Android was originally built as an open source operating system with rich capabilities. At the same time, the developers took care of security, introducing restrictions on the functionality of the programs. The opportunity to fully feel like the owner of the gadget, however, remains: for this, it is enough to obtain superuser rights. Not everyone decides to do this: there is always a risk of "damaging" the device, and even after obtaining root access, the question arises, is it safe to use such a smartphone? There are different points of view on this matter, and in this article we will try to answer this question.
Myth: having root rights does not affect security.
Modern Android smartphones, especially gadgets from large manufacturers, are almost impossible to hack from the inside. Each user Android application runs in an isolated "sandbox" and does not have access to other processes, and any more or less important actions must be confirmed by the user himself. Of course, ways to gain root access “from the inside” are sometimes discovered, but, judging by the rare reports in the media, they do not have a serious impact on the security of the operating system. That is why the overwhelming majority of malware does not rely on vulnerabilities, but on the user's carelessness, trying to deceive the user to obtain the rights to use paid services, putting the gadget into kiosk mode (from which there is no way to exit and nothing can be started), or even the status of the device administrator. But there are devices that are sold with an already unlocked bootloader, or offer to get root access with a couple of clicks in the gadget settings. Such generosity is offered by many Chinese manufacturers and you should be especially careful with such devices.
If you decide to expand your system privileges, problems can begin already at the stage of obtaining superuser rights. All the variety of methods for obtaining root access can be roughly divided into two categories. The first is the exploitation of not yet closed Android vulnerabilities. Programs such as KingRoot or Kingo root while working, they turn to servers storing huge collections of exploits and look for those that are suitable for a particular device. Needless to say, the work of such programs often leads to sad consequences? Sometimes it happens that the exploit does not work correctly and instead of superuser rights, you get a "brick", which, at best, can be revived by a complete flashing.
In addition, such applications are closed source, which means that you have no way of knowing what exactly they do with your device. And they can do anything, from sending data from the internal memory of the device to Chinese servers and ending with installing Adware on the gadget, which can only be removed with specialized tools. This is exactly how the above-mentioned KingRoot behaves, not only placing ads on the home screen against your will, but also sending information about the device to someone unknown.
The second category is "semi-official", since it involves the use of official instructions from the manufacturer, or specialized software to unlock the bootloader. Once this is done, the user has the ability to install into the system root access manager intercepting the corresponding calls from other programs.
However, this method is not without its drawbacks. Chainfire, the author of today's most popular root-access manager SuperSU, sold its development to a little-known company Coding Code Mobile Technology LLC at the end of 2015. This company uses the US state of Delaware as an offshore company, but its roots go back to China. The source code of SuperSU was closed before, but the name of the developer all this time acted as a kind of guarantee that there would be no unwanted code in the program. Now no one can give such a guarantee, and many are reasonably afraid to install on their gadgets the SuperSU 2.80+ versions released after the deal.
But, even if you are absolutely sure of the method for obtaining superuser rights and the root access manager, there is no guarantee that one of the seemingly harmless programs will not exploit a vulnerability that allows you to gain system privileges bypassing the manager. Examples of malware that work in this way abound: Tordow secretly stole passwords from the browser, Guerrilla and Ztorg bought apps on Google Play without the user's knowledge, and Triada spoofed URLs in the browser, implementing almost perfect invisible phishing.
According to Kaspersky Lab, one of the most advanced Trojans, Triada, gained root access on 247 devices.
Another cobblestone in the root access garden is the limitation of the functionality of some applications or their complete inoperability after unlocking the bootloader or obtaining superuser rights. First of all, this applies to financial programs, for example, Android Pay, Samsung Pay and Sberbank Online.
Safely using a rooted smartphone
After reading up to this point, you might think that we consider root access in smartphones to be a definite evil. This, of course, is not the case: superuser rights open up a huge number of opportunities for fans of third-party firmware, experiments, and just those who want to get full control over their gadgets. And if you first decided to get root-rights, we will not dissuade you from doing so. But you must be prepared for possible consequences, including the failure of some programs and an increase in the vulnerability of the system. It sounds alarming, but if you follow a few simple rules, you are unlikely to run into trouble.
