Rooting is the Android equivalent of jailbreaking, a means of unlocking the operating system so you can install unapproved apps, deleted unwanted bloatware, update the OS, replace the firmware, overclock (or underclock) the processor, customize anything and so on.
Of course, for the average user, this sounds like -- and can be -- a scary process. After all, 'rooting' around in your smartphone's core software might seem like a recipe for disaster. One wrong move and you could end up with bricked handset.
Thankfully, there's a utility that makes rooting a one-click affair: KingoRoot. It's free and it works -- though not with all devices.
Does Android Root void my device's warranty? It depends on different phone manufacturer's warranty policy. Also, we can provide an unroot tool to help you clean up the root access. What is the success rate of Android Root? Currently Android Root supports more than 7000 Android devices running different operating system.
I originally tested Kingo on a Virgin Mobile Supreme and Asus Nexus 7; the process proved quick and easy. More recently, I used it to root a OnePlus One, and this time it was even easier -- because an app did all the work.
However, I couldn't get the utility to work on a Verizon Samsung Galaxy S6. Your mileage may vary, of course, and I definitely recommend checking the compatibility list before proceeding. (Even if your device isn't on it, the utility may work with it.) Here's how to get started.
The app version
The easiest way to use KingoRoot is to install the app version, which literally performs the root process with just one tap.
In fact, the only complicated part is actually getting that app onto your Android device. That's because it's not available in the Google Play Store; instead, you must download the KingoRoot APK and manually install it.
Ideally, you'll just point your device's mobile to the KingoRoot Android page and download it directly. If that doesn't work for some reason, or you're working from your PC, download the APK and email it to yourself as an attachment. Then, on your device, open that e-mail and download that attachment.
To install it, however, you'll need to make sure your device is set to allow apps from unknown sources. In most versions of Android, that goes like this: Head to Settings, tap Security, scroll down to Unknown Sources and toggle the switch to the on position.
Now you can install KingoRoot. Then run the app, tap One Click Root, and cross your fingers. If all goes well, your device should be rooted within about 60 seconds. (On my aforementioned Galaxy S6, the process made it to 90 percent, then the phone crashed and rebooted. Luckily, no harm done.)
The desktop version
Kingo's support pages suggested I might have better luck with the Galaxy S6 if I tried the Windows version of KingoRoot. Here's that process:
Step 1: Download and install KingoRoot for Windows, making sure to leave unchecked the option to 'Install Yahoo powered Chromium browser' and then click Decline to prevent any other adware incursions.
Step 2: Enable USB debugging mode on your phone. If it's running Android 4.0 or 4.1, tap Settings, Developer Options, then tick the box for 'USB debugging.' (You may need to switch 'Developer options' to On before you can do so.) On Android 4.2, tap Settings, About Phone, Developer Options, and then tick USB debugging.' Then tap OK to approve the setting change.
On Android 4.3 and later (including 5.0, though this also applies to some versions of 4.2), tap Settings, About Phone, then scroll down to Build Number. Tap it seven times, at which point you should see the message, 'You are now a developer!'
With that done, tap Settings, About Phone, Developer Options, and then tick USB debugging.' Then tap OK to approve the setting change.
Step 3: Run Android Root on your PC, then connect your phone via its USB sync cable. After a moment, the former should show a connection to the latter. Your device screen may show an 'Allow USB debugging?' pop-up. Tick 'Always allow from this computer,' then tap OK.
Step 4: Click Root, then sit back and wait while the utility does its thing. After a few minutes, my Galaxy S6 got to 70 percent, and then the phone once again crashed and rebooted. Again, your mileage can (and most likely will) vary.
And that's all there is to it. If you decide you want to reverse the process, just run Android Root again, connect your phone, then click Remove Root. (Same goes for the app version, more or less.)
Now, what should you do with your rooted phone? Hit the comments to share your favorite options.
Editor's note: This how-to was originally published on June 10, 2014 and has since been updated to reflect new ways to root your device.
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So you've decided to root your Android smartphone. While the concept of rooting is somewhat complicated, the actual process isn't. Rooting is a process that lets you access all the settings and sub-settings in your phone, which means you can install and uninstall anything you want. It's like having administrative privileges over your PC or Mac. There are many rewards and some risks to consider, of course, and a few precautions you should take first. Here are the steps to safely root your smartphone.
The directions below should apply no matter who made your Android phone: Samsung, Google, Huawei, Xiaomi, etc.
Back Up Your Phone
If you've ever interacted with an IT professional, you know that backing up your data is one of the most important things you can do. When rooting your phone, this is particularly important on the off-chance something goes wrong, or if you change your mind. (Rooting can be reversed.) You can back up your Android device in a few ways, using Google's tools or third-party apps.
Choose an APK or Custom ROM
Next, you'll need to choose an APK (Android application package) or custom ROM (alternate version of Android.) Since Android is open-source, developers can create modified versions, and there are many, many versions out there. An APK is used to distribute and install software on your device. Rooting programs include Towelroot and KingoRoot: check which one is compatible with your device.
After you root your phone, you can stop there, or choose to install a custom ROM, which will offer even more features. The most popular custom ROM is LineageOS (formerly CyanogenMod), which was built into the OnePlus One Android phone. Other well-liked ROMs include Paranoid Android and AOKP (Android Open Kang Project). A comprehensive chart with descriptions of custom ROMs is available online.
Rooting Your Phone
Depending on the APK or custom ROM you choose, the rooting process will vary, though the basics remain the same. Sites like the XDA Developers Forum and the AndroidForums offer in-depth information and instructions on rooting specific phone models, but here's an overview of the process.
Unlock the Bootloader
The bootloader controls which applications are running when you boot up your phone: unlocking it gives YOU this control.
Install an APK or Custom ROM
The APK enables you to install software on your device, the most common being Towelroot and Kingo. Custom ROMs are alternative operating systems that share features with stock Android but offer different interfaces and more functionality. The most popular are LineageOS (formerly CyanogenMod) and Paranoid Android, but there are a lot more out there.
Download a Root Checker
If you use an APK instead of a custom ROM, you may want to download an app that will verify that you rooted your phone successfully.
Install a Root Management App
A management app will protect your rooted phone from security vulnerabilities and prevent apps from accessing private information.
The Benefits and Risks
There are more pros than cons to rooting your Android phone. As we said, rooting means you have complete control over your phone so that you can view and modify all settings and access apps designed just for rooted phones. These apps include ad-blockers and robust security and backup utilities. You can also customize your phone with themes and colors, and even change button configurations, depending on the rooted OS version you choose (more on that in a minute).
Risks are minimal but include voiding your warranty, losing access to specific apps or killing your phone altogether, though the latter is unlikely. It's important to weigh these risks against the features you could gain by rooting. If you take the right precautions, you shouldn't run into problems.