What Is Rooting?
First, for the newbies, let me clarify what rooting is. Getting root or rooting your phone is the process of modifying the operating system on your device to grant you complete control over it.
This means you can overcome limitations that the carriers and manufacturers put on your phone, extend system functionality, and even upgrade it to a custom flavor of Android.
The name root comes from the Linux operating system world, where the most privileged user on the system (otherwise known as Administrator on Windows) is called root.
Now, I’d like to take a moment to dispel a common misconception and clarify one thing: rooting does *not* mean installing a custom ROM (a ROM is a modified, "aftermarket" OS).
Installing a ROM may require rooting first, but just rooting can be done in only a few minutes, keeping your stock OS otherwise completely intact.
Usually rooting is fairly simple – in most cases you can find several videos and articles on the web that explain how to do it on your specific phone model – just Google "YOURPHONEMODEL root".
Rooting is not something manufacturers or carriers approve of but they can’t really prevent it from happening because the rooting process usually exploits a vulnerability in the operating system code or device drivers and allows the "hacker" to upload a special program called "su" to the phone. This program, not present or requiring a password by default, is the one that provides root access to programs that request it.
Now an obligatory warning: rooting your phone does run the risk of potentially bricking it (i.e. your phone could become nonfunctional) – so do your homework before attempting anything, unless you’re a fan of $500 paper weights.
Benefits Of Rooting
Let’s check out some of the benefits of rooting your Android phone.
Full Control Over Android
You have access to alter any system files, use themes, change boot images, delete annoying stock apps, such as Sprint’s NFL Mobile live and Nascar Sprint Cup Mobile, and other various native applications that might drive you crazy (Footprints, Voice Dialer, etc).
There is plenty of information on the web on how to accomplish this. Here is one example with instructions and some apps you can remove safely.
Back Up The System
On most rooted Android devices, you can back up your entire system to an SD card, much in the same way you can image a hard drive. This is great if you’d like to try a new ROM, as you can back up your phone, wipe it completely, flash the new ROM, and if you don’t like it, you can just restore from your backup and your phone will be exactly how it was before you wiped it.
The easiest way to do this at the moment is by using ‘Rom Manager’ (easily installable from the Android Market), developed by famed Android developer Koush.
Rom Manager allows you to easily flash a custom recovery image which is what you will need in order to backup and restore your phone. The recovery image is a special program that can be booted into outside of the phone’s main operating system, sort of like the BIOS on a PC. By default, the recovery image on most Android phones only gives you a few options, mainly related to wiping the phone. Custom recovery images expand upon these options and usually include scripts that can do things like fix your file permissions, or allow you to flash custom ROM’s that the normal recovery image would otherwise reject.
Normally, flashing a custom recovery image requires some command line work, either on your PC, or on a terminal emulator directly on the phone, but Koush’s Rom Manager should automatically flash his custom recovery image (known as ClockworkMod Recovery) for you, provided you’re on one of the phones listed below.
In order to use Rom Manager, you’ll need to make sure you’re using one of the supported devices, and that it is already rooted. Here is the list, as of today:
HTC Droid Eris (CDMA), AKA: Verizon Droid Eris
HTC Hero (GSM)
HTC Hero (CDMA), AKA: Sprint Hero
HTC Dream, AKA: T-Mobile G1
HTC Passion, AKA: Google Nexus One
HTC Magic (Sapphire 32A)
HTC MyTouch/Ion (Sapphire 32B)
Motorola Droid/Milestone
Using Rom Manager is pretty simple. Download and install the application from the market, fire it up, and you’ll be prompted with a disclaimer. If you’re feeling brave, go ahead and hit continue. You’ll be prompted to allow the application superuser permissions during this process – make sure you allow it access.
The first thing you’ll need to do is flash the ClockworkMod recovery image that I mentioned earlier, which can be done right in the app (it’s the first option). Rom Manager should automatically find the latest version of the right image for your phone, download, and install it – the whole process is seamless.
After that is done, you can simply use the ‘Manage and Restore Backups’, and ‘Backup current ROM’ options to, well, backup your current ROM or restore from an existing backup. It’s that simple!
