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 in case something goes wrong, or if you change your mind. (You can reverse rooting.) 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 (an 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.
Root 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. It 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. 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 essential to weigh these risks against the features you could gain by rooting. If you take the right precautions, you shouldn’t run into problems.
