How To Use Android Pay With Root
Android Pay is Google’s contactless payment system that allows you to make tap-and-pay purchases using your Android smartphone. But many rooted Android users find that Android Pay won’t work on their devices after rooting.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: You can use Android Pay on a rooted Android device by passing SafetyNet via Magisk or systemless root. This involves hiding root access from apps like Android Pay while still retaining full root functionality.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about using Android Pay on a rooted Android device. We’ll start with an overview of Android Pay and rooting, then explain how SafetyNet works.
We’ll then provide step-by-step instructions on setting up Magisk or systemless root to pass SafetyNet and successfully use Android Pay with root access.
Overview of Android Pay and Rooting
What is Android Pay and how does it work?
Android Pay is a mobile payment platform developed by Google that allows users to make payments using their Android devices. It uses near field communication (NFC) to securely transmit payment information from your device to a contactless payment terminal.
Android Pay supports a wide range of credit and debit cards, making it convenient for users to make purchases in stores, online, and within apps.
Understanding root access on Android
Rooting is the process of gaining administrative access to your Android device, allowing you to have full control over the operating system and make changes that are not typically allowed by the manufacturer. This can include removing bloatware, installing custom ROMs, and tweaking system settings.
However, rooting your device comes with its own set of risks and drawbacks, which is why it is not recommended for the average user.
Why Android Pay doesn’t work on rooted devices
Android Pay does not work on rooted devices due to security concerns. When you root your device, you are essentially bypassing the built-in security measures put in place by the manufacturer and Google.
This means that there is a higher risk of unauthorized access to your device, including potential attacks that could compromise your payment information.
Google has implemented several security measures to protect the integrity of Android Pay, and one of them is detecting whether a device is rooted or not. If Android Pay detects that your device is rooted, it will not allow you to use the app for making payments.
This is done to ensure the safety and security of your financial transactions.
It is important to note that there are alternative payment options available for rooted devices, such as Samsung Pay or other mobile payment apps that are compatible with rooted devices. However, it is crucial to understand the risks involved and take the necessary precautions to protect your personal and financial information.
How the SafetyNet API Works
The SafetyNet API is an important component in ensuring the security and integrity of Android Pay. It is designed to detect any unauthorized modifications or “rooting” of Android devices, which can potentially compromise the security of payment transactions.
SafetyNet Overview
SafetyNet is a robust security mechanism developed by Google that helps protect sensitive data on Android devices. It provides a set of APIs that allow developers to assess the security and integrity of a device before performing critical operations, such as processing payments with Android Pay.
By utilizing SafetyNet, Android Pay can ensure that the device being used is not compromised or tampered with, providing an additional layer of security for both users and merchants.
How SafetyNet Detects Root
The SafetyNet API employs various techniques to detect the presence of root access on an Android device. It analyzes the device’s software and hardware configurations, as well as the integrity of system components, to identify any signs of rooting.
One of the methods used by SafetyNet is to check for the presence of known root access files or binaries. It compares the device’s files against a database of known root files, and if a match is found, it indicates that the device has been rooted.
SafetyNet also looks for any modifications to the device’s system partition, as this is a common area that is modified during the rooting process. It checks the integrity of key system files and verifies that they have not been tampered with.
Passing SafetyNet Verification
In order to use Android Pay with a rooted device, it is necessary to bypass SafetyNet verification. This can be a challenging task, as SafetyNet is designed to detect and prevent the use of rooted devices for security reasons.
There are various methods and tools available that claim to bypass SafetyNet, but it is important to note that using these methods may compromise the security of your device and potentially expose your personal information to risk.
It is recommended to use Android Pay on a non-rooted device to ensure the highest level of security and protection for your payment transactions.
For more information on SafetyNet and how it works, you can visit the official Android Developers website: https://developer.android.com/training/safetynet/index.html
Using Magisk to Pass SafetyNet
Magisk is a powerful tool that allows Android users to gain root access while still maintaining the ability to use certain apps that typically do not work on rooted devices. One of the main challenges of using Android Pay with a rooted device is passing SafetyNet, a security measure implemented by Google to ensure the integrity of the device.
However, with Magisk, you can bypass this issue and enjoy the convenience of Android Pay even on a rooted device. Here’s how:
Installing Magisk
The first step to using Magisk to pass SafetyNet is to install the Magisk framework on your rooted Android device. You can download the latest version of Magisk from the official website or from trusted third-party sources.
Once downloaded, follow the installation instructions provided by the Magisk developer to install the framework on your device. This will enable you to access the various features and modules that Magisk offers.
Enabling MagiskHide
After installing Magisk, you will need to enable the MagiskHide feature. MagiskHide allows you to hide the root status of your device from specific apps, including Android Pay. To enable MagiskHide, open the Magisk Manager app on your device and navigate to the settings menu.
Look for the “MagiskHide” option and toggle it on. This will ensure that Android Pay does not detect your rooted device, allowing you to use it without any issues.
Additional Magisk modules/settings
Magisk also offers additional modules and settings that can further enhance your rooted Android experience. Some popular modules include Xposed Framework, which allows you to customize your device’s interface and functionality, and Viper4Android, which enhances audio quality on your device.
