How Root Android Phone Using Windows And Linux
Looking to root your Android phone? Learn how to safely and effectively root your device using Windows and Linux in this detailed guide.
Most of us can’t live a day without our phones. Especially for those using Android. After looking at the history of smartphones, we all get amazed at how quickly Google has developed such a powerful Operating system, Android. Today most of us have Android phones and use them as much as we can. Some even want to go beyond and root their Android phones to extend their functionalities.
So if you’re one of them and don’t like requesting somebody to “root Android phone”, here is the article. In this article, I’ll be talking about what is Android rooting, the benefits, and the steps to rooting your Android device.
Why root Android Phones?
One might ask the following questions about rooting an Android phone. Will rooting my Android extend functionalities, improve the device security and enhance the look and feel of the software?
In short, Yes. On a computer, we have a root user who can perform any task. With a root user, one can perform any task such as creating files in the system root directory and modifying and deleting the system files. Similarly, rooting an Android also provides many such functionalities with more control over your phone. You can remove the default installed apps (bloatware), modify the system, and install a whole new Android version (If your smartphone hardware supports it).
Install Android Oreo
As I mentioned after you root your Android device, you have more control over your smartphone, you can even change the Android version that came preinstalled with your smartphone. For example, I bought NextBit Robin and it shipped with Android 6 preinstalled. What I did, I rooted it and installed Android 7 (Nougat). So I enjoyed the latest version even though the manufacturer had not released Nougat for the device.
Another device I have that I’ve rooted and installed Android Oreo is Oneplus 2. Though there is no news of Android Oreo being released for Oneplus 2. I’m enjoying Android 8 on Oneplus 2.
How root Android phone?
Don’t forget to take a full backup of your phone data. Your device will be formatted. Also, follow the steps at your own risk. You might end up breaking your device.
So how easy it is to root an Android phone? Well, It’s simple if you do it correctly but if you mess, you can brick your device. Every device has a different way of rooting. But generally, there are three main steps to root your Android phone. And these are as follows –
- Unlock bootloader
- Install custom recovery
- Install the superuser management application
1. Unlock bootloader
The very first step is to unlock the bootloader of your Android phone. And remember that not all device manufacturers will allow you to do this. So before you start this process, check if your device is unlockable.
No warranty after rooting the device
There are three types of phone manufacturers. The first are those who don’t allow you to unlock the bootloader at all. The second are those who allow you to unlock the bootloader but they void the warranty of the device. And the third types of manufacturer are those that allow you to unlock your device bootloader and do not even void any warranty of the device.
So it is very necessary if your particular device model is unlockable and does not void any warranty. There are few manufacturers who don’t void the warranty but they exist. Both my primary phones are awesome. Nextbit Robin, the company has been sold out but it had not void warranty even after unlocking it. Similarly, the Oneplus 2 warranty does not void even after the device is rooted.
Download ADB, Fastboot & phone’s USB drivers
Earlier Android users used to download and install Android Studio to root a device or flash a new ROM. Android studio tool is huge and tools built into it to root Android are probably a couple of MBs. So now Google has made ADB or fastboot available and the command line tool is just 7.8MB in size and does everything you want here.
Download ADB and fastboot
ADB for Windows ADB for Linux ADB for Mac
Download and install the device USB driver
In order to detect your device properly by ADB, install your device’s USB drivers on your computer. You can easily find your device drivers from the official website of your smartphone. You can also google your phone model + USB drivers and get the results.
We’re all ready!
And once you’ve downloaded ADB and installed USB drivers, you’re all ready to dive in. Let’s unlock the bootloader.
Enable developer’s options from Android settings
Step 1. Go to settings > System > About Phone > And tap “Build version” a couple of times. You’ll see the message that the developer options have been enabled. If the developer options are already enabled then you’ll see the following message “No need, you are already a developer”.
Step 2. Enable OEM unlocking & USB debugging from Settings > System > Developer options > Enable OEM unlocking & USB debugging
Now connect your mobile with your computer.
Step 3. Extract the ADB tools you downloaded in step 2. Now open a Command prompt as administrator or terminal if you’re using GNU/Linux. Go to the ADB directory. In both, Windows and Linux the command to enter a directory is ‘cd’.
cd platform-tools
Now find your device using the following command –
adb devices
If your device is not detected then make sure you’ve properly installed USB drivers for your device. When your device is detected, it’s time to unlock the bootloader.
