What is root on android. Why do you need root rights

What is root on android.  Why do you need root rights
What is root on android. Why do you need root rights

Where did the concept of root come from? The idea of ​​a "superuser" goes back to a time when computers were big and expensive and had many users working on them at once. Among all these users, there was usually the most important one, and on operating systems of the Unix family (and not only) this user is called root. Root has full access to all system resources. Since root you can do whatever you want. Do you want to delete files that will immediately break the system? No problem. True, in the future, reinstallation is not enough.

And this fully applies to Android, since the core of the system is Linux. So what are the advantages of root-rights?

As mentioned above, root gives you wide opportunities. You can install unwanted applications, manually increase the frequency of the processor, which will lead to better performance. Root will allow you to kill unnecessary processes that do not allow your gadget to “sleep” peacefully. This is a wide range of settings for memory sections. Root will allow you to install custom firmware, and this is perhaps one of the most important nuances.

The disadvantage, in the first place, is that too wide possibilities can lead to disastrous results. If your smartphone has root rights, you should not give it to children. And when we talk about the disastrous result, we are talking even about the complete loss of the gadget, where the only possible solution will apply to service center. Rooted users should always use their smartphone with care, this is somewhat of a big responsibility.

The most popular applications based on working with root users are the following:

Many have heard of such an application, but not everyone understands? what is its functionality. The main purpose of Titanium Backup is backup? or, as they say in society, a backup of all your data. When we talk about all the data, we mean the firmware itself, all settings, applications - absolutely everything.

The application is required for advanced work with access rights and superuser.

Able to disable processes that affect the performance of the gadget. For example, background processes applications "WhatsApp", "Odnoklassniki".

Disables processes. For example, at night, the smartphone goes into sleep mode. Some applications have processes that start at a certain interval, perform actions and go back to sleep. These processes lead to frequent awakenings of the gadget. Thus, if the charge was at 100% at night? only 80% may remain in the morning. The application has been removed from, but it is not so difficult to find it on the Internet.

ROM manager

It will help in installing firmware, using Rom Manager you can also install custom recovery, such as Clockword Recovery.

These are the 5 main and most popular applications that every root owner should have.

The Android operating system is known for its openness and "pliability" - an inquisitive user with the help of root rights on android may well modify it on his own 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 gives a warning that without superuser rights, also called root rights mi or just "root", nothing can be done. And therefore, it remains only 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 will finally be able to play with system files by removing 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 he can only work with files on a memory card (or in the built-in storage). The system partition - the one where the operating system is stored - remains terra incognita, the land uncharted and protected by the Cerberus in the face of the OS itself. And it is to access this section that you will need root rights to android.

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

Superuser rights, they are also root access, allow you to get to the system partition, opening it and making it visible. After that, you will be able to browse Android files and directories in established managers and change the data.

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

Why do I need root access or root rights

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

For example, Root access allows you to remove applications pre-installed by the manufacturer of a smartphone or tablet, whether they are various 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 uninstalled.

Removing system, pre-installed and "Google" applications allows you to increase the amount of available memory that can be spent on installing programs and games that 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 like a screen recording tool 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 useful in the right hands and harmful in the hands of the inept. By deleting important system files, you can bring the device to an inoperable state, and only a flashing will save the smartphone / tablet. 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 should I remove this application

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

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

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

If banned, the application leaves "with nothing" and, accordingly, does not work and does not perform its functions.

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

Superuser - or Supersu - is a kind of "lock on the gate", and it is not recommended to remove it in any case. Fortunately, the program takes only a few megabytes.

How to Root Rights on Android

Superuser rights to various devices are obtained 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 get Root. However, there are operating on most devices.

Google will help you find a way to get "root"! The methods described on the sites w3bsit3-dns.com and XDA-Developers are recommended.

Is it worth getting root rights on android

Superuser rights are a great tool in the right hands, which has many advantages and gives you complete freedom of action. But in the hands of the inept, they turn into a powerful weapon against Android on one single device. With the wrong actions, you can turn the device into a brick, which then will have to be reflashed.

