What kind of root. What are root rights on Android and how are they used? Changing system files

Unlike users of the Windows operating system, who are full owners of their devices, owners of gadgets running Android are content only with the capabilities that the developer has provided them. If the former can install any programs and features in the form of fine-tuning and modifying the OS, the latter are deprived of such rights. The Android system is unique in its own way, but its “openness” is used only by software developers. The user does not want to put up with this, and root rights on Android help him get rid of restrictions.

What is root on Android

When purchasing a smartphone or tablet running Android OS, the user receives a guest account, if we draw an analogy with Windows.

Obtaining root rights is the process of activating a superuser account (something like an administrator in Windows), which allows you to gain full control over the device and OS.

Root – translated from English as “root”. Hence the concept of root access. Root rights on Android in Russian mean the right to access root folders and hidden features of the OS. The /ROOT folder contains all system files and settings. On a device out of the box, it is impossible to enter this directory using the built-in file manager. Manufacturers prudently deprive users of root rights to avoid unintentionally disrupting the normal operation of devices.

However, the user often needs root access on Android. Superuser rights provide a lot of benefits that go beyond the normal use of gadgets. You can do almost anything with the operating system, and the device itself can be modified beyond recognition. This will be discussed further below. But there are also certain risks associated with the root operation. Therefore, before you decide, it is important to understand what root is for Android and why it is needed.

The main purpose of rooting, or rooting, is to remove manufacturer restrictions in order to gain the ability to manage system applications and functions. Root rights by themselves do not change either the system or the device, but they provide access to the root system folder and allow you to use tools to edit previously closed files. These are typically dedicated software applications or “open” system functions.

Now let's learn more about what you can do using root rights on Android:

Edit manufacturer-installed applications, shortcuts, themes, and block system notifications.
Change the operating characteristics of processors and system modules. You can overclock the processor (increase the frequency) and battery or adjust the speed of the CPU cores, increase the volume of the speakers, install new functions on the camera, applications for creating screenshots and new fonts.
Install programs that require root (emulators, drivers, etc.).
Activate hidden OS functions.
Install third-party firmware.
Create backup copies of applications, transfer data and cache to a memory card.
Block advertising, sending SMS or making calls to paid numbers, as well as installing dangerous software.

Of course, it is important to understand what root rights on Android provide and how to use such exceptional features so as not to harm the gadget.

Verifying root

For various reasons, a user may need to check whether their device is or has been rooted. There are two options:

Manual.
Program.

In the first case, a file manager is used, which will show traces of the presence of root. However, obtaining root access is not always accompanied by the installation of an additional administrator program, such as SuperSU, for example. In this case, special utilities come to the rescue, instantly indicating the presence or absence of root. In addition, this can be determined by indirect signs of the operation of the device itself.

There are a lot of working ways to get root. Among them there are both very simple and very complex, but there is no universal method for all versions of Android (and there are almost seven of them today). Much depends on the specific device. In addition, root can be full or temporary. There is also Shell Root, when rights are granted without the ability to change the system partition.

So, the following rooting options differ:

By software. Either only Android is used, or a computer/laptop with OS Windows on which special applications are installed.
By installing, as a rule, custom (modified) firmware with built-in root.

The first method is the simplest, but does not always guarantee results. The fact is that manufacturers are struggling with the ability to gain access to the system.

The most reliable method of obtaining superuser rights is flashing.

Refusal of root rights

Removing root may be necessary for various reasons. Very often, users are disappointed with the performance of the gadget after rooting. Sometimes warranty repairs are necessary, and then you will also have to give up root rights. The same may be required when selling the device.

There are two ways to remove root:

Manual.
Program.

In the first case, everything is done using a file manager with root provided. There are plenty of similar applications on Google Play. The problem is solved radically - SuperSu.apk, .su and busybox files are removed from the system folders, without which root will not be able to work.

A special utility can do the same for the user, of which there are plenty in Google Play. The program is installed and launched, and the user only has to click the “Remove root” button.

Advantages and disadvantages

The capabilities of root rights on Android open up a new world for the user. We have already briefly talked about what opportunities open up after rooting. With a slight degree of exaggeration, we can say that the user is equal to the developer of the operating system and can even control the hardware of his gadget.

Unfortunately, in addition to the positive aspects, there are also very serious negative ones that make you think about the practical need for rooting. The fact is that superuser mode on Android negatively affects some capabilities of both the system itself and the device owner. The disadvantages of root are as follows:

The ability to update firmware over the air disappears.
There is a risk that a virus will take control of the device.
Some banking applications refuse to work.
Manufacturer's warranty is void.

Statistics show that more than 60% of owners of mobile phones running the Android operating system do not know what Root rights are and what they give to the user. And completely in vain! After all, only having full access to the phone can you do anything with it - change hidden system parameters, install and remove any programs. And even among those who were able to get privileged access on their smartphone to install some application, not everyone can clearly answer what Ruth is on the phone and why it is needed.

