In many a game and app, harmless root users who just want a colored navigation bar or the latest version of Android on their older device are unfairly left in the dust. While it’s understandable for a developer to see root as risky, there are a fair number of root users out there who would love to use some of these apps. Pokemon GO is the latest to jump on the bandwagon, but there is a workaround for root junkies who want to catch ’em all. It involves using Magisk, the same Xposed-like technology that allows root users to use Android Pay. Magisk will work on any Android device running Android 5.0 Lollipop up through the newest Android 7.0 Nougat, but installing it requires getting your hands a bit dirty.
For starters, you will have to perform a factory reset, which means that you will have to reinstall apps, recheck system settings, redo customizations, and other such tasks. While there is no way to make this process completely painless, apps like Titanium Backup can help. Second, your device must be compatible with the latest TeamWin Recovery Project, or TWRP. Most modern devices are, but it doesn’t hurt to double check. Finally, you will need to download the Magisk Manager APK file, along with the Magisk flashable ZIP and a special version of the SuperSU flashable ZIP made for compatibility with Magisk. Once you have all the right files and have made any backups you need to make, boot into TWRP.
Once in TWRP, you’ll want to perform a standard factory reset. This means you do not wipe your system. In case anything goes wrong, having a system backup on hand is recommended. After the wipe, your system will be intact, but all of your apps and settings should be gone. At this point, install the Magisk zip, then the special Magisk SuperSU zip using “Add More Zips” in TWRP’s flash menu. Sign back in to your phone, get everything back to how it was, and use a file manager like ES File Explorer or Root Explorer to install the Magisk Manager APK. Start up Magisk Manager, grant it root privileges, then toggle the Root switch. Your device will look unrooted to any apps that ask, and you’ll be able to use apps like Android Pay and Pokemon GO’s new update without any issues.