Google Play Store offers a Collections feature that helps users discover curated lists of apps, games, and digital content. However, if you have a rooted Android device, you might notice that this feature is missing or disabled. This is because Google applies security restrictions to rooted devices, preventing access to certain Play Store features.
If you’re unfamiliar with rooting, system modifications, and Android customizations, I recommend checking out our Android Tutorial to understand how rooted devices work.
If you want to enable the Collections feature of Play Store on your rooted Android device, you’re in the right place! In this guide, I’ll show you multiple methods to bypass Google’s restriction and get back the Collections tab without unrooting your device.
Understanding Rooted Android Devices: What You Need to Know
What Does “Rooting” Mean?
Rooting an Android device gives you administrator-level access, allowing you to modify system files, install custom ROMs, and run apps that require deep system access.
How Does Rooting Affect Google Play?
When a device is rooted, Google Play Store detects it using its SafetyNet security check. As a result, certain features like Google Pay, Widevine L1 for HD streaming, and Play Store Collections get blocked.
How to Check If Your Device is Rooted?
If you’re unsure whether your phone is rooted, use apps like:
✔ Root Checker (Available on Play Store)
✔ Magisk Manager (If installed, your device is rooted)
Google’s Restriction: Why Play Store Blocks Rooted Devices?
Google blocks features like Collections on rooted devices because of:
🔹 Security Risks – Root access makes devices more vulnerable to malware and unauthorized modifications.
🔹 Data Integrity Issues – Some apps store sensitive data that could be altered on a rooted phone.
🔹 Policy Compliance – Many content providers require Google to enforce these security restrictions.
However, bypassing these restrictions is possible, and I’ll show you how!
Before You Begin: Things You Must Do First
Before trying to enable Play Store Collections, make sure to:
- Backup Your Data – Any modifications could cause unexpected errors.
- Update Google Play Services – Ensure your Play Store is running the latest version.
- Install Root Management Tools – You’ll need Magisk or SuperSU to hide root access.
Method 1: Hiding Root with Magisk to Enable Collections
One of the safest ways to bypass Google’s root detection is using Magisk.
Steps to Enable Play Store Collections with Magisk
1️⃣ Install Magisk – Download and flash Magisk ZIP via a custom recovery (like TWRP).
2️⃣ Enable MagiskHide – Open Magisk Manager → Settings → Enable MagiskHide.
3️⃣ Hide Play Store from Root Detection:
- Go to Magisk → MagiskHide
- Select Google Play Store & Play Services
- Reboot your device.
4️⃣ Check If Collections is Back – Open Play Store and see if the feature has returned.
Method 2: Using Xposed Framework to Bypass Google’s Restriction
Steps to Enable Play Store Collections with Xposed
- Install Xposed Framework – Use LSPosed (the newer version of Xposed).
- Download Play Store Fix Module – This module helps bypass Play Store’s restrictions.
- Activate the Module & Reboot – Enable it inside Xposed, then restart your phone.
- Check Play Store – The Collections feature should now be visible.
Method 3: Editing Build.prop to Trick Play Store
If Magisk and Xposed don’t work, you can edit the Build.prop file to make your phone appear unrooted.
Steps to Modify Build.prop
- Use a Root File Explorer (like Solid Explorer).
- Navigate to
/system/build.prop. - Edit the following lines:
- Change
ro.build.type=userdebug→ro.build.type=user - Change
ro.secure=0→ro.secure=1 - Save and reboot your device.
This method tricks Play Store into thinking your device is not rooted.
How to Check If Play Store Collections Is Now Enabled?
After applying any method:
- Open Google Play Store
- Go to Apps & Games Section
- Scroll down and look for Collections
If you still don’t see it, try clearing Play Store cache and rebooting your phone.
Troubleshooting Guide: Fix Issues If Collections Is Still Missing
Common Problems & Fixes
❌ Play Store Still Detects Root? → Try MagiskHide Props Config to further mask root.
❌ SafetyNet Fails? → Install Universal SafetyNet Fix module in Magisk.
❌ Google Play Services Error? → Clear data for Google Play Services & Play Store, then reboot.
Alternative Ways to Access Play Store Collections Without Unrooting
If you can’t enable Collections, consider these workarounds:
✔ Use a Non-Rooted Secondary Device – Access the feature on another phone and sync your account.
✔ Try a Third-Party Play Store Alternative – Apps like Aurora Store allow browsing Play Store content.
Important Risks and Considerations Before Proceeding
⚠ Security Risks – Modifying Play Store settings could expose you to security vulnerabilities.
⚠ Google Play Policy – Some changes might lead to account bans if detected.
⚠ Feature May Be Re-Blocked – Future Play Store updates may remove the Collections feature again
FAQs
❓ Can I enable Collections without unrooting?
✅ Yes, but only by using a non-rooted secondary device or Play Store alternatives.
❓ Is MagiskHide still effective in 2025?
✅ Yes, but Google continuously updates SafetyNet, so it may not work indefinitely.
❓ What happens if Play Store updates disable the feature again?
✅ You may need to reapply the method or try an alternative approach.
❓ Will SafetyNet block my Google Pay or banking apps?
✅ If Play Store detects root, some banking apps may stop working. Use MagiskHide to bypass this.
❓ Are there alternative ways to access Play Store features on rooted devices?
✅ Yes! LSPosed, Play Store Fix modules, and spoofing device properties can help.
Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Using Play Store Collections on Rooted Phones
By following these methods, you can restore the Collections feature in Google Play Store on your rooted Android device. While MagiskHide is the safest approach, Xposed and Build.prop modifications offer additional options.
However, keep in mind the risks of modifying system files and Google’s security policies. If you want full Play Store functionality without restrictions, consider switching to a non-rooted device