You can explore the Magisk Manager app to discover and install these modules according to your preferences. Additionally, you can tweak various settings within Magisk to optimize performance and compatibility with Android Pay.
Testing SafetyNet status
Once you have installed Magisk and enabled MagiskHide, it is essential to test the SafetyNet status of your device. SafetyNet is a Google service that checks the integrity of your device, including whether it is rooted or not.
To test SafetyNet status, you can use the SafetyNet Test app available on the Google Play Store. Open the app, and it will provide you with the current status of your device. If SafetyNet passes, you can be confident that your rooted device is ready to use Android Pay without any issues.
By using Magisk to pass SafetyNet, Android users with rooted devices can enjoy the convenience of Android Pay without having to compromise their root access. It’s important to note that while Magisk is a powerful tool, it is always recommended to exercise caution and ensure that you are downloading it from a trusted source.
Stay up to date with the latest versions and updates to ensure compatibility with your device and apps.
Using Systemless Root to Pass SafetyNet
Overview of systemless root:
Systemless root is a method that allows users to gain root access on their Android devices without modifying the system partition. This means that you can enjoy the benefits of rooting your device, such as installing custom ROMs and using root-only apps, while still being able to use Android Pay without any issues.
By using systemless root, you can bypass SafetyNet, a security measure implemented by Google to prevent rooted devices from accessing certain apps.
Flashing a systemless root ZIP:
To use Android Pay with root access, you will need to flash a systemless root ZIP file on your device. This can be done by using popular rooting tools such as Magisk or SuperSU. These tools allow you to modify your device’s boot image and install the necessary files for systemless root.
Once you have flashed the systemless root ZIP, your device will have root access without modifying the system partition.
Additional steps to pass SafetyNet:
After flashing the systemless root ZIP, there are a few additional steps you can take to ensure that your device passes SafetyNet. One important step is to enable Magisk Hide, a feature in Magisk that allows you to hide root from certain apps.
By enabling Magisk Hide and selecting the apps you want to hide root from, you can trick SafetyNet into thinking that your device is not rooted.
Testing SafetyNet status:
To check the SafetyNet status of your device, you can use the SafetyNet Helper app or the Magisk Manager app. These apps will show you whether or not your device passes SafetyNet. If your device fails the SafetyNet check, you may need to perform additional troubleshooting steps or make sure that you have properly enabled Magisk Hide.
Remember, using root access with Android Pay can have its risks, and it is always recommended to proceed with caution. Make sure to follow all instructions carefully and stay up to date with the latest versions of rooting tools to ensure compatibility with Android Pay and other apps.
Troubleshooting Android Pay with Root
If you have rooted your Android device and are encountering issues with using Android Pay, don’t worry, there are some troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the problem. Here, we will discuss some common issues and their potential solutions.
SafetyNet not passing?
One of the main reasons why Android Pay may not work on a rooted device is because of SafetyNet. SafetyNet is a Google service that checks the integrity of your device to ensure it hasn’t been tampered with. If SafetyNet is not passing, Android Pay will not work. Here are a few things you can try:
- Update your device’s firmware: Sometimes, updating your ROM or firmware can fix SafetyNet issues.
- Use a SafetyNet fix module: There are various modules available for rooted devices that can help pass SafetyNet. These modules work by hiding root access from specific apps, including Android Pay.
- Unroot your device: If all else fails, you may need to consider unrooting your device. This will remove the root access and allow SafetyNet to pass.
Remember, unrooting your device will remove any customizations and modifications you have made, so proceed with caution and make sure to back up your data.
Android Pay force closing?
Another issue that users may encounter is Android Pay force closing on a rooted device. This can be frustrating, but there are a few things you can try to resolve the issue:
- Clear app data and cache: Sometimes, corrupted app data or cache can cause force close issues. Go to the App Info for Android Pay in your device settings and clear the app data and cache.
- Reinstall Android Pay: Uninstalling and reinstalling the app can sometimes fix force close issues.
- Try an older version of Android Pay: In some cases, certain versions of Android Pay may work better on rooted devices. You can try downloading an older version of the app and see if that resolves the issue.
Other potential issues
If you are still experiencing issues with Android Pay on your rooted device, here are a few other things you can consider:
- Check compatibility: Not all devices and ROMs are compatible with Android Pay. Make sure to check the compatibility of your device and ROM with Android Pay.
- Disable any Xposed modules: Xposed modules can sometimes interfere with Android Pay. Try disabling any Xposed modules and see if that resolves the issue.
- Seek help from the Android community: There are various online forums and communities where you can seek help from other Android users who may have encountered similar issues.
Remember, rooting your device can have its advantages, but it can also come with certain limitations and compatibility issues. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding to root your device.
Conclusion
In conclusion, with the right setup it is possible to successfully use Android Pay on a rooted Android device. By leveraging root hiding solutions like Magisk or systemless root, you can pass Google’s SafetyNet verification and keep making contactless payments even with root access.
Just be sure to thoroughly test SafetyNet status before adding cards to Android Pay. With a bit of effort, you won’t have to choose between root access and mobile payments.
