Android is a wonderfully open platform, with Marshmallow and Lollipop being excellent examples of how far the OS has developed. There's even more potential under the hood though, and our beginner's guide to rooting your phone or tablet shows you how to get the most from your Android device. To root Android you'll need to enable Developer Mode and USB debugging on your device, then connect it to your PC. Free third-party software such as OneClickRoot can simplify rooting your Android phone or tablet, but alternatives are available. You can also root your phone or tablet without a PC using Stump Root. We'll explain all this in our guide to rooting Android below.
In-depth guide
One of the biggest advantages of the Android platform over its rivals is how users can customize devices to their personal tastes and requirements. The ultimate expression of this is rooting a phone. While Android is customizable, the layers of software that manufacturers often put on top of the OS can be limiting. Rooting is a way to get rid of this barrier, gain access to every aspect of the device, and take total control of your system. In this feature we’ll show you the basic principles of how to root a device running Marshmallow, Lollipop, or an older version of Android, and some of the pitfalls you need to avoid. This is a beginner’s guide, so you don’t need to be a seasoned technician to achieve a rooted phone. There are some risks involved though, including the potential to make your phone totally unusable, so we recommend you read through the article in full before you consider heading down this path, and if possible practice on an old phone first. That being said, rooting a phone is actually quite straightforward and the benefits easily outweigh the risks for careful users.
What does rooting mean?
Rooting an Android device is the process of gaining privileged or full control of the operating system, and even the software that runs the operating system. The idea is to get root access hence why it is known as 'rooting'. It's a bit like having a VIP pass at a gig, you can go anywhere you like and do anything you want (within reason). Rooting an Android smart phone or tablet is effectively the same as 'jail breaking' an iPhone.
The problems occur when phone manufacturers lay their own interfaces on top of it. Far from improving Android, they often make things slower, uglier and more confusing. Then there’s the mortal sin of pre-loaded apps, often duplicating the functionality of stock Google versions, and being impossible to remove. Not only does this take valuable storage space away from the user, but it seems to suggest that this expensive device you’ve paid for doesn't actually belong to you. If you want that kind of experience then a trip to the Apple Store is probably a good idea, and at least you’ll be able to sell the device for a decent amount of money when you decide to upgrade. The good news is it doesn't have to be this way. If you want to control every aspect of your device, choosing the access apps have to the web and the very interface itself, then rooting remains a solid option. The process is free, shouldn't take too long, and in many cases is reversible. Of course if you don’t want cumbersome pre-loaded software suites, then there is the more capitalistic approach of not buying a phone from a manufacturer that employs such tactics. Instead you can pick up one of the Nexus range from Google, which includes the Nexus 5X and its larger brother the Nexus 6P, or a Moto G, Moto X Play, or Moto X Style from Motorola, all of which arrive with a minimum of bloat. But if you already have a different Android phone, or have your eye on one in particular, and just don’t aren't keen on the software, then rooting could let you build the device of your dreams.
Is rooting Android dangerous?
Rooting isn't a five-minute job. The decision needs a bit of thought. First, rooting your phone will absolutely void your warranty. Manufacturers don’t want you to do it, Google doesn't want you to do it, and you won’t get any customer support if you run into problems…and you are likely to run into problems. The worst case scenario is you will brick your phone. This doesn't mean you grow so frustrated that you'll throw it against the wall - it simply describes the technological abilities your phone will possess if rooting goes wrong. Which is nothing at all. Hence, a brick.Security becomes a more serious concern. Many of the reports you read about malicious attacks on Android users will most likely involve rooted devices, or certainly those running software not found on the Google Play Store. So it’s more risky than a standard setup. But, and this is very important, if you do your research, are not afraid to learn how things work, and don’t mind spending time fixing software problems, rooting can be hugely liberating and give you a device that is truly your own. Just remember, backup anything important before you begin, preferably to a PC or cloud service.
Can anyone root Android?
Considering the risks involved with rooting our advice is that you should only do it on your device if you can survive if something goes wrong. If you already have doubts then it's probably best to leave things well alone. We said this was a beginner's guide - which it is - but that doesn't mean rooting is suitable for everyone. If you're keen to learn about rooting, use - or buy - an old, cheap phone to practice on before moving up to your main device.
Rooting a device running Android 6.0 Marshmallow
Since its release in October 2015, the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update has been slowly making its way out into the Android community. As it remains a relatively new version of Android, the number of phones actually running the software is still quite small. At the time of writing only a handful of the major manufacturers have released the Marshmallow update for their handsets so far, although we expect to see this increase rapidly throughout the next few months.
