What root?
The word root means root in English and comes from the Linux world, the operating system on which Android is based.
On Linux (and derivatives) root is superuser, the only one that has unrestricted permissions to access the entire system.
On Android the same thing: by becoming root you gain full access to the system and can modify it freely.
However, an inexperienced user trying to root can cause serious damage to the device, as if something goes wrong important system files can be damaged, compromising the device.
Controlling users 'and apps' access to the system is one of the reasons why phones are not "factory" rooted and why you should be very, very careful when you "root" your smartphone.
SuperSU one of the best apps for managing root access / AndroidPIT
SuperSU
The root privileges will transform you from a regular user, with restricted permissions, to a user with full and privileged access to the system.
The simplest way to manage root permissions is by installing the above tool, SuperSU.
What is root for?
As said before, you can get full control of your device.
This means installing the custom ROMS (enthusiast-created operating system versions) you want, deleting or freezing normally non-modifiable applications, and making full backups of data and applications.
However, even without installing a custom ROM you will still be able to make a number of changes to the look and feel of your mobile phone using the Xposed Framework application and its numerous modules.
The ability to install custom ROMs such as Lineage OS, one of the benefits of root / AndroidPIT
How does root work?
To enable used root permissions tools or scripts that look for operating system vulnerabilities that allow a normal user to inherit root "powers" are used.
This type of "attack" on the system known as Privilege Escalation.
The exact process varies from device to device, even between variants of the same model.
The easiest way is to use apps that promise "one-click root" such as KingoRoot, KingRoot, OneClickRoot and others.
But I need to be careful with them.
Compatibility depends on which device you have, the manufacturer and even which version of Android you are using.
So even if an app claims to be compatible with your smartphone, it may not work if it is updated.
This is because these apps work by looking for vulnerabilities in devices, which may have already been fixed in newer versions of the system.
KingRoot is one of the tools that promises to root with one click / AndroidPIT (screenshot)
In addition, these apps often install "bloatware" such as "cleaning tools" and other things on your device, getting rid of unwanted apps, and not earning more from them, the main reason for many people to root.
There are also security concerns: These apps have root access, meaning they can do whatever they want with their smartphone.
Nothing prevents a malicious developer from bundling one with a handful of malware.
Therefore we recommend if you can root process manually.
It may be more complex but safer.
Will I lose my phone warranty if I root?
The short answer: yes.
Unfortunately, most manufacturers claim that root invalidates the phone warranty.
Some methods allow you to go back to the factory system more easily, which in theory would also restore the warranty, but it is possible that the root process leaves "residue" on your phone.
device that can be detected by the manufacturer, even if root is reversed.
In some devices, such as Samsung's, there is an internal "counter" that identifies how many times the device's system has been updated.
If this counter does not "match" what the manufacturer expects for your version of the system, it indicates that you have taken root, and your device is void of warranty.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to circumvent this system.
To summarize the story: root has advantages, but you must perform the process at your own risk.
Be prepared to be "abandoned" by the manufacturer if problems arise.
Before you get started, check out forums and specialized sites and read ALL available documentation and comments from other users.
So you know what to expect.
Check out what some manufacturers say about root:
- LG: LG has officially released the bootloader of some of its devices.
This makes it easier to install modified versions of the operating system.
However, rooting a branded device will void its factory warranty.
- Motorola: Motorola facilitates the unlocking of the bootloader of some models of its smartphones with a specific website and instructions, but warns that from the moment the process is done, the warranty is void.
- Quantum: The manufacturer Curitibana warns that root invalidates the warranty of the device.
Also, on some branded devices (such as Quantum SKY) there is still no secure root method available.
- Samsung: Samsung most hard line in this regard, and told us that root modifies the device in a manner not guaranteed by the brand, invalidating the entire warranty of the device.
This also applies to models purchased from operators or direct from the retailer.
- Sony: Sony less rigid.
According to the company, each case evaluated separately.
If, during a technical analysis, it is found that the root process does not interfere with the problem indicated by the user, the warranty is hardly voided.
Otherwise, the factory warranty is forfeited.
- Xiaomi: Since 2016 Xiaomi blocks the bootloader of their devices, but provides a tool for unlocking.
The process does not invalidate the warranty as long as the defect presented by the device is hardware related.
Does my cell phone already have root? D to confirm?
Malware can infect your device by escalating privileges and achieving root status.
Or you have already rooted your device, but went back and eliminated root.
Or you bought the used device from a friend and you're not sure about the status of the device.
In all cases, it is useful to check if your phone is rooted or not.
There are two applications that are often used in this task.
The first was developed by Jared Rummler, head of JRummy Apps.
This is Root Checker, a free application that checks within seconds if your device has been rooted.
If the result is positive, the app will also show the apps that are using superuser rights.
JRummy's Root Check great to manage root / AndroidPIT
Root check
The second app from a developer called joeykrim.
