Shizuku is a free and open-source Android application that was recently added to a large bucket of Android applications. Shizuku acts as a bridge that allows your regular apps to access powerful system functions, typically requiring root access or ADB (Android Debug Bridge) commands. It seems like a tool that unlocks hidden capabilities on your device.
This new application has plenty of benefits, like automating repetitive tasks on your phone, fine-tuning your Android experience, performing actions that previously required root access, and, most importantly, Shizuku provides a more secure way to grant limited permissions as compared to full root access. So, here, we will guide you to empower your Android experience with Shizuku.
How to set up Shizuku on your device
As an Android enthusiast, after hearing the core benefits of Shizuku, you might want to get this incredible tool. For this, I figured out and found that Shizuku is accessible on compatible Android devices (more likely Android 11+). However, if you want additional functionality, ensure that you have a rooted phone. So, below, we will guide you through two methods to get Shizuku, where each one is dedicated to specific user needs.
ADB (for unrooted devices and faster setup)
To use this method, you need some pre-requirements to be followed. One is that your PC should be installed with the ADB and Fastboot tools. And second, enable USB debugging on your Android device. After this, just follow the steps given below.
- Visit the official Android SDK Platform Tools download page.
- Download the zip file for your operating system.
- Unzip the downloaded file and open the command prompt.
- Connect your phone to the PC.
- At the command prompt, type ADB devices and press enter to verify the device connection.
- Now open the Google Play Store and search for Shizuku.
- Download and install that app on your phone.
- On your PC, type adb shell sh /data/local/tmp/Shizuku. Install and press enter.
- That’s it. Shizuku has been successfully installed and is ready to serve you.
Wireless Setup (for Rooted Devices or Android 11+)
As the name suggests, this method is for those who have rooted devices or have Android 11+. Before starting with this method, make sure you have downloaded the Shizuku app from the Google Play Store and enabled USB debugging and wireless debugging on your phone.
- Open the Shizuku app.
- On the main screen, tap the start button or the Wireless ADB pairing button.
- Following this, after a few processes, you will be prompted with a message.
- Congratulations, Shizuku was successfully set up.
Understanding Shizuku and how to use it
Now it has successfully installed and started Shizuku on your device, and after that, the moment has come to use it wisely. See, with Shizuku, you can do plenty, and it depends on the needs that you are striving to meet. But based on user behavior, we find some common things a general user usually does. So below are some basics you should know to start your journey with Shizuku. Remember, once you get an edge over the basics, you can find more possibilities with them.
| Command | Function | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| App Info | Retrieves information about installed apps, including package name, version, and permissions. | Open Shizuku app and navigate to the “Apps” section. Select the desired app from the list. You’ll see details like app name, package name, version code, and permissions. |
| Running Apps | Launch any installed app directly from Shizuku. | In the Shizuku app’s “Apps” section, find the app you want to run. Tap the “Launch” button next to the app. |
| Enabling/Disabling Apps | Control whether an app can run on your device. | Navigate to the “Apps” section. Select the app and tap “Enable” or “Disable” depending on your desired action. |
| Package Manager | Perform actions related to apps like installing, uninstalling, or clearing data. | Shizuku provides a “Package Manager” section where you can browse installed apps, uninstall them, or clear their data. |
| Basic Shell Commands | Execute basic Linux shell commands with Shizuku’s permission | In the Shizuku app, navigate to the “Terminal” section. Type your desired shell command (e.g., pm list packages) and tap the “Run” button |
In this way, you can ace your journey with Shizuku and bridge the gap that you previously felt when customizing an unrooted phone. But note that while using such, you might find some bugs, so ensure to properly address them to the developers to make the future app experience better.
Final Thoughts
To conclude, Shizuku empowers you to unlock hidden functionalities on your Android device. By granting limited permissions (or full root access on rooted devices), Shizuku opens doors to automation, customization, and deeper control over your phone. I hope this guide has equipped you with the knowledge to set up Shizuku, explore basic commands, and understand its potential. Remember, Shizuku grants powerful access, so use it responsibly. Even if any user has a query, feel free to ask them below.
Frequently asked questions
Q1. Is my device compatible with Shizuku?
Ans. Shizuku works on most modern Android devices. It offers additional functionalities on rooted devices but can be beneficial even without a root.
Q2. Do I need to root my device to use Shizuku?
Ans. No, rooting is not mandatory when using Shizuku. You can leverage its features for automation and basic control even on unrooted devices. However, rooting unlocks Shizuku’s full potential.
Q3. Is Shizuku safe?
Ans. Shizuku itself is a safe app from a trusted developer. However, the level of safety depends on how you use it.
Q4. Why am I not getting a prompt to grant root access?
Ans. This might occur on specific rooted devices. Explore alternative root permission management apps compatible with Shizuku.