How to Install and Run 32-Bit Apps on Android

In this guide, we will show you a couple of methods that will help you install and run 32-bit apps on your Android device. While most of today’s apps have adopted the newer 64-bit architecture, there are still a few apps from yesteryears that house a 32-bit arch. These apps are no longer being maintained by the developer but the nostalgia factor associated with them compels the users to have them on their device. However, that is proving to be easier said than done.

Whenever they tried sideloading apps, they were instead greeted with the “You can’t install the app on your device” error message. The reason for the same is the fact that the OS now ships with a 64-bit build of the OS, and it seems Google has changed ro.zygote to zygote64. With that said, there does exist a nifty workaround using which you might still be able to install and run 32-bit apps on your Android device. So without further ado, let’s check it out.

• How to Install and Run 32-Bit Apps on Android Without Root Using Root STEP 1: Download Firmware STEP 2: Extract Stock Boot/Init_boot STEP 3: Download Magisk Zygote STEP 4: Unroot Device [For Rooted Users] STEP 5: Patched Boot/Init_Boot via Magisk Zygote STEP 6: Boot to Fastboot Mode STEP 7: Root via Magisk Zygote STEP 8: Test out the Result STEP 9: Bypass Android OS Version [Optional]
• How to Install System OTA Updates

How to Install and Run 32-Bit Apps on Android

Without Root

Benefit: Does not require root.

Drawback: One red flag I found with this method is that it requires IMEI permission. Being an emulator, I wonder why this app requires the permission to read the IMEI number, as it really doesn't add up. So only proceed if that's all well and good.

1. Download and install the VPhoneOS app from Play Store.
2. Launch it and enable the following toggles on your device: “Developer Options” and “Disable Child Process Restrictions”
3. Now choose Android 7 and 64-bit & 32-bit mixed versions. If you are ready to shell out some bucks, then you are free to choose between Android 10 and 12 as well.
4. Now tap on Create New Instance > Play > Confirm > Authorize.
5. Then open the Via Browser and download the desired 32-bit APK.
6. Finally, install and launch it right away!

Using Root

Benefit: It is a completely safe method.

Drawback: It requires root, which will lead to issues like Play Integrity. Moreover, for now, it will only work on "some" Pixel devices.

The below process will wipe off all the data on your device. When a device is first booted with only Zygote64, it can’t be switched over to use Zygote64_32. As a result, the 32-bit libraries inside APEXs are not discovered and loaded by Zygote32.

Henceforth, you will have to do a factory data reset to get this job done. Droidwin and its members wouldn’t be held responsible in case of a thermonuclear war, your alarm doesn’t wake you up, or if anything happens to your device and data by performing the steps below.

Before starting, it is highly recommended that you take a backup of the persist partition using our detailed guide.

STEP 1: Download Firmware

Next up, you’ll have to get hold of the stock firmware for your device. Make sure to download the same version that is currently installed on your device [you could verify the same from your device’s build number]. Make sure to download the entire firmware/factory image/Fastboot ROM instead of OTA/Recovery ROM.

STEP 2: Extract Stock Boot/Init_boot

You’ll now have to extract the firmware and get hold of the stock boot.img/init_boot.img file. [If your device was launched with Android 12 or older versions, then use boot,img, otherwise, use init_boot.img]. Here’s how to extract the firmware corresponding to different OEMs:

• Pixel: Use the built-in Windows Extractor to extract ZIP.
• Xiaomi: Use 7 ZIP to extract TGZ and TAR.
• OnePlus and Nothing: Use the Fastboot Enhance Tool to extract payload.bin.
• Realme and Oppo: Use Oppo Decrypt Tool to extract OZIP/OFP.

STEP 3: Download Magisk Zygote

Magisk Zygote64_32 is a modification of Magisk and is primarily designed as a root solution for multilib Android devices that are Zygote64-only, such as the Pixel 7/8 series. [Credits: XDA Senior Member Namelesswonder].

DIRECT DOWNLOAD | GITHUB PAGE | DOWNLOAD PAGE

STEP 4: Unroot Device [For Rooted Users]

If you are using a rooted device, then you’ll first have to unroot it before proceeding ahead. On the other hand, if your device is already non-rooted, then you could skip this section and move over to the next one].