Advantages of root access

Disadvantages of root access

  • Complete freedom of action with system files
  • The ability to "brick" the device
  • Reducing device security
  • Loss of warranty - after getting root all actions with a smartphone / tablet, the user performs at his own peril and risk

What is root rights on android? How to root Android? Frequently asked questions by many newcomers choosing a smartphone or tablet on this OS and much more useful information about Root!

How to Root Your Android Smartphone or Tablet

For those who are eager to get Root rights and no matter what it is, go to http://4pda.ru/ to a special section of the site where you can find many ways to get Root on your Android from companies such as Samsung, HTC, Sony Lenovo, LG, Alcatel and other smartphones and tablets!

What is Root Android?

Root [root] or something else as it is also called Superuser is needed in order to expand the functionality of the Android operating system. This term originated from Unix-like systems and this word means this:

In Unix and Android OS, in particular, users who perform actions (watching video, listening to audio, editing a document) work with Guest rights, that is, they cannot edit or change/delete/modify system files, increase system functionality, this opportunity has only the main Administrator or, as it should be properly called Superuser.

What exactly gives Root rights on Android:

  • Ability to freeze and restore firmware on an Android device
  • Remove ads from apps
  • Delete built-in apps and ringtones
  • Embed apps and ringtones
  • Change appearance Android until unrecognizable (change icons, change background), edit apk in every possible way, system applications
  • Extend the life of a single charge (if the charge was enough for you for 1 day, then with the receipt of root rights, you can increase the autonomy by 1.5 - 2 days)
  • Increase the speed and responsiveness of Android
  • Overclock or underspeed the processor
  • create your own firmware

and many others useful features and opportunities...

You ask why, then, on the Android OS, Root is not initially built in to immediately expand this functionality?

Root is not built in just because many do not know that they are editing system files, it is possible, due to lack of experience, to greatly increase the frequency of the processor and the device will burn out and will only perform the functions of a brick or hammer in the future, and also because in free apps there is an ad with the help of which Google makes money for itself, and once you get root rights, you can delete it!

Cons of getting Root rights

In addition to the above disadvantages, you can also include:

  • Official firmware updates (you can do everything manually)
  • Disabling branded chips of the manufacturer

Also, having received Root, you automatically lose warranty repairs! But do not despair, having received Root it can also be unnoticeably removed, and then more than one service center will not be able to refuse you a repair.

If after getting Root rights Android is buggy

In very rare situations, it happens that an Android smartphone or tablet is buggy (frequent errors occur, some functions do not work) after getting root rights. To solve this problem, resetting the data, or as it is customary to call it in the Android environment “wipe” (wipe), can help you. Data reset can be done by going to the settings menu -> recovery and reset, or from the Recovery menu by selecting wipe data / factory reset.

What you need to do before getting Root rights

Certain manufacturers, such as Sony and HTC, are putting an extra spin on the wheel by blocking the Android Bootloader. How to unlock the bootloader can be found in these articles

  • Unlock bootloader Sony
  • Unlock bootloader HTC
  • Unlock Huawei bootloader
  • Unlock bootloader Nexus
  • Unlock Bootloader LG
  • Unlock Xiaomi bootloader
  • Unlock bootloader Motorola

In addition to this, in HTC smartphones after unlocking the bootloader and obtaining root rights, you must perform the S-OFF procedure.

What happens when you get Root rights on Android?

On an Android smartphone or tablet installation in progress binary file SU, which is responsible for root rights. This file is installed along the path /system/xbin/su. Also, for Android to work correctly after rooting it, sometimes a busybox file is needed, which increases the capabilities of a rooted device many times over.

Why do you need SuperSu or SuperUser / Kinguser?

IN Internet networks Android users often ask questions:

And so, if you read the previous previous paragraph, you already know that root rights appear when a file is embedded in the system /system/xbin/su, and when installing these applications given file not registered in the system! These applications are ROOT administrators access - SuperSu and SuperUser or KingUser are needed in order to control who and what to provide root or vice versa to prohibit.

