You may or may not have heard of rooting, and even if you have, the
process and purpose can sound a bit daunting to the uninitiated. But you
don’t have to be a programmer to root your device, trust me, and there
are some benefits that are really worth considering.
Let’s begin with the basics. Rooting is the process of allowing
Android smartphone and tablet owners to attain privileged control (root
access) over the operating system. This opens up file and folder
locations that are typically hidden from regular users, such as system
files and core application folders, and allows applications to perform
more privileged commands.
Once rooted, users can install and run applications that require
special privileges, bypass carrier installed software, and even remove
bloat ware applications added in by manufacturers and carriers from
their device. Root access is even needed you want to install trivial
things like custom fonts on some devices. And perhaps most importantly
of all, users can modify system files to install custom built versions
of Android (ROMs).
Security
A word of caution though, granting apps root access will allow them
to delve into the more advanced and secure settings of your Android
device. Whilst this isn’t a problem when it comes to the vast majority
of wholesome software, malicious apps can do some serious damage if
allowed into your system files.
Fortunately, governor applications, such as Superuser, can control
the access granted to individual pieces of software, meaning that you
can deny permissions to the vast majority of apps and only allow the
necessary ones that you can trust.
Root security exploits aren’t rampant in rooted devices, but never
the less, it’s important to be aware of the risks. Just make sure to
download your software from trusted sources, as usual.
gives you total control over which apps have root access, and will even
alert you whenever an app that requires such features is running.
There are a few other risks to be aware of before attempting to root
your handset. Firstly, it is possible to brick (permanently ruin) your
smartphone. The chances are very slim so long as you follow the
instructions properly, as these are tried and tested methods. You will
also void your warranty, so don’t expect a replacement handset if
something does go wrong.
But don’t let that put you off, gaining root access is akin to
setting up an administrator account in any other operating system, and
opens up Android to a host of new uses.
Getting started
Unfortunately there isn’t a one size fits all solution for rooting
your handset, most devices require slightly different methods and tools.
But you will almost certainly require your USB cable, a Windows PC with
your phone’s drivers installed, a full charge on your handset, and USB
debugging mode enabled.
To enable USB debugging, go to system settings, about phone, and then
repeatedly click on the build number until a message appears. Then go
back to system settings and go into developer options and check the box.
After that, the best place to start is with SuperOneClick, a simple
piece of software that can root a number of devices with the simple
click of a button. There’s a list of compatible devices, downloads, and
instructions over on the XDA Thread.
Your Device
But not all devices are supported by SuperOneClick and I won’t be
able to list every other method here, but here’s a list of some of the
most commonly used rooting techniques for popular handsets.
Nexus 4
We recently covered the Android 4.3 update to the Nexus Root Toolkit,
which makes rooting any of your Nexus devices super easy. All you need
to do is download the software and install, connect up your phone to
your PC and then hit the root button. It couldn’t be any simpler. The
Toolkit also has functions for flashing, unrooting, backing up your
device, and restoring default settings.
Nexus Root Toolkit is one of the easiest methods used to root your
handset. Other handset have similar software available for simple
rooting.
For a full list of supported devices, download links, and more detailed instructions, then head on over to the Wugfresh website.
Samsung Galaxy S4 I9505 (Snapdragon 600)
Before you read any further, this rooting method only applies to the
I9505 version of the Galaxy S4. Samsung has its own software for
modifying the software on its handset, named Odin. You can also root
previous Galaxy and Note handsets using Odin as well, but you’ll need
specific zip files for your device.
This rooting method is a little more complicated to setup than the
Nexus, but again it will only take a few simple clicks once you’ve
downloaded everything. You’ll need to grab Odin and Chainfire’s Auto-root zip
file, and know how to put your handset into download mode (press the
Volume Down + Home + Power button simultaneously when turning your
handset on).
There’s a little step by step guide put together by knowtechbetter which will guide you through the process.
Moto X
The Moto X is another handset which is very easy to root, and is done
by downloading a file onto your handset rather than by connecting up to
some PC software. You’ll just need to one click the app once it’s
installed then the application will do all the work. Just download the
correct file for your network and follow the simple instructions from
this XDA thread and/or check out this video.
As you can see there’s a wide variety of ways to root different
handsets, so I’ll have to shorten the descriptions a bit for the last
few major devices. Fortunately these methods are quite simple, but just
make sure to read the instructions carefully.
HTC One – All-in-one-Toolkit for rooting, flashing ROMs, performing backups, and much more.
Sony Xperia devices – DooMLoRD’s easy rooting toolkit works with a wide variety of Xperia devices, including the new Xperia Z and ZL.
Motorola Razr HD, Razr Maxx HD, Atrix HD, Photon Q, and Razr M
– If you’re looking for a way to root your Motorola handset then
there’s a good chance that Motochopper
has you covered. Again it’s another simple file that will root your
device once you connected it up in USB Debugging mode. In fact, this
works with the Samsung Galaxy S4 as well, weirdly.