How to Root Your Android Phone
This article describes how to acquire greater control and customization possibilities by rooting your Android smartphone. We’ll also discuss the risks involved with rooting your phone. Instructions apply to all Android phone manufacturers.
What to Know
- Back up your phone and select an APK or custom ROM. The process will differ depending on the tool you use.
- In general, unlock the bootloader, install the APK or ROM, and download a root checker and root management app.
- Risks are minimal but include voiding your warranty, losing access to specific apps, or killing your phone (unlikely).
Back up Your Phone
If you have ever engaged with an IT professional, you are aware that backing up your data is one of the most essential tasks you can perform. This is very critical while rooting your phone in case something goes wrong or you change your mind. You may back up your Android smartphone in several ways, utilizing Google’s tools or third-party applications.
Choose an APK or Custom ROM
Next, select an APK (Android application package) or custom ROM (an alternative version of Android). Since Android is open-source, developers can make modified versions, and there are numerous variants available. An APK is used to install and distribute software on your mobile device. Towelroot and KingoRoot are two rooting applications; check which one is compatible with your device.
After rooting your phone, you have the option of installing a custom ROM, which will provide additional functionality. LineageOS (previously CyanogenMod), which was integrated into the OnePlus One Android phone, is the most popular custom ROM. Other popular ROMs consist of Paranoid Android and AOKP (Android Open Kang Project). Online is a detailed chart with descriptions of modified ROMs.
Root Your Phone
The rooting process will differ depending on the APK or custom ROM you choose, but the fundamentals remain the same. XDA Developers Forum and AndroidForums provide in-depth information and directions for rooting individual phone models, however below is a summary of the procedure.
Unlock the Bootloader
Unlocking the bootloader grants YOU control over the applications that run when you boot up your phone.
Install an APK or Custom ROM
The APK allows you to install apps on your smartphone, with Towelroot and Kingo being the most frequent. Custom ROMs are alternative operating systems that share characteristics with Android but offer unique interfaces and additional functionality. LineageOS (previously CyanogenMod) and Paranoid Android are the most popular, but there are many others.
Download a Root Checker
If you use an APK instead of a custom ROM, you may need to download an app that verifies that you have properly rooted your phone.
Install a Root Management App
A management application will secure your rooted phone from security flaws and prevent apps from accessing sensitive data.
The Benefits and Risks
There are more advantages to rooting your Android phone than disadvantages. It signifies that you have total power over your phone, allowing you to examine and edit all settings and use apps created specifically for rooted phones. These applications include ad-blockers, as well as sophisticated backup and security solutions. Depending on the rooted OS version you choose, you may also personalize your phone with themes, colors, and even button settings.
Minimal risks include voiding your warranty, losing access to specific apps, and, although improbable, destroying your phone entirely. It’s important to consider these hazards against the potential benefits of rooting. If you take the necessary steps, you should not encounter any issues.