Unleashing the True Power of Android: Everything You Need to Know about Rooting

Key Takeaways

Rooting your Android phone can unlock advanced features and give you more control, but it also comes with security risks.

Rooting your phone can potentially invalidate your warranty since it entails unlocking the phone's bootloader. Manufacturers frequently provide cautionary notifications regarding this matter.

Moreover, rooting your phone can potentially disable specific Android features and hinder system updates over-the-air. It may also initiate checks that can result in certain apps, such as banking apps, experiencing functionality issues.

What Is Android Rooting?

The Administrator, Root, or Superuser level is typically the highest permission level. It grants access to advanced features that involve modifying system files. However, it is important to exercise caution when enabling this level as it poses security risks and should not be used carelessly.

Over time, certain Android functions have begun to require root permissions for usage. This measure aims to enhance system security but can be inconvenient for users who desire to explore the full potential of their phones. In some cases, users may only seek access to more detailed battery statistics or similar insights into the functioning of their devices.

Rooting allows you to gain administrator permissions in computer systems with just a command and password. However, for Android devices, additional modifications are required to enable the use of this command. Essentially, rooting your Android device grants you access to a higher level of customization and tweaking, which is not typically intended for regular users.

What to Know Before Rooting an Android Device

Prior to initiating the rooting procedure on your Android device, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of certain crucial aspects. These encompass potential risks that may arise either during or following the rooting process, as well as inescapable consequences that are inherent to rooting.

1. Rooting Makes Your Android Phone Vulnerable

Underestimating the risks associated with Administrator privileges, whether on Android or any computer system, is not advisable. Rooting enables modification of system files, which means that if your device becomes infected with malware, the potential damage can be even more severe than before.

Even if you haven't been infected, tampering with an incorrect file or configuration could potentially render your phone inoperable. This is commonly referred to as "bricking" a device, meaning it becomes as useful as a brick or a paperweight. The recovery from this situation can be uncertain, so I highly advise against taking any risks.

2. Rooting Will (Likely) Void Your Warranty

To root an Android device, it is necessary to perform a procedure known as "bootloader unlocking." In essence, this involves disabling a security measure that restricts the phone from booting up a system containing unauthorized changes.

With the exception of a few companies such as Google and OnePlus, unlocking the phone's bootloader will nullify its warranty. Consequently, any problems that may arise unrelated to the system will not be covered under warranty.

When you power on your device, most manufacturers will display a warning regarding the unlocked bootloader. According to a Samsung support page, some manufacturers even go as far as blowing a physical fuse during the unlocking process, resulting in the warning persisting even if you re-lock the bootloader.

This precautionary measure serves a purpose – a phone with an unlocked bootloader has the ability to load any system, not limited to those created by the manufacturer. Due to this flexibility, the company cannot be held responsible for any damage incurred as a result of these modifications.

3. Rooting May Disable Android Features

This one is usually a consequence of unlocking the bootloader, not of rooting. But since you can't do the latter without doing the former, the warning still applies.

Referring back to Samsung, Knox and its advanced security features like Secure Folder cannot be accessed. The previously mentioned physical fuse, when triggered, deactivates Knox.

Additionally, numerous manufacturers either hinder OTA system updates (or in some cases, render your phone useless) if the bootloader is unlocked. This restriction may persist even if you re-lock the bootloader.

Rooting also activates SafetyNet (as well as its successor, "Play Integrity"), which are built-in security measures implemented by Google in Android to ensure the integrity of the system. If these checks are unsuccessful, various games and banking applications, such as Google Wallet, will not function properly.

Although there are methods to conceal rooting and bypass these checks, they involve additional extensive measures beyond the process of rooting itself.

4. Rooting Deletes All of Your Phone’s Data

This is another consequence of unlocking the bootloader. When you do it, your phone's whole internal storage is wiped, so all installed apps and saved files will be deleted.

Certain devices, such as Samsung phones, employ a double deletion method for erasing your data. Initially, the storage is wiped when the bootloader is unlocked, and in certain scenarios, it undergoes another erasure during the rooting process. This should not be a major worry if you create a backup of your Android phone prior to unlocking the bootloader. Knowledgeable enthusiasts in the modding community strongly advise making a backup before undertaking any critical procedures.

What You Need to Root an Android Device

As stated before, you won't be able to root your device if you don't unlock its bootloader first. So, be sure to follow our guide on that procedure before continuing.

To root your Android device, you will need to download the Magisk app. Depending on your device's model, it may or may not be possible to root without a computer. However, Magisk is necessary in both scenarios.

Upon launching Magisk for the first time, the app will inform you about the specific method your phone necessitates. Though the process is not entirely straightforward, diligently adhere to Magisk's installation instructions for a secure experience.

Google does not allow rooting apps like the Magisk app to be available on the Play Store. To download it, you'll need to get the APK from the official GitHub repository and manually install it. If you haven't enabled app installation from outside the Play Store, you'll need to do that before installing Magisk.

Please note that this article doesn't provide instructions on how to root your device. The rooting process can vary depending on your device, and software updates can sometimes interfere with previously working methods. It is recommended to join communities dedicated to your specific device. These forums, such as XDA, can provide valuable insights from other users who have successfully rooted their devices and offer appropriate files for the process.

Is It Still Worth Rooting Your Android Phone?

Upon its initial release, Android emerged as a simplistic operating system (this was also applicable to all smartphone operating systems during the early 2010s). However, over time, numerous functionalities that once necessitated rooting have been incorporated into both the "stock Android" AOSP and Android skins.

However, it is important to note that not all applications require root access. Take Tasker, for instance, a versatile tool that enables you to automate various tasks on your phone, both offline and online. While Tasker has functionality without root access, advanced features necessitate it.

Root access is also essential for tools such as Swift Backup and Titanium Backup. These tools facilitate the transfer of not only your installed apps but also your saved accounts, settings, and more between devices. Although Android now offers a similar feature, the official solution is not as comprehensive.

There are numerous functions that still require root access, such as ad blockers that can block ads within apps, advanced battery managers like Greenify, and more extensive theming options. Rooting also allows for the removal of pre-installed bloatware, freeing up valuable space.

The Android modding community thrived due to users seeking to maximize the capabilities of their devices. They desired additional or locked features, extended support for OS updates, improved performance, and enhanced battery life. Custom ROMs, like GrapheneOS, developed by independent developers, offer a solution to fulfill these desires.

There is no definitive answer on whether you should use root on Android or not. However, it is important to note that the process does require a substantial understanding of how Android operates, which can be beneficial. Subsequently, you will likely receive guidance on evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of Android rooting in order to make an informed decision based on your specific situation.