Your Root Checker is as simple as the previous one, except that in this case you can see a small glossary with the most important root information on Android.
Joeykrim is also known by the nickname Root-Quiz.
Root Checker by Joey Krim has a global ranking of the most popular gadgets / AndroidPIT
Root Checker
What custom ROM?
First of all, let's clarify what a ROM.
The term comes from "Read Only Memory", read-only memory chips (not rewritable) that contained the basic operating system on older handheld computers, video game consoles and mobile phones, among other devices.
By analogy, it is also applied to the contents of these chips, also called "ROM Image" or "ROM Image".
In the Android world, a ROM is a version of the operating system that is installed in the device's internal memory.
If you use a Samsung smartphone, for example, it has a factory ROM with the operating system, the manufacturer's proprietary interface (TouchWiz or OneUI) and all pre-installed apps.
A custom ROM is a modified version of the operating system, developed by enthusiasts who modify the original ROM or create a new one from the Android operating system source code (called AOSP).
Such ROMs often offer more features, better customization, and even newer operating system versions than the native ROM.
Android root benefits
There are several reasons to root.
Using one of the many useful applications that require this feature, the ability to uninstall unwanted applications (bloatware) that came standard from the factory, and the desire to try new, custom-designed ROMs are the most common reasons.
Full system backups, for example, are easier with root.
You can install an app like Titanium Backup and perform full backups (including apps and data) periodically, so if something happens to your phone, you can always use backup to restore it.
Titanium Backup lets you back up any app (and related data) on your device / AndroidPIT
Root Titanium Backup
Root access also allows you to change the smallest details of the behavior and appearance of the Android system.
You can install a custom ROM for a complete makeover, but you can also make minor adjustments using apps like the Xposed Framework.
You might just want to install a new boot animation, tweak some audio settings, or overclock the CPU to get more performance.
All this is possible with root.
With root access, you can also improve your Android's battery life through techniques such as processor undervolting (making it work at a lower voltage than it was designed for, reducing power consumption) or by using It is an automatic sleep mode with applications like Greenify.
As mentioned above, removing pre-installed applications also decreases the load on the system, improving battery life.
Tasker allows you to automate tasks according to dates, gestures and even geographical position / AndroidPIT
Tasker
Ad blockers and complete system automation with apps like Tasker are two other reasons for routing Android.
But its reasons for this endeavor are something subjective.
You can change a lot, or a little, of the system.
And no matter how committed you are to this change, root will give you the way to reach your goal.
Why you shouldn't root Android
There are a few reasons, among them: you will probably void your phone warranty (see the manufacturers position above), the process can be complicated and dangerous (especially for an inattentive user) and in many cases you will not receive any more automatic updates.
(OTA) from the manufacturer.
But if you can root, you can also install updates (if available) manually.
Greenify lets you put apps to "sleep" and save battery / AndroidPIT
Greenify
When a smartphone is rooted it is easier for a malicious application to take advantage of root's permissions and cause a nice stammer.
Therefore, you need to be extra careful with apps installed on devices under these conditions.
Beware of what you already have with what is available on the Play Store.
Another point to consider is that many Custom ROMs are under development, in a state that can be considered a "perpetual beta". like the unofficial Silicon Valley motto: "Be quick and break things." New features are often more important than stability, and the chance you will encounter severe bugs or incomplete features is great.
If you need more reasons not to route a device, go to the article below and check out some topics that we have separated with this theme:
What do you mean flashear?
Flashear basically means writing a new ROM to the internal memory of your Android smartphone.
The term comes from the type of memory used to house the system on these devices, called Flash Memory.
What Custom Recovery?
Recovery is a mode of the Android operating system where system recovery and troubleshooting can be performed.
Custom Recovery means the installation of a different, more comprehensive, feature-rich recovery system capable of installing and recovering custom ROMs.
The most popular Custom Recovery is TWRP from TeamWin Recovery Project.
Do I need a computer to root Android?
It depends on the device.
Some smartphones may already be rooted with applications that exploit system security holes, such as the ones we mentioned earlier.
TWRP is one of the most popular Custom Recovery / AndroidPIT
Getting ready to root
There is no universal root process that works on all thousands of Android devices out there.
The process is highly dependent on the device manufacturer, and yet varies from device to device.
This basically makes it impossible to give exact step-by-step instructions for all smartphones.
That said, the XDA-Developers site, one of the most important for the Android community that likes to "fuar" Android, has a fairly extensive list of instructions for various devices.
There you should look for exact instructions for your smartphone.
But first, better familiarize yourself with the root process itself before delving into the details.
The root process usually involves three steps:
- Bootloader Unlock
- Installing a New Recovery
- Installation of files or scripts that will allow you to have root access to your device.
