Everything You Need to Know About Rooting Your Android Phone

We love Android, but rooting your phone can give you the opportunity to do so much more than your phone can do out of the box—whether it’s wireless tethering, speeding it up with overclocking, or customizing the look of your phone with themes. Here’s what you need to know about the rooting process, and where to find a guide for your phone.

Update: This used to be our always up-to-date rooting guide, which proved to be too large an undertaking for us to keep up. It was a nice try, but seeing as we only have a few Android phones to test, we couldn’t reliably keep it up to date. So, we’ve removed the links to individual rooting instructions and kept this as a general resource for those of you that want to get into rooting (though many of the old comments still remain).

What Is Rooting, Exactly?

There are a ton of different Android phones out there, and while some rooting methods might work for multiple phones, there is no one-size-fits-all guide for rooting every phone out there. But, there are a lot of things you should know about rooting before you start, and this guide should help you out.

Glossary of Rooting Terms

If there are any other terms you think we should add, let us know and we’ll put them in!

• Root: Rooting means you have root access to your device—that is, it can run the sudo command, and has enhanced privileges allowing it to run apps like or . You can root either by installing the Superuser application or by flashing a custom ROM that includes root access.
• ROM: A ROM is a modified version of Android. It may contain extra features, a different look, speed enhancements, or even a version of Android that hasn’t been released for your phone yet. We won’t discuss ROMs in depth here, but if you want to use one once you’re rooted, you can .
• Stock: “Stock” refers to a few different things, depending on the context. When we refer to “Stock Android,” we mean the Google-built version you’d find on Nexus devices, with no extra UI chances like HTC Sense or Samsung TouchWiz. Many ROMs are based on stock Android with some additions, like CyanogenMod, while others are based on the version that came with your phone. In other cases, “Stock” can also mean the version of Android that came with your phone—e.g., if you want to get rid of your ROM and return your phone to factory settings, you might say you’re “going back to stock.”
• Kernel: A kernel is the component of your operating system that manages communications between your software and hardware. There are a lot of custom kernels out there for most phones, many of which can speed up your phone and increase your battery life, among other things. Be careful with kernels, though, as a bad one can cause serious problems with your phone and possibly even brick it.
• Radio: Radios are part of your phone’s firmware. Your radio controls your cellular data, GPS, Wi-Fi, and other things like that. You can sometimes find custom radios for your phone that you can flash yourself, but beware as sometimes these can cause problems.
• Flash: Flashing essentially means installing something on your device, whether it be a ROM, a , or a recovery (see below) that comes in the form of a ZIP file. Sometimes the rooting process requires flashing a ZIP file, sometimes it doesn’t.
• Brick: To brick your phone is to break it during flashing or other acts. There is always a small risk with flashing, and if your phone becomes unable to function—that is, it basically becomes a brick—you’ve bricked your phone. The risk is very small, however, and more often than not people say “brick” when they really mean “it turns on but doesn’t boot properly,” which is a very fixable problem. See the FAQ below for more information.
• Bootloader: Your bootloader is the lowest level of software on your phone, running all the code that’s necessary to start your operating system. Most bootloaders come locked, meaning you can’t flash custom recoveries or ROMs. Unlocking your bootloader doesn’t root your phone directly, but it does allow you to root and/or flash custom ROMs if you so desire.
• Recovery: Your recovery is the software on your phone that lets you make backups, flash ROMs, and perform other system-level tasks. The default recovery on your phone can’t do much, but you can flash a custom recovery—like ClockworkMod or TWRP—after you’ve unlocked your bootloader that will give you much more control over your device. This is often an integral part of the rooting process.
• Nandroid: From most third-party recovery modules, you can make backups of your phone called nandroid backups. It’s essentially a system image of your phone: Everything exactly how it is right now. That way, if you flash something that breaks your phone, you can just flash back to your most recent nandroid backup to return everything to normal. This is different from using an app like that just backs up apps and/or settings—nandroid backups backup the entire system as one image. Titanium backups are best when switching between ROMs or phones.
• ADB: ADB stands for Android Debug Bridge, and it’s a command line tool for your computer that can communicate with an Android device you’ve connected to it. It’s part of the Android Software Developers Kit (SDK). Many of the root tools you’ll find use ADB, whether you’re typing the commands yourself or not. Unless the instructions call for installing the SDK and running ADB commands, you won’t need to mess with it—you’ll just need to know that it’s what most of the tools use to root your phone.
• S-OFF: HTC phones use a feature called Signature Verification in HBOOT, their bootloader. By default, your phone has S-ON, which means it blocks you from flashing radio images—the code that manages your data, Wi-Fi, and GPS connections. Switching your phone to S-OFF lets you flash new radios. Rooting doesn’t require S-OFF, but many rooting tools will give you S-OFF in addition to root access, which is nice.
• RUU, SBF, and OPS: ROM Upgrade Utilities (for HTC phones), System Boot Files (for Motorola phones), and OPS and PIT files (for Samsung phones) are files direct from the manufacturer that change the software on your phone. RUU and SBF files are how the manufacturers deliver your over-the-air upgrades, and modders often post leaked RUU and SBF files for flashing when the updates haven’t been released yet. They’re also handy when downgrading your phone, if a rooting method isn’t available for the newest software version yet. You can flash RUUs right from your HTC phone, but Motorola users will need a Windows program called to flash SBF files, and Samsung users will need a tool called to flash OPS and PIT files (note there is a specific version of Odin for each device).

Frequently Asked Rooting Questions

People have a lot of questions about rooting, and we hear them all the time. Here are some of the most frequently asked, laid out so you don’t have to ask someone else.

What’s the difference between rooting, unlocking, and flashing a ROM? This can be confusing, since the three practices are often performed at the same time. We’ve detailed some of this above, but briefly: Unlocking your bootloader is usually the first step in the process and allows you to flash a custom recovery. From there, you can then give yourself root access or flash a ROM. Root access isn’t required to flash a ROM, but almost all custom ROMs will come with root access built-in.

Note that when we say “unlock” in this guide, we mean unlocking your bootloader—not unlocking your phone to use a different carrier, which is a completely different thing and doesn’t always require hacking (since you can often purchase carrier-unlocked phones directly from Google or elsewhere).

