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How to easily root your Android device

Rooting your Android device gives you the possibility to dig deeper in its endless features, unlocking the operating system, delete unwanted bloatware, installing unapproved applications, updating the OS, customizing just about anything, overclocking, replacing the firmware with a custom ROM; this is basically like jailbreaking your device.

If this is very tempting and is giving you the allure of a super user, you need to be aware that the act of rooting can be inherently dangerous and void your warranty, leave you with a bricked device or could create a security vulnerability, if you are not an advanced user.

Below, we are giving you a step by step guide with the necessary information in order to root your Android device, but please note that, some devices can be rooted in minutes and others take a little research.

The rooting process requires you to back up the current software and install a new custom ROM, a modified version of Android. The rooting programs that have garnered some attention over time, are Kingo Root, KingRoot and Towelroot.

These programs will root your device in very short time. However, they are only compatible with Android devices running earlier than 5.1 Lollipop versions.

If you want to use Kingo app, please check the list of supported devices at this link and see if your Android device is among these and at the following links by manufacturer to see what KingRoot app can handle: Google/Nexus, Samsung, Sony, LGHTC, Huawei and ZTE.

If you want to root a newer phone running Android 5.1 or higher, like the Samsung Galaxy S6 or Galaxy S7, the above programs will not work. Even they might have worked on Android 5.0 or Android 5.1, a modified kernel needs to be flashed in order to achieve root. As you might know, the kernel is essential for the OS, it controls the hardware and the Android system cannot run without it.

If your Android device is not compatible with the above applications, to find the right method for your device you can go to XDA Developers Forum and you might find the right method for your device that has worked for other users.

Before starting the rooting process, make sure that you follow the below guidelines:

  • Back up all your important data (Remember, also, that you should always back up your current ROM before flashing a new one).
  • Ensure that your Android device is fully charged.
  • Go to Settings on your device and see if you have the Developer Options at the bottom of the Settings screen on your device.
  • If you don’t see them, go to About Phone and on the Build Number, tap seven times and the Developer Options will appear on the main page of the Settings.
  • Tap on Developer Options.
  • Enable USB Debugging. To do this go to Menu -> Settings -> Applications -> Development -> USB debugging.
  • Enable OEM Unlocking (original equipment manufacturer unlocking option). To do this, open Developer Options, the 4th or 5th option should be OEM Unlock and turn on the small icon next to it. Install the Android SDK tools. Some Android rooting methods require you to install ADB and Fastboot. You will find here the instructions to download and install them.
  • Unlock your bootloader. The bootloader program determines which applications will run in your device’s startup process. Unlocking it will allow you to customize your device.

Different manufacturers have provided methods that help you unlock the bootloader of your device like Motorola, HTC or Sony, though they are mainly provided for developers, and they usually require you to sign up or register an account.

To find a way to unlock your bootloader do some searching on the XDA Developers forum, if your device is not from a manufacturer mention above.

How to root your Android device using Towelroot

Designed to root the AT&T Samsung Galaxy S5, Towelroot is one of the easiest methods of rooting, and it works on most Android devices; but there are some devices like Motorola and HTC, that won’t work with this method. The Towelroot app will root your device by simply downloading and running it, no computer needed. The only limitation is that Towelroot will root devices that have a kernel bill date earlier than June 3, 2014.

  • To root your device using this app enables your device to install apps from unknown sources.
  • You can do this by clicking on Settings -> Security -> Unknown Sources.
  • Download the Towelroot app, go in your phone’s browser, and click on the Lambda symbol.

How to root your Android device using KingoRoot

Kingo Rootmethod can be used either using a Windows based computer or using the app directly on your Android device.

First, check thelist of compatible devices by going on Kingo’s website.

Download Kingo Android Root for Windowsif you’ve decided to use the PC method or download the Kingo Android Root APK to install the app directly on your Android device.

If you use the Windows software, enable the USB Debugging Mode on your device, run the program on your PC and connect the Android device to your PC using a USB cable. The program will detect your device and a message will appear and ask if you want to root. You just need to select ‘’root’’ and Kingo will only take a few minutes to grant you the super user privileges.

If you want to root your device without a computer, then:

  • Install the Kingo Root APK and open the app.
  • One Click Rootwill appear if your device is compatible. Tap on it and wait for the process to complete.
  • If the rooting process was successful, you will see on the screen a check mark with ‘’Root successfully’’.

How to root your Android device using KingRoot

KingRoot can be used to root your device also from a Windows based computer or directly on your Android device, using the app.

KingRoot works with over 100,000 supported devices, and there’s a good chance to work on your Android device too. To find out if your device is a compatible one, use the following links:

Google/Nexus, Samsung, Sony, LGHTC, Huawei and ZTE.

Download the Windows software or the Android APK from the KingRoot website, depending on the method you want to use.

The easiest method is using the Android app:

  • Download and Install the KingRoot APK file.
  • Once the APK file installed, open the KingRoot app, you will see the ‘’Try to Root’’ option if your Android device is a compatible one, tap on it and wait for the process to complete.
  • If the rooting process was successful, you will see on the screen ‘’Root successfully’’.

Please note that none of the root methods are without risk, so always, back up your data first, make sure your device is fully charged, follow the instructions and also make researches, in order to find the best method that fits for your Android device.

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