GSam Battery - Root Companion
Free App
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About GSam Battery - Root Companion
Enables full Battery statistics on KitKat based Android devices for GSam Battery Monitor.
Unfortunately, Google has removed the ability (KitKat 4.4 and later) for non-system applications to access battery statistics. This companion app restores this function by running as a privileged system application. Root access to your device is required. GSam Battery Monitor works fine without the root companion, however this app adds additional statistics.
Why Install?
• If you are using GSam Battery Monitor on KitKat (4.4) or later, and the app informs you that it is unable to retrieve battery statistics, you should install this app.
What does this do?
• This runs as a system privileged app and provides the caller access to the Battery Statistics that - prior to Android 4.4 - used to be accessible to any normal application.
• This also provides the ability to read the content of small files to which the regular battery monitor has no access - wakelock files for example.
Is Root really required in KitKat?
• Unfortunately, root is required to copy this app into /system/priv-app, which allows this app to run as a privileged system application. There are other alternatives, but all of them require root.
Is this safe?
• Yes - the code is open source, and very simple. GSam Labs believes that any app that you install as root must be fully open source to allow you to inspect the application and ensure it doesn't do anything malicious. With that principle in mind, you can find the source here: https://github.com/GSamLabs/GSamBatteryMonitor-RootCompanion
* NOTE: If you are unfamiliar with what 'root' means, this app is not for you.
How do I install it?
• Install this just like any other application from the store. Once installed, there will be a button that will copy the app to /system/priv-app, and prompt you to restart your device.
• Flashable Zip: You can find a flashable zip in the github repository under the RecoveryInstallImages directory (http://goo.gl/0zcqbL). Flash this in the recovery of your choice. This should work for most phones, but since the google update binary differs between devices, there is no guarantee.
• NOTE: This only works if you have root access to your device!
How do I uninstall it?
• Once a system app is installed, the normal uninstall procedures don't work. To uninstall this app once it is a system app, simply launch the app and click on the Uninstall button.
Can I remove the icon from the launcher?
• Yes - you can! Once you have the app properly installed, open the app and select the 'Remove from launcher' checkbox. If you need to open the app in the future, simply go to GSam Battery Monitor, and select the 'Launch Root Companion' menu option, or go to the Google Play Store, look up the root companion, and hit the Open button.
Will I need to re-install after an Android update?
• Yes - android updates will typically remove any non-stock apps from the system app-priv directory, so you will need to re-install this app after an update to Android. If you are running a CyanogenMod derivative, then starting with version 1.4, it should automatically backup and restore during a nightly update.
Will this work with other battery monitors?
• Not by default - it is up to the author of the battery monitor whether they would like to leverage this tool or not. GSam Battery Monitor of course is fully supported.
Help! Things don't work after installing this!
• Like all root applications, some care must be taken by the device owner when installing this app. This application is free and open source. GSam Labs is not responsible for any problems, though we will try and help - simply contact us via the Support link.
Credits
• Thanks to stericson for providing such a great RootTools library (http://code.google.com/p/roottools/)
Unfortunately, Google has removed the ability (KitKat 4.4 and later) for non-system applications to access battery statistics. This companion app restores this function by running as a privileged system application. Root access to your device is required. GSam Battery Monitor works fine without the root companion, however this app adds additional statistics.
Why Install?
• If you are using GSam Battery Monitor on KitKat (4.4) or later, and the app informs you that it is unable to retrieve battery statistics, you should install this app.
What does this do?
• This runs as a system privileged app and provides the caller access to the Battery Statistics that - prior to Android 4.4 - used to be accessible to any normal application.
• This also provides the ability to read the content of small files to which the regular battery monitor has no access - wakelock files for example.
Is Root really required in KitKat?
• Unfortunately, root is required to copy this app into /system/priv-app, which allows this app to run as a privileged system application. There are other alternatives, but all of them require root.
Is this safe?
• Yes - the code is open source, and very simple. GSam Labs believes that any app that you install as root must be fully open source to allow you to inspect the application and ensure it doesn't do anything malicious. With that principle in mind, you can find the source here: https://github.com/GSamLabs/GSamBatteryMonitor-RootCompanion
* NOTE: If you are unfamiliar with what 'root' means, this app is not for you.
How do I install it?
• Install this just like any other application from the store. Once installed, there will be a button that will copy the app to /system/priv-app, and prompt you to restart your device.
