APatch patches the Android kernel and system as a kernel-based root solution, offering a method for device-level modifications.
Open source
24 alternativesKernel Su
This project provides a kernel-based method for obtaining root access on Android devices.
About Kernel Su
KernelSU is an open source GitHub repository that provides a root solution for Android devices. It works at the kernel level and manages su (superuser) and root access. The project is still in active development, and its homepage describes it as a kernel-based approach to root.
The project offers a module system built on metamodules, which provides pluggable infrastructure for systemless modifications. Its App Profile feature is described as a way to restrict the root power granted to apps. Official support covers Android GKI 2.0 devices running kernel 5.10 and later. Older kernels from 4.14 are also supported, but the kernel must be built manually. Supported architectures are arm64-v8a and x86_64, and the project states support for WSA, ChromeOS, and container-based Android. The source warns that recent kernel versions introduced a breaking change that can cause KernelSU to fail and potentially trigger a kernel panic on x86_64. Users should check the project website for details before installing. Pricing is not stated in the source.
Key features
- Kernel-based su and root access management
- Module system based on metamodules for systemless modifications
- App Profile feature for restricting root privileges granted to apps
- Official support for Android GKI 2.0 devices with kernel 5.10 and later
- Support for WSA, ChromeOS, and container-based Android environments
Best for: Users with compatible Android devices who want kernel-level root access management and are comfortable building kernels or following technical installation steps.
Good for
- Open source, with kernel code under GPL-2.0-only and other parts under GPL-3.0-or-later
- Supports several Android environments, including WSA, ChromeOS, and container-based Android
- App Profile feature allows root privileges to be restricted for individual apps
Watch out for
- Recent kernel versions cause a breaking change that can make KernelSU fail on x86_64
- Older kernels from 4.14 are supported only if the kernel is built manually
- Currently supports only the arm64-v8a and x86_64 architectures
Kernel Su at a glance
- Website
- github.com/tiann/KernelSU
- Category
- Mobile Apps › Android Apps
- Type
- Open-source project
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Android
- Open source
- Yes · Source code
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
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Kernel Su FAQ
Which Android devices does KernelSU officially support?
The project officially supports Android GKI 2.0 devices with kernel 5.10 and later. Older kernels from 4.14 are also supported, but the kernel must be built manually.
Are there known issues with x86_64 devices?
Yes. The project warns that recent kernel versions introduced a breaking change that can cause KernelSU to fail and potentially trigger a kernel panic on x86_64. The project website is referenced for more information.
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