Use proven root methods. Do not succumb to the admonitions of the developers of Chinese universal programs about the possibility of obtaining superuser rights in two clicks. Much better to find on forum topic dedicated to the firmware of your device and follow the simple instructions.
Use reliable root access managers. When choosing, give preference to programs that do not cause any doubts about their reliability. It could be SuperSU version not older than 2.80, or the new open source Magisk project.
Install apps from trusted sources. Try to install programs only from Google Play, but at the same time remember that you can come across malware in the official Google store. If the program you need is not on Google Play, download it from the developer's official website or our SITE - so the chances of encountering malware are reduced to zero.
Use an antivirus. If you use a limited set of programs and install them from the same sources, you probably don't need an antivirus. But if you like to install dozens of different programs on your gadget or click on advertisements with offers to "update your battery", then additional protection in the form of a proven antivirus from a major developer will not be superfluous.
Conclusion
Root access is an extremely powerful tool that requires responsibility in its use. If you don't pay enough attention to every step, from unlocking the bootloader to using superuser rights, you run the risk of encountering various problems, be it viruses or malicious code in the root access manager itself. But, by following our advice, you will minimize all risks and will be able to use applications with root rights for their intended purpose without any problems and make the gadget completely your own.
If you are reading this article, then most likely you have heard this word "root-rights", and you probably want to know what it means and why in general get superuser rights on your smartphone, go through this whole incomprehensible process. We will try to explain to you in more detail what rooting is and why it is cool.
What does "root Android" mean?
In short and in a nutshell, it will receive root-rights means that you get superuser rights or, more simply, you get admin rights on your phone. In more detail, it means that you can completely edit all system files that are not available to ordinary users. That is, you or any applications that work only on rooted devices will be able to access and change such system programs and chips, such as camera flash, flashlights for notifications, etc.You will remove all restrictions given to you by the stock firmware. Rooting an android is like jailbreaking an Apple device. On Windows computers, this is changing your permissions from a simple user to an administrator. You may find it clearer when you finish reading the full article. So stay tuned.
Will I lose my warranty after getting root?
Of course yes! It is a fact. Likewise, iPhone owners lose their warranty after jailbreak. But, fortunately, returning to the stock (standard) firmware of the manufacturer ("rolls back to stock") and removing root-rights is also easy. Therefore, after such manipulations, no one will guess that you have installed root-rights and you can continue to make claims under the guarantee.Benefits of Rooting Android Smartphones and Tablets
Administrator rights open up new horizons for us to customize and completely customize the gadget, and moreover, it helps you become more experienced in working with your smartphone. Below we present you with a list of benefits with a detailed explanation.1. You can make a full backup of files on your device (make a full backup of the entire device)
Let's start with the biggest benefit of rooting: better backups. With a rooted device, you will most likely want to reconfigure the entire system, install a custom ROM, or applications that require rooting. Since you will be modifying the system at the root, it is very useful to have a backup of applications, user data, or even the entire system. And what's more, it never hurts to have a full backup, as you can accidentally delete an important system file.
The most popular application for backing up the system and individual files is Titanium Backup. Although the Pro version costs about $ 7, the program deserves it. The app helps you to back up all your installed programs and system data.
Another way to make a backup of your device is called "Nandroid" backup. Restoring the system with such a backup is very similar to restoring the Windows OS to the exact state at the time of the last system backup made. So if your gadget stops working correctly, programs stop responding and loading, then "Nandroid" backup will return you exactly to the point when the backup was made. This will protect you, if, for example, you want to install a different firmware or kernel, and something goes wrong, then you just use the "Nandroid" backup to fix the situation.
2. You will be able to automate everything
When it comes to automation, Tasker is the one and only application you need. With it, you can automate well, just everything. The program also works on devices without root, but with fewer features and options.
The app has exactly the same philosophy as the If This Then That (IFTTT) online tool, but works in a more sophisticated way. For example, you can turn WiFi off / on every time you come home or go somewhere, or turn on Bluetooth and Google Maps when you connect your gadget to the car dock. And these are just flowers.
