Smartphone manufacturers impose software restrictions that prevent downloading certain apps or changing system settings. However, getting root permissions on an Android device allows you to have full control of your device and unlock a wide range of customization options. With root access, you can:
- Download any app
- Remove preinstalled bloatware
- Improve performance
- Extend battery life
Rooting transforms the device into something really personal. However, it is essential to be aware of potential dangers before proceeding:
- Possibility to damage or “brick” the phone
- Cancellation of the warranty
- Compatibility issues
- Vulnerability of safety
If you decide to proceed with rooting an Android device, it is important to have a good technical experience, since the process can be complex and require caution. It is essential to do a thorough research, take the necessary precautions and be ready to face the potential risks. The following explains rooting, risks and benefits, and how to do it.
What is rooting?
The rooting allows you to get administrative or “root” access to the Android device, allowing you to access and edit normally inaccessible files and system settings. This superuser access allows you to make unlimited changes to the operating system, bypassing any restriction imposed by the manufacturer or operator.
The rooting of an Android is comparable to the jailbreak of an iPhone, allowing you to enter the subsystem of the phone and customize the operating system, modifying it or installing apps not allowed by the manufacturer.
However, rooting involves risks such as cancellation of warranty and installation of custom ROMs, modified versions of Android. Before rooting, it is crucial to be cautious, back up data and understand potential benefits and disadvantages.
The benefits of phone rooting
The rooting offers the freedom to customize the device and data according to your needs. Despite the risks, the benefits include:
- Removal of bloatware and space release
With root access, you can uninstall unwanted preinstalled apps, improving performance by freeing RAM, processing power and storage space. - Improved performance and extended battery life
Rooting allows you to optimize settings, overcycle the processor and install custom kernels, improving device performance or battery life. - Unlock app download without restrictions
Rooting removes restrictions on app downloads, allowing you to download apps from any source. - Customization of the device
Root access allows you to change themes, graphics and other settings, customizing your device according to your preferences. - Access to the latest versions of Android
The rooting allows you to update your device to the latest versions of Android even if the manufacturer has ceased to provide updates. - Data protection with backup
The rooting allows complete backup of the app data and transfer it directly to another device, a life saver in case of system crash.
The risks of rooting the phone
Rooting increases freedom of use but compromises device security. Risks include:
- Cancellation of the warranty
Although legal, rooting cancels the device warranty, making it impossible to get free repairs or replacements. - Telephone Bricking
Errors in the rooting process can turn the device into an unusable “matton”. It is essential to do accurate research and follow the instructions carefully. - Safety risks
Rooting increases device vulnerability to malware and hacking. You need to be cautious about what you download and install. - Loss of access to some apps
Some apps, such as Netflix or Android Pay, may not work on rooted devices.
How to root an Android device
The rooting process varies depending on the brand and version of the software. There is no universal solution. If you want to root your device, you will need to search for specific steps for your model and software version.
- Backup of the phone
The rooting will delete all your phone data, so it is important to perform a full backup before you start. You can use your Google account or a third party app for backup. Always backup the current ROM before installing a new one. Also make sure the device is fully loaded before you start. - Enable USB debugging
Enable USB debugging allows your phone to communicate with a computer running Android SDK for advanced operations such as rooting. Once enabled, you can use a rooting tool to send instructions to your device without touching it, making the rooting process faster and easier.
1. Go to the settings menu.
2. Scroll down and tap “Telephone Information”.
3. Find the “Number build” option and tap it seven times quickly to enable developer options.
4. Go back to the main menu of the settings and scroll down to find “Development Options”.
5. Tap “Devector Options” and find the option “Debug USB”.
6. Activate the “Debug USB” option. - Unlock the bootloader
The bootloader is a program that loads the operating system to switch on the device. Unlocking it allows you to install custom operating systems or change your device, but erases data, cancels the warranty and involves security risks.
1. Allow bootloader unlocking in Developer Options → OEM Unlock.
2. Connect the device to your computer via USB.
3. Download and install the Android SDK Platform-Tools for Windows on your computer. Install adb and fastboot options.
4. Open the command prompt. Type cmd in the Windows address bar and press Enter.
5. Launch the device in bootloader mode by typing: adb reboot bootloader.
6. In the command prompt, type fastboot flashing unlock or fastboot OEM unlock to unlock the bootloader.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the bootloader unlocking. - Install custom recovery software
You need to install a custom recovery tool like TWRP to install custom firmware and backup your device.
1. Connect the device to the computer.
2. Open the Windows command prompt.
3. Insert the necessary commands to install the custom recovery tool on your device.
4. Once installed, you can use the custom recovery tool to install custom firmware and backup your device. - Install a custom ROM
Installing a custom ROM means replacing the standard operating system with a modified version. Custom ROMs are created by independent developers and offer:
1. Improved performance and battery life.
2. New features.
3. Latest version of the Android operating system.
4. Custom skins.
How to find a custom ROM
Custom ROMs are specific for each device, so you need to download a ROM created explicitly for your model. There are also multiple variants for the same device based on the country. To find a compatible ROM, you need to know the device manufacturer code. This helps ensure that the chosen ROM is compatible. Search “Manufacturer code for [ Device Name]” on Google or check the device page on Wikipedia. Once you find a custom ROM suitable, you can download it on your phone and use the custom recovery tool to install it.
How to install a custom ROM:
1. Back up your device to avoid data loss in case of problems when installing your custom ROM.
2. Find and download the appropriate custom ROM for your device from a reliable source, such as XDA forums.
3. Transfer the downloaded .zip file to the internal memory of the device without extracting it.
4. ROMs do not include Google apps, so you need to install a separate GApps package or use the sideload adb method in the Windows command prompt.
5. Launch TWRP in recovery mode on your phone. Look for the phone model on the LineageOS wiki to find the unique key combination to restart the phone in recovery mode.
6. Select the “Install” option of TWRP to choose the downloaded custom ROM file.
7. Wait for the completion of the installation process, then restart the device to enjoy the new features and improved performance offered by the custom ROM. - Choose a rooting app
The simplest method is to use a rooting app that allows you to get root permissions with just one click through Windows or Android. Kingo Root is a free app that works on both Windows and Android to help get root permissions. - Download Root Checker
Download an app like Root Checker to see if the device has been successfully rooted. Run this app will quickly confirm if the device has superuser access and if the rooting has been executed correctly. - Install a root management app
Installing a root management app helps manage rooting security risks by offering greater control over which apps have access to root permissions. Magisk Manager is a popular open-source app that allows you to manage phone root permissions. With Magisk, you can grant or deny root permissions to individual apps, ensuring your phone's security. This additional security level can provide tranquility when using rooted apps on your device.
The rooting offers complete control over the Android device, allowing you to customize it according to your needs, install apps not available on Google Play and improve performance and battery life. However, it is important to remember that rooting involves risks. You might lose access to certain apps, cancel the warranty or even “brick” your phone if you are not careful. It is essential to carefully assess these risks with respect to the benefits before proceeding.
If you decide to root your phone, it is essential to do in-depth research and follow the correct steps to minimize potential problems. With the right precautions, rooting can unlock the full potential of the device.
