Download SuperSU Zip and APK and Root any Android Phone

Want to unlock the full potential of your Android device? Rooting with SuperSU might be exactly what you need. For years, SuperSU has been the gold standard tool for managing root permissions on Android devices, giving you complete control over your smartphone or tablet.

In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know about SuperSU zip files, how to download them, and the exact process to root almost any Android phone. We‘ll also cover managing root permissions, unrooting if needed, and compare SuperSU with modern alternatives.

Let‘s dive into the world of Android rooting!

The Evolution of Android Rooting

Android rooting has come a long way since the early days of the G1 and Motorola Droid. What began as simple exploits has evolved into sophisticated tools like SuperSU that provide granular control over root privileges.

The Historical Context of SuperSU

SuperSU wasn‘t the first superuser management tool, but it quickly became the most prominent. Created by developer Chainfire in 2012, it addressed many limitations of earlier solutions:

• 2012: Initial release of SuperSU, offering improved root management over older solutions like Superuser
• 2013-2015: Rapid development period, adding features like OTA survival and multi-user support
• 2015: SuperSU Pro launched with expanded capabilities
• 2016: Chainfire announced partnership with CCMT (Coding Code Mobile Technology LLC)
• 2017: Chainfire stepped back from development, handing the reins to CCMT
• 2019: Development officially discontinued

According to data from the now-defunct Chainfire website, SuperSU reached over 100 million installations at its peak, making it one of the most widely-used system tools in Android history.

Android Rooting Statistics

The popularity of rooting has changed dramatically over Android‘s lifetime:

Source: Compiled from XDA Developers surveys and Android Authority reports

This declining trend reflects both increasing security measures from Google and manufacturers, as well as Android incorporating many previously root-only features into stock Android.

What is SuperSU and Why Root Your Android?

SuperSU is a powerful root management tool created by developer Chainfire (later acquired by CCMT). It serves as a gatekeeper for root access on your device, allowing you to:

• Control which apps can access root permissions
• Monitor root requests in real-time
• Temporarily disable root access with a single tap
• Log all root activity for security monitoring

How SuperSU Works: A Technical Overview

Unlike simpler root solutions, SuperSU employs a sophisticated approach to privilege management:

1. Binary Installation: During flashing, SuperSU installs its binaries in strategic system locations (/system/bin/, /system/xbin/, etc.)

2. Mount Script Modification: It modifies mount scripts to ensure proper permissions are maintained across reboots

3. Daemon Process: The su daemon runs in the background, intercepting all superuser requests

4. Policy Database: SuperSU maintains a secure database of per-app permissions, storing your choices for each application

5. Verification System: When an app requests root, SuperSU verifies its signature against the database before granting access

This architectural approach allows for granular control while minimizing security risks inherent to having root access.

Benefits of Rooting with SuperSU

Rooting your Android device opens up numerous possibilities:

• System-level customization: Modify virtually any aspect of your device
• Bloatware removal: Permanently delete pre-installed apps that normally can‘t be removed
• Performance optimization: Overclock CPU, manage RAM, and optimize I/O scheduling
• Advanced backup solutions: Create complete system images with tools like Titanium Backup
• Ad-blocking: Implement system-wide ad-blocking through hosts file modifications
• Automation: Use tools like Tasker with root privileges for deeper system automation
• Custom ROMs: Install completely different operating systems on your device
• Kernel tweaking: Modify how your device‘s CPU and hardware resources are managed

According to a 2018 XDA Developers survey, the top reasons users root their devices are:

1. Removing bloatware (76%)
2. Installing custom ROMs (68%)
3. System-wide ad blocking (62%)
4. Battery optimization (57%)
5. Theming and customization (48%)

SuperSU APK vs. SuperSU Zip: Understanding the Difference

A common point of confusion is the difference between SuperSU APK and SuperSU zip files:

SuperSU APK: This is the Android application package that manages root permissions after your device is already rooted. You can install it like any normal app, but it can‘t grant root by itself.

SuperSU Zip: This is the actual root package that must be flashed through a custom recovery (like TWRP) to gain root access. The zip file contains the necessary binaries and scripts to modify your system and grant superuser access.

For modern Android devices running Lollipop (5.0) or newer, you‘ll almost always need to use the zip file method for initial rooting.