Root types

Root on Android is distinguished as

  • full root- these are permanent root rights that are not deleted after a reboot or randomly, with the ability to write and rewrite to the system partition
  • Shell Root- permanent root rights as well, but unlike Full Root, there is no possibility of writing and rewriting to the system partition
  • Temporary Roottemporary root rights. Unfortunately, these Root rights disappear after the first reboot of Android.

Problems of obtaining Root rights on new Samsung smartphones

Problems getting Root on Android 4.3 and higher

Starting with Android 4.3, the Linux kernel has an additional security layer called SeLinux. At installing root rights and the first boot of the Android device, SeLinux simply corrupts the su and busybox binaries, that is, there are no root rights, respectively.

Why disable antivirus when you get Root?

On the net, you can often find complaints from newbies who have just purchased Android and want to get Root rights already, that when rooting, their anti-virus on the computer swears for viruses! This happens because the Android system is being hacked through various vulnerabilities found in the system (for example, Framaroot uses a vulnerability in the camera), naturally Google does not approve of such actions and does not want you to interfere with the Android system (see above).

So are there viruses or not?

There are no viruses! Therefore, feel free to disable the antivirus program, nothing with your computer or Android smartphone Or a tablet will not happen!

How to check for root rights on Android?

Enough frequently asked question from users who have just purchased android tablet or a smartphone, or were not interested in the operation of the operating system at all.

First option to find out if you managed to get Root rights - this is to go with file manager to section /system/xbin and find the file there su, if it is, then root is received.

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The second option is that you need to download the Root Checker application, which will notify you about the presence or absence of root rights.

Remove Root on Android

If you want to dig into Android system, you may find that many applications require presence of root rights. Recently, there is practically no need to obtain root rights, but still some applications require root rights. This article describes how to open root rights on Android and why you might need them.

Why do you need root rights on android?

Android is based on Linux. On Linux and other Unix-like operating systems, the root user is equivalent to the administrator on Windows. The root user has access to all operating system, and can do anything. By default, you are not rooted on your Android device, and some applications do not work without root permissions. Like other modern mobile operating systems, Android runs apps in a sandbox for security purposes.

The root user always exists in Android, there's just no built-in way to access it. Getting root rights means that you get access to account with superuser rights. This process is often compared to jailbreaking an iPhone or iPad, but rooting and jailbreaking are two different things.

Root rights allow you to do many useful things. With superuser rights, you can uninstall or freeze pre-installed applications, launch a firewall, enable tethering even if your carrier blocks it, create a system backup, and use many other settings that require low-level system access.

Apps that require root rights are not hard to find in Google Play Store, but they won't work until you get superuser rights. Some apps have features that work on rooted devices. Therefore, you need to learn how to open android root rights in order to take advantage of these features.

Warnings

On Android devices root rights cannot be obtained for various reasons. In fact, device manufacturers are trying their best to prevent getting the rights to an Android gadget. And that's why:

  • Safety: On rooted devices, apps run outside of the sandbox when running. Applications can abuse the superuser rights that you have granted and climb into other applications, which is usually not possible. Therefore Google discourages the use Android Pay on rooted devices.
  • Guarantee: Some manufacturers claim that after getting root rights, the warranty is lost. However, gaining superuser rights will not break Hardware. In many cases, you can perform a denial procedure and the manufacturer will not be able to know whether the rights were obtained or not.
  • Breaking A: As usual, you do this at your own risk. Rooting is usually a safe process, but you do it yourself. If you mess something up, you can't count on free warranty service to fix it. If you are worried that everything will go smoothly, we recommend that you first look for information about successfully obtaining superuser rights on your device to be sure that there will be no pitfalls in the process.

Also, rooting may void your warranty, at least for some repairs.

