Android is a much more moldable and customizable operating system than iOS. Its great advantage is that it was born as a platform developed by Google and based on Linux Kernel and other open source software. However, many users want to go one step beyond the power that Android already gives them, and that is when the famous rooting of our device comes into play .
There are many reasons for wanting to root our Android mobile , although there are also reasons for never wanting to approach this universe. Rooting our mobile allows us to delete pre-installed applications (bloatware) or customize the interface to levels higher than what Android provides. It can be said that it is a kind of “jailbreak” focused on the Google operating system.
Aspects to consider
Rooting the mobile does not have to pose a very large risk, provided the steps are taken correctly, but it is important to keep in mind that the risk exists, including damage that may be irreversible and other derived problems. These are the most common:
- Loss of Warranty – Some manufacturers may void the warranty in the event of problems during the rooting process. In addition, the first barrier must be circumvented with the store where you bought the device, which will surely be a hit if you tell them why you want to return or fix the mobile.
- Security problems : it is possible that much of what we install after rooting does not have the security standard offered by the clothing of an Android phone without root. This is because the main objective is to test many third-party Roms that are not certified and involves a risk that we have to be aware of.
- Limitations in apps: many applications have security by flag, as is the case with many banking applications. These will detect that your mobile is rooted and may not work correctly, although there are always tricks to avoid it.
- Damage the mobile: as we told you at the beginning, one of the risks involved in rooting is that of damaging the mobile in the event that something goes wrong during the process. However, by following the necessary steps, nothing strange should happen.
How to root the mobile
Preceding steps
- The first thing we will have to do is activate USB debugging and OEM unlocking . This is done from the configuration of our mobile, going to the Developer Options . These are activated by pressing seven times on the “Build number” option. Then we will go back and we will see the developer options. Then we will have to check the USB Debugging option and check Enable OEM unlocking.
- It is also very important that our battery is fully charged, since many problems derived from this process, have to do with mobiles that have run out of battery halfway.
- Next we will have to download and install the Android SDK tools such as ADB and Fastboot, necessary to carry out the rooting. This step is essential so that our mobile phone can communicate with our computer and carry out the necessary commands.
Unlock bootloader
- Once Fastboot is downloaded and with the co-drivers of our mobile installed, we will have to open CMD or PowerShell. In Windows 10, right-click on the Windows Start button and select “Windows PowerShell”
- Then we connect the mobile to the computer via USB cable
- We write the command adb devices to verify that it is connected correctly
- A pop-up window will appear on the device to allow USB debugging: press “OK”
- We restart the terminal with the bootloader: write adb reboot bootloader
- Now we will have to write the command fastboot oem unlock
- Then we navigate with the volume buttons to where it says “Unlock the bootloader” and confirm with the power button.
- Now, the bootloader will restart our mobile and when you turn on the bootloader it will be unlocked.
Required applications
Now we will be ready to root our mobile and we can do it through one of the many apps that there are to do it. Some of the most popular and efficient are:
- One Clic Root : This tool does what its name promises, that is, to root us with a simple click. What we will have to do is download the program for Windows or Mac, connect the mobile via USB cable and enable USB debugging on our mobile. Then we run the application and let the work take place.
- Kingo Root : It is one of the best and offers versions to be able to root from your own mobile or from a Windows PC. For this we download the apk and install the app on our mobile. Then we will touch the button to root and we will arm ourselves with patience until the process has finished. In its version of Windows, once the app is downloaded and installed, we will have to start Kingo Root with the USB cable connected to our mobile and PC. When the program detects our device we will only have to click on Root to start the process.
And then?
Check that everything is OK
An important step is to download the Root Checker app, which will let us know if the rooting has been carried out correctly. It is as simple as downloading and running it to get the information instantly. It is also important to download a tool like SuperSU , which will allow us to keep track of those superuser permissions, since our terminal is now more vulnerable to threats such as malware.
Go to specialized forums
Now that you are part of the group of users who have rooted your mobile, you will have to dive online about the best ways to personalize your mobile, or those that most appeal to you. The same is register at one of the most important forums like xda developers , Phandroid or Reddit . Then you just have to find the special sub-forum dedicated to your mobile to find Roms and all the ways in which you can now personalize your device.
