What is Shizuku and How Does It Work?
On Android, system-level package installation APIs (`android.permission.INSTALL_PACKAGES`) are restricted to system apps, device owners, or the ADB shell.
Shizuku is an open-source bridge that starts a background process running under the ADB shell identity. Apps granted Shizuku access can invoke privileged system APIs directly without needing root access or a tethered computer connection.
How to Set Up Shizuku via Wireless Debugging (Android 11+)
1. Install the Shizuku app from Google Play or GitHub.
2. Ensure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi. Go to Settings → Developer Options and enable 'Wireless debugging'.
3. Tap 'Wireless debugging' → 'Pair device with pairing code'.
4. Open Shizuku, tap 'Pairing', enter the 6-digit code from the notification panel.
5. Return to Shizuku and tap 'Start'. Shizuku will start its service running under ADB privileges.
On Android 11 and above, Shizuku can be started completely on-device without needing a PC or USB cable.
Enabling Privileged Mode in Universal Installer
1. Open Universal Installer and open Settings.
2. Under 'Install Mode', select 'Shizuku'.
3. Grant Universal Installer permission when the Shizuku authorization dialog appears.
4. You can now enable advanced features like 'Silent Install', 'Allow Downgrade', and 'Installer Source Spoofing' (e.g. spoofing Google Play Store as the installer source).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Shizuku survive phone reboots?
On non-rooted devices, Android stops ADB processes on reboot. You will need to tap 'Start' in Shizuku again once reconnected to Wi-Fi. If your device is rooted, Shizuku can start automatically at boot.
Is Dhizuku supported as an alternative?
Yes! Universal Installer fully supports Dhizuku. Dhizuku uses Device Owner privileges, allowing permanent silent installs even without Wireless Debugging or root.
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