This absence means that there are very few options available for those who want to root their brand new devices. Our investigations only found solutions for Google’s own Nexus range of handsets and the LG G4. All of these routes involve unlocking the bootloader, wiping devices, installing a new kernel, then installing a custom ROM, all of which is simpler than it sounds but would still be a challenge for many beginners. For the moment we’d recommend holding off for a few months, as the hacking community is bound to produce tools that automate parts of the process, which would make it a little less intimidating. As so much of rooting involves fixing issues by talking with others that have already worked through them, it’s a good idea to let more experienced hackers go before you and weed out any potential nasty bugs that could cause your phone problems. Remember, being one step ahead makes you a pioneer, being two steps ahead makes you a martyr.
How do I root Android? Step-by-step guide to rooting Android Lollipop or earlier versions
The first thing to know is that there isn't a ‘root my phone’ button on your device. It’s also not entirely clear whether your particular handset can be rooted easily. So before you begin thinking about custom ROMs or root-enabled apps, you’ll need to research your specific Android phone or tablet. A good search term is ‘[model name] how to root’. More often than not you’ll probably find a link to a website called XDA Developers, which is undoubtedly the best resource for this sort of thing. Here you may well discover that there are many variants of your handset, each with different identifying numbers and codes. European models tend to vary from their North American cousins, as do the ones from other parts of the world. To find your exact unit go to Settings on your phone and navigate through General>About Phone, then check the Model number. On some Android variants you might find this in the Hardware Information option on the About Phone menu. You’ll also want to know which flavor of Android you’re running, so visit Settings>General>About Phone, and check the Android version. Again some phone will have this under Software Information. Another thing you’ll need to do before you can root your phone, no matter which method you use, it to turn on Developer mode. To do this go to Settings>General>About Phone, then tap on the Build number several times until you see a message saying that you are now a developer. Then when you return to Settings>General you’ll see that Developer Options has appeared on your menu, tap this and ensure that USB debugging is turned on.
Armed with your handset model information you should be able to track down the method that exists to root your phone. While we were writing this guide we used an old LG G3 that we had in the office, and found a couple of different tools that were recommended. The most appealing was OneClickRoot, which is a website that promises a simple process for rooting a number of Android phones. You visit the site, find your phone, download the free software, then connect your phone to your PC and run the root process. There are a number of other downloadable Root tools to choose from, such as SuperOneClick, Unlock Root, Z4Root and Universal AndRoot, but you'll need to check if your device is supported.
The potential hazards of trying to root a phone showed up straight away for us, as the OneClickRoot method didn't actually work. Our phone appeared on the list, it matched the model number, but when we tried to root a message appeared saying our device wasn't eligible yet, but would hopefully be added in the future. There was a chat option, but we decided to carry on our search. We tried another piece of software that was recommended on several sites, but this time the program wouldn't actually run on our PC, even after several attempts and multiple copies being downloaded.
We mention this because the path to rootedness can be filled with this sort of frustration. It’s very much a community effort, run by enthusiasts, and therefore you can expect to spend lots of time on forums if things don’t turn out as you’d hoped. Of course, you might try any of the above and find it works first time, which would have been our experience if we’d started with Stump Root.
Is my phone rooted? How do I know if my phone is rooted?
When you first turn on a rooted phone there isn't much to differentiate it from an unrooted one. A quick way to make sure is to download the free Root Checker app from the Google Play Store. Just tap the Check button in the top right hand corner of the installed app, and it will do a short scan of your system and confirm whether you have Root Access or not.
Why do people root Android?
One of the first apps to download from the Google Play Store is SuperSU, which allows you to control the permissions that root apps have, alongside a variety of other settings. Depending on how you rooted your device, SuperSU might already have been installed, or you might find an alternative called KingRoot on your system which does many of the same things. There are some very useful apps that require root access, and now you can use any of these on your phone. If you really want to gain complete governance over your system then Device Control is an excellent app that has options for a whole manner of deep settings such as speed limits on your CPU, internal temperature controls, and the Tasker which allows you to create rules for how your phone behaves in different circumstances. This last one is incredibly useful, but can be intimidating to make sense of at first. We recommend searching for a few tutorials online, and before you know it you’ll be whizzing around the interface. Device Control requires another app, Busybox, to work properly, but you’ll be taken to the right place to install it when needed.
Backing up your phone is another very handy feature, and this can be achieved by downloading Titanium Backup app from the Google Play Store. Once installed you can use Titanium to make backups of your user data, applications, or both. To do your first full backup tap on the Backup/Restore tab at the top of the app, then tap Menu>Batch action>Backup all user apps + system data, then tap the green tick.
