How to easily root an Android Device.
We've discussed the good, we've discussed the bad. We'll keep talking about both, because root on Android, like Android itself, is a constantly evolving thing. Android is the most popular version and the most popular computing system.
As Android matures, the wide-open style of root access we may have grown used to with legacy versions has gone away. Because Android is designed for mobile devices, the focus is on security — specifically the security of your life's data you might have stored away on that screen in your pocket. We've seen Android go from the wild-west days of unfettered Superuser access, to locked down and tamper-proof (well, they try to be) devices meant for folks who need the extra level for their business details.For some of us, this is a hinderance and we don't want Google or the folks who made our phone trying to protect us from ourselves. But for each person who needs — or thinks they need — unfettered root access there are thousands, if not tens of thousands, who just want their data to stay safe. Those people are who our phones get built for, and we're left to exploit as best we can. Root itself is just a user with elevated permissions, who can do anything to any file or folder in the system. It's often dangerous, always powerful, and an integral part of Linux. Android is the most popular "version" of Linux in the world (as well as the most popular computing system), but as we discussed above superuser access is more restricted than it is on other Linux systems. We don't have to like this, but there is little we can do to change it other than build our own from the Android Open Source Project. While I think anyone and everyone interested in building Android themselves should look into it, for now we have to stay in the limits that Security Enhanced kernels and Knox have given us. 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). How to get started. First step is Download and install Android Root. Second step is Enable USB debugging mode on your phone. Third step is Run Android Root on your PC, then connect your phone via USB sync cable. And Last step is Click Root, then sit back and wait while the utility does its thing. why should I root my Android Phone ? 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 – 5.1.1 Lollipop – is a clutter-free work of art that feels a long way from the dark days of Android 2.2 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. 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. If you want a more in-depth look at the pros and cons of rooting your phone, check out our Why Root Android? feature. 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.
As Android matures, the wide-open style of root access we may have grown used to with legacy versions has gone away. Because Android is designed for mobile devices, the focus is on security — specifically the security of your life's data you might have stored away on that screen in your pocket. We've seen Android go from the wild-west days of unfettered Superuser access, to locked down and tamper-proof (well, they try to be) devices meant for folks who need the extra level for their business details.For some of us, this is a hinderance and we don't want Google or the folks who made our phone trying to protect us from ourselves. But for each person who needs — or thinks they need — unfettered root access there are thousands, if not tens of thousands, who just want their data to stay safe. Those people are who our phones get built for, and we're left to exploit as best we can. Root itself is just a user with elevated permissions, who can do anything to any file or folder in the system. It's often dangerous, always powerful, and an integral part of Linux. Android is the most popular "version" of Linux in the world (as well as the most popular computing system), but as we discussed above superuser access is more restricted than it is on other Linux systems. We don't have to like this, but there is little we can do to change it other than build our own from the Android Open Source Project. While I think anyone and everyone interested in building Android themselves should look into it, for now we have to stay in the limits that Security Enhanced kernels and Knox have given us. 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). How to get started. First step is Download and install Android Root. Second step is Enable USB debugging mode on your phone. Third step is Run Android Root on your PC, then connect your phone via USB sync cable. And Last step is Click Root, then sit back and wait while the utility does its thing. why should I root my Android Phone ? 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 – 5.1.1 Lollipop – is a clutter-free work of art that feels a long way from the dark days of Android 2.2 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. 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. If you want a more in-depth look at the pros and cons of rooting your phone, check out our Why Root Android? feature. 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.
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