Steven Blum
- Forum posts: 882
Sep 22, 2011, 4:19:29 PM via Website
Sep 22, 2011 4:19:29 PM via Website
What exactly is rooting?
Rooting your Android involves adding a small Linux application called "su." It stands for SuperUser, and allows applications and commands to run. The root user is the boss and can do anything on the device with "su" in place, including simple things like clearing the cache and also more complicated things like tethering a PC or an iPod touch.
Why would I want to do it?
Certain things you can only do with a rooted phone, like installing the software from other phones (think Sense or TouchWiz). Additionally, some apps like Titanium Backup only work on rooted devices and can help you backup all of your data before you switch phones. Rooted devices can also run other apps like Ad Free, which gets rid of all advertising on any app in your phone and Shoot Me, which allows you to take a screenshot of anything.
Is it dangerous? Will it void my warranty? What if I end up ruining my phone?
Rooting can be dangerous, depending on the device, it always voids your warranty and it can end up breaking your phone. By messing with your phone's internal DNA, you could end up fiddling with the wrong thing and brick your phone. Usually, you can still recover it, but not always. All major carriers and manufacturers state that altering or using un-approved software voids the warranty, so proceed with caution.
You've also got to be careful about the kinds of apps you install on your rooted phone. Read all the reviews and pay special attention to what kinds of permissions the app asks for.
Can I still receive over-the-air updates from my carrier?
Maybe. Most updates are designed to work with original software, so they need to check to make sure your software is just as they left it. If you decide to un-root your phone, usually you can update it again.
Can I un-root my phone?
It depends. Some phones are insanely easy to revert back and some are really difficult. This is the most important thing to research before you begin your rooting expedition.
In conclusion, so long as you do your research, rooting can give you an extra level of control over your Android phone. If you decide to root, consider the advice we've laid out here. The risks are real, but so are the rewards!
Rooting your Android involves adding a small Linux application called "su." It stands for SuperUser, and allows applications and commands to run. The root user is the boss and can do anything on the device with "su" in place, including simple things like clearing the cache and also more complicated things like tethering a PC or an iPod touch.
Why would I want to do it?
Certain things you can only do with a rooted phone, like installing the software from other phones (think Sense or TouchWiz). Additionally, some apps like Titanium Backup only work on rooted devices and can help you backup all of your data before you switch phones. Rooted devices can also run other apps like Ad Free, which gets rid of all advertising on any app in your phone and Shoot Me, which allows you to take a screenshot of anything.
Is it dangerous? Will it void my warranty? What if I end up ruining my phone?
Rooting can be dangerous, depending on the device, it always voids your warranty and it can end up breaking your phone. By messing with your phone's internal DNA, you could end up fiddling with the wrong thing and brick your phone. Usually, you can still recover it, but not always. All major carriers and manufacturers state that altering or using un-approved software voids the warranty, so proceed with caution.
You've also got to be careful about the kinds of apps you install on your rooted phone. Read all the reviews and pay special attention to what kinds of permissions the app asks for.
Can I still receive over-the-air updates from my carrier?
Maybe. Most updates are designed to work with original software, so they need to check to make sure your software is just as they left it. If you decide to un-root your phone, usually you can update it again.
Can I un-root my phone?
It depends. Some phones are insanely easy to revert back and some are really difficult. This is the most important thing to research before you begin your rooting expedition.
In conclusion, so long as you do your research, rooting can give you an extra level of control over your Android phone. If you decide to root, consider the advice we've laid out here. The risks are real, but so are the rewards!
— modified on Sep 23, 2011, 4:27:41 PM
Hope you'll have your device back.. 
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