On Android devices, all system resources are protected by a series of permissions. If, for example, an application has to use the camera, it must be given specific permission to do so. However, some system resources are protected from being accessible in any way. Nowadays, there are multitudes of users rooting their Android devices. This consists of a method that allows obtaining system permissions. With those permissions, any of your apps will have full access to the system, and you’ll be able to perform tasks that you otherwise couldn’t. If you want to know more, at DonHowTo we teach you how to root an Android.
What does root mean
If you are a root user, it means that you have complete freedom to modify any software feature of your device. In this way, no permissions will prevent you from modifying the operating system settings.
It may be that when you root your device you don’t notice any changes, but internally the operating system can be modified, altering its operation. Because of this, the vast majority of manufacturer warranties do not cover rooted devices.
To get the freedom of customization that rooting your Android system gives you, you will need to run a script. That script will give you access to the configuration files of said system. These files are in your root, which is why the procedure is known as root.
Since that script varies by device model, there is no one tool suitable for all of them. This is because there are small changes in the processor, or in the version of Android that you have installed.
Advantages and disadvantages of rooting
Advantage
One of the main purposes of rooting your device is to get rid of certain factory apps. These applications come installed by default on your device, and it is impossible to uninstall them without permissions. Special applications and custom ROMs can also be installed, with extra features. In addition, you can improve the performance and speed up your smartphone or tablet.
Another of its primary intentions is to completely customize the appearance of the device. You will not find spectacular applications rooting it, but it will be worth accessing the ones that are available.
Some of these apps will allow you to block ads, create secure tunnels for web surfing, or speed up your device.
Disadvantages
The main disadvantages of rooting a device are these:
- Warranty Void – Some manufacturers will void your warranty if you root your device, so be aware of that.
- Risk of damaging the device: If something goes wrong during the process, you run the risk of damaging your smartphone or tablet. To avoid this, it is best to follow the instructions you are reading to the letter. Also make sure those instructions are up to date.
- Security risks – Rooting may come with some security risks to your device depending on the services or apps you use. For example, certain malicious software takes advantage of the process to steal data or install additional software.
- Disabled apps – Some apps and services, like those from some banks, don’t work on rooted devices. Also, those with copyrighted shows and movies won’t open either.
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What do you need to root an Android device?
If you are going to root your Android device, you will need the following items:
- Mobile device (smartphone or tablet) with Android operating system.
- Computer, either desktop or laptop (not necessary in all cases).
- Internet connection.
Instructions to root an Android device
Once you have read what the process of rooting an Android device consists of, and seen the advantages and disadvantages of the process, we present you the most popular methods for it:
King Root
It is a tool with which you will be able to root a large number of devices. Of course, your operating system version must be between Android 4.4 and Android 6.0. It can be used both by directly installing the application on the smartphone or tablet, and by running it on a computer and rooting from it. The first option is the simplest, and the steps you must follow are the following:
- To get started, you must go to the application’s website and download its APK file.
- Afterwards, you will have to copy that file directly to the device.
- Once the application is installed, you will have to start it. After analyzing the mobile to check its compatibility, press the “Try Root” button at the bottom to start the process.
- When it is finished, the same application will show you if the rooting has been completed successfully or if it has failed.
How to root outdated Androids
In the event that your smartphone or tablet is already a few years old and uses an old version of Android, your best option may be Framaroot. This application is compatible with a huge number of devices, ranging from Android 2.3 to Android 4.4.
Although its operation is very simple, you will have to know what processor your device mounts, to download a specific exploit or another. The steps to follow are those:
- First of all, you will need to download the Framaroot APK file. Make sure it’s the latest version available.
- Then you will have to copy said files to your mobile and install it.
- If when you open the application the message «Your device seems not vulnerable to exploit included in Framaroot” appears on your screen when you open the application, it means that it is not possible to root your device, and it will be useless for you to continue with it.
- If it does not show you any error, in the section « Select an action to execute after root» select the option « Install Supers” option. This way you will be able to get all the permissions after the script finishes.
- The next step will be the most important, because you will have to choose the exploit that corresponds to your device. In the event that you do not choose the correct one, you will be able to read « Failed… Try another exploit if available (Error #X)«. You will have to press « OK » and try again with the other exploits. When successful, the message “Success… Super user and SU binary installed. You have to reboot your device.
- Finally, you will only have to restart your device to complete the process.
- If you ever want to reverse the process and return your device to its previous state, repeat the process and, in the “ Select an action to execute after root” section, select the “ Uproot ” option. By rebooting the device you will no longer have root permissions.
How to root a new mobile
Since there is no formula to root all devices, some of the above methods may not work on your device. This can be caused by the version of Android installed, or any other hardware incompatibility.
In those cases, your web browser can become your greatest ally when it comes to rooting. By simply searching for the exact model of your smartphone or tablet, followed by the word “root” or “rooting”, your browser will show you links to many forums that will explain step by step how to root your device. In addition, most of them usually offer you the files with the necessary script for it. Usually this specific method is to run the script by installing it from the Recovery. This Recovery is a partition of your device’s hard drive, which contains the various boot properties.
The most used script in this case is Supers. To carry out rooting, it will usually be enough for you to follow these steps:
- First of all, you will have to unlock the Boot loaderof your device and install a modified Recovery, for example TWRP.
- Next, you’ll need to copy the appropriate Supers .zip file for your device model to your SD card.
- Finally, you will have to reboot the device in Recovery mode, to run the installation from the modified Recovery.
Tips to root an Android device
Once you have seen the steps to root your device, the following tips can be very useful to carry out the process:
- Before installing any rooting apps, make sure you give the device permission to install apps from unknown sources.
- Although Supers is also available on Google Play, in this format you will only be able to manage application permissions. In other words, it will not grant you root access.
- To check that the rooting process of your Android device is complete, the “Root Checker” app can help you.
Tanner Abraham
Data Scientist and Software Engineer with a focus on experimental projects in new budding technologies that incorporate machine learning and quantum computing into web applications.
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