Can I unroot my phone? Yes. If you decide you don’t like being rooted, you can often find instructions on unrooting your phone as well. Usually it involves flashing an RUU, SBF, or something similar to return the phone to truly stock settings.

Is rooting illegal? No. Technically, it once was, but exceptions to the DCMA have made it legal for most phones (but not necessarily tablets). Either way, it’s hard to imagine anyone actually enforcing this rule (much like ripping DVDs for your own personal use).

Will rooting void my warranty? Yes. Unlocking your bootloader will void the warranty on your phone, even if your manufacturer provides a way for you to do it. That said, if you need warranty service for a hardware issue, you can sometimes unroot your phone and take it in for service with no one the wiser. However, some phones have a digital “switch” that flips when you unlock your phone that is very difficult or impossible to revert, so do your research before unlocking if you want to preserve your warranty.

Are any phones unrootable? This is a tough question. In the past, many manufacturers have tried to make “unrootable” phones with harsher protections (like the Droid X), but they’re usually still rootable in some way, shape, or form. The more likely scenario is that, if you get a new phone or a phone that had a recent update, that a root exploit isn’t available yet. In that case, you may have to wait a few months before you’re able to root it. This is one of the reasons we recommend buying a Nexus.

Will I still get over-the-air (OTA) updates? Will downloading them break my root? If you root your phone without flashing a custom ROM, then you will likely still get OTA updates from your carrier, and they will break your root. We highly recommend against downloading these updates, since you may not be able to re-root your phone for awhile after updating. Alternatively, you can use an app like that will help you keep your root access (though it doesn’t work with every version of Android).

If you flash a custom ROM, you will not get OTA updates from your carrier. You may, howaever, get notifications for updates to your specific ROM. Those are safe to download.

Will rooting speed up my phone? Not on its own—all rooting does is give you root access. However, it does open up the possibility for other tweaks that can speed up an old phone.

Where to Find Rooting Methods and Tools

So now we get to the good stuff: actually rooting your phone. Unfortunately, every single phone is different, and rooting methods change every time that phone’s software updates. With so many Android phones out there, it’s become impossible for us to actually list rooting instructions here—especially because we only own a few different phones ourselves.

Luckily, now that you know a thing or two about rooting, you’re in a much better position to understand some of the other instructions out there. So, here are a few places you’ll find guides, ROMs, and other information about rooting your specific phone.

Try any or all of the above sources and see what you can find. Once you’ve found the forum for your phone, search around for a rooting guide or rooting tool. Make sure it’s applicable to your current software version and try it out. If you have any questions, you can ask in the forums—but be sure to read as much as you can before doing so, since your question has probably already been answered elsewhere.

Armed with the knowledge in this glossary and FAQ, along with the right rooting method on those forums, you should be well on your way to a better phone. Good luck!

Title image remixed from (Shutterstock).

• Method To Root Any Android Without PC
• What Is Rooting An Android Phone?
• Steps To Root Any Android Without PC

Do you want to know how to Root Any Android Phone Without PC? Then here is the best way to Root Your Phone Without PC. Now many people don’t have PC/ Laptop with them, that’s why they failed to root there phone.

The method which I have shown in this article will work on almost any android device. No matter which android version your phone is running this method will work on any android device.

In the previous article, I have shown you to Root Your Phone Using Magisk Method you must read that article because Magisk Root method is completely safe and has many features that will help you to run banking apps.

Now if you heard Root for the first time. Then let me explain to you what exactly rooting an android phone means?

What Is Rooting An Android Phone?

Routing simply means that you are giving your phone a superpower. That means you can edit system software, remove pre-installed apps and more. After rooting your device you get privileges to edit/ modify system files that generally phone manufacturer does not allow.

Once you root your phone you can Install Custom ROM’s, Flash Custom Kernels, Remove Bloatware, Optimize your phone according to your needs and much more! But rooting has some disadvantages too.

Also Read: Install ADB And Fastboot On Windows

Disadvantages Of Rooting

After you root your phone you will not able to use Banking Apps. If you made any mistake during the whole rooting process your phone will be Bricked. You won’t receive OTA Update. Also, your phone will be no more Secure.

Note: If You Have A Xiaomi, OnePlus Device Then Your Phone Warranty Will Not Void

• Make Sure To Flash TWRP Recovery On Your Phone
• Your Phone Has Minimum 75% Battery Available
• Unlock Bootloader Of Your Phone [IMP Step]
• Disable Your Phone Security Locks/ Pattern Locks

Steps To Root Any Android Without PC

1.) Go To This Link And Download SuperSU.zip File On Your Phone

2.) Once Done Powe Off Your Device And Boot Your Phone Into TWRP Recovery Mode

• To Boot Your Phone Into Recovery Mode
• Press & Hold Volume Up + Power Button Or Press Volume Down + Power Button For 3-5 Seconds
• Then You Will See Boot Logo On Your Phone

3.) On Recovery Page Tap On Install

4.) Locate SuperSU.zip File That You Just Now Downloaded

5.) Select It And Swipe To Confirm Flash, Be Patient And Let The Flashing Process Completes

6.) That’s It You Have Successfully Root Any Android Without PC

How To Check If Device Is Successfully Rooted Or Not?

To Check If Your Device Is Successfully Rooted Or Not. You Need To Download An App Called Root Checker. Once Done Open The App And Tap On Verify Root.

So, this is all about How To Root Any Android Without PC. Hope you find this article useful if you are facing any errors while rooting your device then make sure to comment down below I will surely help you out.

• How To Root Any Android Phone?
• Is It Possible To Root Your Phone?
• Steps To Root Any Android Device
• How To Check Phone Rooted Or Not

If you are looking for a guide on How To Root Any Android Phone? then you are at the right place. Today in this article you will learn the process to Root Any Android Phone you might have. You will also learn the different ways to Root an Android phone.

Which is the best method to root your phone and also to know if it’s possible to root your phone or not? There are many root methods out there like:

Various Root Methods

Older Android Version Below KitKat 4.4

If you are running an older Android Version then you may have luck with root exploit apps like CF-Auto-Root, Framaroot, Towelroot, KingRoot, etc.,

You may check their official page for compatibility and download any one apps to root your phone these methods are straight forward. You don’t need to Unlock Bootloader and such to root your phone.

