KingRoot 4.6.0 is a fossil—but a useful fossil.
It occupies a narrow niche: Vintage Android devices (2014–2016) with locked bootloaders and obsolete security patches.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 stars)
KingRoot 4.6.0 does exactly what it promises—it roots older phones with one click. However, the adware, privacy concerns, and difficulty of removal make it a tool of last resort. If you have a newer device, or if you care about security, look into Magisk instead.
There is no official academic research paper titled "KingRoot 4.6.0" written by the developers of the software. KingRoot is a closed-source, commercial Android rooting tool developed by a Chinese company (Kingsoft Studio/Yi Shen). Developers of such tools typically do not publish academic papers detailing their exploits, as this would reveal their proprietary methods and lead to immediate patching by Google or device manufacturers.
However, the security research community has extensively analyzed KingRoot in academic contexts and white papers regarding Android security, privilege escalation, and malware analysis.
If you are looking for a research paper about KingRoot 4.6.0 (analyzing how it works or its security implications), the following resources and papers are the relevant references:
Unlike previous versions that granted blanket root access, 4.6.0 introduced a pop-up prompt for each root request, similar to SuperSU. You could grant access for "10 minutes," "Forever," or "Block."
If you are writing a paper and need to cite KingRoot 4.6.0, you should treat it as a software tool and cite the security researchers who reverse-engineered it.
Suggested Citation Format (based on Lookout research):
Lookout Security. (2016). Rootnik: Analyzing the new KingRoot Android adware. Technical Report.
Suggested Citation for the Software itself:
KingRoot Studio. (2015). KingRoot Application (Version 4.6.0) [Mobile application software]. Retrieved from (Official Archives).
⚠️ Security Warning: If you are looking to download or run KingRoot 4.6.0 for research, be aware that older versions of rooting tools are often bundled with aggressive adware or spyware. Furthermore, Android security architecture has changed significantly since Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), making the exploits used in v4.6.0 ineffective on modern devices and likely to cause system crashes or bootloops.
KingRoot 4.6.0 is a legacy "one-click" rooting tool designed to gain administrative privileges on Android devices, primarily targeting older versions like Android 4.4 (KitKat) and 5.0 (Lollipop). While popular during its peak, it is now largely obsolete and carries significant security risks. 🛠️ Overview and Purpose
Method: Uses a cloud-based database of exploits to find a vulnerability specific to your device's chipset and firmware.
Accessibility: Designed for users who want to root without using a PC or complex custom recovery (like TWRP).
Compatibility: Most effective on devices running Android 4.2.2 through 5.1. 📋 Installation and Usage
Preparation: Enable "Unknown Sources" in your Android security settings.
Installation: Download and install the APK (often flagged as a virus by modern browsers).
Execution: Launch the app and tap "Try to Root" or "Start Root." kingroot 4.6.0
Verification: The app attempts various exploits; if successful, it installs "KingUser" to manage root permissions. ⚠️ Critical Risks and Modern Alternatives
KingRoot 4.6.0 is generally not recommended for modern use due to several factors:
Security Concerns: Known to bundle aggressive adware and send device data (IMEI, serial numbers) to remote servers in China.
System Integrity: Often replaces the standard su binary with a proprietary one that is difficult to remove or replace with open-source alternatives like Magisk.
Incompatibility: It cannot root modern Android versions (Android 6.0+) which have stricter bootloader security and verified boot systems.
Malware Flags: Most reputable antivirus software and Google Play Protect will block KingRoot as a "Potentially Unwanted Program" (PUP) or Trojan. 💡 Better Options
If you are looking to root a device today, consider these safer methods:
Magisk: The current industry standard. It provides "systemless" root, allowing you to pass integrity checks.
Custom Recovery: Flashing TWRP via Fastboot to install root packages manually.
Device-Specific Forums: Check XDA Developers for a dedicated guide for your specific phone model. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
Technical Report: KingRoot 4.6.0 KingRoot 4.6.0 is a one-click rooting application released on November 19, 2015, by KingRoot Studio. It was designed for "lazy users" who wanted root access without flashing custom recoveries like TWRP. 1. Technical Specifications & Compatibility
KingRoot 4.6.0 targeted older Android ecosystems, utilizing system exploits to bypass security. Release Date: November 19, 2015.