1. First off, uninstall the Magisk app from your device [do NOT use Magisk’s Uninstall option, instead uninstall the app from the Settings menu as you do so for any other app].
2. Then enable USB Debugging on your device and connect it to PC via USB.
3. Now download and extract Android SDK Platform Tools on your PC.
4. Then type in cmd in the folder’s address bar and hit Enter. This will launch the Command Prompt.
5. Now type in the below command to boot your device to Fastboot Mode: adb reboot bootloader
6. Then flash the stock boot.img or init_boot.img using the below command: fastboot flash boot boot.img fastboot flash init_boot init_boot.img
7. Now reboot your device to the OS via the below command fastboot reboot

STEP 5: Patched Boot/Init_Boot via Magisk Zygote

1. First off, install the Magisk Zygote64_32 app on your device.
2. Then launch it and tap on the Install button next to Magisk.
3. Now choose‘ Select and Patch a File’, navigate to stock init_boot.img file, and select it.
4. Then tap on the Let’s Go button situated at the top right.
5. The init_boot.img file will now be patched and placed under the Downloads folder on your device.
6. You should transfer this file to the platform-tools folder on your PC.
7. Likewise, rename it to patched_init_boot.img or patched_boot.img.

STEP 6: Boot to Fastboot Mode

1. Enable USB Debugging and connect your device to the PC via a USB cable.
2. Then head over to the platform-tools folder, type in CMD in the address bar, and hit Enter. This will launch the Command Prompt.
3. Type in the following command in the CMD window to boot your device to Fastboot Mode adb reboot bootloader
4. To verify the Fastboot connection, type in the below command and you should get back the device ID. fastboot devices
5. If you’re not getting any ID, then install Fastboot Drivers on your PC.

STEP 7: Root via Magisk Zygote

1. First off, transfer the patched init_boot.img/boot.img to the platform-tools folder.
2. Then flash this file and do a format data along with it via the below command: fastboot -w flash init_boot patched_init_boot.img fastboot -w flash boot patched_boot.img
3. Now reboot your device to the rooted OS via the below command: fastboot reboot
4. Since your device has undergone a reset, the first boot will take some time.
5. Once it boots up, again install the Magisk Zygote64_32 app and launch it.
6. Finally, open Magisk Zygote64_32 and finish the remaining setup, if any.

STEP 8: Test out the Result

1. Download and install any 32-bit app on your device. Then launch it and check if it is working or not.
2. If you wish to perform this check via a more technical route, then execute the below command: getprop ro.zygote; getprop ro.vendor.product.cpu.abilist; getprop ro.vendor.product.cpu.abilist32
3. If you get the output as shown above, then it signifies your device can now run 32-bit apps: zygote64_32 arm64-v8a,armeabi-v7a,armeabi armeabi-v7a,armeabi

STEP 9: Bypass Android OS Version [Optional]

Some older apps might require you to additionally bypass the minimum SDK version [Android version] as well, apart from the CPU architecture. If your app does the same, then check out our guide on App not installed as App isn’t compatible with your phone [Fixed] .

How to Install System OTA Updates

If you are currently rooted via the Magisk Zygote and you receive an OTA update, then here’s how you can install it:

1. First off, download the latest factory image for your device.
2. Extract the init_boot from image-xxx.zip of the firmware.
3. Patch it via Magisk and transfer it to the platform tools folder.
4. Now type the below command in the CMD to boot to Fastboot. adb reboot bootloader
5. Then update the bootloader and radio via the below commands: fastboot flash bootloader bootloader.img fastboot flash radio radio.img
6. Now flash the Image ZIP without a reset via the below command fastboot –skip-reboot update image-xxx.zip
7. Once done, flash the patched boot/init_boot in the FastbootD Mode: fastboot flash boot patched_boot.img fastboot flash init_boot patched_init_boot.img

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• Riggan 2 years ago Reply Has anyone tried this (and gotten it to work) on a Samsung S24 Ultra? Would be nice to know it works before taking on the headache of having to backup/reset my device and go through all the steps. user 1 year ago Reply only pixel 7/8 dont work another phones

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Take a Backup of Persist Partition: Fix Fingerprint Not Working

In this guide, we will show you the steps to take a backup of the persist partition on your Android device. Stepping into the custom development brings in a plethora of goodies with itself. Right after you have unlocked the bootloader, you will be in a position to dive deep into the custom ROMs, custom recoveries, or gain administrative privileges by rooting the device via Magisk. However, this is just one side of the coin. Carrying out these tweaks could prove to be a risky bet as well.