Newer Android Version Above Marshmallo 6.0+

If you are running a newer version of Android that is android lollipop and up that you will most probably need to root your phone using Magisk Root Or SuperSU.

Although we don’t recommend SuperSU anymore since SuperSU is been discontinued. So our main focus for this tutorial is going to be Magisk Root and that’s the only method to root most of the latest devices right now.

Also Read: Install ADB And Fastboot On Windows

This is a universal guide on How To Root Any Android Device and it works on almost every android device out there.

Before you proceed to Root your smartphone you must know the advantages and disadvantages of rooting.

Advantages Of Rooting

Now while talking about the advantages, there are many good advantages of rooting.

• You will be able to Remove Bloatware
• Easily Remove Ads from your phone
• Once you root you can Install Custom ROM
• You have Full Control of your device
• Rooting gives the advantage to Install Incompatible Apps
• You can easily Unlock hidden features
• And Lot More!

Disadvantages Of Rooting

• You will not able to Claim Warranty
• Flashing the wrong file can brick your phone
• You will not receive updates over OTA
• Once you root you can’t Install Banking Apps

Is It Possible To Root Your Phone?

Now it’s time to check if it’s even possible to root your phone or not for that first we need to check if you can unlock your bootloader or not if you cannot unlock your bootloader then it’s almost impossible to root your phone in most of the cases.

But in some of the rare cases, you will be able to root your phone even with a locked bootloader. For most of the phones, the manufacturer will provide you a way to unlock your phone’s bootloader.

However, some manufacturers and carriers restrict unlocking the bootloader. Most of the Oneplus, Google, Samsung phones, and Xiaomi phones are known to be bootloader unlockable.

Below I have provided you the guide to unlocking the bootloader of several phones.

• Samsung: Unlock Bootloader Of Any Samsung Device
• Xiaomi: Unlock Bootloader Of Any Xiaomi Device
• OnePlus: Unlock Bootloader Of Any OnePlus Device
• Google: Unlock Bootloader Of Any Google Device

Now for other phones, you may ask for the tutorial and information in the comment down below!

For the phones that are not bootloader unlockable, we’ll have a hard look when it comes to rooting but there might still be a chance for that you will need to Go To xda-developers.com And Search For Your Phone Name

And your phone’s forum section look if there is an available root method for your phone.

If you cannot find anything for your phone then it’s almost impossible to root your phone.

1. You Need To Unlock Bootloader Of Your Phone
2. The Second Thing You Need Is Custom Recovery Installed On Your Device
3. Download USB Drivers For Your Phone
4. A Windows PC/Laptop

Unlocking a Bootloader allows us to flash a Custom Recovery and installing a Custom Recovery allows us to flash Magisk to Root our phone.

• Related Article: How To Take Complete Backup Of Android

Once you completed the above requirements it’s time to root your phone.

Steps To Root Any Android Device

1.) First Step Is To Install Magisk Manager Zip File And APK On Your Phone Internal Storage

2.) Now Power Off Your Phone And Boot Your Phone Into Recovery Mode

Now if you don’t know how to boot your phone into recovery mode then check out this guide on How To Boot Any Android Device Into Recovery Mode

• Go To “Install”

• Now Locate The Magisk.zip File And Select It

• Then “Swipe To Confirm Flash”

4.) Now Once the Flashing Process Completes >> Tap On “Reboot System”

5.) That’s It 🙂 You Have Successfully Rooted Your Phone

Now you should see the Magisk App Icon on your phone. But if you don’t see one then you just need to Install the Magisk Mager App using the apk file that you have downloaded.

How To Check Phone Rooted Or Not

Now to check if the root is working you can download the Root Checker App from the play store and verify the root access.

1. Install the Root Checker App
2. Open The App
3. Tap On Verify Root
4. Now You Will See This Message Saying “Congratulations! This Device Has Root Access”

So, in this tutorial, we have learned How To Root Any Android Device this is the complete rooting process. With the help of this guide, you can Root Any Android Device available out there!

Android and iOS are among the most widely used operating systems worldwide, as it is the default operating system on most smartphone and tablet models. These two Unix-like systems are radically different in terms of performance, although they have some basic similarities.

In this article, we tell you about the advantages and disadvantages of rooting your device, what exactly it means and what steps you need to take to do it.

What is mean by Rooting Android Smartphone?

This brings us to the question: is it worth it?

Why You Should Care

Some apps on the market however require root access before they will function properly which can be a nuisance or even render an app useless if your device isn’t rooted.

The root access will also allow you to tweak, change and customize your device in any way that you choose.

Benefits for your smartphone

It is necessary to note that just obtaining the Root will not instantly resolve all your problems on your device. Rooting will only provide you with the capability to do it. Here are all the clear benefits of using a rooted device.

Remove Bloatware: With rooting, you can remove the OEMs apps and Bloatware, which are unnecessary on your device. Removing Bloatware helps you to save storage space and also helps to improve device performance.

Better backups: You can individual backup apps, including your app data on your device. Don’t Miss Your Data. With these backup apps, you can create the backup of your needed apps along with the data.

Here are some of the backup apps:

• Titanium Backup
• Nandroid backup

CUSTOM ROMs: From the name itself, you can guess what the Custom ROMs exactly means. Custom ROM is the modified version of another ROM. Developers primarily work with AOSP (Android Open Source Project) code and come with a revised version.

In the case of your device, its manufacturers develop the ROM with many apps and utilities. They add their services, applications, layers to have a different design and much more software overload, making the final set too heavy. To overcome this, the induvial developers developed CUSTOM ROM to create a solution for your device. As the developers are more concerned about the performance by removing unwanted apps or Bloatware and doing many other modifications, they come out with cleaner ROMs than manufacturers.

Additional Applications and Features: You will be able to run applications that are not available in the Play Store. Also, you will be able to modify the software and the hardware (through CPU overclocking and sub-cycling).

What are the risks of rooting?

If rooting is so beautiful, why doesn’t everyone root their device? That may be the question you are asking yourself right now.

The reality is rooting also has its disadvantages that are usually high as the benefits:

You can damage the device: that root must use freedom to optimize the performance of the hardware with a conscience. Otherwise, there is a risk of damaging some vital components for the operation of the smartphone. Once this happens, there is no return.

