How to root your Android phone

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If you’ve ever wanted more control over your Android phone, or felt frustrated by its restrictive apps and settings, gaining root access might be the solution. But what exactly is ‘rooting’ a phone, is it safe, and how can you do it? Canstar Blue explains how to root an Android phone.

What does ‘rooting’ a phone mean?

Rooting an Android phone or tablet is similar to jailbreaking an iPhone. It lets you access the deeper layers of your device’s system. Once rooted, you can customise almost everything on your Android device and bypass any restrictions set by the manufacturer or carrier.

However, rooting should be done carefully. It’s important to back up your phone’s software before installing, or ‘flashing,’ a custom ROM (a modified version of Android). And if you have any doubts about your technical abilities, perhaps rooting isn’t a good option for you.

Benefits of rooting your Android phone

There are a range of benefits to rooting your Android phone, including:

Installing custom software

Rooting your phone means you’re no longer restricted in your ability to download applications from the Play store. You can now download apps from unofficial sources, as well as downloading apps from the Play store specifically designed to enhance the capabilities of a rooted phone.

Removing bloatware

Google Pixel phones come with stock Android, which is the default version of the Android operating system without any customisations. Most other phone manufacturers put their own ‘skin’ over the top (i.e. their own software that gives the device a different look and feel) and install multiple proprietary apps. These apps can be useful, but they can also be annoying or intrusive and cannot be uninstalled, only disabled – this is why these apps are often called ‘bloatware’. Rooting your phone bypasses these restrictions, allowing you to uninstall bloatware as you like, or even install apps from other manufacturers normally reserved for their phones.

Modifying system settings

Root access allows you to modify the deepest workings of your phone, sometimes with the aid of specialised apps. You can do things such as install wacky custom launchers, like different home screen layouts, install extra network security, create hidden or encrypted folders, overclock your processor and much more.

Better backups

A rooted device can permit a user to perform more thorough backups across all of a phone’s data and settings.

Downsides of rooting your Android phone

There are some significant risks that come with rooting your phone, including:

Risk of bricking your phone

If something goes wrong during the rooting process, you risk ‘bricking’ or corrupting your device. To prevent this, follow the instructions carefully. Make sure the guide you’re using is up to date and that the custom ROM you flash is specifically designed for your phone. By doing your research, you can avoid bricking your smartphone.

Voiding your warranty

Some manufacturers or carriers will void your warranty if you root your device.

Losing support for some apps

Some apps you can download from the Play store will not function on a rooted phone. This is usually because an app’s developer sees it as too much of a security risk to send, receive or store data on a rooted phone. Examples of this can include streaming services broadcasting licensed content (such as live sports), or banking and other security-dependent apps.

Security risks

Rooting can cause security vulnerabilities, leaving your phone and data more susceptible to malware and hackers.

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How do I root my Android phone?

These instructions for rooting and unrooting your Android phone are a general guide only.

Before you root your phone, it’s essential to backup your Android data. While Android automatically backs up your apps and personal data to the cloud, it’s a good idea to also perform a full backup of all your files onto your computer. To do this, plug in your phone and use File Transfer to copy everything to your computer.

Once you’ve backed up your phone, the easiest and safest way to root it is by using a ready-made rooting application. There are reputable apps available online that will handle the rooting process for you in a matter of minutes. Some of the more popular rooting apps and programs include KingRoot and OneClickRoot, but what works best will depend on the model and age of your device. A well-known resource for finding tools for specific smartphones is the Android forum XDA Developers.

Additionally, make sure your phone is fully charged before you begin, as the process may take some time.

If you’d rather root your Android through a third-party app, follow these steps:

1. Enable Developer Options on your phone by going to ‘About Phone’ and tapping the Build Number seven times.
2. Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking – this will let you install new software via USB and enable the modification of software installed by your phone’s manufacturer.
3. Install the Android Software Development Kit (SDK) tools on your computer. You can download these and instructions from the Android website.
4. You can now unlock your phone’s bootloader. This is the program that loads the operating system when you start the phone.
5. Boot your device into ‘fastboot’ mode by holding down the Power and Volume Down keys when starting up. Next, go to your computer and open up the Command Prompt or Terminal in the same folder where you saved the Android SDK. Your phone’s manufacturer may require you to enter a key at this point, so it’s best to search online for your particular phone brand and how to root it.
6. Once you’ve found and entered the right key for your device, you can reboot it and type in a command in the Command Prompt to unlock it. This is often named ‘fastboot oem unlock’ for Google phones or ‘fastboot flashing unlock’ for Samsung devices.

Your Android is now rooted. However, this is just the first step. It may be wise to install a root management app to keep track of the software you install and its permissions, especially given the increased security vulnerabilities. 

Typically, apps that require root privileges will ask for your approval. This is where root management apps like Magisk Manager come in handy. Magisk Manager is open-source software that lets you manage your phone’s root permissions, allowing you to grant or deny permissions to individual apps.

How to unroot an Android

Despite the benefits that can come with rooting your Android, it’s always possible to unroot your device, should you change your mind. More involved than just restoring factory settings, two popular methods of removing a reboot are:

Using a root removal tool

If you used a ready-made application to root your device, it should offer you the option to simply and easily remove the root from your phone.

Unrooting by flashing stock firmware

One of the most thorough ways to remove root access is by flashing your device with factory firmware. The methods involved vary between phones, so you’ll need to refer to your phone manufacturer’s website for the latest details on how to download and install the stock firmware.

Is it illegal to root a phone?

Rooting a phone isn’t technically illegal in Australia, but it does violate most brands’ warranty agreements and terms of use. Additionally, different countries may have varying legal perspectives on rooting, which could lead to legal issues. Therefore, it’s essential to review all the terms and conditions associated with your phone and its use to fully understand what you might be getting into.