Troubleshooting “Can’t Sign In With Google on Apps” After Rooting: A Comprehensive Guide
At Magisk Modules Repository, we understand the frustration of encountering issues after rooting your Android device, especially when core functionalities like Google account sign-in cease to function. This comprehensive guide will delve into the common causes behind the “Can’t Sign In With Google on Apps” error after rooting with Magisk (specifically Kitsune Magisk, as mentioned) and provide detailed troubleshooting steps. We will also address specific issues related to passing integrity checks and seemingly unrelated banking app functionality, ensuring a holistic approach to resolving the problem.
Understanding the Root Cause: Why Rooting Can Affect Google Sign-In
The core issue lies in Google’s robust security measures designed to protect user data. Rooting fundamentally alters the system’s security posture, potentially exposing it to vulnerabilities. While Magisk is designed to be systemless, meaning it aims to modify the system without directly altering the system partition, Google’s SafetyNet and Play Integrity API actively detect root and related modifications. These APIs are used by apps to determine if the device is secure enough to grant access, and often impact login functionality. Here’s a more granular breakdown:
- SafetyNet Attestation: This older API checks for device tampering, unlocked bootloaders, and other indicators of root. While often bypassed with MagiskHide (now deprecated), remnants of its detection mechanisms might still persist or interact unexpectedly with newer Android versions.
- Play Integrity API: This is Google’s successor to SafetyNet and provides a more comprehensive assessment of device integrity. It checks:
- Device Integrity: Assesses whether the device is a genuine Android device running a valid version of Android.
- Account Integrity: Confirms that the user account is valid and not compromised.
- App Integrity: Verifies that the app requesting access is a genuine and untampered version.
Even if you’re passing basic integrity checks, the Play Integrity API can still cause issues if it detects inconsistencies or vulnerabilities related to the root environment, or simply due to implementation peculiarities of particular apps.
Preliminary Checks and Preparations
Before diving into more advanced troubleshooting, ensure the following:
- Stable Internet Connection: A weak or unstable internet connection can sometimes cause sign-in errors. Try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
- Correct Date and Time: An incorrect date and time can interfere with secure connections. Ensure your device’s date and time are set automatically via network provider.
- Google Play Services and Google Play Store Updates: Outdated versions of these apps can cause compatibility issues. Go to the Play Store, search for them, and update if updates are available. Clear the cache and data of both apps after updating.
Detailed Troubleshooting Steps: Addressing Integrity and Magisk Configuration
We’ll now address the core issues relating to root detection and potential conflicts with Magisk.
1. Ensuring Proper MagiskHide Configuration (If Applicable)
Although MagiskHide is deprecated, some legacy setups might still rely on it. Verify if any modules are still actively using MagiskHide. If so, consider migrating to Zygisk and Shamiko for improved hiding capabilities.
2. Implementing Zygisk and Shamiko: The Modern Approach to Root Hiding
Zygisk is a more modern way to load modules and allows for more precise root hiding than the old MagiskHide. Shamiko is a module designed specifically to work with Zygisk to further enhance the hiding capabilities and make sure that your root will be invisible for almost all the apps.
- Install Zygisk: In Magisk Manager, go to Settings and enable Zygisk.
- Install Shamiko: Download Shamiko from the Magisk Modules Repository (available through Magisk Modules) and install it through Magisk Manager.
- Reboot: After installing Zygisk and Shamiko, reboot your device.
3. Configuring DenyList (Formerly Known as MagiskHide)
The DenyList allows you to specifically hide root from certain apps. Even if you’re passing initial integrity checks, some apps might have more aggressive detection mechanisms.
- Enable Enforce DenyList: In Magisk Manager settings, enable “Enforce DenyList.”
- Configure the DenyList: Tap “Configure DenyList.” Add Google Play Services, Google Play Store, and the specific apps where you’re experiencing sign-in issues to the DenyList. Also add all Google applications.
- Clear Data: After adding apps to the DenyList, clear the data (cache and storage) of those apps.
- Reboot: Reboot your device after configuring the DenyList.
4. Clearing Google Play Services Data: A Crucial Step
Google Play Services plays a central role in app authentication and integrity checks. Clearing its data can resolve cached conflicts.
- Go to Settings > Apps > Google Play Services > Storage & Cache.
- Tap “Clear Cache” and then “Clear Storage.”
- Reboot your device.
5. Verifying Module Compatibility and Conflicts
Incompatible or conflicting Magisk modules can inadvertently trigger root detection or interfere with system processes.
- Disable All Modules: Disable all installed Magisk modules in Magisk Manager.
- Reboot: Reboot your device.
- Test Google Sign-In: Check if you can now sign in to Google apps.
- Re-enable Modules One by One: If sign-in works with all modules disabled, re-enable them one at a time, rebooting after each one, to identify the problematic module.
- Update or Remove Conflicting Modules: Once you’ve identified a conflicting module, check for updates or consider removing it altogether.
6. Checking for SELinux Issues
SELinux (Security-Enhanced Linux) is a security module in Android that can sometimes interfere with rooted devices. While Magisk typically handles SELinux context, it’s worth checking if any specific modules or configurations are causing problems.