No Google apps: Many of the apps in the Google package will be disabled as they do not work on your rooted device. This Google Package mainly includes the Google Play Store, which means that you will not be able to install any app officially, and you will generally have to resort to APKs.

Loss of warranty: Some manufacturers often withdraw their rooted mobile phone warranty, so you will be losing the developer’s support, which is a considerable disadvantage.

Security vulnerabilities: by having to install apps from unknown sources, you run the risk of some host of viruses that compromise data privacy.

Is it worth rooting your device?

Right now, you may find yourself at a real crossroads and wondering whether it is worth rooting your device or is it better not to take those risks.

The benefits of your device are an essential factor here because these will determine the quality jump that you will give after rooting.

Prerequisite Before You Root Your Device

• Take a Full backup of all your existing data.
• Charge your device to at least 80% battery.
• Enable Unknown Source Installation for apk.
• Always check compatibility and download the latest version of the rooting tool. But make sure the version of the tool is compatible with your firmware and device model.
• Have a proper WiFi connection, as you need a stable network connection to proceed through downloads.
• For PC versions, please install the drivers on Windows PC and prepare them.
• Enable USB debugging on the device if you are planning via PC root download.

Methods for Root android smartphone

We have split the process of rooting into three categories. You can root your device with a computer or without or Installing the Magisk module.

Root Android Smartphone with Magisk

Magisk is a MOD released by topjohnwu in XDA. It mainly provides a standard interface to allow developers to quickly develop and maintain the functional modules of the Systemless architecture. Among them, the use of SafetyNet API for Android Pay makes it impossible to be rooted. The operating situation on the mobile phone Pokemon also unexpectedly solved Pokemon GO’s use of SafetyNet API to prevent players from playing Pokémon on rooted mobile phones, which made Magisk a lot of attention.

Steps to Root android smartphone using Magisk

Once you have made all the preparations, it is time to start installing Magisk on your smartphone easily and quickly.

• Download and install TWRP (Team Victory Recovery Project) to restore your device. TWRP is a custom recovery image for your device. It allows users to download third-party firmware and back up the current system. Double-check whether TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) installed on your Device
• Download the latest Magisk zip and Magisk Manager. Once you downloaded the magisk.apk file, you need to change the extension to .zip. For example, magisk.apk to magisk.zip.
• Install Magisk zip file from Magisk manager app. Download magisk zip using the below download link. Move the zip file to the internal storage. It is important to remember the location of the compressed file.
• Restart the smartphone. And enter TWRP recovery state.
• Click the “Install” button in the TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) recovery.
• Navigate to Magisk.zip on the internal storage and click “Select Storage.” Install the zip file on your device, and then wait for the installation.
• Reboot the system.

Instructions to Root Android smartphone without any problem

Having proper preparation before starting the rooting process on your android device is very important to avoid all possible mistakes and delays.

• Take a Full backup of all your existing data.
• Charge your android device to at least 80% battery.
• Enable Unknown Source Installation for apk.
• Always check compatibility and download the latest version of the rooting tool. But make sure the version of the tool is compatible with your firmware and device model.
• Have a proper WiFi connection, as you need a stable network connection to proceed through downloads
• For PC versions, please install the drivers on Windows PC and prepare it.
• Enable USB debugging from device if you are planning via PC root download.

Root Android smartphone without Computer

Once you have made all the preparations, it is time to start rooting your android device easily and quickly.

There are currently dozens of applications that make this process an effortless task, but before choosing one, you must consider the version of your operating system.

Some of the methods that we present below are available for versions of Android 5.0 or lower, while others can root until version 8.0 of the OS. Android 9 and higher currently cannot be rooted because no app can.

KingRoot

Steps to root your android device using KingRoot app

• Activate the installation of files from Unknown sources in Android settings.
• Download the app that we offer you below this little guide and install just like you would with any other.
• Once installed, open the interface. On this screen, you can see the phone’s status and whether it is already rooted or not. We assume that you are in the latter case, so you will have to click on Start Root to start the process.
• A progress bar will notify you of how everything is going. When the app completes the process and gives you root access to the device, you will see a screen alerting you.

Kingo Root

Root your device using Kingo Root app

• Check that the smartphone has at least 40% battery before starting the process.
• Take a look at the list of compatible phones on the developer’s website to see if the application can be helpful to you, and the app could work on your device even if it is not.
• Back up your data to restore it in case something goes wrong during the process. The prevented person is worth two.
• Authorize the installation of APK files from outside Google Play if it has not been done before in the Unknown sources menu in Settings> Applications.
• Download, install and open the Kingo Root application.
• Press the One Click Root button.
• It will take a few minutes to handle the process (the device may restart halfway, normal).
• Restart Android as soon as the application gives the notice of having finished.
• If the process has worked correctly, the phone is already rooted.

iRoot

Steps to root using iRoot app

• Charge the device at least up to 85% battery before starting the process.
• To avoid risks after a root failure, make a backup of everything (messages, photos, music, contacts, etc.).
• In the phone settings, check the Unknown sources box under Settings> Applications.
• Download the iRoot APK file from the corresponding button on our website and install the application (the device may detect the app as dangerous, but it can be installed anyway).
• After opening the app, tap the Get Root access button to start rooting the phone and be patient.
• At the end of the process, the phone will reboot.

Root your smartphone with Computer

Suppose none of the three previous applications has affected when rooting your Android smartphone or tablet. In that case, you should move to a more aggressive method, connect the device to a Windows computer via USB.

One-Click Root

One-Click RootThis is the second option. You have to make rooting easy and fast. As its name implies, you can easily carry out the process with a single click, thus saving you many problems. The best thing is that you can unlock devices with Android 8.0 or lower systems, being one of the most powerful in that regard.

However, it is only compatible with a shortlist of equipment such as Xiaomi, Samsung, Motorola, HTC, SONY, and other very commercial brands, so if you have a model from a little-known manufacturer, you may not be able to use it. If by chance you can do it, the steps are straightforward:

• Download One Click Root to your computer and connect the device via USB after activating debugging.
• Run the program and click “Start” to start the software doing its work.

Dr Fone

Dr.fone root process interface

• Connect Android phone to PC via USB cable.
• You will receive a message on the phone if your Android version is higher than 4.2.2.
• Press the OK button to authorize the USB debugging.
• Click Start to have the software scan and detect the Android smartphone or tablet and find out how to root the device (may take a few minutes).
• When the program displays the option, click on the Root now button and hit Confirm when the controller continues and finishes.

