Top 10 Essential Apps for Rooted Android Smartphones

AFWall+, short for 'Android Firewall Plus,' is a graphical user interface for the Linux iptables firewall. It offers granular control over which Android apps can access the internet. Additionally, it allows management of traffic flow within a local network or while connected to a VPN.

Designed specifically for the Linux firewall framework, AFWall+ stands out as one of the best custom-rooted apps, giving you control over which apps can access your mobile data. Moreover, AFWall+ lets you adjust internet traffic in both LAN networks and VPN connections. This open-source software is completely free, easy to install, and user-friendly. Key features include:

• Multi-user support
• Import DroidWall rules
• App search functionality
• Tasker/Locale support
• Notification of new settings
• App ID display/hide

AdAway is an open-source, free ad-blocking application that uses host file lists to block domains serving ads. Essentially, it keeps an updated list of ad-serving networks and redirects them to a local server (i.e., your own phone), ensuring that these requests go nowhere, and no ads are displayed. While it also has a non-root mode, it performs best when used on a rooted device.

Similar to other root apps mentioned earlier, AdAway is a completely free and open-source app. It works as an ad blocker on your Android device. This app is available for both rooted and non-rooted devices. When installed on a non-rooted device, users can utilize a VPN feature to block both incoming and outgoing connections to ads and trackers. Key features of AdAway include:

• Custom sources
• Custom rules
• Automatic updates
• Predefined blocklist for ads

As the name suggests, App Ops is a custom root app that allows you to control, restrict, and modify the permissions granted to apps accessing your phone’s data. With App Ops, you can easily adjust the permission settings for each app on your device.

This app, App Ops – Permission Manager, generally manages system-wide settings, though this may vary depending on your device’s firmware. This custom Android root app works well on both rooted and non-rooted devices. Note that non-rooted devices might not be able to use the VPN feature to access ad-blocking features. Key features of the app include:

• Customizable user interface
• Support for both rooted and non-rooted devices
• Supports multiple user work profiles
• Developer preview
• Full support for Android Lollipop, Nougat, Marshmallow, and Oreo

Swift Backup is one of the best root apps for backing up all your essential applications and app data. Additionally, it allows you to restore your data with ease. With Swift Backup, backing up all your important data takes just minutes, and you can restore it within moments.

Swift Backup can back up APKs, texts, call logs, and wallpapers without root access. However, with root privileges, it can back up and restore app-specific data such as permissions, battery optimizations, and Magisk Hide status. Some root-only features are also accessible through Shizuku. Key features of Swift Backup include:

• Effortless backup
• Easy restore
• Cloud backup for apps
• App labeling
• Custom backup and restore settings
• Scheduled backup for calls, logs, and messages

The custom root app Contacts Sync automatically synchronizes your contacts list along with high-quality contact photos. You can select specific contacts to sync or leave out others that you don't want to include.

Note that you need a rooted device to fully utilize all features of the Contacts Sync app for Android. By using Contacts Sync, you can pull images directly from folders and align them with the corresponding contact entries in your address book. Key features of Contacts Sync include:

• Automatic synchronization
• Unique user interface
• Easy setup
• Simple to use

MacroDroid offers a comprehensive set of automation features with a strong emphasis on ease of use. Its simple, user-friendly interface and straightforward step-by-step processes make it accessible for everyone. Additionally, it includes a plugin store where you can find other apps compatible with MacroDroid to further extend its capabilities. Designed specifically for automation, MacroDroid makes it easy to automate a wide variety of tasks on your Android device.

With its unique and intuitive interface, you can automate nearly any task with just a few taps on your Android phone or tablet. Moreover, you can use this rooted Android app to optimize your workflows. For example, MacroDroid can automatically turn on Wi-Fi when you're near home, enable Bluetooth, and start playing music. Key features of MacroDroid:

• Easy setup
• Unique user interface
• Better optimization
• Configurable triggers
• Tasker integration
• Language plugin support

Total Commander is a powerful alternative to the built-in file manager that comes with your Android device. It works best on rooted phones, as rooting gives Total Commander the necessary permissions to write to the system files. Additionally, this app comes packed with a wide range of useful features for anyone who frequently uses their phone.

Total Commander is known for being one of the most robust and highly praised file management tools available. It includes an array of essential features such as network storage support, cloud storage integration, plugin support, bookmarks, and even a built-in text editor. Despite some users' preferences for a different design, this app has become a favorite among many. Key features of Total Commander:

• Open-source translation
• Directory history
• Thumbnail preview for images
• Root access for key functions

Magisk Manager is a fully open-source app that stands out as one of the best root management tools for Android, fully supported on all Google platforms. Compared to alternatives like SuperSU, Magisk is known for offering superior features and has become the go-to choice for developers of custom ROMs.

In addition to granting root access, Magisk Manager allows you to hide your Android root status, making certain apps think your device is unrooted. This feature is useful for running banking apps, Android Pay, Samsung Pay, and many others that typically do not work on rooted devices.

Viper4Android is an excellent app designed to significantly enhance the audio quality of Android devices. It offers features that allow users to boost volume beyond standard limits, enhance sound clarity, and improve bass, making it one of the top choices for rooted Android devices. It’s recognized for its impressive ability to upgrade audio output across various platforms, whether through speakers, headphones, or dedicated audio docking systems. Viper4Android also provides extra functionality like call recording for OnePlus devices running OxygenOS.

James DSP Manager is a powerful digital signal processing tool tailored for Android devices. Based on the Omnirom DSP Manager, it supports devices running Android 5 through Android 12. Much like other native apps, this app offers a range of features designed to enhance user experience, including fine-tuned controls for optimal sound output. James DSP Manager can significantly boost audio quality with its advanced features, offering features like a 15-band FIR equalizer and Convolver support for custom audio processing setups.

It works seamlessly with speakers, headphones, and Bluetooth devices, allowing users to adjust bass levels, apply dynamic range compression, and much more. Key features of James DSP Manager include:

• Automatic dynamic range compression
• Enhanced bass boost
• Reverb effects
• Vacuum tube simulation
• Viper DDC integration