Magisk is free and open-source software for the rooting of Android devices, developed by John Wu. Magisk supports devices running Android 6.0+. [1]
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Screenshot  Screenshot of the home page | |
| Original author(s) | John Wu (topjohnwu) |
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| Stable release | 26.4 / November 6, 2023 |
| Preview release | 27.0 / February 2, 2024 |
| Repository | github |
| Written in | C++ [2] |
| Operating system | Android |
| Platform | Android |
| License | GPL-3.0 |
| Website | github |
Magisk is a free and open-source software that enables users to gain root access to their Android devices. With Magisk, users can install various modifications and customizations, making it a popular choice for Android enthusiasts. Additionally, Magisk comes with a built-in app called Magisk, which allows users to manage root permissions and install various modules. [3]
Magisk has a systemless approach and modular design; it offers a safe and easy way to root a device and add new features and functionality. [4]
Magisk started out as a small project created by John Wu, it has now grown to more than 252 contributors. In version 21, support for Android 11 was added. [5] In version 22, support for the Samsung Galaxy S21 was added. [6] In version 26, support for Android 5 and earlier was removed. [7]
The original developer John Wu started working for the Android security team in 2021. [8] In 2021, the MagiskHide feature of Magisk was discontinued by the original developer John Wu. Arnoud Wokke from Tweakers argued that there is a high chance this feature will be developed by a third party developer as a Magisk module. [9]
Rooting is the process by which users of Android devices can attain privileged control over various subsystems of the device, usually smartphones. Because Android is based on a modified version of the Linux kernel, rooting an Android device gives similar access to administrative (superuser) permissions as on Linux or any other Unix-like operating system such as FreeBSD or macOS.
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