Check if your device is rooted?

Once you have completed all the previous procedures that we have just taught you, you have to know that you will have the possibility to check all the details about it, in a fast and straightforward way.

It is Nothing more or less than using an application such as Root Checker. Which is designed especially for it and that once you have installed and executed it on your terminal, it will tell you in just a second if it is rooted successfully or not. Nothing more than that.

Conclusion of Rooting Guide

Finally, we have explained how to root your smartphone. Note that we are not responsible for any damage caused during the rooting attempt.

Let us know if you have any doubts, suggestions, or corrections regarding this topic. We are happy to hear from you in the comment section and on email. Enjoy!

DISCLAIMER: ROOTING YOUR DEVICE WILL PROBABLY VOID YOUR WARRANTY FROM BOTH THE CARRIER AND THE MANUFACTURER. IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO ACCEPT FAULT FOR ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS OF ROOTING, THEN DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER. HERE BE DRAGONS.

Questions?

Before rooting, you might have some questions about it. Fortunately, they’ve already been answered! Refer to the handy list below:

• What does «to root a phone» mean?
• What is the difference between: Rooting, Jailbreak, ROM, Mod, etc.?
• Are there any risks to rooting a device?
• What do I gain from rooting?
• Do all applications run as root on a rooted phone?
• See the sidebar to the right for more potentially relevant questions!

How do I do root?

Note there is no known method that will root all devices, nor is there any guarantee that any mentioned program or method will actually work. This is because there are many variables at play and device OEMs have no incentive to make the process easy.

A final caution: Your warranties may be voided, you may screw up your device, and there may also be other adverse effects. If you do not want to risk it, stop now. If you are not confident in what you are doing, please do not deviate from the guides and read carefully.

Methods typically vary between models and even between firmware versions of the same model. Check your rooting method is compatible with:

• Your device model/brand (e.g. Samsung Note)
• Your Android version (e.g. 4.4 KitKat vs 5.1 Lollipop)
• Your firmware version (e.g. European vs. USA vs. Verizon telecom provider)
• Your hardware version (e.g. 32GB model with antenna vs. 16GB without one)

Rooting Guides Index

These are links to questions on this site that have been asked for specific devices. If the question for your device hasn’t been answered, don’t post a duplicate — you can attract attention to the question by offering a bounty on it, sharing the link, posting in our chatroom, etc.

Amazon

• Fire TV
• Kindle Fire Version 6.x / 10.x
• Kindle Fire 5th gen (aka 2015)
• Kindle Fire HD

Huawei

• Ascend Y330
• Ascend Y530
• G330D U8825D
• Mate 8 (aka Ascend Mate8)
• Mediapad S7-301U
• Nexus 6P
• P1 U9202L
• PLDT Telpad QS S7-961WD
• STREAM X GL07S
• U8160 (Vodafone 858)
• X3 U8510
• Y210

I’ve rooted my device. Now what?

• We have another question about that!
• If you have another method or know how to root a device that’s not listed, feel free to add it to the list! Just follow the same format.

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

One of the best things about Android is its customization and flexibility. Android lets you use it the way you want to, whether that means changing the launcher, or setting up a host of unique automatic functions with Tasker. But for some, that isn’t enough. You can gain near-total control of the OS if you root Android.

This isn’t as common as it once was, but there are still benefits to rooting Android. If you like the sounds of that, but find yourself feeling a little anxious about “hacking” your much-loved (and probably expensive) device, then read on to learn everything you need to know about rooting Android. It’s actually easier than you might think.

Editor’s note: Rooting Android devices requires a high level of tinkering and modifying your phone’s software. This can be risky, and there is a chance you’ll damage your handset. This is terrible news considering rooting Android may void your warranty. Always do your research and be confident about the steps you’re taking, as no one but you will be responsible should anything happen to your device.

What is rooting?

Rooting is no longer always essential for flashing a custom ROM. However, it is advisable to root Android in some cases to make use of the most exciting features.

Handy rooting terminology:

• Bootloader: Lowest level software on your phone that starts up recoveries and then the main operating system.
• Recovery: Low-level software that can create and restore full system backups. It is accessed before the main OS.
• ADB (Android Debug Bridge): A command-line tool that is part of the Android SDK, which supports communication between a computer and an Android device.

To root or not to root?

The next question is whether you should root Android or leave it as it is. That, of course, is a matter of personal preference, but there are some compelling arguments both for and against it.

On the plus side, it gives you more access to several cool apps and customization options. It also lets you upgrade older phones to newer Android versions long after your manufacturer and carrier have stopped supporting it. As mentioned, rooting Android will let you change things that you otherwise couldn’t, and it will also allow you to use a host of cool apps.

Android root apps and options

Here are just a few things you can do with a rooted Android device:

• Overclock or underclock the CPU.
• Increase battery life.
• Greatly enhance the power of Tasker.
• Remove preinstalled bloatware apps.
• Make real backups.

• Install custom ROMs.
• Further customize your phone’s looks.
• Install apps that do more than basic ones.
• You can even do things like installing Ubuntu for desktop.

For some people, rooting Android is also something of a statement. You paid for this device, so why shouldn’t you use it exactly as you wish? Especially if it means removing cynical and unhelpful bloatware. There’s also a certain status that comes from it, and a great sense of accomplishment when you achieve root access for the first time.

If you’re a developer hoping to create your own root apps, you need to start somewhere!

Will you damage your device?

Robert Triggs / Android Authority

That said, there are also some potential downsides to rooting.

Even once you know how to root Android, some risks are involved. Get this wrong, and there is a chance of bricking your device (it’s happened to me). It’s easier and safer on some devices than others, but if you’re not overly confident with your tech wizardry, you may prefer to leave your phone be.

Warranties and legalities — is rooting legal?

This leads us nicely onto warranties, which is another grey area in the world of rooting. While carriers don’t like you tampering with their hardware and software, some manufacturers have become kinder to rooters and even those who install third-party software. However, few have a clear stance on what software tweaks will void your warranty, and you certainly can’t count on having your rooted handset fixed if something goes wrong. Devices with locked bootloaders, the very low-level software that starts up your phone, are explicitly designed to prevent rooting, so don’t expect sympathy from these companies.

