Install SuperSU With Magisk: A Step-by-Step Guide
Hey everyone, and welcome back to the channel! Today, we're diving deep into a topic that many of you have been asking about: how to install SuperSU with Magisk. Now, I know what some of you might be thinking, "Why would I want to do that? Aren't they kind of competing with each other?" And you're not entirely wrong! Magisk is pretty awesome on its own, offering systemless root and a bunch of cool modules. However, there are still some older apps or specific use cases where SuperSU might be preferred or even necessary. Plus, some of you might just be more comfortable with the SuperSU interface. So, if you're looking to run both, or perhaps transition from SuperSU to Magisk while keeping some SuperSU functionality, this guide is for you, guys. We're going to break down the process step-by-step, making it as easy to follow as possible. So grab your phone, make sure you've got your USB cable handy, and let's get this done!
Understanding the Basics: Magisk vs. SuperSU
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of installation, let's quickly chat about what Magisk and SuperSU actually are. Think of them as two different flavors of root access for your Android device. Magisk is the newer kid on the block, and it's incredibly popular because of its systemless approach. This means it doesn't actually modify your phone's system partition. Instead, it patches the boot image. Why is this cool? Well, it makes it much easier to pass SafetyNet checks, which many apps (like banking apps or games) use to detect root. Plus, Magisk has a fantastic module system that lets you add features and customize your device without permanently changing the system. It's like having a super-powered toolkit for your Android.
On the other hand, you have SuperSU. This has been around for a long time and was the go-to root solution for many years. SuperSU works by directly modifying the system partition to grant root access. While it's a solid root solution, its direct modification of the system can sometimes cause issues with SafetyNet and makes it harder to receive OTA (Over-The-Air) updates. However, some people prefer SuperSU because it's been around longer, has a familiar interface, and sometimes handles certain root permissions more rigidly, which can be a good thing for security-conscious users. Now, the million-dollar question is, can you run them together? The short answer is yes, but with caveats. It's not as straightforward as just flashing both one after another. We'll explore the best way to achieve this, focusing on a method that respects both Magisk's systemless nature and SuperSU's functionality.
Prerequisites: What You'll Need
Alright, before we even think about touching our phones, let's make sure we've got everything we need. This is super important, guys, because missing one thing can lead to a whole lot of headaches. First off, you'll need an Android device that is already rooted with Magisk. If your phone isn't rooted with Magisk yet, you'll need to do that first. That process usually involves unlocking your bootloader (which will wipe your device, so back up EVERYTHING important!) and then flashing the Magisk-patched boot image. You can find tons of guides specific to your device model for this part. Don't skip this step, as Magisk is our foundation here.
Next, you'll need the SuperSU ZIP file. You can usually find the latest stable version on the official forums or repositories. Make sure you download it from a trusted source to avoid any malware. You'll also need a custom recovery installed on your device. The most common ones are TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project). If you don't have TWRP, you'll need to flash that as well. Again, search for guides specific to your device for installing TWRP. Once you have Magisk installed and TWRP up and running, you're almost ready. Finally, make sure your phone is charged to at least 50% – you don't want your phone dying mid-flash, that's a recipe for disaster! Having a USB cable and a computer nearby can also be helpful for transferring files and for troubleshooting if needed. A good backup of your current ROM (a Nandroid backup via TWRP) is also highly recommended. Seriously, guys, don't skip the backup. If anything goes wrong, this is your lifeline to getting your phone back to a working state. So, triple-check you have Magisk, TWRP, the SuperSU ZIP, and a backup. Got it? Awesome, let's move on!
Method 1: Installing SuperSU via Magisk Manager (The Recommended Way)
Okay, so the most recommended and generally safest way to get SuperSU functionality alongside Magisk is by using a Magisk module. This approach leverages Magisk's systemless nature and allows you to install SuperSU without directly messing with your system partitions, which is exactly what Magisk aims to prevent. Think of it as installing SuperSU within the Magisk environment. This method usually involves finding a Magisk module that packages SuperSU. There have been several community-developed modules over the years that enable this. The key here is to find a reliable and up-to-date module. Searching on the official Magisk GitHub repository or reputable XDA Developers forums for