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The Android operating system is known for its openness and “pliability” - an inquisitive user using root rights on Android He may well modify it himself and turn his smartphone/tablet into a Terminator (well, or into a brick, if something goes wrong).

However, when trying to get to system files, Android OS issues a warning that without superuser rights, which are also called root rights mi or just “root”, nothing can be done. And therefore all that remains is to “dig into your sandbox,” generously limited by the manufacturer and developer.

However, it is still possible and possible to get root rights. And then the user can finally play with system files by uninstalling Android and completely modifying the operating system the way he wants.

What is Root access and superuser rights

Any owner of an Android device knows that it can only work with files on the memory card (or built-in storage). The system partition - the same one where the operating system is stored - remains terra incognita, an unexplored land and guarded by Cerberus in the person of the OS itself. And it is to access this section that you will need root rights to your Android.

This is where files and data of some applications, system Android files, Google Apps ( Play Store, Gmail and other programs that you can’t get rid of) and much, much more. It is closed and not visible either in file managers or when connecting the device to a computer.

Superuser rights, also known as root access, allow you to access the system partition by opening it and making it visible. After this, you can browse Android files and directories in established managers, and also change data.

Access to the system partition is gained not only file managers, but also other applications such as antiviruses, firewalls, tools, utilities and much, much more.

Why do you need Root access or root rights?

Superuser rights (root rights) are needed to modify, change, create and delete system files. Use scenarios can be very diverse.

For example, Root access allows you to remove applications preinstalled by the smartphone or tablet manufacturer, be it a variety of clients social networks, unused tools and games. You can also get rid of various services and programs from Google - Play Market, Google+, Calendar, etc. Some system applications can also be removed.

Removing system, pre-installed and Google applications allows you to increase the amount of available memory, which can be spent on installing the programs and games the user needs.

Root rights to Android will also be required to add new system files - for example, installing a firewall, anti-virus system, various useful utilities such as a tool for recording video from the screen or an ad cutter.

Root access also allows you to copy system files and application data, creating a backup of settings and programs. Appropriate utilities such as Titanium Backup are also used for this.

In general, superuser rights are a useful thing in the right hands, but harmful in the hands of the incompetent. By deleting important system files, you can render the device inoperable, and only flashing the smartphone/tablet will save it. However, by uninstalling unnecessary software, you can significantly speed up the device and free up a couple of hundred megabytes in memory.

What is Superuser and Supersu and is it worth removing this application

Happy owners of rooted smartphones or tablets know that they have the Superuser or Supersu application installed on their device.

This is, in essence, a kind of protection of system files from unauthorized modification. Applications trying to gain root access or root rights first encounter Superuser, which displays a warning about modification attempts.

And if the user allows the modification, then the application trying to get into the system partition still gets to the corresponding files and directories and begins to do whatever it wants to do there.

If you block it, the application leaves “with nothing” and, accordingly, does not work and does not perform its functions.

Before you give an application root access, you should think about whether it is necessary? Various “malware” periodically “climb” into the system partition, which, for example, significantly increases the amount of advertising, steals user data, or simply interferes with work in every possible way.

Superuser - or Supersu - is a kind of “lock on the gate”, and it is under no circumstances recommended to remove it. Fortunately, the program only takes up a few megabytes.

How to root Android

Superuser rights to various devices turn out different ways– primarily due to the fact that the degree of protection of the system partition depends on the hardware configuration (processor, hardware platform, etc.).

There is no universal way to obtain Root. However, there are ones that work on most devices.

Google will help you find a way to get root! The methods described on the websites 4PDA and XDA-Developers are recommended.

Is it worth getting root rights on Android?

Superuser rights are an excellent tool in the right hands, which have many advantages and give complete freedom of action. But in the hands of inept people they turn into powerful weapon against Android on one single device. By doing the wrong thing, you can turn your device into a brick, which you will then have to reflash.

Advantages of root access

Disadvantages of root access

  • Complete freedom of action with system files
  • Possibility of “bricking” the device
  • Reducing the security level of the device
  • Loss of warranty - after getting root All actions with a smartphone/tablet are performed by the user at his own peril and risk

Root is that feature operating system Android, which makes it different from other platforms. Using root rights you can access hidden functions OS from Google, change appearance interface, install different firmware, but also reduce the security of your gadget. Root has both positive and negative sides. In this article you will learn what root is on Android and what opportunities it provides.

