# Ice Box Help Center

> Ice Box setup guides, tips and FAQ. Not sure which work mode to use? Answer a few questions for a recommendation, or compare every mode side by side.

Source: https://icebox.catchingnow.com/guide/
Language: English
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Choose a work mode

Freezing apps needs system permission. Answer the questions below to find the way that suits you.

- [Root mode](https://icebox.catchingnow.com/guide/root/): For rooted phones. Grant Ice Box root access and you are done.
- [Device Owner mode](https://icebox.catchingnow.com/guide/device-owner/): No root. Activate once with a computer, and it keeps working after reboots and system updates.
- [Wireless debugging mode](https://icebox.catchingnow.com/guide/wireless-debugging/): No root, no computer. Turn on Wireless debugging and type the pairing code into the Ice Box notification.
- [ADB mode](https://icebox.catchingnow.com/guide/adb/): No root, and no need to remove accounts. Run the activator or one ADB command on a computer.
- [Shizuku mode](https://icebox.catchingnow.com/guide/shizuku/): Already using Shizuku or Sui? Switch Ice Box to Shizuku mode and it is ready.
- [QR code setup](https://icebox.catchingnow.com/guide/qr-code/): Set up Device Owner mode without a computer. Requires a factory reset first.

## Compare the modes

| Work mode | No root | No computer | Survives reboots | Android version | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Root mode | No | Yes | Yes | 7.0+ |  |
| Device Owner mode | Yes | No | Yes | 7.0+ | Accounts on the phone must be removed temporarily |
| Wireless debugging mode | Yes | Yes | No | 11+ |  |
| ADB mode | Yes | No | No | 7.0+ |  |
| Shizuku mode | Yes | Yes | No | 11+ |  |
| QR code setup | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7.0+ | Requires a factory reset |

Defrost everything before you switch work modes: apps frozen in one mode can only be defrosted in that mode.

## All guides

## Setup guides

- [Device Owner mode setup](https://icebox.catchingnow.com/guide/device-owner/): Set up Ice Box's Device Owner mode without root: briefly remove your accounts and run one ADB command on a computer. It survives reboots and system updates.
- [Activate Ice Box with the one-click activator (Windows)](https://icebox.catchingnow.com/guide/activator/): Use the one-click activator on a Windows PC to turn on Device Owner mode or ADB mode for Ice Box without typing commands. Includes the download, steps and FAQ.
- [Activate Ice Box with the web activator](https://icebox.catchingnow.com/guide/web-activator/): No install needed: activate Device Owner or ADB mode for Ice Box with the web activator in your browser via WebUSB. Windows, macOS, Linux. Chrome recommended.
- [Activate Ice Box with AutumnBox](https://icebox.catchingnow.com/guide/autumnbox/): AutumnBox is a Windows toolbox that simplifies ADB tasks and can activate Device Owner mode for Ice Box in one click. Steps and things to watch out for.
- [Wireless debugging mode: activate Ice Box without root or a computer](https://icebox.catchingnow.com/guide/wireless-debugging/): On Android 11 and later, activate Ice Box with the system's Wireless debugging feature, with no root and no computer needed. Full steps, pairing tips and FAQ.
- [ADB mode: activate Ice Box with a computer](https://icebox.catchingnow.com/guide/adb/): Can't set up device owner, or want to keep your accounts? Activate Ice Box over ADB on a computer (simple ADB mode). No root, but reactivate after each reboot.
- [Activate Ice Box with Shizuku](https://icebox.catchingnow.com/guide/shizuku/): Install Shizuku and start it with Wireless debugging, and Ice Box works without root or a computer. Rooted phones can also use Sui. Steps and notes inside.
- [Set up Ice Box with a QR code (no root, no computer)](https://icebox.catchingnow.com/guide/qr-code/): No computer? After a factory reset, scan a QR code on the setup screen to make Ice Box the device owner. For stock and near-stock Android 7.0 and later.
- [Root mode](https://icebox.catchingnow.com/guide/root/): Root mode: on a rooted phone, open Ice Box and grant root access. How to switch root engines, fix root permission failures and change to another work mode.
- [Other work modes: Island, Brevent and more](https://icebox.catchingnow.com/guide/other-modes/): Other work modes: if Island or another compatible app is already the device owner, or you use Brevent, Ice Box can work through that app's permission.