Several ways on how to open root rights on android

There are many ways to root an android, and which one you should use depends on your phone. In general, rooting will involve one of these processes:

  • Bootloader unlock A: Google and device manufacturers don't officially support rooting, but they provide an official way for low-level access to some devices, which allows you to get superuser rights later. For example, Nexus devices are designed for developers and you can easily unlock the bootloader with a single command. And then root download the .zip archive containing the root file through the recovery screen. The Nexus Root Toolkit for Nexus devices automates this process. Other manufacturers also offer ways to unlock the bootloader, but only for certain devices.
  • Exploitation of a security vulnerability: Other devices are blocked. Their manufacturers provide no official way to unlock their bootloader and tamper with their software. These devices can only be rooted using a security vulnerability that allows a necessary file to be installed on the system partition.
  • Installing CyanogenMod or other custom firmware on Android: Technically, this is an extension of one of the above methods. Unlocking the operating system bootloader and exploiting a security vulnerability allows you to install custom firmware, such as CyanogenMod, which are often already rooted. CyanogenMod has a simple toggle in the settings that allows you to enable or disable root access. Upgrade to new version CyanogenMod or other custom firmware will not disable root if the firmware is already rooted.

In this article, we will primarily use the first method, which involves unlocking the bootloader. If your phone requires exploitation of a vulnerability, then we will not be able to help you, as this process is different for each phone. You can search for information on how to root android on the XDA Developers forum. You can use the Kingo Root and Towelroot applications, which allow you to get superuser rights in one click.

Before rooting android, you will need to unlock the bootloader in the official way, and then install the TWRP recovery environment using these instructions. We will be using TWRP to root your phone.

How to download SuperSU to your phone and get root access

So, you have an unlocked bootloader, and you have installed TWRP. Great! You have almost done everything. To get root rights, we are going to use the SuperSU program. This best app, which can grant root access to other applications. SuperSU is also available on Google Play Store, but this version will not give you superuser rights, it can only be used if you already have root rights. Luckily, SuperSU is also available as a .zip file that we can download from TWRP. This will allow you to get superuser rights and install supersu app.

So, to get started, follow this link to download latest version SuperSU. Download the .zip file to your computer, connect your phone via USB cable to PC and download SuperSU to your phone.

Next, boot your phone in TWRP mode. On different phones this is done in different ways, but usually you need to turn off the phone and press and hold the power button + volume up key for 10 seconds, then use the volume keys to go to the item “ recovery mode” and press the power button to select it.

Once you do this, you will be taken to main screen TWRP. Click on the "Install" button.

NOTE: you need to make a backup twrp before proceeding.

The following screen will appear. Scroll down and navigate to the zip file you downloaded earlier.

Click on the zip file and you will see this screen. Swipe the slider to confirm the installation.

When the process is complete, click on the “Wipe cache/Dalvik” button that appears and swipe the slider to confirm.

When the process is completed, click on the "Reboot System" button to boot the Android system again.

If TWRP asks whether to install SuperSU, click "Do Not Install". Sometimes, TWRP cannot detect that you already have SuperSU installed.

Root management with the SuperSU app

Now that you have learned how to open root rights on android, you need to learn how to manage these rights.

After rebooting your phone, you should see a new SuperSU icon in the application menu. SuperSU distributes rights to applications that require them. Whenever an app wants to ask for root permissions, it should ask your SuperSU app to show that prompt. To make sure that root rights are working, you can download the Root Checker app to check root rights.

For example, let's open and add the Clean Master application, which allows you to clean your device of accumulated garbage. It requires the presence of root rights for more effective cleansing. After starting, you will see a message stating that you need to grant superuser rights. Click Grant.

To manage root rights, open the application menu and click on the SuperSU icon. You will see a list of applications that have been granted or denied superuser rights. You can click on an app to change its permissions.

To remove root rights, open the SuperSU application, go to settings and select the option " Complete removal Root". If this is applicable for your device, then the root rights will be removed.

Now you know how to open root rights on android and how to remove them. Good luck!

In our articles on the Treshbox, you could find out what it is. Now it's time to deal with the disadvantages that root rights bring to Android. Why you shouldn't root your smartphone or tablet - read on the Treshbox.

Why You Shouldn't Get Rooted

Rooting Android has many advantages, but almost as many disadvantages that can lead to disastrous consequences. In this article, we have tried to bring the most significant disadvantages and dangers of getting root rights on Android.