Root concept and terminology

Root (from the English root - root; read “root”), or superuser, is a special account in UNIX-like operating systems that has an identifier (UID, User IDentifier) ​​of 0 and has access to system files. The owner of such an account can perform all operations without exception and edit any files in the OS. Since in Android based The Linux kernel was laid, then root access migrated to it along with the other features of the brainchild of Linus Torvalds.

Obtaining root rights on Android involves modifying the operating system. You can also get an account with root access after installing custom firmware, but doing this without the same root is quite difficult.

Root rights may be different. They are divided into three types:

  • Full Root- full access to system functions and rights. Permanent root rights without restrictions. After receiving Full Root, it is impossible to update the firmware in the usual way.
  • Shell Root- a type of root rights with limited access to system folder/system/. You cannot use some functions or edit files in the corresponding directory.
  • Temporary Root- temporary access to root rights until the next reboot of the device.

What opportunities does Root provide?

As already mentioned, root rights give full access to all directories, files and functions of the operating system Android systems. The user gets complete freedom of action - you can do whatever you want.



Photo: AndroidPIT



Custom recovery TWRP 3.0 for Android

We will also give the concepts of several software things related to root rights:

  • Custom ROM or ROM- firmware (Android OS image), assembled manually by the user. The author of such firmware is not the official manufacturer of the device.
  • Bootloader (bootloader) - software, which is installed in the device memory separately from the operating system and other modules. Responsible for loading the OS and other modules. In almost all gadgets, the bootloader is initially locked, so to install custom firmware you need to unlock it, and this often requires root.
  • Kernel- the “heart” of the operating system, which connects all functional modules together. Every time you use your smartphone or tablet, the Android OS kernel sends software requests to hardware(process and memory). Advanced user can build its own kernel, which can be flashed into the system using root rights. Using settings in the custom kernel, you can increase the processor frequency or reduce battery consumption.
  • - software installed and running separately from the Android operating system (analogous to BIOS in computers). Custom recovery means that it is a third-party recovery and not a standard one installed by the manufacturer. With recovery options like TWRP and ClockworkMod, you can create and restore full OS backups and install third-party firmware. Also, the recovery contains many additional functions.
  • Systemless Root (non-system root)- a method of obtaining root rights that does not change the system firmware files in the /system directory. Instead, all modified files are installed in the /su directory and loaded at system startup. Non-system root allows you to receive official updates firmware from the manufacturer.
  • FastBoot (fastboot)- special software for diagnostics and testing of the device. In FastBoot mode, a device connected to a computer can be used to launch any files and install firmware.
  • ADB (Android Debug Bridge)- a utility from the official Android SDK. Used to control a smartphone via a computer using command line or other programs. ADB is mainly used to install some programs or modify firmware.
  • GApps (Google Apps)- a set of proprietary applications and services from Google. Required for installation on AOSP firmware, which are built without Google services. Basically, the GApps package is installed through recovery.
  • Nandroid backup- a backup copy of not only system, but also user data on the device. After restoring such a backup, you can return the device to the full state it was in when the backup was created. Such backup is better leave it to those who like to experiment with firmware. You can create a Nandroid backup using custom recovery TWRP or Clockwork Mod.
Read on Trashbox:

Root access to the Android system.

Root – access is access to the Android system with administrator rights. That is, rooting is a change in the operating system that will lead to the provision of greater capabilities in managing the smartphone.

The very concept of root as a superuser comes from the Linux system, the basis and kernel of Android. Those who have an idea of ​​​​working in this system know that root is a built-in Account system administrator, which has a lot additional features, inaccessible to other ordinary users.

To provide this level of access on your smartphone, simply install a program called su (short for superuser) on it. As a superuser, you can access system files, view the cache, and do many other things.

Why is this level of access needed?

Does it make sense to do this? The fact is that many applications have been developed that require access with full rights to install and run. Their use can significantly expand the capabilities of any smartphone and make working with it much more interesting. These are applications such as Root Explorer, Task Manager For Root, and others. The description of programs of this type indicates that it requires root access.

With full access to the Android system, you can perform many other functions, such as:

Make changes to operating system files, as well as shortcuts and themes;

Delete standard programs operating system;

Run any executable files intended for Linux;

Create a complete backup copy installed system with all settings and applications, using additional programs;

Launch Tether applications, which will make it possible to use a specific smartphone as an access point (in android versions 2.2 this feature is made standard).

Available firmware with full administrator rights can additionally allow users to install applications on the memory card, transfer the cache to the card, change many system settings, which are not accessible through the standard options menu, and other features.

You need to keep in mind that simply granting root rights will not add these capabilities to your smartphone; you also need to install necessary programs, or make changes to system files yourself.