3. You will be able to monitor the device even if someone does a "factory reset"
Losing a smartphone or tablet is always a big problem. Moreover, if the device was not lost, but stolen. Of course, it is impossible to prevent theft, but you can track your phone even without installing a special anti-theft application ("anti-theft"), especially since they are visible on the device. This means that the thief can simply uninstall the application or do a "factory reset".
Once you are rooted, you have the option to install a smartphone spy app such as Cerberus. In this case, the program is installed in the roots of the system. Thus, this program will survive even after a complete reset of the device to factory settings. It is also possible to install a disguised version of the application so that it will be hidden in "applications".
4. You have the opportunity to install custom (modified) versions of Android on your smartphone, which are called custom firmware
As the name implies, custom firmware is an adapted and customized version of Android. It often has unique features and improvements that you will never get on the standard version of this OS. The most popular custom firmwares are CyanogenMod, Paranoid Android and AOKP. These are just a couple of examples, and there are many more. If you want a more flexible and understandable system, a stable robot, greater performance and a long battery life, then you just need to try all these firmware and choose the best one for yourself, suitable for all your requirements and desires.
5. You can use "Xposed Framework" to customize your device
Xposed- this is the basis for all available graphics modules, which allows you to customize the appearance of the system. That is, you can get all those settings and features of work that are on custom firmware, but for this you do not need to install such firmware. It is enough to set up the stock one with the "Xposed Framework". Also, this framework is suitable if you do not want to install the whole firmware, because you only need to configure a few individual functions. You just need to install a specific module. Moreover, the framework is easy to install on your phone or tablet. In addition, it works on custom firmwares as well.
6. You can improve system performance and battery life
With superuser rights, you have the ability to change the processor frequency on your device. Overclocking the CPU will give you better performance, while the reverse operation (underclocking the CPU) will increase the battery life. Test the SetCPU app, which is available on Google Play for $ 2. This is an excellent program that has many useful functions, for example, create a couple of CPU profiles that switch automatically depending on the set conditions.
Advertising is very annoying, especially on smartphones with small screens. If certain apps bombard you with tons of ads, you can use blocking utilities and apps,. But you should be aware that developers sometimes earn income from such advertising, and if there is no advertising in the application, then most likely it is paid. Therefore, do not block all ads entirely, support the developers, because without their work there would be no free software.
Also see:
If you get root rights correctly, then this is not a risky business, and of course, getting root rights has a large number of advantages compared to non-rooted gadgets. Stock firmware, or standard android, is a very good system, but having unlimited customization options is much better. In this article, we have just a little clarified for you the essence of such a concept as root-rights, but we hope that you realized the full potential of your device after obtaining them.
Root is the main administrator account - the user with maximum rights. From under this entry, you can do a lot of interesting things with the phone that were previously prohibited by the developers.
Root rights (from the English root - root) on Android allow you to change the firmware on your smartphone or tablet, install applications on a memory card, have unlimited access to the Google Play Market and much more.
There are three types of Root rights:
Full Route- full and permanent rights, without restrictions;
Shell root- permanent, but without access to the \ system folder;
Temporary Root- temporary ones that disappear after reboot.
It is worth noting here that on some mobile devices (for example, HTC Desire), the manufacturer installs a NAND lock. Because of it, it is impossible to get Full Root - only Shell or Temporary.
So why do you need Root rights for Android? We will present three main arguments.
Reason # 1. System access
Obtaining Root rights for Android means having full control over the system - changing and deleting any files, deleting standard applications, changing system themes and images when the phone boots up. Thus, the user can easily protect his mobile device from unauthorized access. With full access, you can work with your device without even downloading Android itself.
Reason # 2. New smartphone features
Obtaining "Route" for Android will allow you to transfer applications from the phone's memory to a memory card, as well as transfer the browser cache there - the app2sd utility will perfectly cope with this.
Reason number 3. Google Play privileges
To have full access to applications in the Play Google Market, you also need extended (root) rights. Simply because some applications you will not be able to download and install, being an ordinary "non-rooted" user.
There are several ways to get "Root" rights to Android. The most common is to install one of the programs like Universal And Root, Z4Root, or SuperOneClick. However, before that it is worth stopping the work of the antivirus, since it will define these programs as harmful. We are obliged to warn you that after "rooting" the warranty for the repair of the mobile device may be lost. At the same time, we do not recommend carrying out such an operation to inexperienced users, since even with a slight violation of the instructions, your smartphone may simply fail.