If you want to fine tune your system and customise its behaviour even further, but don’t fancy heading down the more nuclear Custom ROM route, then the Xposed Framework offers many of the advantages of custom ROMs, but without the hassle. It’s not a standard app you’ll find in the Google Play Store, so you’ll need to search for it online - just go to the XDA Developers site - then install it, and download some of the many tweak packs that actually do the adjusting. Popular options include Tweakbox, and the MoDaCo Toolkit.
What does rooting mean?
Rooting an Android device is the process of gaining privileged or full control of the operating system, and even the software that runs the operating system. The idea is to get root access hence why it is known as 'rooting'. It's a bit like having a VIP pass at a gig, you can go anywhere you like and do anything you want (within reason). Rooting an Android smart phone or tablet is effectively the same as 'jail breaking' an iPhone.
Why should I root my Android phone or tablet?
Android is a mature platform now, and the arguments for rooting that made sense a couple of years ago hold a little less water these days. Google has worked hard to refine the user experience, and the current iteration – 6.0 Marshmallow – is a clutter-free work of art that feels a long way from the dark days of Froyo and Gingerbread.(We've largely blanked those from our collective memory.)The problems occur when phone manufacturers lay their own interfaces on top of it. Far from improving Android, they often make things slower, uglier and more confusing. Then there’s the mortal sin of pre-loaded apps, often duplicating the functionality of stock Google versions, and being impossible to remove. Not only does this take valuable storage space away from the user, but it seems to suggest that this expensive device you’ve paid for doesn't actually belong to you. If you want that kind of experience then a trip to the Apple Store is probably a good idea, and at least you’ll be able to sell the device for a decent amount of money when you decide to upgrade. The good news is it doesn't have to be this way. If you want to control every aspect of your device, choosing the access apps have to the web and the very interface itself, then rooting remains a solid option. The process is free, shouldn't take too long, and in many cases is reversible. Of course if you don’t want cumbersome pre-loaded software suites, then there is the more capitalistic approach of not buying a phone from a manufacturer that employs such tactics. Instead you can pick up one of the Nexus range from Google, which includes the Nexus 5X and its larger brother the Nexus 6P, or a Moto G, Moto X Play, or Moto X Style from Motorola, all of which arrive with a minimum of bloat. But if you already have a different Android phone, or have your eye on one in particular, and just don’t aren't keen on the software, then rooting could let you build the device of your dreams.
Is rooting Android dangerous?
Rooting isn't a five-minute job. The decision needs a bit of thought. First, rooting your phone will absolutely void your warranty. Manufacturers don’t want you to do it, Google doesn't want you to do it, and you won’t get any customer support if you run into problems…and you are likely to run into problems. The worst case scenario is you will brick your phone. This doesn't mean you grow so frustrated that you'll throw it against the wall - it simply describes the technological abilities your phone will possess if rooting goes wrong. Which is nothing at all. Hence, a brick.Security becomes a more serious concern. Many of the reports you read about malicious attacks on Android users will most likely involve rooted devices, or certainly those running software not found on the Google Play Store. So it’s more risky than a standard setup. But, and this is very important, if you do your research, are not afraid to learn how things work, and don’t mind spending time fixing software problems, rooting can be hugely liberating and give you a device that is truly your own. Just remember, backup anything important before you begin, preferably to a PC or cloud service.
Can anyone root Android?
Considering the risks involved with rooting our advice is that you should only do it on your device if you can survive if something goes wrong. If you already have doubts then it's probably best to leave things well alone. We said this was a beginner's guide - which it is - but that doesn't mean rooting is suitable for everyone. If you're keen to learn about rooting, use - or buy - an old, cheap phone to practice on before moving up to your main device.
Rooting a device running Android 6.0 Marshmallow
Since its release in October 2015, the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update has been slowly making its way out into the Android community. As it remains a relatively new version of Android, the number of phones actually running the software is still quite small. At the time of writing only a handful of the major manufacturers have released the Marshmallow update for their handsets so far, although we expect to see this increase rapidly throughout the next few months.
This absence means that there are very few options available for those who want to root their brand new devices. Our investigations only found solutions for Google’s own Nexus range of handsets and the LG G4. All of these routes involve unlocking the bootloader, wiping devices, installing a new kernel, then installing a custom ROM, all of which is simpler than it sounds but would still be a challenge for many beginners. For the moment we’d recommend holding off for a few months, as the hacking community is bound to produce tools that automate parts of the process, which would make it a little less intimidating. As so much of rooting involves fixing issues by talking with others that have already worked through them, it’s a good idea to let more experienced hackers go before you and weed out any potential nasty bugs that could cause your phone problems. Remember, being one step ahead makes you a pioneer, being two steps ahead makes you a martyr.