• Flashable Zip: You can find a flashable zip in the github repository under the RecoveryInstallImages directory (http://goo.gl/0zcqbL). Flash this in the recovery of your choice. This should work for most phones, but since the google update binary differs between devices, there is no guarantee.
• NOTE: This only works if you have root access to your device!
How do I uninstall it?
• Once a system app is installed, the normal uninstall procedures don't work. To uninstall this app once it is a system app, simply launch the app and click on the Uninstall button.
Can I remove the icon from the launcher?
• Yes - you can! Once you have the app properly installed, open the app and select the 'Remove from launcher' checkbox. If you need to open the app in the future, simply go to GSam Battery Monitor, and select the 'Launch Root Companion' menu option, or go to the Google Play Store, look up the root companion, and hit the Open button.
Will I need to re-install after an Android update?
• Yes - android updates will typically remove any non-stock apps from the system app-priv directory, so you will need to re-install this app after an update to Android. If you are running a CyanogenMod derivative, then starting with version 1.4, it should automatically backup and restore during a nightly update.
Will this work with other battery monitors?
• Not by default - it is up to the author of the battery monitor whether they would like to leverage this tool or not. GSam Battery Monitor of course is fully supported.
Help! Things don't work after installing this!
• Like all root applications, some care must be taken by the device owner when installing this app. This application is free and open source. GSam Labs is not responsible for any problems, though we will try and help - simply contact us via the Support link.
Credits
• Thanks to stericson for providing such a great RootTools library (http://code.google.com/p/roottools/)
All Application Badges
Good rating
Free
downl.
downl.
Android
4.4+
4.4+
Android app
App History & Updates
What's Changed
1.6
• Permissions model update for Marshmallow
1.6
• Permissions model update for Marshmallow
Version update GSam Battery - Root Companion was updated to version 1.6
Version update GSam Battery - Root Companion was updated to version 1.3
More downloads GSam Battery - Root Companion reached 100 000 - 500 000 downloads
Version update GSam Battery - Root Companion was updated to version 1.2
What are users saying about GSam Battery - Root Companion
N
by N####:
by N####:
Working well for me on Resurrection Remix 7.1.1. on MXPE. Showing all stats including breakdown of individual app power consumption. All seems right and good. Thanks. Android stock battery stats are trash and useless and this is a great way to keep your battery under control.
C
by C####:
by C####:
A nice little addition to GSAM that adds wakelock tracking to the app. A shame, however, that it still needs to be installed in /system/priv-app. Granting it DUMP and BATTERY_STATS permissions ought to be enough these days, as it is for Better Battery Stats.
N
by N####:
by N####:
The app itself is good but I cannot uninstall it from my system. There is no option to uninstall. Will classify it as bloatware in that case. Happy to make this 5 stars if dev can help me.
N
by N####:
by N####:
But everyday it has a different time left & all the measurements are totally different and changes all day. Says a couple hours in the morning then adds few more hours then drops ending with a high number at end of the day. I really can't trust hour - hour always changing from low time to high time
B
by B####:
by B####:
Rooted and gave root permissions to the app, but it can't auto-install and its manual installation directions appear to do nothing.
N
by N####:
by N####:
I'm on Developer Preview 4 for Android N and installing this breaks Gsam. I can't complain since Android N isn't officially released yet but just wanted to make sure you guys knew about it. It makes weird symbols appear.
N
by N####:
by N####:
While this has worked great on Android m it won't install the necessary files even with root access on Android m sadly. Hope for a fix soon
L
by L####:
by L####:
I rarely give out one stars but this has been the most difficult app to uninstall I have ever experienced (no success so far). I tried the built in method; didn't work. I tried Titanium backup. Didn't work. This is very persistent. Unless you want to keep this app on your phone forever, DO NOT install as a system app. Huge mistake.
Z
by Z####:
by Z####:
It fails install on Nougat release 5. Are there plans to update soon? It worked awesome on Marshmallow.
N
by N####:
by N####:
Totally doesn't work. Can't get root access. Also deinstall battery monitor.....not very useful. There is other much more useful aps. Sorry.
N
by N####:
by N####:
GSam was using too many resources and now I can't remove this app, because it was installed into a read-only system folder! Even with Root I can't remove it.
