evdenis

adb_root

v2.0guide

Magisk Module that allows you to run "adb root". Android 10 only. Probably will work with Android 9. Definitely not with Android 11/12.

★510 stars
•Development & Instrumentation•by evdenis•GPL-2.0•Updated Feb 27, 2026
Platforms:
✓ Magisk
Download v2.0Starting download...GitHub Source
adb_root-v2.0.zip

Overview

Developed by evdenis, ADB Root is a specialized development module that forces Android’s ADB daemon (adbd) to run with native root privileges while skipping USB key authentication on production firmware.

On production (“user”) builds of Android, running adb root from a host terminal returns adbd cannot run as root in production builds. ADB Root replaces the vendor adbd binary with an AOSP-compiled binary modified to bypass ro.secure and ro.debuggable checks, granting immediate root access over USB.

Technical Architecture & How It Works

Patched AOSP ADB Daemon

The module works by replacing the system adbd binary:

  1. Privilege Drop Removal: The patched daemon removes calls to should_drop_privileges() and should_drop_capabilities_bounding_set(), ensuring adbd remains running under UID 0 (root) rather than dropping to the unprivileged shell user.
  2. Authentication Bypass: Strips RSA host fingerprint checks, automatically granting debugging authorization upon USB connection.
  3. Magic Mount: Replaces /system/bin/adbd systemlessly during boot.

Installation & Setup

  1. Check Compatibility: Ensure your device runs Android 9 (Pie) or Android 10 (Q) on arm64/aarch64. Do not attempt installation on Android 11+ or 32-bit hardware.
  2. Download the latest adb_root-*.zip release.
  3. Flash the module in Magisk.
  4. Reboot the device.
  5. Connect your device to your development computer and verify root status: 
    adb shell whoami
# Returns: root

Configuration & Usage

The module requires no configuration. As soon as the device boots with the module active, adbd listens with root capabilities.

Troubleshooting & Common Issues

  • Bootloop on Android 11+: Attempting to flash this module on Android 11 or higher will cause system crashes because the system expects the APEX-packaged adbd. If your device fails to boot, remove the module using Magisk recovery mode or TWRP (rm -rf /data/adb/modules/adb_root).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is ADB Root only compatible with Android 9 and 10?

Android 11 introduced major architectural changes to adbd, including dynamic linker namespace isolation and standalone APEX delivery (com.android.adbd). The patched binary bundled with this module specifically targets Android 9/10 userland libraries.

Is this module safe to keep enabled permanently?

No. This module is explicitly designed as an insecure developer tool. Running adbd as root with USB authentication disabled allows any computer connected via USB to access full device storage and root privileges without unlocking the screen. Disable the module when not debugging.