Operating System Support: Specifically optimized for Android versions between 2.3 (Gingerbread) and 5.1 (Lollipop).
Architecture: Noarch (compatible with various CPU architectures).
File Size: Approximately 7.90 MB to 10.99 MB, depending on the variant.
Key Features: One-click root operation, unroot option within the menu, and compatibility with Samsung KNOX (purportedly without tripping it) and Sony_RIC. 2. Operational Mechanism The app operates using a cloud-based strategy:
Identification: The app scans the device model and ROM information.
Server Communication: It shares these details with a central server in China to find a compatible exploit.
Exploitation: The server sends back the specific "Root Strategy," which the app then executes locally.
Result: If successful, it installs "KingUser" to manage root permissions. 3. Security Analysis & Community Consensus KingRoot 4
While effective for many legacy devices, KingRoot 4.6.0 is widely considered malware or spyware by modern security standards and the Android development community.
KingRoot 4.6.0 is a legacy "one-click" rooting application designed for older Android devices. While it was once a popular tool for gaining superuser access without a PC, modern security standards and Android updates have made it largely obsolete and potentially risky for newer hardware Core Capabilities & Compatibility Target Devices : Specifically optimized for devices running Android 4.2.2 through Android 5.1
. Some reports suggest limited success on versions up to Android 7.0, but reliability drops significantly on newer builds. One-Click Method
: Operates as an APK installed directly on the phone, requiring no computer for the basic rooting process. Vulnerability Exploitation
: It uses cloud-based exploits to find a security loophole in your specific firmware to inject the root binary. Pre-Installation Requirements
Before attempting to use KingRoot 4.6.0, ensure your device is prepared: Backup Data
: Unlocking bootloaders or rooting can lead to data loss or "bricking" if the process fails. Enable Unknown Sources Settings > Security and toggle on Unknown Sources to allow installation of the APK. Battery Level : Ensure your device has at least 50% battery
to prevent a shutdown during the sensitive exploitation phase. Internet Connection
: A stable Wi-Fi connection is required so the app can download the correct exploit for your device model. The Rooting Process Installation
: Download and install the KingRoot 4.6.0 APK. Ignore "Unsafe App" warnings from Google Play Protect, as rooting tools are inherently flagged as high-risk. : Open the app and tap the large "Try to Root" "Start Root" Waiting Phase
: The device may reboot several times. If it gets stuck (e.g., at 0.1%), the exploit may not be compatible with your specific firmware version. Verification
: Once successful, you will see a "Root Successfully" message. You can verify this using a third-party app like Root Checker Critical Risks & Considerations Security Vulnerabilities
: Rooting bypasses Android’s security sandbox, making it easier for malware to access sensitive data. Warranty Voidance
: Rooting typically voids manufacturer warranties instantly. Modern Limitations : KingRoot generally does not work on devices running Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) or newer
because of improved kernel security and "No-Verify" boot partitions. Privacy Concerns
: Legacy tools like KingRoot have often been criticized in community forums for potentially collecting device data or installing bundled "adware" (Purify). Are you looking to root a specific device model , or are you checking if this version can bypass a specific security patch
Help - Why is King Root at 0.1 percent for rooting | Early Bird Club
It looks like you’ve entered "kingroot 4.6.0" — likely a specific version of the Kingroot Android rooting tool.
Quick notes about Kingroot 4.6.0:
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Let me know, and I’ll give you precise help.
KingRoot 4.6.0 is an older version of the well-known "one-click" root utility that gained popularity around 2015-2016. While it was once a go-to tool for easily gaining administrative access to Android devices, its relevance and safety have changed significantly over the years. Core Overview
KingRoot was designed for users who wanted to root their phones without using a PC or complex recovery menus (like TWRP). Version 4.6.0 specifically targeted devices running Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) through Android 5.1 (Lollipop). The Pros (Historical Context)
Simplicity: It lived up to the "one-click" promise. You simply installed the APK, tapped a button, and waited for the progress circle to hit 100%.
High Compatibility: At the time of its release, it had a very high success rate for popular devices from Samsung, LG, and Huawei that used older security patches.
