RootTouch

RootTouch is an application for Android devices that provides a simplified interface for root access management. Developed by the company BIRD SIR LLC, RootTouch was first released around 2012 as an alternative to the original SuperUser and SuperSU apps that manage superuser privileges. The application allows users to grant or deny root access on a per‑application basis, streamlining the authentication process required by apps that need elevated permissions.

RootTouch operates by modifying the system’s su binary to intercept calls from apps that request root. When an app attempts to use superuser rights, RootTouch displays a prompt that can automatically approve or deny the request, depending on the developer’s settings. Unlike some earlier superuser managers that required manual confirmation each time, RootTouch offers several modes of operation: “Allow once,” “Deny once,” “Always allow,” and “Always deny.” These options can be customized for individual applications or applied globally.

The software includes a simple menu-driven interface that lists installed apps and their current root policy. It supports per‑package and global rules, and integrates with Android’s notification system to provide real‑time status updates. RootTouch also logs activity, enabling users to review which applications have requested root privileges and what the final decision was.

Security experts have described RootTouch as a lightweight root overlay that does not introduce significant additional attack surface beyond what is present when a device is rooted. However, as with all root management tools, using RootTouch relies on a device being compromised at the kernel level. It is typically deployed on devices shared with other users or on enterprise devices where fine‑grained control over privileged applications is required.

In recent years, RootTouch has been superseded in popularity by other solutions such as Magisk, which offers a systemless root approach. Nonetheless, RootTouch remains available for older Android versions and is still used by a small community of developers and power users who prefer its straightforward permission framework.