What is KernelSU and how does it differ from Magisk?

**KernelSU** is a root solution that operates entirely within the *kernel space*, whereas Magisk operates in the userspace by modifying the ramdisk. Because KernelSU works at a much deeper system level, it provides enhanced stealth and makes it significantly harder for strict root detection mechanisms in banking apps and games to find traces of your root environment.

Do I need an officially unlocked bootloader to install KernelSU?

**Yes, absolutely.** Since KernelSU requires flashing a modified kernel (*boot.img*) or using a custom recovery to flash an AnyKernel3 zip file, your Android device's bootloader must be officially unlocked. Without an unlocked bootloader, you cannot securely write modifications to the kernel partition.

How does root hiding work in the original KernelSU?

KernelSU natively utilizes a strict **whitelist approach**. By default, no application on your device has root access, nor can they even detect that the custom kernel environment exists. You must explicitly open the KernelSU Manager and grant root permissions to specific applications for them to access su.

Can I use standard Magisk modules with KernelSU?

**Yes**, KernelSU features robust support for systemless modules via *OverlayFS* integration. Most standard Magisk modules that modify system files, install custom fonts, or tweak UI elements will work flawlessly. However, for modules that specifically rely on Zygisk, you will need to install an additional compatibility framework like **ZygiskNext** via the KernelSU Manager.

What is GKI and why is it important for KernelSU?

**GKI (Generic Kernel Image)** is an architecture introduced by Google, typically standard on devices launching out-of-the-box with *Android 12* or newer. KernelSU is specifically engineered for GKI devices, which ensures maximum stability, fewer bootloops, and seamless kernel updates across various Android smartphone brands.

How do I update the KernelSU core and Manager application?

You can easily update the **KernelSU Manager** directly by downloading and installing the latest APK release from GitHub. To update the underlying kernel component itself, you can flash the newly updated AnyKernel3 ZIP file via a custom recovery (*TWRP* or *OrangeFox*), or extract and manually flash the patched *boot.img* via Fastboot commands using your PC.

KernelSU v3.2.4

KernelSU is a modern root solution for Android GKI devices. Unlike traditional tools, it operates entirely in kernel space, providing an invisible root environment for apps. Developed by tiann.

KernelSU_v3.2.4_32457-release.apk

Size: 8.37 MB

Download APK

Version v3.2.4 Root Required

All GitHub Releases KSU Modules

What is KernelSU?

KernelSU is a rooting solution that lives completely inside the Android Kernel, as opposed to operating in the userspace.

Because it hooks directly into the kernel, it grants the highest level of privileges. This kernel-level integration makes it fundamentally invisible to standard root-checking apps (like banking apps or games), offering a seamless balance between customization and security without needing complex hiding tools.

Why Choose KernelSU?

Discover the unique advantages of KernelSU over traditional rooting methods.

Ultimate Root Hiding

Since KernelSU operates in the kernel, user-space applications cannot detect it. You don't need complex hide lists to bypass SafetyNet or banking app detections.

Granular Permissions

KernelSU uses a whitelist approach. Only applications you explicitly grant permission to will know your device is rooted. To all other apps, the device is entirely unrooted.

Module Support

Just like Magisk, KernelSU supports systemless modules via OverlayFS. You can modify system files, install fonts, or audio mods without touching the real `/system` partition.

Native GKI Support

Built specifically for modern Android devices utilizing the Generic Kernel Image (GKI) architecture (Android 12+), ensuring maximum stability.

High Security

KernelSU protects su access directly from the kernel. Malicious apps attempting to exploit user-space vulnerabilities cannot hijack root permissions.

Open Source

KernelSU is fully open-source and actively maintained by a vast community of developers on GitHub, ensuring transparent and safe code.

System Requirements & Info

Bootloader

Your device bootloader must be officially unlocked to allow flashing custom kernel images.

GKI Kernel

Your device must be running a GKI kernel (typically devices launched with Android 12 or higher).

Flashing Tool

A PC with ADB/Fastboot installed, or a custom recovery (like TWRP) to flash the AnyKernel3 ZIP file.

Contributors

tiann, Ylarod, YuKongA, dependabot[bot], 5ec1cff

Main Author

tiann

Frequently Asked Questions

Magisk modifies the boot image to run in the userspace, meaning apps can theoretically find traces of it. KernelSU patches the kernel directly, operating below the userspace. This makes KernelSU much harder for banking apps and games to detect.

Yes! KernelSU has excellent compatibility with most Magisk modules. Modules that modify system files (like fonts, sounds, or UI tweaks) will work flawlessly. However, modules that specifically rely on Magisk's internal Zygisk implementation require you to install the "ZygiskNext" module on KernelSU first.

There are two main methods: First, if you have a custom recovery (TWRP/OrangeFox), you can simply flash the AnyKernel3 ZIP file. Second, you can flash the specific GKI boot.img for your device via fastboot using a PC. After flashing, install the KernelSU Manager APK to manage your root access.

Popular Root Modules

Discover essential modules to enhance your rooting experience.

KernelSU v3.2.4

KernelSU_v3.2.4_32457-release.apk

What is KernelSU?

Why Choose KernelSU?

Ultimate Root Hiding

Granular Permissions

Module Support

Native GKI Support

High Security

Open Source

System Requirements & Info

Bootloader

GKI Kernel

Flashing Tool

Contributors

Main Author

Frequently Asked Questions

Popular Root Modules

LSPosed Framework

Play Integrity Fix Inject

HMA OSS Zygisk

Zygisk Detach

Tricky Store

TEE Simulator

KernelSU v3.2.4

KernelSU_v3.2.4_32457-release.apk

What is KernelSU?

Why Choose KernelSU?

Ultimate Root Hiding

Granular Permissions

Module Support

Native GKI Support

High Security

Open Source

System Requirements & Info

Bootloader

GKI Kernel

Flashing Tool

Contributors

Main Author

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Magisk and KernelSU?

Can I use Magisk modules on KernelSU?

How do I install KernelSU?

Popular Root Modules

LSPosed Framework

Play Integrity Fix Inject

HMA OSS Zygisk

Zygisk Detach

Tricky Store

TEE Simulator