Step 4. Now boot the device into fast boot mode. Hold power up + power and your device will boot into fast boot mode. Now find the device on your computer using the following command –
fastboot devices
Step 5. Unlock the bootloader.
fastboot oem unlock
And that’s it. Your device bootloader has been unlocked.
2. Install custom recovery
Second, we’ll install TWRP recovery. Download the recovery from twrp.me. Keep your device connected and reboot your device in the bootloader.
adb reboot bootloader
Now install the custom recovery file using the following command –
fastboot flash twrp-3.1.1-0-oneplus2.img
Done! You’ve installed custom TWRP recovery. Now install the superuser management application.
3. Install superuser
Now to fully root the Android devices, we’ll sideload the superuser. Download the superuser zip file from supersu.com. After you’ve unlocked the bootloader and installed the custom twrp recovery, use the following command to reboot the phone in recovery mode and install supersu management application –
adb reboot recovery
Install supersu using the following command –
adb sideload SuperSU-v2.82-201705271822.zip
Relax! That’s it. Your device is now rooted and you can do things that you could never do otherwise. You can install the custom ROMs available for your device and make it better and faster.
Conclusion
So these were the three steps to root the Android phone. Though the article seems a bit long, it’ll not take more than 15 minutes for newbies to follow the instructions and know how to root an Android phone. I think the only difficulty is to make your Android phone detectable by ADB. So you should make sure that you get the correct USB drivers. If you face any difficulty or get any errors, please let me know in the comment section below. Mention your device manufacturer and model number. Thanks for reading!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Android devices are easy to root?
1. Google Pixel and Nexus devices: Google’s own devices, such as the Pixel and Nexus series, have often been popular among the rooting community. They generally have good support from the developer community, making it easier to find rooting methods and custom ROMs.
2. OnePlus devices: OnePlus has gained a reputation for being developer-friendly, and many of their devices have good support for rooting and custom ROMs. However, it’s important to check the specific model and version of Android to ensure compatibility.
3. Xiaomi devices: Xiaomi offers a wide range of devices, and some of them have been known to have good support for rooting. Popular models like the Xiaomi Mi series and Poco series have often been favored by the rooting community.
4. Samsung devices (older models): Certain older Samsung devices, particularly those with Exynos processors, have historically been easier to root compared to their newer counterparts. However, rooting methods can vary between different models and Android versions.
5. HTC devices: HTC devices have traditionally had a strong developer community, making them relatively easier to root. However, their popularity has decreased in recent years.
Why would you root an Android?
Rooting an Android device can provide several benefits and customization options for advanced users. Here are some common reasons why people choose to root their Android devices:
1. Access to administrative privileges: By rooting your device, you gain administrative access or “root” access to the Android operating system. This allows you to make changes and modifications to system files and settings that are otherwise restricted. With root access, you have full control over your device’s hardware and software.
2. Custom ROMs and modifications: Rooting opens up the possibility of installing custom ROMs (modified versions of Android) on your device. Custom ROMs often offer additional features, performance optimizations, and the latest Android updates, even for devices that may no longer receive official updates. They also allow for deep customization of the user interface, themes, and other aspects of the operating system.
3. Removing pre-installed bloatware: Many Android devices come with pre-installed apps and services that cannot be uninstalled without root access. By rooting your device, you can remove unwanted system apps, also known as bloatware, freeing up storage space and potentially improving device performance.
4. Advanced customization and tweaks: Rooting enables you to customize various aspects of your device’s appearance and behavior. You can install and use powerful root-only apps that offer advanced features and system-level tweaks. This includes customizing the status bar, changing the default app behavior, applying advanced battery-saving techniques, and more.
5. Improved performance and battery life: With root access, you can optimize your device’s performance and battery life by using tools and apps specifically designed for rooted devices. These tools allow you to control CPU frequency, adjust system parameters, and apply kernel tweaks for better performance and battery efficiency.
What are the risks of rooting a phone?
1. Voiding warranty: Rooting usually voids the manufacturer’s warranty of the device. Once you root your phone, the manufacturer may refuse to provide free repairs or support, even for unrelated issues. However, in some cases, unrooting the device may reinstate the warranty.
2. Security vulnerabilities: Rooting bypasses some of the built-in security measures of the Android operating system, exposing your device to potential security risks. Malicious apps or unauthorized modifications to system files can compromise the security of your device and personal data. It’s essential to exercise caution when granting root access to apps and ensure that you only download and install software from trusted sources.