At Android Police, we always encourage supporting developers, so please check out Rom Manager Premium if you enjoyed the free version!
Save Space On Your Phone
Move cache data to SD card
Moving cache data makes for a speedy system. Rooting allows you to save things like browser cache to your SD card to free up space. Its not too complicated a process, but does take a bit of skill. XDA Developer’s have instructions posted on their forum if you want to tackle the task, it is definitely worth it.
Move installed applications to SD card
Moving and storing apps on internal memory can significantly slow your device down. If you root, you can avoid that completely.
The easiest way to move applications to your SD card would be to flash a custom ROM that just does it for you (using an app called Apps2SD) – Cyanogen ROM is always a good choice.
Wow ! I'm more than confused now. I've been reading in this forum for 3 months now. And still consider my self a newbie. I don't think this post will help out some noobs like me. Sorry I had to say.
Sent from my LG-P500h using XDA App
Excellent post. Very helpful to a n00b like me. Thanks a lot.
Sent from my LG-P500 using Tapatalk
@marty.....this post s for the beginners those who dono abt the concept of rooting and it may be helping to them....not for u...thanks for reading my post
Sent from my LG-P500 using XDA App
Sorry, but I never flashed a rom before reading your post. Just did it 3 days ago And from reading a lot of posts, rom manager can go wrong installing clockworkmod. I don't know why. So as a beginner, I don't think going this way to instal a recovery was a good idea. But that's my point of view.
I bricked my first O1 with KDZ for downgrading. And surprise...the post I red was not complete and bricked my phone with is method.
All I want from this is to make sure people read more before trying anything considered easy for others. From reading a lot, I never had any problem since and know exactly what I'm doing.
peace...
Sent from my LG-P500 using XDA App
I'm welcoming your good thought from saving others from bricking their phone.....i just wanted to share some info about the concept of rooting for the new users and wanted them to know wat the android is capable of doing.......cheers up man.............
Sent from my LG-P500 using XDA App
U're right.
i bricked my phone last night . thanks to ROM MANAGER
but u can always recovery ur phone.. I wrote a short guide -
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1102694
I'm a NOOB too
Actually, I recommend people rooting and take the advantages on low-ended phones, such as our O1.
because the performance offered, is really really bad and we need a better tweak of a low-priced phone.
if you are satisfied with a high-ended phone, remember, DONT ROOT IT!
I dnt agree mate. I believe that rooting and installing custom roms are for further improving the performance of high-ended phones.. my bro owns xperia x10i.. but the default firmware literally sucks. This is why high ended phones need rooting too
Also, now a days, rooting and flashing are highly fashionable things in the android phone world. In this android fashion shows like Google I/O, We need our phones to walk the ramp in a new sexy dress frequently. So body building (performance boost) and makeover (a new rom/theme) is the need of the hour nowadays.
So be ready to walk the ramp. Start bodybuilding, do a makeover and be called a hunk.
Otherwise remain feminine.
Sent from my LG-P500 using Tapatalk
lekhwani said:
Also, now a days, rooting and flashing are highly fashionable things in the android phone world. In this android fashion shows like Google I/O, We need our phones to walk the ramp in a new sexy dress frequently. So body building (performance boost) and makeover (a new rom/theme) is the need of the hour nowadays.
So be ready to walk the ramp. Start bodybuilding, do a makeover and be called a hunk.
Otherwise remain feminine.
Sent from my LG-P500 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah abs true mate
Personally, I've never felt prettier.
shankesh said:
What Is Rooting?
First, for the newbies, let me clarify what rooting is. Getting root or rooting your phone is the process of modifying the operating system on your device to grant you complete control over it.
This means you can overcome limitations that the carriers and manufacturers put on your phone, extend system functionality, and even upgrade it to a custom flavor of Android.
The name root comes from the Linux operating system world, where the most privileged user on the system (otherwise known as Administrator on Windows) is called root.
Now, I’d like to take a moment to dispel a common misconception and clarify one thing: rooting does *not* mean installing a custom ROM (a ROM is a modified, "aftermarket" OS).
Installing a ROM may require rooting first, but just rooting can be done in only a few minutes, keeping your stock OS otherwise completely intact.
