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You can run some system-level Android tasks without rooting by starting Shizuku through ADB. On Android 11 or newer, its Wireless debugging setup can be done without a computer; on unrooted Android 10 and older, Shizuku documents a computer-and-ADB route. Either way, this is limited, ADB-level access—not unrestricted root.
What “root-ish” access means
Shizuku acts as a broker between compatible apps and Android system services. After you start its service with ADB, supported apps can make certain system-level requests through it. Android still checks permissions, and the service has ADB-level privileges rather than the full control granted by root. The available permissions vary by Android version and device.
That distinction matters: installing Shizuku does not automatically give every app access to every protected setting. The app must explicitly support Shizuku, and the requested operation must be permitted on your Android build. Android has also restricted hidden APIs for ordinary apps since Android 9, so some operations may remain unavailable. See the Shizuku project documentation and its introduction for how the service works.
Choose a setup path for your Android version
| Device and method | What you need to do | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Android 11 or newer: Wireless debugging | Pair Shizuku with Wireless debugging using a pairing code. A computer is not required for this documented phone-side setup. | Start the service again after each reboot. Manufacturer settings or background limits can also interfere. |
| Android 10 or older: computer and ADB | Enable USB debugging, connect the phone to a computer, approve its authorization prompt, and run Shizuku’s startup command. | Requires a computer and a USB data cable; repeat startup after reboot. |
| Rooted device | Shizuku also supports starting its service with root. | This is not a no-root method. |
The Android 11+ wireless workflow documented by Google pairs a workstation and phone over the same wireless network, but Shizuku’s phone-side pairing-code setup does not require connecting a workstation. Google’s ADB documentation describes wireless debugging, USB debugging, authorization, and controls for revoking access.
#1 Best Overall
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Start Shizuku with Wireless debugging on Android 11+
- Enable Developer options. The exact settings path varies by phone model and Android interface.
- Turn on Wireless debugging. Find it in Developer options and allow the requested network permission.
- Begin pairing in Shizuku. Open Shizuku and choose its pairing flow so it can display a pairing notification.
- Pair from Android settings. In Wireless debugging, select “Pair device with pairing code,” then enter the code shown in Shizuku’s notification.
- Start the service. Return to Shizuku and start it after pairing. Pairing is a one-time step according to the Shizuku setup guide, but the service must be started again after every reboot.
No computer or USB data cable is needed for this documented wireless route. Menu wording and locations can differ across manufacturers.
Start Shizuku with a computer on Android 10 or older
- Install Google’s SDK Platform Tools on the computer, which include ADB.
- Enable USB debugging in the phone’s Developer options.
- Connect the phone with a USB data cable that supports data transfer, not just charging.
- Approve the debugging prompt on the phone. Android displays an authorization dialog; approve only a computer you trust.
- Run Shizuku’s current startup command. The Shizuku manual lists
adb shell sh /sdcard/Android/data/moe.shizuku.privileged.api/start.shfor Shizuku v11.2.0 and later. Follow the command shown by the current Shizuku app or manual if your version differs.
The service must be started again after a reboot. The steps and command are documented in the Shizuku setup guide; Google’s ADB guide explains the USB debugging authorization relationship.
Rank #2
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Handle pairing and startup problems
Phone makers can add settings or background restrictions that affect debugging and service discovery. Shizuku documents examples involving MIUI, ColorOS, and Flyme; these examples are not a complete compatibility list.
Recommended Free Tools
- If pairing does not complete, check Shizuku’s troubleshooting guidance for additional manufacturer-specific settings.
- If Shizuku stops running or cannot find its pairing service, review the phone’s background execution limits and battery-management settings.
- If an operation fails even though Shizuku is running, the issue may be the Android build’s permissions, a hidden API restriction, or lack of support in the app making the request.
Use debugging access deliberately
ADB creates an authorized debugging relationship. Android requires confirmation on the phone before a computer can issue debugging commands, and its wireless-debugging settings let you forget a paired workstation or revoke debugging authorizations. Enable debugging only for the setup you intend, approve only a device you trust, and remove authorizations you no longer need. Google documents these controls in its ADB reference.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #3
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
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