In the US, rooting is perfectly legal.

Thanks to clues like Knox on Samsung, manufacturers and sellers can often identify root, even after you unroot. Note that there are ways to hide evidence of having rooted your device, but these won’t always work. There’s a kind of arms race between hackers and manufacturers, and your chances of unrooting and covering your tracks will often come down to who is winning at the time! This is why many people only root older phones already out of warranty.

Security

It’s also worth noting that some apps and features will stop working once you root. For example, banking apps will often stop working due to the perceived security risk. Even Snapchat and Pokemon Go take issue with root! There are also often countermeasures to these limitations — though your mileage may vary. You can probably tell by now that rooting typically means creating more work for yourself, but it can be enjoyable work!

Of course, if you aren’t automatically receiving the usual updates, it also falls on you to ensure you get all the latest security patches. In theory, you could improve your privacy with the proper root apps. But it’s on you. It should also be noted that SuperSU developer Chainfire hung up his root apps, so most rooters have now switched over to Magisk.

So, should you root Android?

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

With all that in mind, should you root your Android device?

Ultimately, that comes down to what you intend to use your device for. Do you even need to root Android? If you have a specific use-case scenario in mind and understand the risks and limitations, then there’s nothing to stop you from learning how to root Android and giving yourself that extra freedom.

Seeing as root might also mean you lose functionality, it’s no longer a straight win across the board. It’s fun, powerful, and useful, but it’s not as useful as it once was.

For me, the obvious answer is to only root older devices. Keep your daily driver clean while it’s still getting new updates and patches, but root secondary gadgets that you want to tinker with. That way, you get to have your cake and eat it too.

How to root Android devices

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

If you decide to go ahead, you’ll probably wonder how to root Android. Let’s lead you in the right direction!

The bad news is there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution when you root Android phones and tablets. Different brands and even software versions can make the rooting process vary. Even within handset variants, you may find that some techniques work and others don’t.

This is a minimum-fuss method that will work in many cases. However, it’s worth noting that some come with annoying push notifications and ads. I’d advise checking reviews before settling on which one to use. Some would even say that if you can’t figure out how to root your device without one of these apps, perhaps you shouldn’t be doing it at all (because if you encounter problems during the process, you won’t know what to do).

The good news is that in many cases, rooting is much easier than it once was.

If a one-click solution doesn’t appeal to you, things get a little more complex, and you’ll need to look for specific instructions for your device. This might mean using PC software and connecting your phone via USB. It might also mean using a custom recovery, or downloading additional software like Odin for Samsung devices. The best part about these options is that you learn a lot along the way.

Before rooting your device, it’s always good to back up first. Then settle in, read a lot, triple-check the instructions, and dive in. Crossing your fingers and holding your breath would be a good idea because you just took the red pill! The world of Android rooting is exciting, empowering, frustrating, and engaging — you’ll learn tons about how Android works, what your phone can do, and how awesome Android can be when you get in the driver’s seat.

Once you’ve rooted your phone, it’s time to start enjoying the best root apps for Android.

FAQs

Rooting makes it possible to achieve much more complex customizations than you’re used to. You can control your CPU and RAM, customize your UI, remove apps you otherwise wouldn’t be able to uninstall, use apps that provide root features, and more.

Manufacturers don’t like when you tinker with their devices’ software. This can create issues, and these wouldn’t be their fault. Most manufacturers will likely avoid respecting a warranty claim if you’ve rooted a device, especially if this was the cause of whatever issue you started the claim for. That said, some argue it’s illegal to void the warranty due to rooting, in some jurisdictions. You might be able to argue this in court, but no one really wants to take a company to court for a warranty issue. At the very least, rooting your phone may cause a headache, even if you did nothing wrong.

Of course you can. The real question is whether you should. If you are to sell a rooted phone, make sure you tell the new owner about this. He can then decide if he wants to take the risk. Additionally, it’s possible to unroot a phone and take it back to its factory settings. This might be a better alternative, unless the new buyer strictly wants a rooted phone.

No. You will have to flash the stock software to remove root. In fact, this used to be seen as a feature. Some applications are able to stick around, even if you perform a factory reset. This is great for security apps.

Rooting, in and of itself, should not erase any of your data. That said, you might have to give your phone a clean install if anything goes wrong, or if the root process for your phone happens to require a factory reset.

There are multiple ways to check if a device is rooted, but if you can’t figure this out, chances are you don’t want to deal with complex methods. The easiest way to check if your phone is rooted is through an app. Root Checker is one of the most popular ones.

Android rooting is the ideal way to get more control over your smartphone, opening up a world of unknown possibilities, but it’s important to approach it with caution. Rooting isn’t without its risks — and if something goes wrong, it can void your warranty, leave you with a broken smartphone or tablet, or worse.

Before proceeding, it is important to understand that rooting is not always a straightforward process, and you may encounter hiccups along the way. If you decide that you absolutely need to root your Android device, continue below, but know that it isn’t for the faint of heart or technology-inexperienced.

This guide on how to root Android phones will walk you through the steps to root your device. While we can root some phones in minutes, others are going to take a little more research. But one thing is clear: rooting your phone is one of the best ways to tap into your Android device’s true potential.

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What is rooting?

Rooting an Android phone or tablet is akin to jailbreaking an iPhone — basically, it allows you to dive deeper into a phone’s sub-system. After rooting, you can access the entire operating system to customize just about anything on your Android device, and you can get around any restrictions that your manufacturer or carrier may have applied.

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Rooting is best undertaken with caution. You must back up your phone’s software before installing — or “flash,” in rooting terms — a custom ROM (a modified version of Android).

Why would you root?

One of the biggest incentives to root your Android phone is so you can strip away bloatware that’s impossible to uninstall otherwise (although you can sometimes disable it — check out our guide on disabling bloatware). On some devices, rooting will enable previously disabled settings, like wireless tethering. Additional benefits include the ability to install specialized tools and flash custom ROMs, each of which can add extra features and improve your phone or tablet’s performance.

Why wouldn’t you root?

There are essentially four potential cons to rooting your Android.

