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How to install OTA updates and keep root on your Google Pixel phone
Looking for a way to keep root access after OTA updates on your Google Pixel phone? Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do so.
Part of the beauty of owning a Google Pixel phone comes through the proper availability of firmware images that can be used to return the device to a factory state. Even if you unlock the bootloader, root the phone, or tinker a bit too much, you can always restore the stock configuration. Having said that, some users might find it difficult to keep root access and associated mods intact while retaining the ability to take monthly security updates. Although many hardcore Android fans will know exactly what to do, not everyone is as adept at getting their phone updated without losing root.
Here's how to unlock the bootloader and root the Samsung Galaxy S23 right now
If you just got yourself a shiny new Galaxy S23, follow along this guide to root the phone with Magisk
Samsung's Galaxy S23 family represents the best that the Korean OEM has to offer this year. For the first time, all three devices in the lineup feature a custom flagship processor from Qualcomm across the globe, alongside the usual great camera hardware and stunning displays. There's also been a growing number of S23 fans brewing within the developer community since it was launched, which is evident from the rather swift TWRP release. If you have purchased one of the phones and have yet to root it with Magisk, here's a tutorial to guide you through the process.
KernelSU reborn: Developer ports kernel-assisted root access to GKI compatible devices
A Magisk successor at last?
Among the Android modding circles, there's no app more recognizable than Magisk. It has a well-earned reputation as the de facto standard for rooting your phone, tablet, and really just about anything that runs Android. While Magisk managed to establish itself as the successor to Chainfire's SuperSU, the aftermarket development community stumbled on multiple root solutions during the transition phase. Apart from the notable ones, e.g. the LineageOS su add-on or XDA Recognized Developer phhusson's SuperUser, we also came across unique implementations, such as Kernel Assisted Superuser (KernelSU) by Jason Donenfeld AKA XDA Recognized Developer zx2c4.
Should apps and games prevent users from customizing their smartphones?
Many Android apps and games block users for enabling developer options, rooting, or installing a custom ROM. Should they be allowed to do so?
One of the best things about Android is that it gives power users plenty of options to customize their devices. Users can easily root their phones to install custom ROMs and custom kernels, use powerful automation tools like Tasker, and do much more. However, rooting or modifying an Android phone does have a few downsides. For instance, some apps and games simply refuse to work on modded devices. This brings us to our discussion topic for today.
PSA: If your PC runs Linux, you should update Sudo now
Researchers at Qualys have discovered a security vulnerability in the Sudo program that can be exploited to gain root access on Linux PCs!
Despite the fact that tens of thousands of contributors actively pore over the source code of the Linux kernel and various Unix utilities looking for security flaws, it's not unheard of for serious bugs to go unnoticed. Just a day ago, the folks over at Qualys revealed a new heap-based buffer overflow attack vector that targets the "Sudo" program to gain root access. The bug this time seems to be quite serious, and the bug has existed within the codebase for almost 10 years! Although the privilege escalation vulnerability has already been patched, it could potentially be exploited on nearly every Linux distribution and several Unix-like operating systems.
How to install TWRP and root with Magisk on the Moto G6
If you just got yourself a shiny new Motorola Moto G6, follow along this guide to install TWRP and then root your Moto G6 with Magisk.
The Motorola Moto G6 is an entry level release from Lenovo under the Moto brand. With a 5.7-inch 18:9 IPS display (2160×1080), the G6 brings the newest trend of 2018 to the masses, alongside other reliable specifications such as a Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 SoC, 3/4GB of RAM, 32/64GB of storage, expandable storage, and dual 12 + 5MP rear cameras. If you recently picked up this affordable device and are looking forward to getting root access, check out XDA Senior Member dejello's guide on rooting your Moto G6 with Magisk and installing TWRP on it.
Magisk v16.6 adds support for the Samsung Galaxy S9 and Project Treble GSIs
Magisk v16.6 Beta brings better support for Project Treble GSIs and the Samsung Galaxy S9. It also finally fixes the "root loss" issue.
If you've ever looked into rooting your Android device, chances are you've heard of Magisk at some point. It's a systemless root, open source solution that's best known for its ability to pass SafetyNet—allowing you to use apps like Google Pay and Pokemon Go while rooted. It is developed by XDA Recognised Developer topjohnwu who has recently finished up his mandatory military training in Taiwan. During that time, we still saw a few updates which improved MagiskHide and added Android P support and bypassed "certified devices" issues, but now we're getting something even better. Magisk v16.6 (Beta) is now more compatible with Project Treble Generic System Images (GSIs) and the Samsung Galaxy S9, and the mysterious "root loss" issue has been fixed.
LineageOS Introduces "Trust" - A Centralized Interface for Security and Privacy
The developers over at LineageOS have introduced Trust: a centralized interface for security and privacy features in the ROM. Read on to know more!
The introduction of monthly security patches for Android was a welcome and much-needed move from Google. At that time, Android was infamous for its fragmentation issues, which negatively impacted how security vulnerabilities could be patched and then quickly distributed to devices. Monthly security patches provided a quick way for concerned users to judge how "secure" and "up-to-date" their device really was.
Top 10 Reasons to Root
Android newcomers hear the term "root" a lot but may not understand what it can actually do. Here are 10 reasons why you should root your Android phone today.
Rooting your Android phone opens it up to a world of customizations. If you can imagine a customization or tweak, there's probably a tool or mod to achieve it with root access. Android newcomers hear the term "root" a lot but may not understand what it can actually do. Here are 10 reasons why you should root your Android phone today. If you're interested, we have a guide for rooting most devices. You can also check out this list of great root apps.
SuperSU Updated to work with TWRP on Pixel and Pixel XL
SuperSU has just been updated to work alongside the latest TWRP alpha on the Google Pixel and Pixel XL, according to a Google+ post by Chainfire.
Last night, the first alpha release of TWRP was announced for the Google Pixel and Pixel XL. We delved into much detail about the release, including the changes to the installation procedure as well as what's new and what's broken. One of the caveats we mentioned in the article is that installing TWRP would cause SuperSU to no longer function.
New Rowhammer Exploits use Hardware Vulnerabilities to Root LG, Samsung, and Motorola Devices
New Rowhammer exploit successfully roots LG, Samsung, and Motorola devices using bit-flips. The exploit was previously thought to be unviable.
Google is constantly at war with hackers seeking to maliciously exploit security vulnerabilities in their products. Back in the middle of 2014, Google assembled a team of security analysts called 'Project Zero' to report zero-day exploits to the company so they can be patched before any nefarious third-party can take advantage of the undisclosed security hole. One such vulnerability, dubbed the 'Rowhammer' exploits, involves repeatedly accessing a row of memory to cause 'bit-flips' in adjacent rows of memory. This exploit occurs in some DRAM devices and can be used to gain read-write privileges to all of physical memory even within a user-space process.