Rooting an Android emulator allows you to unlock advanced features like system-level access, app testing, and reverse engineering. The rootAVD script makes this process simple and works across multiple platforms including Android Studio, BlueStacks, WSL, MacOS, and Linux.
This guide is written for beginners and covers everything from installation to rooting your emulator successfully.
Table of Contents
Requirements
Before you begin, make sure you have the following:
- Android Emulator (AVD, BlueStacks, or other QEMU-based emulator)
- Android SDK Platform Tools (ADB)
- Git installed on your system
- Internet connection
- Windows PowerShell, Mac Terminal, or Linux shell
- AVD created and set to “Cold Boot” in Android Studio
- rootAVD script from GitLab cloned to your system
Supported Platforms and Use Cases
According to the GitLab documentation, rootAVD supports:
- Android Studio AVDs (Windows, MacOS, Linux)
- BlueStacks 4 on MacOS
- Emulators running on WSL
- Custom AOSP builds
- API levels including 25, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 and Baklava
- Magisk (Stable, Canary, Alpha)
- USB Host Permissions Module for Magisk
- Custom kernel and module installation
- Fake boot image patching
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Install Android SDK Platform Tools
- Open Android Studio → SDK Manager → Android SDK → SDK Tools
- Check “Android SDK Platform-Tools” and click Apply.
2. Install Git
On Windows, open PowerShell and run:
winget install --id Git.Git -e --source wingetOn Mac/Linux, use:
brew install git # Mac
sudo apt install git # Linux3. Clone rootAVD
Navigate to your desired directory and run:
git clone https://gitlab.com/newbit/rootAVD.git
cd rootAVD4. Verify Emulator Connection
Make sure your emulator is running. Then run:
adb devicesYou should see your emulator listed.
5. List Available AVDs
Run the following command to list all installed emulators:
./rootAVD.bat list # Windows
./rootAVD.sh list # Mac/Linux6. Root the Emulator
Choose the correct API version and run:
./rootAVD.bat root 36 # Example for Android version 16This will install Magisk and modify system files. The emulator will reboot automatically.
7. Restart Emulator Manually (if needed)
If the emulator doesn’t reboot, restart it manually from Android Studio or your emulator manager.
Advanced Options
rootAVD also supports:
restore: Restores backup filesInstallKernelModules: Installs custom kernel and modulesInstallApps: Installs APKs from the Apps folderFakeBootIMG: Patches boot image for unsupported APIs
Refer to the GitLab page for full command syntax and examples.
Check this also: Top 28 Must-Have Magisk Modules
FAQs
Yes, rootAVD supports BlueStacks on MacOS and emulators running in WSL.
No, rootAVD handles Magisk installation automatically.
Ensure it’s running and that ADB is correctly installed. Restart the emulator and try again.
Yes, rootAVD works on all major platforms.
Disclaimer
Rooting modifies system files and may affect emulator stability. Use this guide at your own risk. Always verify the source and understand the implications before proceeding.
Conclusion
With rootAVD, rooting your Android emulator is straightforward and flexible. Whether you’re a developer, tester, or researcher, this tool gives you full control over your virtual device. Follow the steps carefully, and you’ll have a rooted emulator ready for advanced tasks.
Wow ! so this is it ? i cant wait to try it i use Arch linux i pray it will work
This is one of the best, safest, and easiest methods to root Android emulators.