• Voiding your warranty: Some manufacturers or carriers will void your warranty if you root your device, so it is worth keeping in mind that you can always unroot. If you need to send the device back for repair, simply flash the software backup you made, and it’ll be good as new.
• Bricking your phone: If something goes wrong during the rooting process, you risk bricking — i.e., corrupting — your device. The easiest way to prevent that from happening is to follow the instructions carefully. Ensure the guide you are following is up to date and that the custom ROM you flash is specifically for your phone. If you do your research, you won’t have to worry about bricking your smartphone.
• Security risks: Rooting introduces some security risks. Depending on what services or apps you use on your device, it could create a security vulnerability. And certain malware takes advantage of rooted status to steal data, install additional malware, or target other devices with harmful web traffic.
• Disabled apps: Some security-conscious apps and services do not work on rooted devices — financial platforms like Google Pay and Barclays Mobile Banking do not support them. Apps that serve copyrighted TV shows and movies, like Sky Go and Virgin TV Anywhere, will not start on rooted devices, either — and neither will Netflix.

How to prepare your Android device for rooting

One of the easiest ways to root an Android device is by using an app, and several rooting apps have garnered attention over the years — Framaroot, Firmware.mobi, Kingo Root, BaiduRoot, One Click Root, SuperSU, and Root Master are among the most reliable. These services will usually root your device in the time you take to brush your teeth. But some of them only support devices running older versions of Android, so you may need to do some shopping around to find one that works for your device. If you’re looking to root an even older device, you may need to check Firmware.mobi.

It used to be that rooting Android versions from Android 7.0 Nougat upwards was more difficult. The verified boot service will check the device’s cryptographic integrity to detect if your device’s system files are compromised, inhibiting legitimate rooting apps. Thankfully, rooting apps have caught up with the curve, and rooting newer Android versions is much easier than it used to be.

If your phone isn’t compatible with a one-click rooting app, you must spend a little time researching alternatives on Android forums. The best place to start is XDA Developers Forum — look for a thread about your phone or tablet, and you’re likely to find a method.

Preparing for rooting

Back up everything you cannot live without before you start. You should also always back up your phone’s current ROM before you flash a new one. You will also want to ensure that your device has a full charge before you begin.

1. Tap on About Phone and find the Build Number. The exact path depends on your phone, but it’ll usually be found with other software information.
2. Tap on the Build Number seven times, and the Developer Options will appear on the Settings main page. You may need to confirm your security passcode to enable this.
3. Tap on the Back key to see your new developer options.
4. Tap Developer Options.
5. Check to enable USB Debugging.
6. Check to enable OEM Unlocking.

Installing the Android SDK Platform Tools

Rooting used to involve downloading Google’s entire Android development kit. Thankfully, that’s not the case anymore, and all you need is the Android SDK Platform Tools.

Download and install the Android SDK Platform Tools from Google’s developer site. There are choices for Windows, Mac, and Linux. These instructions are for Windows machines. Extract the zipped files. When asked what directory to install the software to, we recommend setting it to C:android-sdk. If you choose a different location, make sure you remember it.

Installing device drivers

To ensure your computer can properly communicate with your smartphone or tablet, you will need to install the appropriate USB driver.

Devices from some manufacturers come with the drivers included in the phone’s software, so all you need to do to install the appropriate USB driver is attach your phone to your PC by USB cable. OnePlus is an example of this, but it’s worth connecting your phone first to see whether USB drivers will automatically install.

Otherwise, here is a list of drivers from the most popular manufacturers:

• Alcatel
• Coolpad
• Google/Nexus/Pixel
• Lenovo/Motorola
• Sony
• Xiaomi

Unlock your bootloader

Before you get started, you need to unlock your device’s bootloader. The bootloader, simply put, is the program that loads the device’s operating system. It determines which applications run during your phone or tablet’s startup process.

Some manufacturers require you to get a key to unlock the bootloader. Motorola, HTC, LG, and Sony provide step-by-step instructions on how to do so, but a word of warning: They require you to register for a developer account.

Once you have taken those steps, you can embark on the unlocking process. You will need to put your device in fastboot mode. It’s different for every phone, but on most devices, rebooting the device and holding down the Power and Volume Down buttons for 10 seconds does the trick (HTC phones require that you hit the Volume Down key and press the Power button to select it).

Once you have booted into fastboot, head to the folder you previously unzipped your Android SDK files to. Then, open your computer’s command prompt by holding down Shift + Right Click and choosing Open a Command Prompt Here. If your device requires a code, you will get a long string of characters. Paste it into the box on your device manufacturer’s website, submit the form, and await an email with a key, a file, and further instructions.

Unlock your device’s bootloader by connecting it to your computer and placing it in fastboot mode again. Pull up the command prompt by typing cmd into your Start menu.

For Google Nexus and Pixel devices, the commands are easy:

• Nexus phones: Type “fastboot oem unlock” (without quotes) and hit Enter.
• Pixel phones: Type “fastboot flashing unlock” (without quotes) and hit Enter.

It’s the same for Samsung devices:

• Samsung phones: Type “fastboot flashing unlock” (without quotes) and hit Enter.

Motorola’s command is a little different:

• Type “oem unlock UNIQUE_KEY” (without quotes), replacing “UNIQUE KEY” with the code you received

So is HTC’s:

• Type “unlocktoken Unlock_code.bin” (without quotes), replacing “Unlock_code.bin” with the file you received.

Confirm the unlock, and you’re one step closer to rooting your Android device.

Some manufacturers and carriers don’t sanction bootloader unlocking, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. Try searching the XDA Developers forum for workarounds and unofficial solutions.

How to root your Android device with multiple programs

There are a lot of different ways to root your phone or tablet. Here are a few of our favorites.

Rooting with Root Master

1. Download and install the APK. You may need to tap the Unknown Sources button in your Android Security settings to complete the installation.
2. Launch the app, then tap Start.
3. The app will let you know if your device is compatible. If it isn’t, you must try one of the other apps on our list.
4. If you can root your device, proceed to the next step, and the app will begin rooting. This may take some time, and it’s a good idea to try not to use your phone for anything else while it’s running.
5. Once you see the Success screen, restart your device, and you’re done!
6. Once it’s finished, you can download and run Magisk to manage your root access.

Rooting with Framaroot

Framaroot is a newer one-click rooting service, and it aims to make the process of rooting easy for everyone with a simple one-click “root” button. However, you might have to jump through a couple of hoops to get it started.