Usually rooting is fairly simple – in most cases you can find several videos and articles on the web that explain how to do it on your specific phone model – just Google "YOURPHONEMODEL root".
Rooting is not something manufacturers or carriers approve of but they can’t really prevent it from happening because the rooting process usually exploits a vulnerability in the operating system code or device drivers and allows the "hacker" to upload a special program called "su" to the phone. This program, not present or requiring a password by default, is the one that provides root access to programs that request it.
Now an obligatory warning: rooting your phone does run the risk of potentially bricking it (i.e. your phone could become nonfunctional) – so do your homework before attempting anything, unless you’re a fan of $500 paper weights.
Benefits Of Rooting
Let’s check out some of the benefits of rooting your Android phone.
Full Control Over Android
You have access to alter any system files, use themes, change boot images, delete annoying stock apps, such as Sprint’s NFL Mobile live and Nascar Sprint Cup Mobile, and other various native applications that might drive you crazy (Footprints, Voice Dialer, etc).
There is plenty of information on the web on how to accomplish this. Here is one example with instructions and some apps you can remove safely.
Back Up The System
On most rooted Android devices, you can back up your entire system to an SD card, much in the same way you can image a hard drive. This is great if you’d like to try a new ROM, as you can back up your phone, wipe it completely, flash the new ROM, and if you don’t like it, you can just restore from your backup and your phone will be exactly how it was before you wiped it.
The easiest way to do this at the moment is by using ‘Rom Manager’ (easily installable from the Android Market), developed by famed Android developer Koush.
Rom Manager allows you to easily flash a custom recovery image which is what you will need in order to backup and restore your phone. The recovery image is a special program that can be booted into outside of the phone’s main operating system, sort of like the BIOS on a PC. By default, the recovery image on most Android phones only gives you a few options, mainly related to wiping the phone. Custom recovery images expand upon these options and usually include scripts that can do things like fix your file permissions, or allow you to flash custom ROM’s that the normal recovery image would otherwise reject.
Normally, flashing a custom recovery image requires some command line work, either on your PC, or on a terminal emulator directly on the phone, but Koush’s Rom Manager should automatically flash his custom recovery image (known as ClockworkMod Recovery) for you, provided you’re on one of the phones listed below.
In order to use Rom Manager, you’ll need to make sure you’re using one of the supported devices, and that it is already rooted. Here is the list, as of today:
HTC Droid Eris (CDMA), AKA: Verizon Droid Eris
HTC Hero (GSM)
HTC Hero (CDMA), AKA: Sprint Hero
HTC Dream, AKA: T-Mobile G1
HTC Passion, AKA: Google Nexus One
HTC Magic (Sapphire 32A)
HTC MyTouch/Ion (Sapphire 32B)
Motorola Droid/Milestone
Using Rom Manager is pretty simple. Download and install the application from the market, fire it up, and you’ll be prompted with a disclaimer. If you’re feeling brave, go ahead and hit continue. You’ll be prompted to allow the application superuser permissions during this process – make sure you allow it access.
The first thing you’ll need to do is flash the ClockworkMod recovery image that I mentioned earlier, which can be done right in the app (it’s the first option). Rom Manager should automatically find the latest version of the right image for your phone, download, and install it – the whole process is seamless.
After that is done, you can simply use the ‘Manage and Restore Backups’, and ‘Backup current ROM’ options to, well, backup your current ROM or restore from an existing backup. It’s that simple!
At Android Police, we always encourage supporting developers, so please check out Rom Manager Premium if you enjoyed the free version!
Save Space On Your Phone
Move cache data to SD card
Moving cache data makes for a speedy system. Rooting allows you to save things like browser cache to your SD card to free up space. Its not too complicated a process, but does take a bit of skill. XDA Developer’s have instructions posted on their forum if you want to tackle the task, it is definitely worth it.
Move installed applications to SD card
Moving and storing apps on internal memory can significantly slow your device down. If you root, you can avoid that completely.
