Shizuku is a handy Android app that lets other apps use system-level features without actually rooting your device. It works by using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) commands to grant permissions.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how to set up Shizuku, connect via ADB (USB or Wi-Fi), and list the most common Shizuku ADB command pc you’ll need. You’ll learn practical tips and a cheat-sheet of commands so you can start using Shizuku right away.
What is Shizuku?
Shizuku APK is a powerful Android utility that allows apps to access protected system APIs without fully rooting your device. It works by using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or a Magisk module called Sui to grant elevated permissions in a safe and controlled way.
In simple words, Shizuku gives selected apps “root-like powers” without actually rooting your phone, making it a popular choice for users who want advanced features while keeping their device secure.
Why use Shizuku
You get the benefits of powerful apps like automation tools, firewall apps, etc. without unlocking your bootloader. Shizuku is open-source and widely used in the Android community, so it’s generally safe when downloaded from official sources.
Setting Up Shizuku and ADB
Before you can run ADB commands for Shizuku, you need to install Shizuku and enable developer options on your device. Here are the basic steps:
Install the Shizuku app
Download and install Shizuku from the official site or a trusted source (e.g., Google Play or F-Droid). If you use Magisk, you can install Shizuku Sui (the Magisk module) for easier auto-start, but the standalone app works on any device.
Enable Developer Options
On your Android phone, go to Settings > About Phone and tap on Version number 7 times. You’ll see a message that you’re now a developer.
Enable USB Debugging
In Settings > System > Developer options, turn on USB debugging. This lets your phone accept ADB commands from a computer.
Enable Wireless Debugging (Android 11+)
If your device runs Android 11 or newer, you can also enable Wireless debugging in Developer options. This allows you to use ADB over Wi-Fi.
Connect to computer (for wired ADB)
Plug your phone into a PC via USB. On first connection, your phone will ask “Allow USB debugging?” – tap “Always allow” and confirm. Now your PC can send ADB commands to the device.
Connecting to Shizuku via ADB
You have two main ways to connect with ADB, USB (wired) or Wi-Fi (wireless). Choose what’s most convenient for you:
Wired ADB (USB)
Connect your phone to the computer via USB.
Open a terminal/command prompt on your PC. Type adb devices and press Enter. You should see your device’s serial number listed. If it shows “unauthorized,” check your phone and confirm the debugging prompt.
Once the device is listed, you’re ready to send commands.
Wireless ADB (Wi-Fi)
Enable Wireless debugging in Developer options on the phone.
On the phone, tap Wireless debugging > Pair device with pairing code. You’ll see an IP address and code.
On your computer’s terminal, run:
adb pair IP_ADDRESS:PORT
Enter the pairing code when prompted.
After pairing, connect by running
adb connect IP_ADDRESS:PORT
Run adb devices again to ensure your device appears as connected.
Tip: Wireless ADB requires both devices on the same network. If you run into issues like “searching for pairing service,” make sure to allow Shizuku to run in the background and disable battery optimizations for it on your phone.
Starting Shizuku ADB Command
Once ADB is set up, you need to launch the Shizuku service so that apps can use it. Here’s the key command:
Start Shizuku
adb shell sh /sdcard/Android/data/moe.shizuku.privileged.api/start.sh
This command runs a shell script bundled with Shizuku that starts its background service. After you run it, you should see a confirmation in the Shizuku app that it’s running.
Alternative (Magisk Sui): If you installed Shizuku Sui via Magisk, Shizuku can start automatically at boot and you don’t need this manual step. In that case, just open the Shizuku app and turn on the service with one tap.
Note: You only need to do the ADB start command once per boot. If your phone reboots or you disconnect, just repeat the start command to get Shizuku running again.
Common Shizuku ADB Command PC
Below is a quick list of useful ADB commands for pc when working with Shizuku and Android debugging in general. Think of this as your cheat sheet for common tasks:
- adb devices – Lists all connected devices. Use this to confirm your phone is recognized.
- adb kill-server – Stops the ADB server on your computer.
