We have already discussed the pros and cons of Android root permissions in a previous article, so maybe before continuing we advise you to give it a reading.
The Android root, just to summarize briefly, is the procedure that provides an Android device with administrator privileges and therefore access to every part of the system.
The procedure is fully legal but invalidates the manufacturer’s warranty at least temporarily, will invalidate it forever if your device has the bootloader locked and you unlock it.
Let’s go now to see specifically how to have root permissions on Android and all the necessary requirements to be able to complete the procedure.
How to get root permissions
We will show you two ways to follow on how to have root permissions on Android: a simple one, which unfortunately does not work on all devices, and a more advanced one.
The simplest method is to use apps that root with a tap: these apps use a vulnerability present in the device firmware allowing to obtain privileges even without affecting the bootloader.
Often these root apps are developed in the Far East and therefore Chinese Android devices are the most vulnerable. We have already covered these methods in our previous article.
If you are not lucky and these apps do not work on your device then you have to take the longest way, which is also the only viable for a large number of terminals.
It is recommended before proceeding to make a full Android backup of your data (photos, videos, messages etc.), because if you unlock the bootloader they will be lost and will be in danger even if your device already has the bootloader unlocked.
In addition, you will need to install the drivers of your device, and have a PC available, the drivers will be downloaded and installed automatically when you connect your terminal to the PC via USB.
In case of problems with the download to install the correct drivers for your device just download the manufacturer’s application usually she will automatically install the necessary drivers.
In the case of Motorola, for example, the Motorola Device manager. If you have problems, consult our insights:
At this point you are ready and you can proceed, this is a global guide. In general the procedure for the root of each terminal goes from the same steps.
Root access and first step: unlock the bootloader
Some devices, unfortunately all the new ones, have the bootloader blocked and to proceed with the modding you will first have to unlock it (and therefore obtain root permissions).
In general, each operator provides you with his/her own way to unlock it, but be careful because all these ways invalidate the warranty. By placing your IMEI on the manufacturer’s website, you will inform him that your bootloader has been unlocked, and you will effectively waive his warranty.
Typically the procedure varies by model and manufacturer. We therefore recommend a Google search by writing “unlock bootloader” followed by the name of your Android terminal.
Getting root permissions: install recovery
Recovery is one of the bases of modding on Android. To date there are two different recovery: the clockworkmod and the twrp, both excellent and practically equivalent for the purpose of modding. Most devices are ported to one another or both.
After unlocking the bootloader, the next step is to flash a recovery suitable for your terminal. We have already written an in-depth guide, so it is useless to repeat ourselves.
The advice is to search for the correct files online: just search Google for the words recovery and the name of your terminal, or consult our guides that we have already prepared for different terminals you can find at the end of the post.
Once the recovery is installed you can finally make a Nandroid backup that we highly recommend.
Root rights: root or custom ROM flash
Installed the recovery you can finally flash the .zip files and not only those of the cooked roms (some with the root already included) but also modified kernels and the package for the root. The packages to be flashed must be suitable for your terminal, if you make the wrong Rom you risk making your Android device brick.
The brick means to ruin your terminal, sometimes the brick is reversible but other times unfortunately it is not (and you will find yourself an expensive ornament/paperweight).
So we recommend the utmost attention in choosing the rom, kernel, and superuser root package suitable for your terminal (your exact smartphone or tablet model, you can find out with confidence by looking at Phone info, in your settings menu).
After copying the zip files of the root or the rom on your Android device (or on the microSD card or on the internal memory is fine), you can turn it on in recovery mode with the appropriate combination of keys and select theInstall ZIP from SDoptioncardand choose the ZIP package to install.
Once the operation is completed (after a few minutes, especially in the case of the flash of a rom), we recommend the wipe (Wipe Data andWipe Cache Partition) from the recovery menu.
If you have installed the root package at this point you can restart and enjoy the fruits of your effort. If, on the other hand, you have installed a cooked rom, you will probably also need to install Gapps, Google’s apps, including the Play Store.
Often you will find all the information in the post of the rom you choose where the perfect Gapps for your terminal will also be linked (which depend on the Android version of the rom and the processor of your terminal).
At this point you can enjoy all the potential of the root, consult our list of the best apps.
Android root access: FAQ
If you still have questions, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions (root).
- Will I still be able to do OTA updates as root?The answer is certainly no, many terminals allow you to download them but then they give error at the time of installation. So it is recommended to remove the root before proceeding with the updates. We made a guide on how to remove the root (you can find it in the previous point).
- Is it true that some applications have root protection?It is unfortunately true! Some apps use APIs made available by Google that detect the root. We have already gone into what it is and the methods to get around this check: And an ad hoc solution for theSky Go app.
- What is the main source of root guides?Simple without a doubtXda-developers, not for nothing is one of the most popular sites by geeks on Android.
Well, that’s really all: for any question we are available! Comment us in the comment box if you have any questions.