What types of root access are there?

The Android system has several types of root administrative access:

Temporary root – temporary granting of administrative rights to perform certain functions. After a system reboot, normal user rights return.

Shell root – permanent administrator rights without access to the system folder.

Full root – full permanent unlimited access with administrator rights.

How safe is it?

Of course, such full access to the operating system can be dangerous.

First of all, installing a program on a smartphone that provides root access will void the warranty. This is due to the fact that this level of access can cause irreparable harm to the operating system if handled incorrectly or simply carelessly.

Return phone to normal mode, unfortunately, it is not always possible. It depends on the specific model smartphone. For some, returning to standard mode does not present any difficulties, for others it is more difficult. Therefore, before enabling rooting, it is worth checking on the Internet about the possibility of returning everything back in the future.

Problems may also arise with installing updates. The fact is that standard updates are installed only on a licensed and unmodified version of the operating system. Therefore, you can return your smartphone to normal mode, install updates, and then switch it back to root mode.

Thus, rooting can provide a lot of additional opportunities to smartphone owners, but at the same time it can become a source of additional danger and headaches.

How to get root access on my smartphone?

On this moment There are both applications for automatically obtaining root access for various smartphones literally in one click, and applications aimed at hacking a specific model. Among the automated tools, the most famous are:,. However, universal rooters are often limited to a certain number of models that they are suitable for, and therefore you often have to look for instructions and tools for getting root on your smartphone yourself, for example, in thematic sections of the XDA forum.

Good quality used phones

Did you like the article?

Or at least leave a happy comment so that we know which topics are most interesting to readers. Besides, it inspires us. The comment form is below.

What's wrong with her? You can express your indignation at [email protected]. We will try to take into account your wishes in the future to improve the quality of the site materials. Now let’s carry out educational work with the author.

Should I talk?

G.A.P:
Inspired by many forums: User - AAA!!! I need root, please explain/give me everything urgently!!! All - Everything is chewed up in the “hat”, take it and do it. A couple of days pass... User - AAA!!! Help, the body is dead and doesn’t work, I can’t do anything!!! All - You did all operations with your phone at your own peril and risk, everything is written in the header. A curtain. :) P.S. Three devices on different robots and never needed root access :) Maybe I’m somehow wrong? ;)

G.A.P:
In principle, this is correct, and I believe that if the system does not allow you to solve your urgent problems and increase functionality without interfering with it with the risk of losing everything, it is no credit to the developer/manufacturer and my money goes to someone else. It’s like this everywhere - voting with coins :)

Pavlik:
You need to have Ruth at least to remove unnecessary junk hanging in the operative.

Unlike most competitors, the Android operating system is more open. However, it also has its prohibitions and restrictions. Android doesn't allow to the average user delete important files, change work system programs or set potentially dangerous settings. You can gain access to such features in cases where the owner receives so-called root - superuser rights.

Rooting a device on Android is gaining superuser rights, roughly corresponding to a similar concept in Linux system. Once rooted, you can perform almost any action on your device, even potentially dangerous ones. This gives you complete control over your device.

What is it for?

Obtaining Root rights to Android provides users with a number of benefits. These include:

  • Unlimited control over the operating system.
  • The ability to replace system files, which will allow you to:
    • change standard applications- clock, calendar, mail program and others;
    • replace topics;
    • replace the Recovery image and system bootloader to be able to replace firmware, as well as save and restore the system;
    • perform any actions with system applications- addition, replacement, etc.;
    • change the animation and images that are displayed when the system starts.
  • Run applications that provide a lot of system management capabilities, for example:
    • Root Explorer file manager, which, unlike the standard manager, will allow you to see and work with all files located on your device;
    • Super User, with which you can grant root rights to various programs;
    • programs that allow you to change and delete any applications, including system ones.
  • Make a backup of Android, including your installed programs and data, which can always be restored after a firmware update or factory reset.
  • Move installed applications from a tablet or phone to a memory card.
  • Copy the cache of various applications and temporary browser files to the memory card.
  • Manage your device using a computer via WiFi connection or USB port.

Getting root rights

The procedure for obtaining root rights is quite simple and, if all instructions are carefully followed, can be completed without any problems. Moreover, a number of universal utilities, automating this process and providing access to even the most novice users.

On different devices The procedures for obtaining root rights differ from each other. Some require their own program, others just need to install a universal application, and others need to first unlock the system bootloader. There are universal programs designed to help obtain superuser rights on most Android devices- for example, Towelroot, Framaroot, Root Genius, Unlockroot and others.