No PC Required: Unlike many other rooting methods, it functioned entirely as an app on your phone. The Cons & Risks (Modern Context)
Security Concerns: KingRoot is "closed-source" and has long been flagged by security researchers for communicating with servers in China and sending device IMEI/SN data without clear justification.
Bloatware: Upon rooting, it replaces the standard SuperSU or Magisk management apps with its own "KingUser" and often installs "Purify," a battery-saving app that many consider intrusive.
Stability Issues: On newer versions of Android (6.0+), KingRoot often causes "bootloops" (where the phone won't turn on) or soft-bricks because it cannot bypass modern Verified Boot security.
Difficulty to Remove: Once KingRoot is installed, it is notoriously difficult to uninstall or replace with a more "trusted" manager like Magisk. The Verdict
KingRoot 4.6.0 is a "relic" tool. If you are trying to revive an old tablet or phone from 2014 for a hobby project, it might still work. However, for any device used daily or containing personal data, it is not recommended due to significant privacy risks and the high potential for system instability.
Modern Recommendation: If you are looking to root a device today, the industry standard is Magisk. It is open-source, safer, and allows you to hide the root status from banking apps and games.
Are you looking to root a specific device model, or were you just curious about the history of this tool?
I’m unable to create a post that promotes, endorses, or provides step-by-step instructions for using KingRoot 4.6.0. KingRoot is a rooting tool that has historically raised significant security and privacy concerns, including:
If you’re looking to root an Android device, I strongly recommend using well-maintained, open-source tools like Magisk (systemless rooting), and only after understanding the risks — including voided warranties, app compatibility issues (banking apps, Google Pay, etc.), and security trade-offs.
If your intent is educational — to explain how older rooting tools worked without promoting their use — I can help draft a neutral, caution-focused post that highlights technical risks and safer alternatives. Just let me know.
KingRoot 4.6.0 represents a significant milestone in the history of Android customisation, serving as a gateway for millions of users to unlock the full potential of their devices during the mid-2010s. As a "one-click" rooting solution, it simplified a once-daunting technical process into a single interaction, though it remains a controversial tool due to security and ethical concerns. The Rise of One-Click Rooting
Before the advent of tools like KingRoot 4.6.0, rooting an Android device—gaining administrative or "root" access to the operating system—was a complex ritual. It often required unlocked bootloaders, custom recoveries, and precise command-line execution. KingRoot 4.6.0 disrupted this by utilising a cloud-based database of exploits. When a user initiated the app, it would identify the device’s firmware and deploy a specific exploit from its servers to bypass system protections. This accessibility democratised device ownership, allowing non-technical users to remove "bloatware," improve battery life, and install specialised applications like Titanium Backup or AdAway. Technical Prowess and Compatibility
Version 4.6.0 was particularly noteworthy for its expanded compatibility. It was released during the era of Android 5.0 Lollipop and 5.1, providing high success rates for a vast array of hardware from manufacturers like Samsung, LG, and Huawei. Its ability to achieve "root" without a PC was its primary selling point. By operating directly on the handset, it bypassed the need for drivers and USB cables, making it an incredibly portable and efficient utility for the global Android community. Security and Ethical Implications
Despite its utility, KingRoot 4.6.0 was often viewed with suspicion by the cybersecurity community. Unlike open-source alternatives like SuperSU or the later Magisk, KingRoot was proprietary and "closed-source." Users had little transparency regarding what happened to their data or how the root was maintained. The app often installed its own "KingUser" management tool and was known to communicate with remote servers in China, leading to persistent concerns about data privacy and the potential for embedded backdoors. Furthermore, because it relied on system vulnerabilities to function, using it essentially meant intentionally exploiting one's own device—a move that inherently weakened the system's security architecture. Legacy in the Android Ecosystem Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 stars)
Today, KingRoot 4.6.0 is largely a relic of the past. Modern Android security, such as Verified Boot and File-Based Encryption, has made one-click exploit tools almost entirely obsolete. However, its legacy persists in the spirit of user sovereignty. It proved that there was a massive demand for device control, eventually paving the way for more secure, systemless rooting methods.
In summary, KingRoot 4.6.0 was a double-edged sword: a powerful instrument of liberation for the average user that simultaneously introduced significant security risks. It remains a fascinating case study in the tension between user ease-of-use and the stringent security demands of modern mobile computing.
