Android rooting refers to a practice that involves gaining root access to either an Android phone or a device running the Android operating system and reconfiguring the device in order to overcome limitations that the device itself or software running on the device set. While Android rooting can be used to run certain applications that are not designed to run on the Android, it is most often used to install the Android operating system on a mobile device that was not designed to run it.

 

How Android Rooting Works

Android rooting can be performed by connecting an Android device to a computer in boot-loader mode and running the command “fastboot oem lock.” This command will unlock the boot-loader on the Android and allow it to accept any mobile operating system. While doing this allows users to place a new operating system on an Android device, placing an Android operating system on a non-Android device will require rooting that phone, a practice that is dependent on the brand of phone the user has.

 

Applications

Rooting itself can be used for a wide variety of applications. For example, rooting a cell phone can allow a user to use that phone with any service provider, rather than the company that issued the device. Rooting a device can also allow the user to change the device’s operating system, run applications that were not designed to run on it, and remove restrictions that control how applications interact with each other.

 

Advantages

Android rooting is advantageous because it allows users to perform tasks that they would not be able to perform otherwise. It is fairly easy for advanced users to root an Android device or run an Android operating system on a device for which it was not made. Also, it is completely legal to do so as of July 26th, 2010 by order of the U.S. Copyright Office.

 

Disadvantages

Although Android rooting is advantageous, it is very difficult for inexperienced computer users to do. While Android rooting can enhance the use of Android devices and devices running the Android operating system, it can also disable certain applications or prevent the user from performing tasks if done incorrectly. Likewise, rooting an Android incorrectly can cause negative interactions between Android applications and may even prevent the user from installing future applications.