Rooting Android: what does it do and what are the risks? (Topic)

You have a smartphone. On it you download interesting applications and play them when it gets boring. But can you install any application you want?

How about custom themes? Have you ever wanted to uninstall system apps or change the boot screen animation? Were you able to do it? Not. The point is, you can't do whatever you want with your smartphone.

For security reasons, phone manufacturers and mobile operators place some restrictions on the functionality of the software. The restrictions can be removed by getting the so-called superuser rights (root-rights) on the smartphone.

What is root rights?

Rooting is a process that allows you to access the code of the Android operating system (like a jailbreak for Apple devices). Rooting gives the right to change the software code or install other software, the installation of which is usually not allowed by the manufacturer. These restrictions are imposed for two reasons. First, it saves users from making changes that could lead to irreparable problem situations. Secondly, it is easier for a manufacturer to maintain a support policy if an unmodified version of the software is used on smartphones.

The process of obtaining super rights is individual and depends on the smartphone model. For advanced users familiar with programming, there are tons of instructions on the Internet on how to do this.

Successful rooting is:

• almost complete customization of the system appearance;
• the ability to install any application, regardless of the source from which it was downloaded;
• the ability to remove "non-removable" custom applications;
• increased battery life and performance overclocking;
• update to the latest Android version in case the device is out of date and no longer updated by the manufacturer.

But if you root it inappropriately, your Android will lose protection against all kinds of malware. With great opportunities comes great responsibility.

Why is rooting dangerous?

If the benefits listed have only strengthened your desire to root your Android, then you should be aware of what this can lead to. We are not trying to dissuade you (after all, thousands of people root their devices and share their experiences), but just remind you that safety comes first.

• You can turn your smartphone into a brick.

Of course, figuratively. You can inadvertently touch on important areas in your code, changes to which will lead to the device completely losing functionality. If you don't understand programming well enough, stay away from rooting.

• You lose your warranty.

Rooting is legal, but if you do, the manufacturer will not be able to help you if there is a need for warranty service. This is true. Let's say you have rooted a device, and some time after that you run into a hardware or software problem. Whatever it was caused (by your actions or a factory defect), repairs will have to be carried out at your own expense.

• Malware may have entered your smartphone.

Getting root privileges bypasses the security restrictions imposed by the Android operating system. This means that without antivirus, worms, spyware and Trojans will infect your device as soon as possible.

Mobile security best practices

If you still want to root your device, make sure you study all the details well, ask the experts for advice on specialized forums, install a reliable antivirus beforehand.

And if for some reason you change your mind and decide that you do not need superuser privileges, you can remove root-rights from Android. In this case, it is also worth digging through the forums and learning the intricacies before moving on to the process itself.

The Topic of Article: Rooting Android: what does it do and what are the risks?.
Author: Jake Pinkman