RootBeer Sample for Android

About RootBeer Sample

RootBeer Sample is an open-source library designed to help Android app developers detect whether a device has been rooted. Rooting a phone or tablet can remove many built-in security protections, and this project provides a collection of heuristics and checks that make it easier for apps to determine the likely root status of a device. The source code is available on GitHub for review and integration.

Platform support and testing

• Primarily validated against Android 9 (Pie / API 28), though it may work on newer or older releases with varying results.
• Compatible with standard Android app projects and intended for integration into production apps after appropriate testing.

Accuracy, limitations, and what to expect

• No root-detection technique is foolproof: if a user has obtained root access, they can potentially hide or alter detection signals.
• The library returns indicators that suggest whether a device is rooted; these indicators should be treated as signals, not absolute proof.
• False positives and false negatives are possible, so use results cautiously when making security or UX decisions.

Guidance for app developers

• Combine multiple checks rather than relying on a single indicator to increase confidence in the result.
• Decide on a policy for handling suspected rooted devices (inform the user, restrict features, or block access) based on your app’s security requirements.
• Test the library across the Android versions and device models relevant to your user base before rolling it out.

Quick summary

• Hosted on GitHub and intended for developer use.
• Useful for detecting likely rooting but not authoritative.
• Developers must determine how to act on the findings, balancing security needs and user experience.