Technical Breakdown of SuperSU Zip Contents

The SuperSU zip file contains several key components:

META-INF/
  - com/
    - google/
      - android/
        - updater-script  (Main installation script)
        - update-binary   (Binary that handles the installation)

common/
  - Superuser.apk         (The SuperSU app itself)
  - install-recovery.sh   (Script to maintain root across OTA updates)
  - 99SuperSUDaemon       (Init.d script for SuperSU daemon)

arm/
  - su                    (ARM binary for superuser)

arm64/
  - su                    (ARM64 binary for 64-bit devices)

x86/
  - su                    (x86 binary for Intel-based devices)

x64/
  - su                    (x64 binary for 64-bit Intel devices)

This architecture allows SuperSU to support virtually all Android devices regardless of CPU architecture, a significant engineering achievement.

SuperSU Versions: A Complete History

SuperSU has gone through numerous iterations since its original release. Here‘s a comprehensive version history:

In 2019, Chainfire officially discontinued SuperSU development. While the existing versions still work on many devices, be aware that compatibility with the newest Android versions (10, 11, 12, and 13) may be limited. For modern devices, Magisk is often the recommended alternative.

SuperSU Version Compatibility Matrix

Prerequisites for Rooting with SuperSU

Before attempting to root with SuperSU, ensure you meet these requirements:

1. Unlocked bootloader: Most devices require an unlocked bootloader before rooting
2. Custom recovery installed: TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is recommended
3. Full backup: Back up all important data as rooting can potentially wipe your device
4. Battery level: At least 50% battery charge
5. Required tools: ADB and Fastboot set up on your computer
6. USB debugging enabled: Turn this on in Developer Options
7. OEM unlocking enabled: Also found in Developer Options on newer devices

Device-Specific Considerations

The rooting process can vary significantly between manufacturers:

• Samsung devices: Often require Odin for flashing, may need specific versions of SuperSU
• Xiaomi/Redmi devices: Usually require bootloader unlock approval from Xiaomi (waiting period)
• Google Pixel devices: Need specific boot sequences for recovery mode
• OnePlus devices: Typically easier to root with good documentation available
• Huawei/Honor devices: Recent models have extremely limited rooting options
• Motorola devices: Often require specific model-matched files

Essential Pre-Rooting Checklist

Before proceeding, verify you‘ve completed these steps:

• [ ] Researched your specific device model‘s rooting method
• [ ] Backed up all important data (contacts, photos, messages)
• [ ] Installed proper USB drivers on your computer
• [ ] Downloaded the correct SuperSU zip for your Android version
• [ ] Downloaded the correct TWRP image for your exact device model
• [ ] Charged your device to at least 50%
• [ ] Disabled any antivirus that might interfere with ADB
• [ ] Enabled USB debugging and OEM unlock
• [ ] Made note of your recovery key combination

Risks and Warnings

Rooting comes with important considerations:

• Warranty void: Most manufacturers void warranty for rooted devices
• Security risks: Root access can potentially be exploited by malicious apps
• Banking app limitations: Many banking and payment apps refuse to work on rooted devices
• Bricking possibility: Incorrect rooting procedures can render your device unusable
• SafetyNet failure: Google‘s security system may flag your device, preventing some apps from working

According to a 2020 security survey by Google, rooted devices are approximately 90% more likely to encounter potentially harmful applications, highlighting the importance of careful app selection after rooting.

Download SuperSU Zip Files (Updated 2023)

Here are direct download links for the most reliable SuperSU zip versions:

Latest Version

• SuperSU v2.82 SR5 (ZIP)

Older Versions

• SuperSU v2.79 (ZIP)
• SuperSU v2.78 (ZIP)
• SuperSU v2.76 (ZIP)

SuperSU APK (For Management After Rooting)

• SuperSU v2.82 (APK)

Download the appropriate SuperSU zip file and save it to your device‘s internal storage (not on an SD card). Remember the location as you‘ll need to access it from TWRP recovery.

Verification and Security

Always verify file integrity after downloading. Here are the MD5 checksums for official versions:

You can verify the checksum on Windows using the certutil command:

certutil -hashfile SuperSU.zip MD5

Or on Mac/Linux using:

md5sum SuperSU.zip

Installing TWRP Recovery on Android

Before flashing SuperSU, you‘ll need a custom recovery installed. TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is the most widely used option.

Download TWRP Recovery

You must download the specific TWRP version for your exact device model. Visit the official TWRP website to find your device.

TWRP Version Selection Guidelines