As a preventative measure against exploitation, certain Android applications won’t work if your device is rooted. Opening one of these apps that detects root will typically end up with a warning and an inability to access its features, like in the picture below.

AS IF!

Since restoring official Android firmware to your device is out of the question, I’m going to show you how to get around this problem by fooling the application into thinking you’re not rooted.

Step 1: Install Xposed

We’ll be using an Xposed module, so make sure to follow my full guide on how to download and install Xposed if you haven’t done so already.

Step 2: Download & Activate Root Cloak

While there are other applications out there that either disable root or temporarily unroot your smartphone, these prevent all applications from detecting root, which could stifle certain actions.

With the RootCloak Module, from developer Matt Joseph, you can select from a list of applications to hide root from.

Download RootCloak directly from Xposed Installer, under the Download section of the application. Select it and then download and install.

Requirement: Android 4.0.3 and up

Step 3: Activate RootCloak

To activate the module, head over to Modules, check the box next to RootCloak and then either Soft Reboot or Reboot your device.

Step 4: Freely Use Your “Blocked” Applications

Once you boot up your smartphone, open up any applications that you couldn’t access before. As an example, I downloaded Direct TV’s GenieGo application—blocked when I tried to access it without RootCloak. Once my smartphone rebooted with RootCloak enabled, I could enter my information and access the application.

RootCloak works with Direct TV’s GenieGo, Fox Digital Copy, Best Buy CinemaNow, Movies by Flixster, several bank applications and much more. Since the application is relatively new, look out for better implementation in the future with support for more root detecting apps.