Last Updated on October 22, 2022 by Tech Queries Team
If you are using an Android Mobile Phone, you might have heard about Rooting. Whether or not you have heard about it before, it is important that you should know it now. In this article, we will talk about What is Rooting a Phone, and explain What are its Benefits & Drawbacks.
Table of Contents
What is Rooting?
Generally, what does a Root means? The root is the hidden part of a tree, which is not easily accessible. You can access the tree roots by digging around the tree. But, it could damage the tree.
Similarly, when you buy a Smart Phone, the manufacturers hide certain advanced features and make it inaccessible to users. To unlock the full potential of your mobile, you need to get to the roots of your phone (deep inside the software).
Hence, it is called Rooting.
Rooting is a process, in which you use Third-Party Software to break Android Security and get into the deeper level of the software, where you get Admin Rights.
But, Why do they hide these features? Why can’t a user access them? Why do we have to do Rooting? And How can the Rooting Process damage a Phone? We will be covering all these topics in this article.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Rooting an Android Device:
Drawbacks of Rooting:
No More Warranty:
As soon as you Root the device, the device warranty will be gone. After that, no matter what happens to your phone, it’s on you. However, there are some mobile manufacturing companies that allow Rooting.
Phone can be Bricked:
If anything goes wrong during the Rooting, then your phone will be as good as a brick. When you are Rooting the Phone, you are messing with the Operating System and Firmware of the Phone. Therefore, if you did any mistake during the process, the software will be deleted, and your phone will become a dummy phone.
No More Security:
During the process of Rooting, you are disabling the Android Security. Hence, there is a good chance of your phone and data being hacked by cybercriminals. But, professional technical guys know a few ways to protect their devices.
No Updates:
You will stop receiving official updates. And, every Android Version has a different Rooting Process and Software.
So, these are the Drawbacks of Rooting a Phone. Now, most people might have left the thought of Rooting their Phones after reading the above points. However, there are many benefits of rooting an Android device. Let’s check them as well.
Benefits of Rooting an Android Device:
Unlock Hidden Features:
Once you have successfully Rooted your device, you have unlocked all its hidden features. Now, you are the real boss of your phone. You can do whatever you want without any restrictions.
Recover Deleted Files:
One of the best things is that you can recover deleted files and folders. There are several apps on PlayStore, which can restore deleted files from your phone. However, Android security doesn’t allow Third-Party apps to scan the deeper levels of a phone. Therefore, Rooting and installing such Apps can give you access to go to deeper levels.
Permission for Third-Party Apps:
Moreover, you can use Third-Party Apps to hack games, improve battery, Overclock Processor, and more.
Read more about What is Overclocking.
Uninstall Stock Android Apps:
When you buy an Android Phone, it comes with several pre-installed apps, which are called Stock Android Apps. Some of these apps are useful but some take up unnecessary space. Furthermore, you cannot delete them. However, after Rooting the phone, you can remove any app from your mobile, including system apps like calendar, calculator, camera, etc.
Unlimited Updates:
One of the Benefits of Rooting is Unlimited Updates. Some Mobile Manufacturers limit your phone to a certain version of Android. For example, suppose you got a Samsung phone with Android 9. The company might give you Android 10 updates, but you won’t get any further updates like Android 11 or 12.
However, after Rooting your device, you can Install it to the latest version. Note that, you have to download the updates from Third-Part websites, as all Official Updates will be stopped.
Keep the Version you Like:
Generally, once you update your Android, it is not possible to degrade.
But, suppose you like the older version of Android more than the New Version. So, it is possible by Rooting your mobile.
Custom ROM:
You might have noticed that most mobile manufacturers use their OS on top of Android to change their appearance. For example, Realme has Realme OS, Samsung has Touchwiz, Oneplus has Oxygen OS, and so on. Another Benefit of Rooting is that you can remove the upper OS and use the Stock Android as it is.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can we Root iPhone?
Rooting can only be done on Android. For iPhones, there is another term called Jailbreak.
Why Mobile Manufacturers Void the warranty if Rooted?
When you Root the phone, you have control over the Firmware and all advanced settings. Therefore, any damage caused to the OS is your responsibility.
Why phones are not pre-rooted?
Manufacturers hide certain settings because not all mobile phone users are techies. Therefore, to prevent non-techies from messing with any advanced settings, mobile manufacturers decided to hide the sensitive settings and features.
Conclusion:
Rooting is so hyped these days. Everyone wants to have full control of their device. However, it is up to you. You need to ask yourself, Is Rooting really beneficial for you? Are you going to access all the features? If Yes, then go for it.
Moreover, you should also consider the Drawbacks.
Are you ok if your phone gets bricked, if its warranty is voided, or its security is gone? If you think Rooting is more beneficial for you, despite the risks, you can go for it. Rooting used to be popular when smartphones were newly launched because they contained very limited features.
However, these days, phone manufacturers are offering several features so that you don’t have to Root your phone. Now that you understand What is Rooting, it is your choice to Root your phone or not.