N
by N####:
by N####:
Looses Root often , must restart phone to get it back. *Update: Removed it from Optimized Apps. Will wait and see. Note 5 mm Systemless root.
P
by P####:
by P####:
Unfortunately it doesn't let me install on my lg v10 with the 6.0 marshmallow update but I would really like it too lol oh well working progress.
N
by N####:
by N####:
I keep clicking on the button and it says I have root access, and I even gave it permission. I followed the manual installation instructions and nothing happened.
N
by N####:
by N####:
After updating to Android N, OOS 4.0.1, the root companion no longer installs. I have supersu and permission is granted. App asks me to try and manually copy a file into sys priv. Even after I manually copy the file, root companion still fails.
N
by N####:
by N####:
won't be able to install root privileges on nougat 7.1.1 nexus 6p. I even format my device to instal this garbage but nothing change for me. so uninstall it!
K
by K####:
by K####:
Hasn't worked since at least 6.0.1 and the constant pop up to enable it which fails is getting annoying.
B
by B####:
by B####:
Starting the app and clicking the uninstall button does nothing but ask for a reboot.
N
by N####:
by N####:
I already copied the base.apk to the priv-app location
N
by N####:
by N####:
Have to install via recovery now. ..
Z
by Z####:
by Z####:
Still works on 6* I sent you logs
N
by N####:
by N####:
Used this app in Marshmallow. It worked great. Please support System less root also.
W
by W####:
by W####:
Does not work anymore
N
by N####:
by N####:
Need support for android 7.1 plz, my rom cm14.1 for oneplus one
N
by N####:
by N####:
When is support coming? Will be five stars when it is able to be installed properly on Android N
W
by W####:
by W####:
Worked great on Lollipop, but breaks gsam battery monitor on Marshmallow. Shows weird symbols instead of numbers. I'll update my rating to 5 once it gets Marshmallow update, thanks devs. Update: Works on Marshmallow, so giving 5 stars.
C
by C####:
by C####:
Just updated GSAM to 3.27 and root companion still can't copy its file. Nexus 6, 6.0.1, systemless root SuperSu 2.63
U
by U####:
by U####:
Works as described on lollipop. Need on marshmallow. Update fixed marshmallow. Good job.
U
by U####:
by U####:
Cannot uninstall with uninstall app button. The apk is still in priv-app folder. I had to manually delete it. Also after the deletion the app still indicates that it is properly installed. Nexus 4 with CM13/Android 6.0.1
U
by U####:
by U####:
Still works on 5.*
U
by U####:
by U####:
Dev released the new update for marshmallow and it works as it did before. Possibly even better.
U
by U####:
by U####:
The root companion can't install as a privileged system app. Nexus 6 6.0.1 February update systemless root supersu 2.67 (I flashed it using twrp btw)
U
by U####:
by U####:
Installed and worked as expected - however I cannot uninstall or remove it. Phone reboots after telling it to uninstall, and it's still there after.
U
by U####:
by U####:
Just add root support in the first app.
J
by J####:
by J####:
At last this works correctly even on Marshmallow. For a while I was worried that the development of the app had been discontinued.
U
by U####:
by U####:
Confirms that the phone is rooted but says "unable to obtain root". Never displays a dialog asking for root. Have verified that root is enabled for apps and adb in Developer Options. Without root the battery stats app does nothing. Uninstall both.
U
by U####:
by U####:
...as a priv. sys app when I hit the button. Just keeps telling me it needs root access and asks me to hit the button again. OS Version 4.4.2. Cell: Samsung Galaxy S3.
W
by W####:
by W####:
If your interested in seeing which apps are eating your battery then this is for you.
T
by T####:
by T####:
App installs, but despite being rooted, s-off, & the works; when launch APO and try to install says unable to copy base.apk into priv-apps. Suggests Root Explorer for man install which I tried. Even after mounting as R/W, am unable to paste base.apk into folder. Even if I could, it would be the only file in that folder which wasn't in a sub- folder if makes a difference. Would love to use app and change score, but tried all I could so far without luck
by N####:
I'm not sure if something changed recently, but unlike other reviewers, I've successfully installed this on my Nexus 6p running Nougat. I did have you use the manual install method described by the app when the automatic method fails. However, it works fine. I think I also had to change the permissions of the file once it was copied into priv-app. The permissions should be -rw-r--r--.