KingoRoot is software intended to provide
root access
In computing, the superuser is a special user account used for system administration. Depending on the operating system (OS), the actual name of this account might be root, administrator, admin or supervisor. In some cases, the actual name of t ...
on
smartphones,
tablet computer
A tablet computer, commonly shortened to tablet, is a mobile device, typically with a mobile operating system and touchscreen display processing circuitry, and a rechargeable battery in a single, thin and flat package. Tablets, being com ...
s, etc. running all versions of the
Android operating system from 4.1.2, available since 2013. There is another very similar Android application with the same purpose, ''KingRoot'' launched at about the same time; the two very similarly-named applications are often confused.
KingoRoot was used in an exploit by
ZNIU along with the DirtyCow exploit in September 2017 to gain root access.
KingoRoot was banned from the
XDA Developers
XDA Developers (also known simply as XDA; often stylized as xda-developers) is a mobile software development community launched on 20 December 2002. Although discussion primarily revolves around Android, members also talk about many other opera ...
forum along with
vRoot in November 2013 due to concerns with the information collected by the app during the rooting process. This software was compatible with virgin mobiles first time users it would grab data email address location and land line cords making it possible for stock exchange operators in principle of business.
Reviews
''
CNET'' gave Kingo Android Root 3.5 out of 5 stars, and Rick Broida, a ''CNET'' editor, says the KingoRoot app "makes rooting a one-click affair", while noting that it does not work for all devices.
''Digital Trends'' said that using an app is "one of the easiest ways to root your Android device", and included KingoRoot in its list of most reliable rooting apps.
A long thread on the respected xda-developers Web site concluded, with detailed information and links, that the similarly named app KingRoot should be considered
adware
Adware, often called advertising-supported software by its developers, is software that generates revenue for its developer by automatically generating online advertisements in the user interface of the software or on a screen presented to the ...
and
malware, although it is often successful in gaining root access.
See also
*
Android rooting
Rooting is the process by which users of Android devices can attain privileged control (known as root access) over various subsystems of the device, usually smartphones. Because Android is based on a modified version of the Linux kernel, rooti ...
*
Android version history
The version history of the Android mobile operating system began with the public release of the Android beta on November 5, 2007. The first commercial version, Android 1.0, was released on September 23, 2008. Android is developed by Google in w ...
*
Comparison of mobile operating systems
This is a comparison of mobile operating systems. Only the latest versions are shown in the table below, even though older versions may still be marketed.
About OS
Advanced controls
Accessibility features
App ecosystem
Browser ...
References
External links
Kingo Root Official Websiteanother kingoroot website
{{Android (operating system)
Debugging
Mobile software
Freeware
Rooting (Android)