The bootloader is the first software launched on your smartphone as soon as it is turned on, and is responsible for loading the operating system or the Recovery system.
A factory bootloader is locked to only accept the installation and execution of digitally signed software by the manufacturer of your device.
Custom Recovery and Custom ROMs do not have this signature, I need to modify the bootloader to accept unsigned software.
To find out how to unlock your device's bootloader, simply search Google for terms like the device name + "bootloader unlock" or "bootloader unlock".
There is a way to do this without too much trouble for most popular smartphones.
Bootloader unlock is the first step to root / AndroidPIT
After unlocking the bootloader, you will need a Custom Recovery to replace the original system recovery software.
To do this, you will need to familiarize yourself with command line tools such as ADB and Fastboot.
As we said, a Custom Recovery lets you install, or "flash", custom software on your smartphone.
With it you can install tools like SuperSU or Magisk, which will give you root access.
From the start of the game, you can start playing with apps that require root, get rid of bloatware, or install custom ROMs.
If you're lucky enough to have a popular device, you can try one of the "one-click" root apps we mentioned earlier.
When they work, they do all the "dirty work" for you, quickly and automatically.
How do I root my smartphone?
As we said, the process varies widely between manufacturers and devices, so we show below just a "general guide" on what you can expect when working with each brand.
For more detailed instructions, we recommend consulting the excellent XDA-Developers root guide, which is constantly updated.
Samsung
Before you root a Samsung smartphone, we must warn you that these devices have Flash Counters that record how many times the ROM has been recorded or updated.
This means that if you root your Galaxy, install any ROM on it and have to send it for repair, Samsung may decline the request as the modifications you have made are not covered by the warranty.
Samsung no longer offers "developer versions" of its smartphones, and in the US versions of its latest flagships notoriously difficult to root (probably a result of the influence of operators).
However, in international versions things tend to be much easier.
If you still want to root a Samsung smartphone, you will need to familiarize yourself with two words unique to the South Korean world: Odin and Knox.
Odin is the tool you need to install on your Windows PC in order to "flash" files on your smartphone (the Mac version called Heimdall).
Knox is already a feature for corporate security, and is designed so users can segment their work and personal profiles so they don't have to carry two smartphones.
This security feature can cause problems during root attempts, so you will need to find a way around it if it is available on your device.
Odin an essential tool to root a Samsung /
AndroidPIT
LG
LG smartphones are a real salad bar.
Some have bootloaders that can be unlocked easily, others require some tricks to break them.
There is a good chance that you are voiding your warranty, and the level of difficulty may depend on the carrier that sold you the device (at this point, handsets bought in stores, the so-called "Retail" are always the best option).
In the past LG has provided instructions for unlocking the LG G4 bootloader, but with the exception that you would be voiding your warranty.
With LG devices you can manually root using Custom Recovery after unlocking the bootloader, or using one-click tools.
It depends on which method you find most comfortable depending on your skill level and safety risk tolerance.
relatively easy to root LG devices / AndroidPIT by Irina Efremova
Sony
Depending on which Sony device you have – one with an unlocklock bootloader or not – the root process will be a little different.
If the bootloader is officially unlockable (see list here) it is much easier to install a Custom Recovery on your Xperia and then make further modifications by flashing ZIP files.
Some Sony devices like the Xperia XZ3 can be officially unlocked / AndroidPIT
Google Pixel and Nexus
Google wants to help developers and enthusiasts do what they want.
Therefore, you do not need to request a code or permission to unlock the bootloader of your Nexus or Pixel smartphone, the process is usually very simple, boiling down to a few commands on the PC, there are factory images that allow you to recover your device if you damage the system.
somehow.
That said, unlocking the bootloader may still invalidate your warranty.
Motorola
Motorola has an official support page to guide you through the bootloader unloading process.
Once this is done, you can root it manually.
But if your device is tied to a carrier (Hey, Verizon!) And can't be officially unlocked, you'll have to try your luck with some of the one-click tools.
Huawei / Honor
To unlock the bootloader of a Huawei or Honor device, simply fill out a form and request a bootloader unlock code.
Unfortunately Huawei decided to stop supplying these codes months ago, which makes it much harder to root.
Unfortunately, you will have to be content to try your luck with one of the one-click tools.
Xiaomi
Since 2016, Xiaomi has blocked the bootloader of all its smartphones, but offers an official unlocking tool and FAQ on its forums.
The inconvenience is that after installing the tool and requesting the unlocking, it is necessary to wait 72 hours for it to be completed.
According to the company, this to prevent stolen devices from being "reflashed" and resold.
And, could you find all the information you were looking for in this article? Have you rooted your device yet? Do you have any other suggestions? Comment here.
(tagsToTranslate) root (t) root access (t) superuser permissions (t) updates (t) custom ROM (t) ROM (t) unlock bootloader (t) android (t) custom ROM (t) supersu
