What is Root rights

What are Root rights?

Android is an operating system that powers many mobile devices, smartphones, tablets, and TV set-top boxes. It is based on a modified Linux kernel, which provides versatility, reliability, and functionality.

Linux and Android have a lot in common, for example, the superuser mode, which allows you to interact with system folders, activate and disable functions blocked for a regular user. You can activate this mode by obtaining root rights. Is it necessary? What are the benefits and risks of such a solution?

General concept

Obtaining root rights is an operation in which a regular user becomes an administrator, gaining full control over the operating system, software, and hardware of the device. This allows you to make changes that are not possible in the standard management mode.

In the basic version, Android blocks some settings so that the user does not accidentally disrupt the device's functionality, does not make changes that contradict the manufacturer's policy, prevents it from using advertising and other functions. Root rights are needed to successfully bypass these locks.

A brief description of them will help you clearly understand the difference in rights:

• Standard, available to every user. Access to system settings is severely limited or completely blocked, only basic applications and functions are available.
• Root. Absolute control over the operating system. The superuser can remove system applications, optimize device performance, change the processor frequency.

Advantages of obtaining root rights

The superuser mode allows you to effectively solve the following tasks:

• Removing applications installed on a tablet computer or smartphone by the manufacturer. Often they are useless, or can be replaced with more functional, stable, convenient versions. A typical example is Chinese-made smartphones purchased abroad that do not have global firmware. The user has to put up with an abundance of hieroglyphs, constant advertising that cannot be turned off, local applications. Root rights will help to correct the situation, remove irrelevant system utilities.
• Personalization. Thanks to root rights, you can customize the device in full accordance with your preferences and needs, change the system theme, fonts, etc.
• Performance settings. Root rights allow you to interact with the processor, “overclock” it or, conversely, reset the clock frequency, disable some cores. The first option will appeal to fans of mobile games, the second - to users who want to make the device more autonomous, reduce energy consumption, increase the operating time on a single charge.
• Changing the firmware. Thanks to root, you can install an unofficial firmware created by enthusiasts, more functional and convenient, in comparison with the standard version.
• Efficient interaction with applications, changing permissions. This saves traffic, increases the overall level of security, increases speed, helps to use battery power more rationally. For example, you can block some programs from accessing the Internet so that they do not download ads, do not irritate you with constant display of ads and banners, exclude their interaction with the camera and microphone, so as not to worry about possible wiretapping, collection of personal information.
• Efficient interaction with the file system. You can restore accidentally deleted information, transfer software to a memory card, even if such a function is not initially provided.

Possible risks

Superuser mode is not only advantages, previously unavailable features and functions, but also certain risks, the most significant of which are as follows:

• Loss of warranty. The manufacturer or seller may disclaim warranty service obligations not only in case of mechanical damage, intentional opening of the case, but also when making changes to the software. Most smartphones now use special indicators that record such changes. The refusal can be challenged, referring to laws protecting consumer rights, however, with a high probability, the court will side with the seller.
• Inoperability of some applications. Obtaining root rights is, in fact, hacking the device, due to which it becomes more vulnerable to network attacks, fraudulent activities. Programs that interact with confidential information, such as banking programs, record such changes and refuse to work.
• Inability to receive system updates. This is relevant for new devices that continue to be supported by the manufacturer, regularly receive minor updates aimed at improving security, or large-scale ones, up to the latest versions of Android. After obtaining root rights and, especially when installing third-party firmware, this will be impossible.
• Turning the device into a “brick”. This danger lies in wait for inexperienced users who neglect instructions and use unverified firmware.

Security issues are also relevant, for example, some utilities designed to obtain root rights were originally made by scammers, contain viruses, intercept passwords, or automatically disable functions that protect the system and the user from network attacks, theft of personal information. You need to choose such software as carefully and thoroughly as possible, read reviews, forums, comments.

Getting root rights: recommendations and instructions

The algorithm of actions is determined by the type, brand, model of the device, the original version of the operating system, there are no universal instructions. General rules - create a backup copy that allows you to restore the device in case of a failure, as well as a battery charge of at least 70 percent, better - up to 100. You can save a backup copy either to the Google cloud, this option is universal for all Android devices, or to a branded service, for example, Xiaomi or Samsung.

The further algorithm of actions is to install a proven application that allows you to work with root rights, search for firmware that matches personal preferences, device model, safe, guaranteed not to contain viruses and vulnerabilities. All operations are carried out from a computer, with a stable wired connection. It should be borne in mind that even an accidental short-term shutdown before the firmware is completed leads to a complete loss of functionality. You need to act as carefully as possible.

It is better to download programs installed on Android OS or PC exclusively from the official Google Play store. This greatly reduces the risk of encountering a virus, fraudulent application, security and checks are given great attention.

Who can root be recommended to?

Obtaining root access is a good solution for the following users:

• Technically literate people who understand the principles of operation of computer equipment, the intricacies of interaction with software shells.
• Owners of old smartphones and tablets. Obtaining root access will help optimize performance, install more recent versions of the OS even in the absence of official support from the manufacturer.
• Fans of customization who want to transform the appearance of the shell, expand the functionality of the device.

Who shouldn't get root rights?

First of all, the firmware is not recommended for users of new devices under warranty. There are definitely more disadvantages than advantages in such a situation, the main negative point is the loss of warranty. Also, root is contraindicated for ordinary users for whom a smartphone is a regular means of communication, listening to music, watching videos. Finally, it should be taken into account that root rights often negatively affect security, open up additional vulnerabilities, and therefore, if you regularly pay using a smartphone, actively use banking applications, it is more rational to stay on the basic firmware.

Summing up

Getting root rights should be the most conscious, responsible step, before which you should clearly understand the need itself, weigh the positive and negative aspects. Does it make sense to slightly increase the processor clock speed, improve the quality of the images, risking general instability, frequent reboots, and crashes? Probably not.

It should be noted that many modern devices initially provide users with fairly wide control options, and have no problems with setup and control. This is typical for both flagship and budget versions.

Author of the article:

Editor-in-Chief

Danaev Almaz