You sure have heard this sometime, ser root, or have rooted phone. But… what is this exactly? We tell you everything how it goes, what it is for and how you can apply root on Android.
We will start little by little, we will tell where it comes from and why to do it and what it gives you, all in a summarized way so that it is not too dense information. .
What is being root on Android?
Etymology and origin
We will start with the name, root is how you say root English. Why root? Well, because what allows you to be root is access root directory, which is the directory where the entire operating system is installed on Unix-based operating systems.
Unix is an operating system that was developed in 1969 and that would serve as the basis for Linux, which is the operating system that serves as the basis for thousands of devices and operating systems. These operating systems are called Unix-based o unix-like in English. Some examples of these systems could be Mac OS, Chrome OS, Linux itself as we have said or, obviously, Android.
Well, knowing this we now know that being root or root user is to be able to access the root directory, so we can access any part of the operating system, that is why it is also given the name of Super user (and even in some cases admin or administrator).
Be root. That allows us?
Being root allows us have sufficient permissions to execute any command in the operating system, that is, you are able to modify the operating system to your liking (roughly stated).
For what many people use is "power" to change delete applications that are installed in the operating system and that cannot be deleted and we do not use (imagine, for example, deleting the calculator app). It is also used to be able to use Android without the need to be controlled by Google, using it to access the entire system and make a backup is also a common use. In general, the list of options is long, but what it is most used for is to change the software and for Xposed modules.
Why root your mobile?
As a summary we could talk about strengths and weaknesses in relation to the "rooting" of the terminal.
Rooting strengths
- It allows to improve and optimize the performance of the phone.
- By reducing the load you can improve the stability of the mobile.
- It allows you to install custom rooms with which you can improve the autonomy of the phone, speed, etc.
- It allows you to adapt the mobile to your way of use.
Weaknesses
- You may lose cool phone features that come pre-installed by default.
- Some rooms may disable functions, the equipment may become unstable, etc.
- You may lose the warranty on the phone.
Is it worth rooting the terminal?
If you are an advanced user the answer is yes, in case you are starting in the Android world, we recommend that you read our tutorials, review our news and little by little you will prepare to start in the «room world». Since many manufacturers have a late update policy, with custom rooms you can optimize your phone before official updates. Why? You will gain extra power and performance in your phone without having to buy a higher model.
It is important to bear in mind that the mobile market evolves very quickly, we can find mobiles with quad-core processors that a few years ago were unthinkable, yes, the Roms do not work miracles, they will provide you with a faster processor, more memory and will improve the autonomy, but as you can imagine, the most important thing is to have the equipment updated and know how to choose. To get started, we recommend you read the following tutorial.
Root applications
As we have said, what is most used to be root in Android is to change the software (the Operating System generally) and to use the Xposed modules. We tell you what each thing is.
Change your operating system
But… Aren't we such Android fans? Why would we want to change our operating system? Well, this is where Custom ROMs come in. Custom ROMs are Android-based operating systems with all their advantages, but that provide something different or new (Something similar to what Xiaomi does, so that we understand each other).
LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Resurrection Remix OS are examples of popular ROMs that are based on something very similar to what is the pure Android of the Pixel, but with more customization capacity, more options and utilities and, in many cases, with more lifespan in terms of performance and upgrades.
That is why many people opt for LineageOS or other ROMs: to be able to leave the system exactly the way they like it.
Xposed modules
When we talk about more customization possibilities, it goes hand in hand with the xposed modules. Xposed modules allow modifying even the remotest part of the system. They are called modules because they affect a part of the system and add new functions or options to that characteristic of the system.
They are only available if you are root, and the options are endless. Generally this is thanks to the community, and there are developers who are dedicated to making modules for the enjoyment of other users. This is basically what it is to be root on Android and what it gives us. If you have more questions about how it works, leave it in the comments and we will try to help you.
How to root your Android
There are several ways, but Recovery Mode is one of the most used methods, not so much for its ease, but for its safety and effectiveness. Of course, it depends on the options that are available and the terminal model that is. For example, on Samsung mobiles, patched firmwares that include root access can be flashed directly with ODIN.
However, if we have another model from another manufacturer, it will be necessary to have a custom Recovery Mode installed such as TWRP or the old CWM to flash a ZIP file that includes everything you need to get root access. The problem here is that there is no universal solution, but you will have to find the exact solution for your specific model, although the XDA forums can be a good solution. Without a doubt, it is one of the most complex methods, adding that some terminals have the bootloader blocked, which must be unlocked.