Android is essentially a free mobile system, and the user has the freedom to customize their device as they see fit. However, the root process is not so simple and scares away the less experienced, in addition to bringing risks of permanent damage to the smartphone.
Here you will learn more about root, its advantages and disadvantages.

What is root?

Root is nothing more than getting administrator privileges on your smartphone. On Linux, the system on which the Android kernel (the system core) was based, there are two types of users: the default, which is "user" and the administrator, known as "superuser" or "root".
This user can make all kinds of changes, such as creating and deleting partitions (unit divisions in physical storage, similar to Windows C, D and so on. drives), manipulating protected files and changing the behavior of the OS.
On Linux, granting root access to a user can have catastrophic results, and on Android this is no different: if the smartphone owner does not know what he is doing he can erase the entire contents of the device, thus turning it into a weight of paper.

In Android, the term ended up being more linked to a state of the device, in which it is completely unlocked for the installation of programs that the system would normally bar, such as alternative image loaders; this is one of the main reasons that leads a user to root their smartphone in the first place.

How do I root my Android device?

There are a number of methods for unlocking an Android device, which may or may not differ greatly from one to the other for a simple reason: there are a huge number of devices running the system on the market, from several different manufacturers and each with a tool distinct security. While rooting your gadget is not illegal, companies don't like to see users using their products in unforeseen ways.

The easiest way to find a method to root your smartphone or tablet is to use the community: forums such as XDA Developers and Android Forums, among others, gather a large amount of information accessible even to the most inexperienced users. , but who want to do more with their device of choice.

Remember, rooting is just the first step. The process only releases administrator privileges and, with them, you can install new tools on your gadget.

What can I do with my rooted Android?

Quite something. More experienced users usually install specific applications (unverified, it is good to note) to automate functions, control the speed of the processor, better control the power consumption, turn on and off access to 4G or Wi-Fi entirely, run apps incompatible with a certain model, remove applications included by the manufacturer or operator, change the kernel, etc.
Depending on the tool installed to allow root access, the user can make a complete backup of all smartphone content, add functions that improve native resources, in short ... The process effectively puts the control of the device in the user's hands .
It is necessary to clarify, however, that rooting and unlocking the device are different things.

What is the difference between root and unlock Android?

Basically, the process of unlocking Android is just about giving access to the bootloader, the program in charge of starting your device and verifying that all installed features are legitimate. Once released, it is through it that the user can install a customized ROM, an alternative image of the Android system on his device.
That is, root is not necessarily necessary if you just want to change the system, but it is essential for those looking to deeply customize the smartphone or tablet.

By unlocking Android, the user can use the OS recovery tool to wipe all device data and include a new system image, something that many do for a variety of reasons: from relying on a software version without unnecessary applications or replace the original system with a Custom ROM, an alternative version usually developed by the community.
There are several Custom ROMS available, with LineageOS being the most famous today; heir to the late CyanogenMod, it is an option for users with Android devices that no longer receive official updates from the manufacturers. Depending on the model, the system provides updates for much more than the 18 months guaranteed by Google.

What are the dangers of rooting Android?

When rooting, the user is implementing a profound modification to his Android device and, therefore, the procedure voids the warranty of the same. In general, technical assistance has the means to detect when a device has been changed, even if the user decides to undo the root and leave the device in its original form. In such cases, repair within the warranty period, in case of damage, may be refused.
There is also a risk that the root procedure, if performed incorrectly, will cause profound damage to the device, and may even lead it to an unrecoverable state, the so-called brick: the smartphone or tablet stops accepting any command or upload files, becoming completely useless.

The chances that something goes very wrong with root, even if the user follows the entire procedure correctly are very small, but they do exist. So, it is important to remember that we are not responsible for anything that happens to your Android smartphone or tablet and, for that very reason, we do not teach you how to root this post. It is up to the user to decide whether it is worthwhile or not and, if so, to bear the consequences if something does not go as planned.

Glossary of common terms

• Flash: in the Android root context, it refers to installing a file package, a ROM or a new kernel on your device, which may or may not be necessary for the process;
• ADB: acronym for Android Debug Bridge, a command line tool included in the Android development kit (SDK). Most root tools use ADB and, in some cases, the user may have to type commands directly to make the tool work. It all depends on the method and model of the device;
• Recovery: is the Android recovery tool, where the user can make backups, erase the cache memory or perform a device factory reset. That is why it is an essential part of the root process. While the official version is very limited, third-party applications include more functions and offer more control options to the user.

Summing up...

The root process offers the user a large amount of useful tools, capable of giving special powers to your Android device and giving the complete control of the gadget in their hands. However, the process is not simple and there are risks. The most recommended thing to do is to read a lot about it, ask for guidance in the forums and talk to those who are already used to the process. That way, you will learn about it so you can unlock your smartphone without any problems.