How do I root Android? Step-by-step guide to rooting Android Lollipop or earlier versions
The first thing to know is that there isn't a ‘root my phone’ button on your device. It’s also not entirely clear whether your particular handset can be rooted easily. So before you begin thinking about custom ROMs or root-enabled apps, you’ll need to research your specific Android phone or tablet. A good search term is ‘[model name] how to root’. More often than not you’ll probably find a link to a website called XDA Developers, which is undoubtedly the best resource for this sort of thing. Here you may well discover that there are many variants of your handset, each with different identifying numbers and codes. European models tend to vary from their North American cousins, as do the ones from other parts of the world. To find your exact unit go to Settings on your phone and navigate through General>About Phone, then check the Model number. On some Android variants you might find this in the Hardware Information option on the About Phone menu. You’ll also want to know which flavor of Android you’re running, so visit Settings>General>About Phone, and check the Android version. Again some phone will have this under Software Information. Another thing you’ll need to do before you can root your phone, no matter which method you use, it to turn on Developer mode. To do this go to Settings>General>About Phone, then tap on the Build number several times until you see a message saying that you are now a developer. Then when you return to Settings>General you’ll see that Developer Options has appeared on your menu, tap this and ensure that USB debugging is turned on.
Armed with your handset model information you should be able to track down the method that exists to root your phone. While we were writing this guide we used an old LG G3 that we had in the office, and found a couple of different tools that were recommended. The most appealing was OneClickRoot, which is a website that promises a simple process for rooting a number of Android phones. You visit the site, find your phone, download the free software, then connect your phone to your PC and run the root process. There are a number of other downloadable Root tools to choose from, such as SuperOneClick, Unlock Root, Z4Root and Universal AndRoot, but you'll need to check if your device is supported.
The potential hazards of trying to root a phone showed up straight away for us, as the OneClickRoot method didn't actually work. Our phone appeared on the list, it matched the model number, but when we tried to root a message appeared saying our device wasn't eligible yet, but would hopefully be added in the future. There was a chat option, but we decided to carry on our search. We tried another piece of software that was recommended on several sites, but this time the program wouldn't actually run on our PC, even after several attempts and multiple copies being downloaded.
We mention this because the path to rootedness can be filled with this sort of frustration. It’s very much a community effort, run by enthusiasts, and therefore you can expect to spend lots of time on forums if things don’t turn out as you’d hoped. Of course, you might try any of the above and find it works first time, which would have been our experience if we’d started with Stump Root.
Is my phone rooted? How do I know if my phone is rooted?
When you first turn on a rooted phone there isn't much to differentiate it from an unrooted one. A quick way to make sure is to download the free Root Checker app from the Google Play Store. Just tap the Check button in the top right hand corner of the installed app, and it will do a short scan of your system and confirm whether you have Root Access or not.
Why do people root Android?
One of the first apps to download from the Google Play Store is SuperSU, which allows you to control the permissions that root apps have, alongside a variety of other settings. Depending on how you rooted your device, SuperSU might already have been installed, or you might find an alternative called KingRoot on your system which does many of the same things. There are some very useful apps that require root access, and now you can use any of these on your phone. If you really want to gain complete governance over your system then Device Control is an excellent app that has options for a whole manner of deep settings such as speed limits on your CPU, internal temperature controls, and the Tasker which allows you to create rules for how your phone behaves in different circumstances. This last one is incredibly useful, but can be intimidating to make sense of at first. We recommend searching for a few tutorials online, and before you know it you’ll be whizzing around the interface. Device Control requires another app, Busybox, to work properly, but you’ll be taken to the right place to install it when needed.
Backing up your phone is another very handy feature, and this can be achieved by downloading Titanium Backup app from the Google Play Store. Once installed you can use Titanium to make backups of your user data, applications, or both. To do your first full backup tap on the Backup/Restore tab at the top of the app, then tap Menu>Batch action>Backup all user apps + system data, then tap the green tick.
If you want to fine tune your system and customise its behaviour even further, but don’t fancy heading down the more nuclear Custom ROM route, then the Xposed Framework offers many of the advantages of custom ROMs, but without the hassle. It’s not a standard app you’ll find in the Google Play Store, so you’ll need to search for it online - just go to the XDA Developers site - then install it, and download some of the many tweak packs that actually do the adjusting. Popular options include Tweakbox, and the MoDaCo Toolkit.
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