Android OS is a complex system that has a rather non-standard architecture. It is based on the Linux OS kernel, on top of which is based an add-on in the form of a virtual machine that works with APK applications. Speak to Linux kernel only the Java virtual machine in which programs are executed can do so; programs and the user do not have direct access to it. Interaction is ensured with user rights (and not administrator rights), that is, they do not have the rights to change the operation of the application core. This was done to ensure cross-platform and security of smartphones.

Not all users like this approach. After all, restrictions mean a reduction in the overall functionality of the Android OS, theoretically available in Linux. In order to change the situation, access with administrator or superuser rights, also known as root, is required. Root is the root level of access where the user (and their applications) can interfere with the operation of the kernel by directly using capabilities that are not available by default.

By obtaining root rights, you can significantly expand the functionality of Android. But when opening root access, you should be aware of the responsibility. Virus programs, of which there are very few for Android (and which are practically harmless when used skillfully), can cause more damage to a smartphone with root rights (up to and including completely disabling its operating system). Therefore, superuser rights can only be given to trusted applications. About what you can use root rights on Android for: we'll talk below.

Having root allows you to access system partitions smartphone. With them you can modify the OS without resorting to flashing the device. For example, editing the build.prop file and similar ones becomes available. By changing these files, you can customize the interface, the scale of elements on the screen, apply tweaks to save energy, change system information, etc. You can do this manually (in text editor), and with the help of special utilities.

Root rights also make it possible to change the boot screen and modify the Android system bootloader. With their help, even flashing a smartphone without the participation of a computer becomes possible.

Removing "Chinese"

If a smartphone was purchased on Aliexpress or another similar platform and intended for China, it often does not have Google services. But a bunch of not very clear applications with hieroglyphs in the interface are preinstalled. These are usually analogues of the official repository Google Play, cloud services, messengers and similar software. Often all these programs are unnecessary and only get in the way. Having root rights allows you to delete them from memory without a trace to save space and reduce the load on the hardware.

Installing applications into system memory

Memory in Android smartphones is divided into system and user. The first stores the OS and firmware, the second is available for data storage (hence the free 10-12 GB of the 16 GB of total space). Often in system memory There is still space left that can be filled with applications. Having installed there the most necessary programs, you can clear the user space (especially important on smartphones without a memory card), and after resetting the settings to factory settings, this software will not have to be reinstalled again. On Chinese Android smartphones, you can replace “native characters” with Google services without resorting to flashing the firmware.

Taking screenshots

The Android system has a built-in screen capture mechanism, which is called by pressing the volume and power buttons simultaneously. But in in some cases it may be missing. Since the capture is done at the kernel level, third-party screenshots cannot access it. Root rights allow you to take screenshots not only with the built-in mechanism, but also with any utility adapted for this, by pressing a given key or using a shortcut on the display.

Overclocking and reducing processor frequencies

IN modern processors For Android smartphones, the frequency is adjusted dynamically, depending on the load. But this mechanism does not always work as it should, especially in third-party software. If the frequency used is excessive for the assigned tasks, the battery will discharge faster. If the application is not optimized for multi-cores, the activity of an excessive number of cores does not lead to an increase in speed. With root rights, you can either lower it to save battery power or increase it to increase productivity.

Removing advertisements

Advertising is a means of earning money for software developers. But when there is too much of it, and annoying windows pop up “out of the blue” - this is already too much. Root rights allow you to block software access to the Internet, remove advertising windows and banners, thus increasing performance and autonomy.

Game modification

The trick in the form of cheat codes in games allows you to quickly “pump up” and gain hidden capabilities. But on Android this practice is not very common. To make a hero immortal, to “conjure” millions of coins or endless ammo, you need root. Administrator rights make it possible to install programs designed to change the content of games, their saves and data in random access memory smartphone.

Launching software for Linux

Root rights give direct access to the Linux kernel, thereby allowing you to use it (bypassing virtual machine) to work with the terminal and launch executable files OS Linux. Thus, the user receives a mini-version of a full-fledged PC in his pocket. Most ordinary users do not need this, but in some cases (for example, for software developers, programmers) the function is very relevant.

Conclusion

These are not all features that grant root privileges. Full access to the system opens up wide opportunities for customizing and modifying the OS. But before you set up root permissions, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, this operation may void the manufacturer's warranty. Secondly, inexperienced tampering with Android system files can “brick” the smartphone. Also, changing and hacking software is usually a violation license agreement. Therefore, all actions with root are carried out by the user at his own peril and risk.

Video about the pros and cons of root rights

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