15 Apps to Install After Rooting Your Android Device

These apps to install after rooting Android help manage root, protect app data, control network access, and automate tasks. Begin with the manager for your root method, add a backup tool, then choose utilities you need. Treat each superuser prompt as an administrator request.

Before installing root apps

Check your root method and Android version, and keep an independent copy of important files before changing modules or system settings. Download apps only from official project pages or listed stores. Grant root only when needed, and deny requests you cannot explain.

Rooting can affect compatibility. Google’s Play Integrity docs say a rooted or compromised device can return an empty integrity verdict; each app developer decides how to respond. Some banking, payment, streaming, or game features may be limited. Check the apps you rely on first. See Google’s Play Integrity guidance.

Root managers and system tools

1. Magisk. For a device rooted with Magisk, use its app to review superuser requests and manage compatible modules. Get it from the official Magisk GitHub repository; the project identifies GitHub as its official source.
2. KernelSU Manager. Use this if your device’s kernel supports KernelSU and you rooted with it. It manages root grants for KernelSU. Read the KernelSU device and kernel guide first.
3. APatch. APatch is another kernel-based root system. Use its manager only when it is installed on a compatible device. Check the APatch documentation for supported setup details. Magisk, KernelSU, and APatch are alternatives: use the one matching your existing installation rather than installing all three.

Backups, app control, and files

4. Neo Backup. This open-source tool uses root to back up apps and their data. Store copies off the phone and test a restore before a ROM change. See the Neo Backup project and release notes.
5. Swift Backup. Another backup option; root enables access to private app data. Follow its account and folder instructions when moving backups. Its official FAQ explains which operations need root.

6. App Manager. This package manager inspects apps and provides root- or ADB-only controls for permissions and app operations. Changing system packages can break device features, so start with the App Manager documentation.
7. SD Maid SE. Find leftover files and manage apps with it. Root lets AppCleaner clear selected app caches directly. Review cleanup choices; no cleaner can guarantee faster performance or longer battery life. The SD Maid SE FAQ describes root and other access modes.
8. Root Explorer. This paid file manager can browse protected folders with root. Use it to inspect or copy; editing system files can stop Android from booting. See its Google Play listing.

Network and privacy controls

9. AdAway. It blocks known ad and tracking hosts by updating the system hosts file on rooted phones, or through a local VPN without root. It is not on Google Play; follow the official installation instructions.
10. AFWall+. This root-required firewall sets per-app rules, such as allowing Wi-Fi but blocking mobile data. Review system entries carefully to avoid blocking needed connectivity. Check the AFWall+ repository for current compatibility notes.
11. Rethink: DNS + Firewall. Choose it for DNS filtering, connection logs, and app-level controls. Its firewall uses Android VPN capabilities and does not need root. It may conflict with another VPN-based blocker; read the Rethink FAQ before enabling overlapping network tools.

Terminal access and automation

12. Termux. This terminal emulator provides a Linux-like command environment. With compatible root, use elevated shell access only for commands that need it. Follow the official installation instructions.
13. Termux:Boot. This add-on runs scripts after startup, such as to launch a local service. Install it from the same source as Termux and launch it once before adding boot scripts. See Termux:Boot documentation.
14. Termux:API. Add this when scripts need Android functions such as notifications or device information. Install its companion app and Termux package from the same source as Termux; the official Termux:API repository lists the setup details.
15. Tasker. Automate repeated actions with profiles and tasks. Run Shell can use root, though everyday automations often do not need it. Test tasks before scheduling them; Tasker’s action reference explains available controls.

Start with your root manager, one backup app, and one network tool. Add other utilities for a specific need, and keep a recoverable backup before system-level changes.