For OnePlus users, it is usually issues with the fingerprint sensor that seems to be bugging quite a few users. As a result of which, they are unable to register or enroll their fingerprint or use the already registered ones to unlock their device. So right before you step into the modding domain, your first course of action should be to take a backup of the persist partition. In case you end up messing with the fingerprint, then you could easily fix it by restoring the backed up persist. On that note, let’s get started with the steps to take a backup of the persist partition.

• How to Take a Backup of Persist Partition STEP 1: Root your Device STEP 2: Install Android SDK STEP 3: Enable USB Debugging STEP 4: Grant SuperUser Request STEP 5A: Backup Persist Partition via ADB [Automated Method] STEP 5B: Backup Persist Partition via SU [Manual Method]
• How to Restore Persist Partition

How to Take a Backup of Persist Partition

The below instructions are listed under separate sections for ease of understanding. Make sure to follow the same sequence as mentioned. Droidwin and its members wouldn’t be held responsible in case of a thermonuclear war, your alarm doesn’t wake you up, or if anything happens to your device and data by performing the below steps.

STEP 1: Root your Device

First and foremost, your device needs to be rooted. If you haven’t done so, then you may refer to our guide on How to Root Android via Magisk Patched Boot.img .

STEP 2: Install Android SDK

First and foremost, you will have to install the Android SDK Platform Tools on your PC. This is the official ADB and Fastboot binary provided by Google and is the only recommended one. So download it and then extract it to any convenient location on your PC. Doing so will give you the platform-tools folder, which will be used throughout this guide.

STEP 3: Enable USB Debugging

Next up, you will have to enable USB Debugging so that your device is recognizable by the PC in ADB mode. This will then allow you to execute the ADB Shell and henceforth the su command . So head over to Settings > About Phone > Tap on Build Number 7 times > Go back to Settings > System > Advanced > Developer Options > Enable USB Debugging.

STEP 4: Grant SuperUser Request

1. Connect your device to the PC via USB cable. Make sure USB Debugging is enabled.
2. Then head over to the platform-tools folder, type in CMD in the address bar, and hit Enter.
3. This will launch the Command Prompt. Now type in the below command to open the shell environment. adb shell
4. After that, execute the following command to invoke the superuser request su
5. You will now get a prompt on your device, tap on Allow/Grant.

STEP 5A: Backup Persist Partition via ADB [Automated Method]

1. Now execute the below command in the CMD window to take a backup of the persist partition su -c dd if=/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/persist of=/sdcard/Download/persist.img
2. The persist partition will now be backed up in the Downloads folder on your device. It is recommended to transfer it to your PC.

STEP 5B: Backup Persist Partition via SU [Manual Method]

1. To begin with, type in the below command to open the shell environment: adb shell
2. Then type in the below command. You’ll get a Magisk request, tap on Grant. su
3. Now type in the below command to bring a list of all partitions on your device ls -la /dev/block/by-name
4. Check out the sda address for your persist partition. In our case, it is sda8.
5. Now use the below command, replacing location with the sda address: dd if= location of=/sdcard/persist.img bs=4096
6. In our case, the aforementioned command will transform to: dd if= /dev/block/sda8 of=/sdcard/persist.img bs=4096
7. The persist.img will be placed in your device’s Internal Storage. Transfer it to your PC.

How to Restore Persist Partition

So you have messed up the fingerprint on your device? Well, not an issue as you could easily fix it just by flashing the backed-up persist.img file.

1. To begin with, carry out steps 1 to 4 as mentioned above.
2. Then transfer the persist.img file to the platform tools folder on your PC.
3. Next up, connect your device to the PC via USB cable. Make sure USB Debugging is enabled.
4. Now head over to the platform-tools folder, type in CMD in the address bar, and hit Enter.
5. This will launch the Command Prompt. So type in the below command to boot your device to Fastboot Mode adb reboot bootloader
6. Finally, execute the below command to flash the persist.img file fastboot flash persist persist.img
7. That’s it. You may now reboot your device to the OS via the below command- fastboot reboot

So these were the steps to take a backup of the persist partition on your Android device. If you hadn’t taken the persist backup beforehand and your device is currently facing fingerprint issues, then there’s no point in taking the backup of the persist partition and flashing it. This is because the said partition has already been corrupted. Moreover, you cannot use the persist partition image from another user, even if they have the same device and belong to the same region.

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