tiann/kernelsu

Analysis updated 2026-06-24

★ 16,384KotlinAudience · developerComplexity · 5/5Setup · hard

Mindmap

mindmap
  root((KernelSU))
    Inputs
      Android kernel source
      Device boot image
    Outputs
      Root access
      su binary
      Module loader
    Use Cases
      Root an Android device
      Run privileged apps
      Load kernel modules
      Customize system files
    Tech Stack
      Kotlin
      C
      Linux kernel
      Android

mindmap root((KernelSU)) Inputs Android kernel source Device boot image Outputs Root access su binary Module loader Use Cases Root an Android device Run privileged apps Load kernel modules Customize system files Tech Stack Kotlin C Linux kernel Android

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What do people build with it?

USE CASE 1

Root a supported Android device at the kernel level

USE CASE 2

Run apps that need superuser privileges on Android

USE CASE 3

Load custom kernel modules onto a phone for system tweaks

What is it built with?

KotlinCLinux kernelAndroid

How does it compare?

	tiann/kernelsu	nickbutcher/plaid	kotlin/anko
Stars	16,384	16,194	15,791
Language	Kotlin	Kotlin	Kotlin
Setup difficulty	hard	moderate	moderate
Complexity	5/5	3/5	3/5
Audience	developer	developer	developer

Figures from each repo's GitHub metadata at analysis time.

How do you get it running?

Difficulty · hard Time to first run · 1day+

Needs a supported device, unlocked bootloader, and a custom kernel build, mistakes can brick the phone.

In plain English

KernelSU is a root solution for Android devices that operates at the kernel level. "Root" on Android means gaining unrestricted administrative access to your device, similar to being an administrator on a computer, which allows you to modify system files, run privileged apps, and customize things that are normally locked down. KernelSU achieves this by working directly inside the Android kernel (the core layer of the operating system that manages hardware and processes), rather than using methods that patch the app layer. The README does not provide further detail about its features, architecture, supported platforms, or use cases, so a complete explanation is not possible from the provided data alone.

Copy-paste prompts

Prompt 1

Walk me through flashing KernelSU onto a Pixel device with a custom boot image

Prompt 2

Compare KernelSU with Magisk and explain when the kernel-level approach matters

Prompt 3

Write a KernelSU module manifest that grants root only to one specific app package

Prompt 4

Show me how to build the KernelSU kernel patches into a custom Android kernel source tree

Frequently asked questions

What is kernelsu?

A kernel-based root solution for Android. Grants unrestricted admin access by hooking into the kernel rather than patching userspace.

What language is kernelsu written in?

Mainly Kotlin. The stack also includes Kotlin, C, Linux kernel.

How hard is kernelsu to set up?

Setup difficulty is rated hard, with roughly 1day+ to a first successful run.

Who is kernelsu for?

Mainly developer.

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