What is Root or Android Rooting?. According to Wikipedia, it is the process of allowing users of smartphones, tablets and other devices running the Android mobile operating system to attain privileged control (known as root access) over various Android subsystems. As Android uses the Linux kernel, rooting an Android device gives similar access to administrative (superuser) permissions as on Linux.

As we know, Android offers a huge amount of flexibility and customizability options. But it still does not allow the users to make System-level changes. This is done so as to prevent making any accidental changes in the System files. Which ultimately could lead to improper Device functioning as a “Normal” day-to-day user.

Right. So, What is Root or Rooting an Android?

So, Android root or rooting an Android device refers to enabling the user to Root Access or Superuser (Administrative) rights and hence be able to bypass the system-level restrictions. Root basically refers to the topmost directory in the file-system hierarchy in Linux as compared for example, C:/ in Windows. You can traverse to the New Folder on the Desktop through the C:/ Directory. But unlike Windows, Linux restricts the direct access to this Root Directory to prevent any unwanted changes as I stated above.

Well, I’m all good, So why even should I Root my Android?

Simply putting, There are so many things you can do with Root which a normal user just cannot. As you already know by now, you can make changes to the System files. What it means is that:

If this isn’t your Style,

You can change it to This.

Or if this isn’t for you,                                             Make it this.

Crazy Right? Definitely!

And this is just the tip of the Iceberg. You can do lots and lots or insane stuff with your Rooted Device! Let me just mention a few more to get you even more indulged 😀

• Can install Custom Roms to greatly improve your android experience, everything from Aesthetics to huge Performance improvements
• Can build and modify everything to your own liking if you can code
• Complete Customized Backups
• Get rid of Bloatware: Non-removable Preinstalled System Crap!
• Gaming Mods: Get those Coins and stuff for free!
• Insane Sound Mods, and a lot more!

Don’t Worry, I’ll be covering up all the Must-have and most useful Android Root Apps in the upcoming posts. So stay tuned!

Great! Now that I know What is Root, Is there something to worry about before I get on with Rooting?

As it is said, Everything comes at a Price. The saying beholds true here as well.

• Yes, you read that right. Rooting your Android device void your Warranty! So think, plan and proceed according (if you’re too paranoid of course ;))

• One of the biggest downsides of Android Rooting is that you will no longer receive over-the-air (OTA) updates. Meaning you won’t be able to update the Software directly from the Device. You’ll have to manually update the Android device through a laptop using certain Apps and Softwares like Odin or Fastboot.

• As you might’ve guessed, as we have access to the Root filesystems here, any app that you install probably has access to pretty much everything in your device. If any “Malicious” app gains those permissions, God bless you. But as dangerous as it might sound, it’s very easy to manage and monitor the Root access for any and all the apps wanting to gain Superuser Access. So, just by being a little cautious, you’ll never have to worry about this one.

• Some apps just won’t work on Rooted Android Devices. Particularly, these are the Payment Solution Apps like Samsung or Google Pay and maybe some other apps too. But there certainly are some workarounds for the same since quite some time now. So I guess you’re Golden!

• If you’re not cautious and mistakenly apply the mods not meant for your Device or some corrupted file, you might end up Bricking your Android. This means that you might end up losing all your data or even end up with a Dead Device all together! There are basically 2 types of Bricking, Soft Brick and Hard Brick. This is the reason any(if not all) tutorial you follow on the Internet related to Root, the first and foremost step always begins with Backing up your Device! Also, there’s a ton of methods, ways and tutorials out there already to Save your Bricked Device!

Final Thoughts…

So, Now that you’re all locked and loaded with the teensiest details about What is Root and what are it’s advantages and disadvantages, you might just be in a exciting but confusing state, whether to go ahead with it or not? Well, let me just clear it up a bit more for you. If you’re like me and the rest of the typical HackrSpace Fam, I guess you already want to cut to the chase and looking for the “HOW?” part! And I say AWESOME! What even are our Hacker lives without the element of Risk?! 😛 But if your’re like more of a normal not-so-crazy casual consumer and are really paranoid, I suggest you wait until your Warranty period is officially done and then get all Kooky!

And the HOW part is just round the corner. So stay tuned let me know your thoughts in the comments section and well, get into The HackrSpace!