Loss of warranty service
If you decide to root your Android device, then be prepared that your gadget will lose warranty service from the seller. In almost all cases, gaining superuser privileges will void your warranty, which means that the device cannot be repaired for free if it breaks or replaced if it is defective. Getting root rights is equivalent to opening a seal that is on the body of a gadget or getting water inside the device without proper protection.

Experienced users may try to return to factory firmware smartphone or tablet, but this requires certain skills. Yes, and many manufacturers (Samsung and some others) have learned to embed the so-called "counter" of obtaining root rights and carrying out other dangerous actions. What are the ways out of this situation? You can experiment on some cheap gadget from China that doesn't even have a warranty, or wait until the warranty period for your main device expires. If you like risk, then you can root your Android and hope that everything will be in order, otherwise contact third-party service centers.

It is worth noting that some manufacturers sell smartphones with built-in root out of the box and with warranty service. Mostly these are Chinese companies.

The risk of "scaling"

The process of getting root on Android is not the easiest in the case of some devices. If the user does something not according to the instructions, then with a high probability he will turn his gadget into a brick that does not turn on, or fell into a bootloop (permanent reboot without logging in). "Bricking" also means losing all data. Do not forget that you do all the actions to obtain root privileges at your own peril and risk.


You can avoid "bricking" by simply studying the topic and methods of rooting your device. Follow the instructions exactly and do not deviate from it even a step. Otherwise, your smartphone will "turn into a pumpkin." It is pointless to carry it to the SC under warranty, since such cases are not covered by the service. You will have to solve the problem in other ways or carry the device to third-party repairmen. From all this comes another drawback - installing root is difficult and time consuming.

If you have already installed root and are now only experimenting with applications and firmware, then do not forget to do full backups operating system (NanDroid) using . In this case, the device can be brought back to life, even if Android does not boot.

Update problems
Full root rights in 99% of cases means that you will no longer be able to receive official updates firmware. The superuser account involves changing system files in the /system directory, and this does not fit with the installation of official OTA updates.


However, there are cases when an update can be installed along with root, but after the installation is completed, the superuser account is deleted. You will have to root the gadget again, but in new firmware old way may not work. In general, if installed root you received an update, and after that it was installed and works fine, then consider yourself very lucky.

To receive updates, you can install a non-system root (systemless root) - a kind of root-rights that does not involve modifying the system / system directory. Instead, all the necessary files are in the /su folder.

Security and Vulnerabilities
Getting superuser rights on Android means that you open up a whole host of vulnerabilities in the operating system. And these “holes” in security are an order of magnitude more dangerous than what is used by viruses for a regular, non-rooted Android. Therefore, if you are not careful, then catching very dangerous malware with all the consequences is quite easy. This may result in leakage personal information up to these accounts and bank cards, as well as the introduction of viruses into the system.


But all this can be avoided by using special utilities and do not install suspicious programs. For example, a program is specifically designed to give root privileges to other applications. If some program requests root rights, then SuperSU will definitely notify the user about this, and he can refuse or agree.

In general, great power comes with great responsibility, so be careful with root.

Why we removed Framaroot and other apps from Threshbox
Since we touched on the topic of security, we need to immediately clarify the situation with applications that can be rooted in one click. In 2015, the Treshbox was cleaned, in which we removed a number of programs for quickly obtaining root rights to old and even some new ones. Android versions. Among them were Framaroot, Baidu Root, CT Hack Root, Root Dashi, DingDong Root and a few others. You can no longer download Framaroot for Android on the Treshbox.



Why? The fact is that such programs use certain vulnerabilities in the Android operating system, especially in older versions, to gain superuser rights. In this case, they often work incorrectly and can even lead to unforeseen consequences. There are many fake versions of these apps on the web, like Framaroot for Android, which not only gets root, but also installs several dangerous trojans.

Another argument against all these applications is that Google's Safe Browsing technology blocks access to Framaroot and other similar "routers". Most The best way getting root rights is using a computer or by installing a good third party firmware. If it is possible not to resort to one-click rooters, then avoid them. One of the few safe programs for rooting "in one click" - .

If you avoid getting rooted on Android, then why? Tell us about it in the comments.