The easiest way to move applications to your SD card would be to flash a custom ROM that just does it for you (using an app called Apps2SD) – Cyanogen ROM is always a good choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are using copy/paste method, at least please:
1) Post link of source text (http://www.androidpolice.com/2010/0...top-5-benefits-of-rooting-your-android-phone/)
2) Do some formating for better reading
3) It should be normal ask for approve before posting
You are lucky men, that ROM manager works now, because it is not so long, that it didn't work. In past it completely screw up our device. Now it working fine, because it have proper custom ROM loaded into it.
Thanks.
damn good !
Hi ! appreciate a lot your post and this helps me so well migrating from wm to android using now my wildfire !!!
shankesh said:
What Is Rooting?
First, for the newbies, let me clarify what rooting is. Getting root or rooting your phone is the process of modifying the operating system on your device to grant you complete control over it.
This means you can overcome limitations that the carriers and manufacturers put on your phone, extend system functionality, and even upgrade it to a custom flavor of Android.
The name root comes from the Linux operating system world, where the most privileged user on the system (otherwise known as Administrator on Windows) is called root.
Now, I’d like to take a moment to dispel a common misconception and clarify one thing: rooting does *not* mean installing a custom ROM (a ROM is a modified, "aftermarket" OS).
Installing a ROM may require rooting first, but just rooting can be done in only a few minutes, keeping your stock OS otherwise completely intact.
Usually rooting is fairly simple – in most cases you can find several videos and articles on the web that explain how to do it on your specific phone model – just Google "YOURPHONEMODEL root".
Rooting is not something manufacturers or carriers approve of but they can’t really prevent it from happening because the rooting process usually exploits a vulnerability in the operating system code or device drivers and allows the "hacker" to upload a special program called "su" to the phone. This program, not present or requiring a password by default, is the one that provides root access to programs that request it.
Now an obligatory warning: rooting your phone does run the risk of potentially bricking it (i.e. your phone could become nonfunctional) – so do your homework before attempting anything, unless you’re a fan of $500 paper weights.
Benefits Of Rooting
Let’s check out some of the benefits of rooting your Android phone.
Full Control Over Android
You have access to alter any system files, use themes, change boot images, delete annoying stock apps, such as Sprint’s NFL Mobile live and Nascar Sprint Cup Mobile, and other various native applications that might drive you crazy (Footprints, Voice Dialer, etc).
There is plenty of information on the web on how to accomplish this. Here is one example with instructions and some apps you can remove safely.
Back Up The System
On most rooted Android devices, you can back up your entire system to an SD card, much in the same way you can image a hard drive. This is great if you’d like to try a new ROM, as you can back up your phone, wipe it completely, flash the new ROM, and if you don’t like it, you can just restore from your backup and your phone will be exactly how it was before you wiped it.
The easiest way to do this at the moment is by using ‘Rom Manager’ (easily installable from the Android Market), developed by famed Android developer Koush.
Rom Manager allows you to easily flash a custom recovery image which is what you will need in order to backup and restore your phone. The recovery image is a special program that can be booted into outside of the phone’s main operating system, sort of like the BIOS on a PC. By default, the recovery image on most Android phones only gives you a few options, mainly related to wiping the phone. Custom recovery images expand upon these options and usually include scripts that can do things like fix your file permissions, or allow you to flash custom ROM’s that the normal recovery image would otherwise reject.
Normally, flashing a custom recovery image requires some command line work, either on your PC, or on a terminal emulator directly on the phone, but Koush’s Rom Manager should automatically flash his custom recovery image (known as ClockworkMod Recovery) for you, provided you’re on one of the phones listed below.
In order to use Rom Manager, you’ll need to make sure you’re using one of the supported devices, and that it is already rooted. Here is the list, as of today:
HTC Droid Eris (CDMA), AKA: Verizon Droid Eris
HTC Hero (GSM)
HTC Hero (CDMA), AKA: Sprint Hero
HTC Dream, AKA: T-Mobile G1
HTC Passion, AKA: Google Nexus One
HTC Magic (Sapphire 32A)
HTC MyTouch/Ion (Sapphire 32B)
Motorola Droid/Milestone
Using Rom Manager is pretty simple. Download and install the application from the market, fire it up, and you’ll be prompted with a disclaimer. If you’re feeling brave, go ahead and hit continue. You’ll be prompted to allow the application superuser permissions during this process – make sure you allow it access.