1. Download the APK.
2. Install it — you may need to tap the Unknown Sources button in your Android Security settings to complete the installation.
3. Open the app, and tap Root.
4. If it can root your device, you can root your device.
5. You then must download and run Magisk to manage your root access.

Then that’s it — you’re ready!

Rooting your Android device with Firmware.mobi

Firmware.mobi, an unlocking utility by developer Chainfire, isn’t the easiest way to root your Android smartphone, but it is one of the most stable. It works on over 300 devices and provides step-by-step instructions that make the rooting process as seamless as it could be.

You will need to download the ZIP file intended for your device.

1. Extract the folder.
2. Navigate to it and find the root-windows.bat file. Double-click it.
3. Wait for the script to execute, and press any key.
4. When the process is complete, your phone will automatically reboot, and it will root you.

Rooting your Android device with BaiduRoot

BaiduRoot, a software utility by Beijing-based Baidu Inc., supports over 6,000 Android devices. Still, since those only include devices running Android 2.2 up to Android 4.4, it’s going to have limited use for most. However, if you’ve got an ancient phone lying around, this is a great tool for rooting and repurposing that. It’s coded in Chinese, but a crafty translator has released an English version.

BaiduRoot is one of the more straightforward rooting applications. Once you’ve downloaded it on your computer, it’s a step-by-step affair.

First, you must unzip the file. Find Baidu_Root.RAR and extract its contents (if you’re using Windows, you might need a third-party application like 7-Zip).

Next, attach the device you want to root to your computer via USB and transfer the files. Once that’s done, unplug your phone.

1. On your smartphone or tablet, head to Settings > Security (or Lock Screen and Security).
2. Toggle Unknown Sources, and press OK on the pop-up.
3. Find the folder containing the BaiduRoot app and tap the APK file. Follow the instructions to complete the installation.

Now, switch to BaiduRoot:

1. Open BaiduRoot and accept the license agreement.
2. Tap the Root button in the center of the screen.
3. After a few seconds, you’ll get a message showing that the device successfully rooted.

Here’s a video showing the installation process.

Rooting with One Click Root

The One Click Root procedure is simple:

1. Check that your device is supported by the Root Availability Tool.
2. Download the Windows/Mac One Click Root program.
3. Connect your device via USB cable.
4. Enable USB debugging on your device.
5. Run One Click Root and let the software handle the tricky bit.

How to use Kingo Android Root

Kingo Root can install on a Windows-based computer or directly to the device you want to root. First, check to see if your device is compatible with Kingo by checking the official list. Then, grab the Kingo Android Root for Windows program, and install it. Alternatively, download the Kingo Android Root APK to your device, check the Unknown Sources box (see above), and install it.

If you’ve opted to use the Windows client, ensure to enable USB Debugging mode on your phone.

From there, usage is pretty simple:

1. Launch Kingo Root on your computer and connect your device via USB.
2. Kingo Root should detect your device automatically and prompt you to root it. Click Root, and then hang tight — Kingo will only take a few minutes to grant root privileges.

1. Install the Kingo Root APK.
2. Open the Kingo Root app.
3. If your device is compatible, you will see a One Click Root button. Tap it and be patient — it can take a while.
4. If the root is successful, you will see a large checkmark.

Resources you will need after you root and how to unroot

Arguably no other mobile operating system parallels the diversity of Android OS. For this reason, there is no universal way to root your device. If the above options fail, do not fret. There is likely a guide on how to root your specific device available somewhere online — a few reliable resources include XDA Developers’ forum and the Android Forums.

Download Root Checker

Install a root management app

Rooting will make your phone more vulnerable to security threats. Installing a root management app will give you more peace of mind. Normally, every app that requires rooted privileges will ask for your approval. This is where root management apps, such as Magisk Manager, come in. Magisk Manager is open-source software that allows you to manage your phone’s root permissions, granting or denying individual apps’ permission.

How to unroot your Android device

For all the benefits you can gain from rooting, you can go back to the way things were. Whichever method you attempt, always make sure you back up your data before changing your phone.

Unroot with Universal Unroot

You can easily unroot your phone with Universal Unroot. It removes root privileges in most Android devices, but it’s not perfect. Most Samsung devices are not compatible, and LG devices will be unrooted but still show as rooted after the app has worked its magic. It used to be a dollar, but it’s now free since the developers are no longer updating it. But if you’ve got an older device that’s supported, it’s a good way to be sure.

Unroot by flashing stock firmware

One of the most thorough ways to remove root access is by flashing your device with factory firmware. This method will completely wipe your phone or tablet clean of any root traces, but a word of warning: It’s not for the faint of heart.

First, download the factory image for your device to your computer. Once again, XDA is a great resource.

Next, unzip the file. You will see another zipped file — unzip that one, too. The unzipped folder should contain a bootloader image, radio, various scripts, and one more zipped file. Again, unzip that.

The next step involves installing ADB and Fastboot on your computer.

Download and install the Android SDK Platform Tools from Google’s developer site. There are choices for Windows, Mac, and Linux. These instructions are for Windows machines. Extract the zipped files. When asked what directory to install the software to, we recommend setting it to C:android-sdk. If you choose a different location, make sure you remember it.

1. Tap on About Phone and find the Build Number.
2. Tap on the Build Number seven times, and the Developer Options will appear on the Settings main page.
3. Tap on the Back key to see the Developer Options.
4. Tap on Developer Options.
5. Check to enable OEM Unlocking.

Switch back to your computer. Copy boot.img in the folder you unzipped and place it in your ADB folder, C:android-sdk.

Connect your phone to your computer via USB. Open your computer’s command prompt by holding down Shift + Right Click and choosing Open a Command Prompt Here. Then, enter these commands:

1. adb reboot bootloader
2. fastboot flash boot boot.img
3. fastboot reboot

Unroot with file explorer

1. Find your device’s main drive under /.
2. Go to System > Bin, then tap and hold on busybox and su and delete them.
3. Now go to System > Xbin, then tap and hold on busybox and su and delete them.
4. Finally, go to System > App and delete supeuser.apk.
5. Restart the device, and you should be unrooted.

Unroot with OTA update

Sometimes just installing an OTA update will break root. Look for a software update under Settings > About Device. Just be careful — it might prove impossible to recover from. In that case, you may need to flash the original firmware first.

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