3. Stability and performance issues: Incorrect rooting methods or incompatible modifications can lead to stability and performance problems. System crashes, boot loops, freezes, and other issues may occur if root access is mishandled or if incompatible software is installed. Additionally, certain apps or features that rely on the device’s security mechanisms may no longer function properly on a rooted device.
4. No OTA updates: Once your device is rooted, installing official over-the-air (OTA) updates from the manufacturer may become problematic or impossible. OTA updates typically verify the integrity of the system files and may fail if modifications have been made. To receive official updates, you may need to unroot your device and return it to its original state.
5. Brick risk: While rare, there is a small possibility of bricking your device during the rooting process or when applying custom modifications. “Bricking” refers to rendering the device inoperable, essentially turning it into a “brick.” This can occur due to errors in the rooting process or if you make incorrect modifications to critical system files.
It’s important to note that while rooting provides greater control and customization, it also requires knowledge, caution, and an understanding of the risks involved. Proper research, following reputable guides, and being mindful of the potential consequences are essential when considering root Android devices.
Can you root an Android phone without a computer?
Yes, it is possible to root an Android phone without using a computer. There are several rooting methods available that allow you to root your device directly from the phone itself. However, it’s important to note that the availability and success of these methods can vary depending on the device model, Android version, and specific rooting tools or apps.
Here are a few common methods to root an Android phone without a computer:
1. Rooting apps: Some third-party apps, such as KingoRoot, KingRoot, and Framaroot, offer one-click rooting solutions directly from your Android phone. These apps usually have a simple interface and attempt to root your device with just a few taps. However, be cautious when using such apps, as they may not be compatible with all devices, and there is a risk of installing potentially harmful software.
2. Custom recovery and rooting packages: Custom recovery tools like TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) can be installed directly on your phone using apps like Flashify or Rashr. Once you have a custom recovery installed, you can download the appropriate rooting package and flash it from the recovery interface. This method requires some technical knowledge and may involve more complex steps than one-click rooting apps.
3. Magisk Manager: Magisk is a popular rooting solution that offers systemless root access. Magisk Manager, the companion app, can be installed on your Android phone, and it provides a user-friendly interface to manage the rooting process. Magisk allows you to root your device and also provides features like system modification, hiding root from certain apps, and installing modules for additional functionality.
how to root android phone without any app
1. Enable Developer Options: Go to your phone’s Settings, find “About phone,” and tap on the “Build number” multiple times until you see a message saying you are now a developer.
2. Enable USB Debugging: In Developer Options, locate “USB Debugging” and turn it on.
3. Connect your phone to a computer using a USB cable.
Install ADB and Fastboot: Download and install the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) and Fastboot tools on your computer.
4. Open a command prompt or terminal on your computer and enter the necessary commands to connect to your phone.
5. Unlock the bootloader: Each phone manufacturer has different methods for unlocking the bootloader. You will need to search for specific instructions for your phone model.
6. Flash a custom recovery: Once the bootloader is unlocked, you can flash a custom recovery like TWRP using ADB and Fastboot.
7. Download the appropriate root files for your phone model and transfer them to your device.
8. Boot into recovery mode: Power off your phone and enter recovery mode by pressing specific key combinations (varies by phone model).
9. Install the root files: In recovery mode, choose the option to install or flash the root files you transferred earlier.
10. Reboot your phone, and it should be rooted.
Keep in mind that the process may vary depending on your phone model and Android version. It’s crucial to research and finds specific instructions tailored to your device to ensure a successful root. Additionally, rooting your phone may void the warranty and could potentially lead to security risks if not done correctly.
how to root Android phone without pc
1. Backup your data: Rooting may involve potential risks, so it’s essential to back up your important data to prevent any loss.
Enable Unknown Sources: Go to your phone’s Settings, then Security or Privacy, and enable the “Unknown Sources” option. This allows you to install apps from sources other than the Google Play Store.
Download a rooting app: Find a reputable rooting app that supports your specific Android device and download it. Some popular options include KingRoot, Framaroot, or Towelroot. You can search for the app’s APK file online.
Install the rooting app: Locate the downloaded APK file and install the rooting app on your Android device. Follow any on-screen instructions if prompted.
Launch the rooting app: Open the installed rooting app on your device.
Root your device: Within the rooting app, there should be an option to “Root” or “Start Rooting.” Tap on it to initiate the rooting process. The app will handle the process automatically.
Wait for completion: The rooting process may take a few minutes. Be patient and wait until the app confirms that your device has been successfully rooted.
Reboot your device: Once the rooting process is complete, you may need to reboot your device for the changes to take effect.