- Check SELinux Status: Use a terminal emulator (like Termux) and run the command
getenforce
. If it returns “Enforcing,” SELinux is enabled. While this is generally the desired state, some modules might require it to be set to “Permissive.” - Avoid Setting SELinux to Permissive Unless Absolutely Necessary: Setting SELinux to Permissive significantly weakens device security. Only do this if instructed by a trusted module developer and understand the risks involved.
7. Device Fingerprint Considerations
Sometimes, a mismatch between your device’s actual fingerprint and what Google expects can cause issues. This is less common but can occur after ROM flashing or major system updates.
- Check Device Fingerprint: Use a terminal emulator and run the command
getprop ro.build.fingerprint
. - Compare with Stock Fingerprint: Research the stock (original) fingerprint for your specific device model and Android version.
- Module for Fingerprint Modification (Use with Caution): Some Magisk modules allow you to modify the device fingerprint. However, using these modules incorrectly can lead to bootloops or other issues. Only use them if you fully understand the risks and have a reliable backup.
8. Addressing Potential CTS Profile Mismatch
CTS (Compatibility Test Suite) Profile mismatch can be a cause of concern if you are failing to pass integrity checks. The CTS profile verifies if your device’s software build meets Google’s compatibility requirements.
- Install a CTS Profile Check App: Download an app like “SafetyNet Helper” or “Play Integrity Checker” from the Play Store (if accessible) or a trusted source like APKMirror.
- Run the Check: Run the app to check if your device passes the CTS profile check.
- Troubleshooting CTS Profile Mismatch: If you fail the CTS profile check, the following steps may help:
- Ensure a Clean Magisk Installation: Sometimes a corrupted Magisk installation can cause issues. Try uninstalling Magisk completely (using the “Uninstall” option in Magisk Manager) and then reinstalling it.
- Consider Re-flashing Stock ROM: If the problem persists, consider re-flashing the stock ROM for your device. This will restore your device to its original state and ensure a clean base for rooting.
- Check for Module Conflicts: As mentioned earlier, conflicting modules can also cause CTS profile mismatch. Disable all modules and re-enable them one by one to identify the culprit.
9. Specific Considerations for Kitsune Magisk
Since you mentioned using Kitsune Magisk, it’s important to consider any specific configurations or quirks associated with it.
- Consult Kitsune Magisk Documentation: Refer to the official Kitsune Magisk documentation or community forums for any specific troubleshooting steps or known issues related to Google sign-in.
- Check for Kitsune-Specific Modules: Some modules might be specifically designed for Kitsune Magisk and might offer enhanced hiding capabilities or compatibility fixes. Explore these options if available.
Advanced Troubleshooting: Log Analysis and Device-Specific Issues
If the above steps don’t resolve the issue, more in-depth analysis might be required.
1. Analyzing Magisk Logs
Magisk logs can provide valuable clues about what’s happening behind the scenes.
- Access Magisk Logs: In Magisk Manager, go to Settings and enable “Logging.” Reproduce the Google sign-in error and then access the Magisk logs (usually located in the Magisk Manager app folder or a designated log directory).
- Analyze the Logs: Look for error messages, warnings, or suspicious activity related to Google Play Services, SafetyNet, or the Play Integrity API. You can also search for keywords like “integrity,” “attestation,” or “root.” Share the logs with experienced users or developers for assistance.
2. Addressing Device-Specific Issues
Some devices might have specific quirks or hardware-level security features that can interfere with rooting and Google sign-in.
- Research Device-Specific Issues: Search online forums and communities for information about Google sign-in issues on your specific device model (Galaxy A56 and Pixel 6, in your case). You might find device-specific solutions or workarounds.
- Check for Firmware Updates: Sometimes, a firmware update from the manufacturer can address security vulnerabilities or compatibility issues that affect rooting.
Addressing Banking App Functionality (Relevance to Root Detection)
The fact that your banking apps are working fine doesn’t necessarily mean that Google sign-in should also work. Banking apps often use different detection mechanisms or have different security requirements. However, it does indicate that your basic root hiding setup is partially functional. Use the troubleshooting steps above to refine your setup and address any remaining issues.
Reverting to Stock (Last Resort)
If all else fails, consider reverting your device to its stock ROM. This will remove root and restore the device to its original state.
- Backup Your Data: Before reverting to stock, back up all your important data.
- Download Stock ROM: Download the stock ROM for your specific device model from a trusted source.
- Flash Stock ROM: Use a flashing tool like Odin (for Samsung devices) or the manufacturer’s official flashing tool to flash the stock ROM. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid bricking your device.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting Google sign-in issues after rooting can be complex, but by following these detailed steps, you can systematically identify and resolve the underlying problems. Remember to approach each step carefully, understand the risks involved, and seek help from experienced users or developers when needed. We hope this comprehensive guide helps you regain full functionality on your rooted Android device. Visit Magisk Modules and Magisk Module Repository for more resources and support.