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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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92 comments
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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

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