The first thing you’ll need to do is flash the ClockworkMod recovery image that I mentioned earlier, which can be done right in the app (it’s the first option). Rom Manager should automatically find the latest version of the right image for your phone, download, and install it – the whole process is seamless.
After that is done, you can simply use the ‘Manage and Restore Backups’, and ‘Backup current ROM’ options to, well, backup your current ROM or restore from an existing backup. It’s that simple!
At Android Police, we always encourage supporting developers, so please check out Rom Manager Premium if you enjoyed the free version!
Save Space On Your Phone
Move cache data to SD card
Moving cache data makes for a speedy system. Rooting allows you to save things like browser cache to your SD card to free up space. Its not too complicated a process, but does take a bit of skill. XDA Developer’s have instructions posted on their forum if you want to tackle the task, it is definitely worth it.
Move installed applications to SD card
Moving and storing apps on internal memory can significantly slow your device down. If you root, you can avoid that completely.
The easiest way to move applications to your SD card would be to flash a custom ROM that just does it for you (using an app called Apps2SD) – Cyanogen ROM is always a good choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow gr8 post for ultra noob...I boted ur thread
Folks,
I just got a Galaxy Note 1717 the other day and i'm still learning. I'll probably root it once ICS comes out for it on AT&T, but i'm still a bit confused about what that *means*. The threads i've read on it here and there seem to make some assumptions that as a linux user i'm not making properly.
When you root an android phone what actually happens?
If i root an android phone does that mean:
a) I've allowed acess to the root user by either changing the sudo rules or setting home to /root instead of /bin/false or /bin/nologin?
b) when i'm using the phone i'm doing so as the root user instead of [whatver user i am when it's not rooted. I don't know what name user 1000 has becuase i can't find the passwd file and probably wouldn't have the rights to it even if i could]
or is it some other thing that's actually happening when you root a phone?
As a Gentoo linux user i find this a bit confusing, even if it is a linux/gnu based system.
A) would mean that various programs are able to acces the root user when they need to.
b) would mean that i'm essencially logged in as root all the time, which in the linux word is a THOU-SHALT-NOT.
Thanks,
Bearcat
From a practical point of view, when you root, you are able to give some apps superuser permissions.
Now this means
Apps like Titanium backup can remove vendor installed apps, which is otherwise not possible.
Phone locator kind of apps can turn on and turn off GPS radio. You do not have to manually enable it.
From a linux users perspective, you can fire up terminal and do a rm -rf / . But do not do that!
Thanks.
So, to clarify: if i root my Note and then fire up mxplayer and watch a movie ,then fire up pageonce to look at my bank accounts, does that mean that i've just done both of those things as the root user?
Here's a more technical explanation of how root works that answers some of your questions:
http://cjix.info/blog/misc/how-rooting-works-a-technical-explanation-of-the-android-rooting-process/
Quick answer to your question - no. things are only run as a su if they need to, or rather, if the app has some functions that need it. Eg - titaniums access to /system needs root access, so the app fires up with su permissions. Only apps that need root access get it, and you have to allow the app the access.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA
Thanks for the link jr67, i'l read that over.
New Ion? thanks for the clarification. I understand it more now, and think i'll root my phone after ICS comes out for AT&T on the note.
Its very worth it, if even only for titanium. First thing you should do is backup everything.
Ooh and the paid version is the single most worth it app ever. Many apps ive paid for and havent touched really, TB's paid differences you use every time.
Edit - titanium, root explorer and wifi kill are the only apps I have that use root access. Just fyi
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA
Wow! Titanum back up looks fantastic! Granted, i don't know what all the terms mean (dalvik? Isn't that a Dr. Who thing? :") ). I grabbed ES File explorer but Root Explorer looks even better.
Side question: Is there any such thing as updating a rom once i have one installed, or do i have to backup, re-flash and restore with each update that comes out for a particular rom?
Android is programmed in Java. since Java cannot be run, but needs a virtual machine, we use the dalvik vm. When you install cwm, you will have the option to clear it, and you probably should, depending.
