How To Root An Android Phone
How to Root an Android Phone: A Comprehensive Guide. Rooting an Android phone gives you full control (root access) over the device’s operating system. It allows users to remove pre-installed apps (bloatware), install custom ROMs, improve performance, customize the user interface, and gain access to powerful apps that require root permissions. However, rooting comes with risks, including voiding your warranty and potentially damaging your phone if done incorrectly.
This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to safely root an Android phone.
What is Rooting?
Rooting is the process of gaining administrative or superuser access on your Android device. It unlocks the system partition, enabling you to make changes that aren’t allowed on a standard, factory-locked Android phone.
Benefits of Rooting:
- Remove bloatware (pre-installed apps)
- Install custom ROMs for new features
- Improve battery life and speed
- Access root-only apps
- Block ads system-wide
- Backup the entire system
Risks of Rooting:
- Void device warranty
- Potential for bricking (damaging) your device
- Security vulnerabilities
- Incompatibility with some apps or updates
Things to Do Before Rooting
A. Backup Your Data
Rooting may erase your data or brick your phone. Always back up:
- Contacts, SMS, and call logs
- Photos, videos, and files
- App data (use backup apps like Titanium Backup)
B. Fully Charge Your Phone
Ensure your battery is at least 70% charged to avoid interruptions.
C. Unlock the Bootloader (if required)
Many manufacturers lock the bootloader for security. Unlocking it is often the first step in rooting.
How to Unlock Bootloader:
- Enable Developer Options: Go to Settings > About Phone > Tap Build Number 7 times.
- Enable OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging in Developer Options.
- Use your PC and install ADB and Fastboot tools.
- Connect the phone and use the command:
- Follow on-screen instructions.
Note: Bootloader unlocking will factory reset your device.
Methods to Root an Android Phone
There are several methods depending on your device model and Android version.
A. One-Click Root Apps (For Supported Phones)
These apps make rooting simple without a PC. Popular options include:
- KingRoot
- Framaroot
- One Click Root
Steps:
- Download the APK file from the official website.
- Install the app (enable Install from Unknown Sources in Settings).
- Launch the app and click Root Device.
- Wait for the process to complete and reboot your phone.
Note: One-click root apps may not work on newer Android versions.
B. Rooting with Magisk (Recommended)
Magisk is a popular systemless rooting tool that preserves the device’s ability to receive updates and use banking apps.
Steps:
- Unlock bootloader (as explained earlier).
- Download the Magisk.zip and Magisk Manager APK.
- Install a custom recovery like TWRP:
- Boot into recovery mode.
- Flash the Magisk.zip file via TWRP.
- Reboot the device.
- Install and open Magisk Manager to check root status.
C. Rooting with a PC Software
Some software tools allow rooting via a computer. Examples:
- iRoot
- Dr.Fone Root
- KingoRoot PC
Steps:
- Download the software on your PC.
- Connect your phone via USB and enable USB Debugging.
- Open the software and click Root.
- Wait for the process to complete.
Verify Root Access
Once rooted, check if the root was successful:
- Download the Root Checker app from Google Play Store.
- Open the app and tap Verify Root.
Post-Rooting Tips
- Install a Root Manager like Magisk Manager or SuperSU to control which apps get root access.
- Backup regularly as rooting makes system changes more frequent.
- Be careful while installing unknown apps or deleting system files.
- Customize your device with root-only apps, custom ROMs, or system tweaks.
Common Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Device stuck in boot loop | Reboot into recovery and re-flash ROM or factory reset |
| Lost data | Restore from backup |
| Warranty void | Some devices allow unrooting; check manufacturer policy |
| Can’t install OTA updates | Use Magisk for systemless root or flash updates manually |
How to Unroot Your Android Phone
If needed, you can unroot your device:
- Use the Unroot option in Magisk Manager or SuperSU.
- Flash the stock ROM or perform a factory reset.
- Use apps like Universal Unroot (if supported).
Is Rooting Legal?
- Rooting is legal in most countries, but it may void your warranty.
- Devices locked by carriers may have additional restrictions.
Rooting your Android phone opens up endless possibilities for customization, control, and performance enhancement. However, it must be done cautiously to avoid damaging your device. Always research your specific phone model, follow the steps carefully, and understand the risks and benefits.