I think many of you have heard this expression, but not many understand what it is (I'm not talking about how to do it). Now I will help you figure it out.
The article consists of the following sections:
What are root rights and why are they needed at all?
When you buy a new smartphone, you notice a lot of programs on it that, let's say, as they are, you don't need at all. But what happens is you cannot delete them. At the same time, they also take up space in the memory!
So, root-rights are full access to the system. You can do whatever you want, from changing the icon on a system app to removing it.
Key benefits of full access:
- the ability to work with system applications;
- the ability to "endow" any of the applications with full access to the system;
- unlimited work with the interface: change icons, themes, system sounds, greeting and picture or animation when turned on;
- full access to the bootloader, which allows you to change the firmware without difficulty;
- the ability to install applications directly to a memory card;
- a backup copy with all applications that are installed on the system at that time;
- a special system manager that allows you to see and edit previously hidden system files.
And one last thing to tell you before moving on to the practical part, this is a warning:
- you will lose your device warranty;
- you can damage the operating system if you do something you are not sure about. Therefore: remove, add, change, but only if you are confident in the correctness of your actions.
The main ways to get root access
Naturally, there are special programs to make this easier. I will conventionally divide them into two types:
- programs on a PC;
- programs for the android device.
Below I will tell you about the main ones and teach you how to use them. But first, you have to learn how to perform the actions that you need in any of the ways:
- connect the device in USB debugging mode;
- Allow the installation of applications from unknown sources.
USB debugging mode
The algorithm of actions is quite simple and is similar on devices with any version of Android OS.
1. Go to the settings of your device and select the "Accessibility" section, the "For developers" item.
2. Set the switch to the "on" position opposite the item "USB debugging". Confirm your decision.
3. After connecting the device to the PC, you will see a message about enabling debugging in the notification bar.
Permission to install from unknown sources
Enter the settings, in the security section. Set the switch to the "on" position opposite the item "Unknown sources".
Everything, with the preparation finished, now go directly to root-rights.
Full access via PC software
In this section, I will explain in detail how to root your android device using some PC programs.
Root access with Kingo Android Root
1. Download Kingo Android ROOT program to your PC.
2. Install the program.
one of the screenshots when installing the KingoRoot program
4. Next, launch the Kingo Android ROOT program. Only then connect your device to the PC via USB.
5. When the device is found and all drivers are installed, click "ROOT". The process of hacking the system will begin. When it's done, restart your device.
I hope you understand everything. Let's move on to the next method.
Root access using the VROOT program
If you were unable to get root access using the previous program, then most likely your android device is made in China. Therefore, try to do approximately the same using the VROOT program. Below is the instruction.
1. Download the program from the official website to your PC. Yes, it's worth noting that it is in Chinese, so be careful. Click to download the green button, as shown in the picture.
2. Now install the program. The installation process is identical to any other, just look at the pictures and follow. Don't forget to check the box to launch the application (last screenshot).
3. Now you need to enable USB debugging mode on your device and allow installing applications from unknown sources.
4. Connect your device via USB cable. And click the "Root" button. Wait for the end of the process of obtaining root access.
These are, in my opinion, the two best programs in this category. Just follow all the steps as described above and you will succeed.
Full access using Android programs
In this section, I will show you how to root using android programs. All actions will need to be performed directly from your android device.
Root access using the KINGROOT program
This is a fairly easy-to-use program, and therefore the most popular.
1. First, download the installation file from the official website directly from your device (it will be easier than from a computer). Click Free Download. Confirm to save the file. The screenshot clearly shows the address of the site, and also shows what needs to be done. In the notification bar, you can see the download status.
Note: When downloading the installation file, it is advisable to have a high-speed Internet connection via WiFi.
2. Now you need to install the application. Before doing this, allow installation from unknown sources. Then go to the download directory and click on the appropriate file. Everything is shown in the pictures, be careful.
3. Now install the application by clicking on the "Install" button.
4. Locate the Kingroot application shortcut on one of the desktops. Click on it to launch. Immediately, the application will begin to determine the model of your device, as well as whether it is already rooted.
