Shizuku gives apps powerful system access, like reading Android/data, freezing apps, or changing hidden settings, without rooting your phone. On Android 14 and Android 15, the easiest way to start it is wireless debugging, right on your phone, with no computer needed.
This guide walks you through the full setup: enabling developer options, pairing once, starting Shizuku after every reboot, connecting apps like ZArchiver, and fixing the most common errors.
Android 10 and older: you need a computer and one ADB command.
After every reboot you must tap Start again. Pairing is only needed once.
Download: Shizuku APK 13.6.0 (about 2.5 MB), the original app by RikkaApps.
What Is Shizuku and Why Do You Need It?
Some Android features are reserved for system-level tools. Normally you’d need root to unlock them. Shizuku runs a small service with ADB (shell) permissions, then lets the apps you approve use it. You get many root-like features while your phone stays unrooted, with no warranty or banking-app issues.
The most common reason people install Shizuku is file access: since Android 11, file managers can’t open Android/data and Android/obb normally. With Shizuku, ZArchiver can, which is useful for game data and OBB files.
| Start method | Android version | Needs a PC? | After reboot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wireless debugging | Android 11+ (incl. 14, 15) | No | Tap Start again |
| Computer (ADB) | Android 10 and below (works on newer too) | Yes | Run the command again |
| Root | Rooted devices | No | Can start automatically |
Before You Start
Make sure these are ready. It takes about a minute:
- Install Shizuku and open it once.
- Connect to Wi-Fi. Wireless debugging won’t turn on without a Wi-Fi network (no internet is needed, just Wi-Fi).
- Enable Developer options: go to Settings → About phone and tap Build number 7 times. On some phones it’s under Software information.
- In Settings → Developer options, turn on USB debugging.
How to Pair Shizuku with Wireless Debugging (Only Once)
Pairing connects Shizuku to your phone’s debugging service. You do this one time only:
How to Start Shizuku (After Every Reboot)
Once paired, starting Shizuku takes a few seconds:
- Make sure Wi-Fi is on and Wireless debugging is enabled.
- Open Shizuku and tap Start under Start via Wireless debugging.
- Wait for the log to finish. The top card should say Shizuku is running.
- If it doesn’t start, turn Wireless debugging off and on again, then tap Start.
Android 10 or Older: Start Shizuku with a Computer
Wireless debugging doesn’t exist before Android 11. Install Google’s SDK Platform Tools on your PC, enable USB debugging, connect your phone with a cable, allow the debugging prompt, and run this command (Shizuku 11.2.0 and newer):
adb shell sh /sdcard/Android/data/moe.shizuku.privileged.api/start.shOn PowerShell, macOS, or Linux, type ./adb instead of adb. Like wireless debugging, you need to run it again after each reboot.
How to Use Shizuku in Other Apps
Shizuku does nothing by itself. Apps that support it ask for permission, and you allow them in the Shizuku app under Authorized applications. Popular examples:
| App | What Shizuku unlocks |
|---|---|
| ZArchiver | Open and edit Android/data and Android/obb. Go to Settings → ROOT → Type of root access → Shizuku. |
| App Ops | Fine control over app permissions |
| Hail | Freeze or hide apps without uninstalling |
| Canta | Remove pre-installed bloatware (keep a backup first) |
| SystemUI Tuner | Change hidden system UI settings |
Common Shizuku Problems and Fixes
Stuck on “Searching for pairing service”
Allow Shizuku to run in the background. Pairing needs local network access, and many phones cut it as soon as the app leaves the screen. Turn off battery optimization for Shizuku and try again.
Pairing fails right after tapping “Enter pairing code” (Xiaomi / POCO)
Go to Settings → Notifications → Notification shade and switch the style from MIUI/HyperOS to Android, then pair again.
Shizuku runs, but apps say permission is limited
On Xiaomi/POCO, enable USB debugging (Security settings) in Developer options. It’s separate from regular USB debugging. On OPPO/OnePlus (ColorOS), disable Permission monitoring. On Meizu, disable Flyme payment protection.
Shizuku stops randomly
Keep Developer options and USB debugging on, set Default USB configuration to No data transfer, and enable Disable adb authorization timeout. Also let Shizuku run in the background.
Wireless debugging won’t turn on
Connect to a Wi-Fi network first. Wireless debugging only works on Wi-Fi.
“Shizuku is not running” after restarting the phone
That’s normal. Android clears the debugging session on reboot. Open Shizuku and tap Start again.
Is Shizuku Safe?
Shizuku is open source (developed by RikkaApps, code on GitHub) and only gives access to apps you approve. You can revoke any app from the Shizuku screen at any time, and stopping wireless debugging cuts everything off.
The real risk comes from the apps you authorize, not Shizuku itself. Only allow apps you trust, and be careful with tools that remove system apps.
Shizuku FAQ
Does Shizuku work on Android 14 and Android 15?
Yes. Wireless debugging works on Android 11 and newer, including Android 14 and 15. The steps are the same.
Does Shizuku need root?
No. It uses wireless debugging (Android 11+) or a computer connection. If your phone is rooted, it can start directly with root.
Why do I have to start Shizuku after every reboot?
Android ends the debugging session when the phone restarts, so the Shizuku service stops. Pairing stays saved, so you only need to tap Start.
Does Shizuku need internet?
No internet is needed, but wireless debugging needs a Wi-Fi connection to turn on.
How do I use Shizuku with ZArchiver?
Start Shizuku, then in ZArchiver go to Settings → ROOT → Type of root access → Shizuku, and allow the permission request.
Final Thoughts
On Android 14 and 15, Shizuku is the easiest way to get root-like features without root. Pair it once with wireless debugging, tap Start after each reboot, and only authorize apps you trust. Get the latest version from the Shizuku page, and pair it with ZArchiver for full access to Android/data.
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