- adb start-server – (Re)starts the ADB server on your computer after killing it.
Starting Shizuku: adb shell sh /sdcard/Android/data/moe.shizuku.privileged.api/start.sh
Wireless ADB commands
- adb pair IP:PORT – Pair with your device for wireless ADB.
- adb connect IP:PORT – Connect to your device over Wi-Fi after pairing.
- adb unpair IP:PORT – Remove a previously paired connection.
- adb wait-for-device – Tells the terminal to wait until the device is connected.
Starting an app via ADB
Launches a specific app by package name.
adb shell monkey -p com.example.app -c android.intent.category.LAUNCHER 1
Starts the main activity of an app.
adb shell am start -n com.example.app/.MainActivity
Granting permissions
Grants a permission to an app.
adb shell pm grant com.example.app android.permission.PERMISSION_NAME
Shell commands
Any normal ADB shell commands can be used once you have a shell (adb shell …).
For example: adb shell settings put secure enabled_accessibility_services package/Service might be used by some apps through Shizuku.
Use this list whenever you need to perform common tasks. You don’t have to memorize everything – just keep this cheat sheet handy!
Using Shizuku with Other Tools
Shizuku can integrate with many tools and mods to make life even easier:
Magisk Sui module
If you use Magisk, the Sui module lets Shizuku start automatically at boot and work in Magisk’s Zygisk mode. This means you can use Shizuku without any manual ADB commands after setup.
Termux
You can use Shizuku from the Termux terminal. For example, the “Termux:Tasker” plugin and Shizuku’s rish utility allow you to run shell commands (like ADB) directly from Termux. This means you can write scripts or Tasker tasks that use Shizuku commands without a PC.
ShizuTools / Shell Intents
There are helper apps (like ShizuTools) that let other apps (Tasker, MacroDroid, etc.) send ADB commands via Android intents instead of using USB. These tools use Shizuku behind the scenes to execute commands. They can simplify automation if you don’t want to use a PC at all.
Rooted Devices
If you do have root, Shizuku isn’t strictly necessary – you can grant permissions directly. However, Shizuku can still work and some users prefer using it even on rooted devices for its convenience.
Popular Apps That Use Shizuku
Many apps take advantage of Shizuku to do advanced things. Here are a few examples:
- VolumeManager: Control individual app volumes without root.
- PhoneProfiles Plus: Automated profiles for calls, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc., triggered with Shizuku’s help.
- Fluffy (FOSS): An Android file manager that can access more system files with Shizuku.
- Flicky: A game console-style front-end for Android TV that uses Shizuku for some features.
- Aliucord: A Discord modding toolkit.
- MacroDroid Tasker plugin: Automate tasks that normally require root.
There are dozens of others across categories like Privacy, Display, Automation, and Developer Tools. You can check the official Shizuku apps list or the “Awesome Shizuku” GitHub page for a comprehensive catalog.
Shizuku FAQs
What does Shizuku do?
Shizuku provides a middleman service so apps can call Android hidden APIs via ADB or root permissions.
Do I need to root my device for Shizuku?
No. That’s the main benefit. Shizuku works on unrooted devices by using ADB or the wireless debugging feature to gain temporary elevated access.
How do I disable USB debugging when I’m done?
Make sure you enabled USB or wireless debugging correctly. If wireless pairing fails, ensure Shizuku can run in the background and retry pairing. On MIUI or POCO phones, also disable any private tunnel or VPN that might block local connections.
How do I start Shizuku on boot?
If you have root/Magisk, install the Shizuku Sui module and enable “Start on Boot” in its settings. On unrooted Android 11+, Shizuku can auto-start if you have a Wi-Fi network connected. Otherwise, you’ll need to run the ADB start command after reboot.
Summary
Now, you should have a clear plan, install Shizuku, enable debugging, connect via USB or Wi-Fi, and use the ADB start command to launch Shizuku. Keep this cheat sheet of commands handy for quick reference. With Shizuku running, you can install or update apps that need system privileges, use powerful automation and customization apps, and more— all without rooting your device.