As for updates, it all depends on what the dev tells you to do. Example: cm9 nightlies only require cache and dalvik wipes, however the roms I run usually require a full wipe. It can suck, but there are ways to make it better.
Look into the advanced restore function of cwm. I've never used it, but I know done swear by it
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA
Thanks. I don't know what cwm is (at least anything more than it's some sort of rom). I'l look it up.
It replaces the stock recovery, and allows the user to interact with it. i think its hosted at clockworkmod.com as well
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T using XDA
I have heard a lot about people's phones not working and so on...
Why do people [especially noobs] root the Htc One X?
I know it must be easy to do, how fast can the HTC One X go with root?
Apparently putting CM10 on the HOX makes it 60% faster than the S3 on CM10.
Rooting also allows you to delete bloat, backup apps/entire system, access system level files, flash ROMs, save battery with underclocking, and so much more.
Why root the HOX? Same reason as any other Android.
Sent from my MB508 using xda premium
As every Android the reasons for rooting is:
Performance, run shell, run ssh, customize, do complete backups, use other Roms, add users, enable adb by wifi...
Sent from my RK29 tab...
Rooting your devices unlocks the full power of the device!
There are plenty of apps on the market that require root giving you a range of extra features like full app backups (with data).
How about installing some Linux on that bad boy and finding out just how powerful your device is!
Granted rooting back in the old days of android (1.6 and before) rooting was alot more useful as these days more and more features are integrated into android itself. But its still very useful!
ri123 said:
I have heard a lot about people's phones not working and so on...
Why do people [especially noobs] root the Htc One X?
I know it must be easy to do, how fast can the HTC One X go with root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
because we can.
and deleting bloat.
root doesn't increase the performance. it is overclocking the cpu/flashing custom roms and kernels that increase performance
-DarkKnight- said:
root doesn't increase the performance. it is overclocking the cpu/flashing custom roms and kernels that increase performance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure mate but without root you cannot overclock our unlock for improve your battery. SetCPU for example request root.
Sent from my RK29 tab...
SferaDev said:
Sure mate but without root you cannot overclock our unlock for improve your battery. SetCPU for example request root.
Sent from my RK29 tab...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most stock kernels dont support over clocking though
Sent from the My Little Pony Official App
gagdude said:
Apparently putting CM10 on the HOX makes it 60% faster than the S3 on CM10.
Rooting also allows you to delete bloat, backup apps/entire system, access system level files, flash ROMs, save battery with underclocking, and so much more.
Why root the HOX? Same reason as any other Android.
Sent from my MB508 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SferaDev said:
As every Android the reasons for rooting is:
Performance, run shell, run ssh, customize, do complete backups, use other Roms, add users, enable adb by wifi...
Sent from my RK29 tab...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
-DarkKnight- said:
because we can.
and deleting bloat.
root doesn't increase the performance. it is overclocking the cpu/flashing custom roms and kernels that increase performance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root does not specifically grant you access to flashing other ROMs. Root grants you SU (super user) access to certain apps that call for it and allow you read/write access to more of the system and its files. With any HTC phone (not sure about Samsung and Motorola phones someone can correct me on this) made in the last year to be able to flash custom ROMs you had to be either s-off or at the very least have an unlocked boot loader which in turn granted you more access to where the Android system files are and access to memory blocks where the OS is installed.... But to this day if you are unlocked on well let's use my phone for example... I have the ATT HTC one X. When you unlock the phone through HTCDev.com website you have a grip more access to the phone and its files but the downside is voided warranty through the manufacture and HTC. While you have all the access you need to flash custom roms you still don't have access to flashing an engineering Hboot or an un secured Hboot ( you can flash you will get a signature error) both of which can give extra commands to the advanced user. Hope this helps
Sent from my One X using Tapatalk 2
Spankly said:
Root does not specifically grant you access to flashing other ROMs. Root grants you SU (super user) access to certain apps that call for it and allow you read/write access to more of the system and its files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right root just adds one binary, change the rw permissions in the system folder and the Superuser app grants access to the binary. But the benefits are those listed.
Sent from my RK29 tab...