5. Now, when the definition is over, click on the "TRY TO ROOT" button to get root-rights. And wait for the device to reboot, which will inform you that the process of jailbreaking the system is over.
Root access using the OneClickRoot program
Unfortunately, this program no longer works for free (a couple of years have passed since this article was written). At the office. site only paid version for $ 30.
This program is much lighter than the previous one and, moreover, immediately after scanning, it tells you whether it can open root access on your device.
- I won't tell you much about how to download and install the application. It is necessary to perform all actions in the same way as in the case described above. All (including
You have rooted your Android smartphone or tablet. Everything seems to be good. But what to do next? What are they needed for? Let's say you got them to hack games. Played enough already, what's next, eh? The fact is that root rights are analogous to administrator privileges on Windows. These are called superuser rights.
So, imagine that you are a superman holding the key to any door. Have you presented? Fine! Now, let's move around the huge house in search of the right room.
Break Android
Yes, yes, with the help of root rights, you can thoroughly damage your device, and not only in the software, but also in the hardware. If the software is disrupted, then, for example, the processor clock speed can be raised (by unlocking the core) to an unacceptable level (although there are hardware limitations). And at this level, for example, a continuous peak load will be given. And that's all, you can say goodbye to your electronic pet. Of course, you won't do this by accident, but hurting someone is easy.
And, as for independent sabotage, it is very easy to drive a smartphone or tablet into the bootloop state, when, when turned on, the device will "hang" on the startup screen saver. Wow, you will be delighted. But don't cry, run straight to the RulSmart forum, to the Android first aid section and beg for help. Although they always help for free, some of them pray for some reason, they are strange, yeah.
Reservation
Hook you to the core! Yes, now you have the possibility of total backup of your data, you can also make a full backup of the firmware with user data directly from your smartphone or tablet. The power is directly felt, right? In addition, you can make backups of all your software, and then roll them up, for example, after resetting the settings. One of the programs that can do all this, subject to the presence of root rights, is Titanium Backup. The utility is so ancient that its beard can hold up to 20 kg of nuts.
Custom kernel
Now your smartphone or tablet from the Chinese basement calls you my lord, is that correct? If not yet, then it's time to flash a custom kernel to bend the system! The custom core will open the doors to the basement for you, where there is a dumpster! INFA, weaving! Thanks to this trix, you can increase or decrease the clock frequency of the processor or set up very flexibly, like the back of a gymnast, the operating modes of the chipset. For example, for the unlock screen, set the frequency to 800 MHz - 1 GHz, and to work with the 1.3 GHz interface, for applications - the maximum available clock frequency or 80% of it.
Feel like the crown is being put on your head? So that!
Hacking games
Ahaha, at the very beginning we considered this and, they say, you are already tired of playing with toys, but while you were reading this, you felt like it again, huh? Therefore, we do not interrupt - we listen to each letter from the article. The trick is that some programs for hacking games on Android ask and beg (for mercy) for root rights in order to change the configuration of the application, for example. If you don't have superpowers, then you will simply be sent and the attachment will close along with your lip that rolled out.
Removing system applications
You bought a Chinese smartphone or tablet, and these "friends" have sewn a bunch of junk into your favorite device that cannot be deleted. And sometimes viruses are also shoved. Yes, I lied. What is there sometimes, constantly, it has already become a normal practice. With this, even Bluboo dabbles in the fact that they need to be impaled, and then again, and again! By the way, UMI is on the same count, but on a first come, first served basis. We take seats, don't push.
So, with root rights you can delete all this to a dog, you understand? For example, through the System App Remover program or something like that, there is enough such rubbish. Then do not forget to delete this software, the killer has done his job - you need a new killer, right?
Modifying system files
Oh, here guys you can just pick up all the rings of omnipotence. You go to build.prop like this and start changing the brand / model of your device there (this is at least). What for? A few hours ago YOU went to Google Play, and he, the bastard, writes that your device is not supported (to install a game). Ha! This is how we write brand = Samsung, model = Galaxy S8. And who is not supported here now, idiots?
In fact, this is a very small fraction of what can be done with a superuser sword. If you have any other ideas or comments - welcome to the comments, puppies.
