 Link to comment

    I like the idea of the new Saygus V2 phone, it comes pre-rooted. I think that's wonderful!


  • 3
    Rakesh May 13, 2015 Link to comment

    kingroot is the best app which roots almost every android device i also tried on my Samsung galaxy s3 i9300 and it works and after that i install the cyanogenmode 4.4.4 kitkat.with the help of this app.


    • 2
      Barney Alpert May 13, 2015 Link to comment

      I rooted my I9300 also. How did you install CM 4.4.4 using KingRoot?


    • Stephen 2
      Stephen May 19, 2015 Link to comment

      Does anyone know if it will work a moto x xt1052 1st gen. Locked on EE. And if so can anyone tell me the easiest way to custom room maybe a cm 11 or cm12. I dont have a clue about flashing, what does gaps mean?? Thank3.


  • 2
    lufan tech May 13, 2015 Link to comment

    I have an Alcatel c2 and it works pretty well. Pros: all you need is wifi. After you click on the blue box of chinese words, you will start seeing a download in percentage form 1 to 100 percent. Its works on alot of low end smart phones
    Cons: its coms with its own root authority called king user. And no superuser apps works. Mine shows su binary needed then it shows failed.
    All in all. The app is great but i really wanted my previous super user


  • 1
    sohail May 12, 2015 Link to comment

    i have successfully rooted Toshiba Tab, Galaxy S4 mini, HTC Explorer and HTC WildFire using KingRoot.


    • 1
      Bertoldo Bertoldino Cacasenno May 19, 2015 Link to comment

      Now,on s4 mini, is Knox flagged to 0x1 or to 0x0?


  • 6
    Mark Rgs May 12, 2015 Link to comment

    Towelroot no longer working on some devices, but not so sure I want details sending to China lol

    Deactivated Account


    • 11
      Deactivated Account May 13, 2015 Link to comment

      I agree. I would not use any China based app. They are out to rule the world just look at what they are doing here in the Philippines and the Spratly Islands.

      Mark Rgs


  • 6
    jaskaran May 12, 2015 Link to comment

    It works fine on my Micromax canvas A1


  • 2
    jandb May 12, 2015 Link to comment

    King root worked fine on my LG g2 :)


  • 2
    David Lee May 11, 2015 Link to comment

    Root master is a much better rooting pc software. Which is also written in Chinese, but there is YouTube video that shows you how to use it, just search root master.


  • Mark G. 28
    Mark G. May 11, 2015 Link to comment

    I have S3 using 4.3 will it work? I don't have full access to a pc so can't root any other way.
    Any help or advice would be most grateful


    • Greg1100 24
      Greg1100 May 11, 2015 Link to comment

      I rooted my S3, on 4.3 like yours, with Kingo root. It worked straight away. My S3 is the International GTi9300. Go to Kingo site and it will tell you which S3 versions it supports. Back up what you want to keep BEFORE rooting is best
      Make SURE you do a nandroid backup, before you do anything else AFTER rooting. That way you can return to stock 4.3.
      I put Omni rom V5 on the S3, running KK 4.4.4., with Nova Launcher.
      Brilliant set up.


    • 1
      Jon Manalo May 12, 2015 Link to comment

      Use towel root


    • billy elliott 1
      billy elliott May 12, 2015 Link to comment

      ...Towelroot - it's brilliant


  • 7
    donald elmore May 11, 2015 Link to comment

    Not to act like I'm stupid or anything but what does rooting cause your phone to do


    • 2
      David Lee May 12, 2015 Link to comment

      Not to make you feel stupid or anything, but if you have to ask, you probably shouldn't try it. Else do more research first.


      • Teddor58 2
        Teddor58 May 13, 2015 Link to comment

        ROTFLMFAO
        That was so funny it brought tears to my eyes.


  • 2
    Artu Velez May 11, 2015 Link to comment

    Doesn't work in LG G3 Verizon. Android Lollipop


  • 6
    jaskaran May 11, 2015 Link to comment

    we need to keep this app after rebooting or uninstall it.


  • 6
    jaskaran May 11, 2015 Link to comment

    Its not in English .confused, please help me out.


  • Nicki-10 3
    Nicki-10 May 11, 2015 Link to comment

    do u have to unlock ur phone before u root?


    • 2
      David Lee May 11, 2015 Link to comment

      You unlock the phone so you can use other mobile carriers. Rooting the phone is to gain the root user's previledge, which gives you the ability to modify the phone, in ways that the phone manufacture doesn't want you to have.


  • 4
    Tosscobobble May 11, 2015 Link to comment

    Tried it. Only thing accomplished was a near compete freeze up. Took a minute or more to register inputs. Uninstall and rebooted, better now. I'd say this needs work at best. Galaxy S 3


    • 2
      Barney Alpert May 13, 2015 Link to comment

      I was able to root my Galaxy S3 I9300. Is your phone a carrier phone that is locked or unlocked? The S3 is unlocked.


  • 1
    Jesper Kjærgaard-Jensen May 11, 2015 Link to comment

    HTC ONE (M7) with GPE 5.1 root without any problems, but 2 warnings under the installation - but i think that is normal ;)
    But no english language possible so i really dont know what i get on my HTC, but it is rooted now! was S-OFF already


    • Scott Adam Gordon 31
      Scott Adam Gordon May 11, 2015 Link to comment

      mmm interesting. Working for some devices, not working for others. Going to do my own test tonight.

      Bouyabess Messouce


      • Mark G. 28
        Mark G. May 13, 2015 Link to comment

        Did you have success?


      • 5
        Bouyabess Messouce May 15, 2015 Link to comment

        Hey admin what happens with your devices it work ?


  • 2
    Yamama May 11, 2015 Link to comment

    Does Not Work On MICROMAX A99
    Version-Android L(5.0)
    Chipset Mediatek MT6582V/X
    CPU Quad-core 1.3 GHz
    After 52% my device HANGED and AUTO Restart!Please Help


  • 3
    William Schnieber May 11, 2015 Link to comment

    Doesn't work on Verizon Note 3 with 4.4.4. . Everything installed fine but no root. Sucks for me.


  • 1
    farmerdarrell May 11, 2015 Link to comment

    on Galaxy s4 it opens up developer options and root checker says not properly installed, anyone know my next step??


  • Cameron N. 6
    Cameron N. May 11, 2015 Link to comment

    Dosent Work On ZTE 667T [T-Mobile Version]

    Rumor Has It This Device Is The Test Dummy For Un Rootable Devices


  • 2
    Deepanshu Sharma May 11, 2015 Link to comment

    is it compatible with micromax canvas 2 kitkT Versiom


  • 5
    Bouyabess Messouce May 11, 2015 Link to comment

    thx micheal for telling us me too I have z2 5.0.2 lp I will try it


  • 10
    plck74 May 11, 2015 Link to comment

    for nexus 7 2012, if i root n increase the speed by 10%...what will happen?


  • 3
    Michael Macshane May 11, 2015 Link to comment

    really good and works I have Xperia z2 5.0.2 and no issues

    Scott Adam Gordon


    • Scott Adam Gordon 31
      Scott Adam Gordon May 11, 2015 Link to comment

      Thanks for letting us know Michael! I'm going to try it myself on a few devices this afternoon and I'll write a short update tonight or tomorrow

      Bouyabess Messouce

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