BindHosts is a powerful tool for Android users with root access who want to block ads and trackers without modifying system files. It works seamlessly with Magisk, KernelSU, and APatch, offering multiple redirect methods and full compatibility with AdAway.
This guide explains what BindHosts is, how it works, and how to install and use it effectively.
Table of Contents
What is BindHosts?
BindHosts is a systemless hosts manager designed for rooted Android devices. It allows users to block ads and redirect domains without altering the system’s original hosts file. This helps avoid detection by apps that check for root or modified system files.
BindHosts supports:
- Magisk, KernelSU, and APatch
- WebUI and terminal control
- AdAway coexistence
- Redirect methods like ZN-hostsredirect, hosts_file_redirect, and open_redirect
Requirements
To use BindHosts, you need:
- A rooted Android device (Magisk, KernelSU, or APatch)
- Terminal app (Termux or similar) or ADB access
- Optional: AdAway app for enhanced ad-blocking
- For KernelSU users: SusFS patched kernel for advanced hiding
Features
- WebUI for managing rules, sources, whitelist, and blacklist
- Action button for quick update and reset
- Systemless hosts via manager mount, bind mount, and OverlayFS
- Multiple redirect methods for flexible setup
- Cron job support for automatic updates
- Full root hiding compatibility across managers
Download and Installation
Click the button below to download BindHosts:
Installation Steps
- Open Termux or ADB shell
- Run the following commands:
su
bindhosts- Available commands:
--action→ Simulate update or reset--tcpdump→ Scan active IPs--query <URL>→ Search hosts file--force-update→ Manually update IP list--force-reset→ Reset hosts file--custom-cron→ Set custom update time--enable-cron→ Enable daily update at 10 AM--disable-cron→ Remove cron job--help→ Show all available options
Operating Modes Overview
BindHosts supports multiple operating modes depending on your root manager. Here’s a simplified comparison:
| Mode | Manager | Method | AdAway | Hiding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Magisk/APatch | Magic mount | Yes | ZygiskNext or Shamiko |
| 1 | KernelSU | susfs bind | Yes | Best (SuSFS) |
| 2 | All | Plain bind | Yes | Needs assistance |
| 3 | APatch | hosts_file_redirect | No | Good if supported |
| 4 | All | ZN-hostsredirect | No | Good, no mount used |
| 5 | KernelSU | susfs open redirect | Yes | CPU-intensive |
| 6 | KernelSU NEXT | Source mod | Yes | Use SuSFS instead |
| 7 | All | OverlayFS | Yes | Weak hiding |
| 8 | KernelSU | susfs overlay | Yes | Good hiding |
| 9 | KernelSU | susfs bind + spoof | Yes | Best hiding method |
Compatibility Notes
Magisk
- Works out of the box
- Use denylist or Shamiko for hiding root
KernelSU
- Requires
path_umountsupport - Use SuSFS or ZN-hostsredirect for better hiding
- Avoid conflicting modules like Magical OverlayFS
APatch
- Use latest version
- Enable ZygiskNext’s denylist
- Avoid legacy APatch unless necessary
- If hosts_file_redirect fails, try ZN-hostsredirect
FAQs
Disable umount for Chrome in KernelSU settings. This applies to other Chromium-based browsers as well.
Some apps detect modified hosts files. BindHosts avoids this by using systemless methods.
Use bindhosts --query <URL> or refer to detection guides.
Use CI builds and follow the tutorial for hosts_file_redirect.
Glossary
- Magic mount: Magisk’s method for mounting files without modifying system files
- Bind mount: APatch’s version of magic mount
- OverlayFS: A layered file system used in KernelSU
- SuSFS: Advanced hiding method for KernelSU
- Redirect: Technique to reroute domain requests for blocking ads
Conclusion
BindHosts is a flexible and powerful solution for systemless ad-blocking and root hiding. Whether you’re using Magisk, KernelSU, or APatch, it adapts to your setup and helps maintain privacy and performance. With multiple operating modes and redirect methods, BindHosts gives users full control over their hosts file without risking detection.