## Tips

- [Auto Freeze: freeze apps automatically when the screen turns off](https://icebox.catchingnow.com/guide/auto-freeze/): With Auto Freeze on, Ice Box freezes the apps in your list on screen off or when you tap or double tap Home. Triggers, delay, charging exception and fixes.
- [Home screen shortcuts: open frozen apps directly](https://icebox.catchingnow.com/guide/shortcuts/): Home screen shortcuts for frozen apps: tap one and Ice Box defrosts and opens the app. How to add them, Freeze All and Defrost All, and fixes by phone brand.
- [Freeze pre-installed system apps](https://icebox.catchingnow.com/guide/system-apps/): Ice Box can freeze some pre-installed system apps, in non-root modes too. What to check first, apps that can't be frozen, shared lists and updating frozen apps.
- [Shared Ice Box themes](https://icebox.catchingnow.com/themes/): Recolor almost every part of the Ice Box main screen. Browse user themes like Sakura Pink, Clear Blue, Matcha Green and AMOLED Black, and import one with a tap.

## Troubleshooting

- [Ice Box FAQ](https://icebox.catchingnow.com/faq/): Ice Box FAQ: root access, the Device Owner notice, uninstalling, push notifications, shortcuts, Auto Freeze, updating frozen apps and switching work modes.
- [Notes for each phone brand](https://icebox.catchingnow.com/guide/devices/): Ice Box notes for Xiaomi, Samsung, Huawei, OPPO, OnePlus, vivo, Sony, Meizu and more: Developer options, Device Owner issues, shortcuts and push notifications.
- [Risks of setting up device owner on Samsung phones](https://icebox.catchingnow.com/guide/samsung-device-owner/): Setting up device owner on Samsung may break Secure Folder and Dual Messenger, or even reset the lock screen password. Samsung users, read this before deciding.
- [How to uninstall Ice Box and remove device owner](https://icebox.catchingnow.com/guide/uninstall/): Defrost all apps before you uninstall Ice Box. In Device Owner mode, uninstall from Ice Box settings, not the home screen, or frozen apps can't be defrosted.

## Purchase and payment

- [Ice Box purchase guide](https://icebox.catchingnow.com/purchase/): Buy and activate Ice Box Pro: Google Play purchase and verification, order number activation via Alipay or WeChat, reactivating on a new phone, refunds, FAQ.
- [How to buy Ice Box with WeChat Pay](https://icebox.catchingnow.com/purchase/wechat-pay/): The latest Ice Box supports WeChat Pay right in the app. You can also pay by scanning a QR code and contact the payee for an activation code. Steps and FAQ.

## Common questions

- [What does freezing an app mean?](https://icebox.catchingnow.com/faq/#what-is-freeze)
- [What is the difference between freezing and uninstalling?](https://icebox.catchingnow.com/faq/#freeze-vs-uninstall)
- [How do I add a frozen app back to the home screen?](https://icebox.catchingnow.com/faq/#add-to-home)
- [How do I update a frozen app?](https://icebox.catchingnow.com/faq/#update-frozen)
- [Can't defrost apps after switching work modes?](https://icebox.catchingnow.com/faq/#mode-switch)
- [Root mode says "Failed to get ROOT permission"](https://icebox.catchingnow.com/faq/#root-failed)
- [Where did the System Plugin go?](https://icebox.catchingnow.com/faq/#system-plugin)
- [The notification shade says "This device is managed by your organization". Is that normal?](https://icebox.catchingnow.com/faq/#managed-notice)

[See all questions](https://icebox.catchingnow.com/faq/)