Root is a superuser in Linux-based operating systems (including Android). It has a unique identifier 0, as well as rights to absolute access to all parameters and execution of any tasks. For ease of understanding, I’ll give you the following analogy: Root rights on Android are almost a complete analogue of the Administrator in Windows.

Pros of Ruth rights:

Full access to OS system parameters + Ability to delete system files + Access to phone hardware settings + Ability to remove pre-installed programs + Install custom firmware on the device

Disadvantages of Root rights:

In some cases, a complex procedure for obtaining rights - Possible loss of warranty (if interference is proven) - You can damage the phone and even turn it into a “brick” - Vulnerabilities appear in the system due to full access - Not all devices can be Rooted.

Why do you need Root rights on Android?

Now let's take a more specific look at what rights to Ruth give and why they are needed.

For inexpensive devices with a small amount of built-in memory, the most pressing reason for gaining privileged access is the ability to remove all unused pre-installed applications.

The second most popular reason for getting Root rights on Android smartphones is the ability to edit system files and in particular the bootloader for subsequent installation of custom firmware on the device.

The third reason is the need to install specialized software that requires privileged access.

What are the types of Root rights?

Full Root- this is permanent full access to system files and settings. Permanent administrative rights without any restrictions. This option usually eliminates the possibility of automatic firmware updates.

Temporary Root— temporary full access to your phone or tablet. Almost an analogue of full Root rights, with the only exception that after rebooting the device they will disappear.

Shell Root— in this case you will receive root rights with limited access to the system folder /system/. In this case, you will not be able to edit and make changes to the files in this folder, as well as use a number of functions.

FastBoot- this is not exactly getting Root rights. These are special programs designed to test the device. By connecting the device to your computer, you can use fastboot to launch any files and install custom firmware on your phone.

Systemless Root- this is the so-called “non-system root”. Another option for rooting an Android smartphone. In this case, all changed files are installed in the “/su” folder, while nothing changes in the “/system” system directory. Instead, all modified files are installed in the /su folder. Non-system Root rights allow you to easily update your phone with official firmware.

Unlike most competitors, the Android operating system is more open. However, it also has its prohibitions and restrictions. Android does not allow the average user to delete important files, change the operation of 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 a 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, email 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 - adding, replacing, 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 your tablet or phone to a memory card.
Copy the cache of various applications and temporary browser files to the memory card.
Control your device using a computer via a 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 have been developed that automate this process and provide access to even the most novice users.

The procedures for obtaining root rights differ on different devices. 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.

Recovery guides always state that a particular application requires root access to function properly. What is it, why is it dangerous and why do you need root access? Read about it here.

What are root rights (superuser rights)

Ruth- This is an analogue of jailbreak in iOS. It allows Android users to dive deeper into the phone's subsystem, working with it in the same way as with an SD card or the internal memory of a mobile device.

Android uses permissions similar to Linux. Everything you do is performed on behalf of your user with a limited list of rights. Any running application can also use these rights with the user's consent.

Root-user = superuser. His rights are not limited, he can access any file or folder, perform any file operation in the Android OS.

In simple terms, root access is the ability to work with the root file system in the Android OS without restrictions.

What happens when rooting?

Rooting– modification of the file system in order to provide superuser rights to the root directory of the smartphone/tablet.

The root program gets full access to Android. As a result, a root user has an unlimited list of rights on an Android device. If the program is granted superuser rights, it can also do whatever it wants on the phone.

How to find out if your phone is rooted

In fact, it is very easy to find out if your phone is rooted. If you recently bought a phone and are using stock Android firmware, it makes sense that you don't have root access.

If the phone is used or you don’t remember whether you installed root, you can check the status using the Root Checker program. The app will detect if there is superuser/su access on the Android device.

Why root: main reasons

By acquiring root rights, you can easily bypass any default restrictions set by the smartphone manufacturer. In particular, you can

Launch more applications with a wide list of privileges, manually accept or reject permissions of a specific application installed on Android;
Install unofficial firmware without any obstacles from the Android OS;
Provide data recovery programs with access to phone memory;
One of the most obvious incentives to root your Android is to rid yourself of viruses that cannot be removed from your smartphone without root access. Of course, there are antiviruses in nature with pre-installed root access, but they are a minority;
Install special applications and custom flash roms;
In general, improve the performance of the tablet, customize the appearance of the phone more flexibly, overclock or slow down the processor of the mobile device using root access.

Some applications, using superuser rights, will allow you to:

Automatically back up all your apps and data in Android memory,
Create a secure tunnel on the Internet,
Make the device a wireless access point (hotspot) - in other words, establish a wireless network via wifi (see “tethering” on Wikipedia), even if it was disabled by default by the firmware developer.

Why is rooting a phone dangerous?

Manufacturers of Android mobile devices are interested in preventing rooting. Inept handling of superuser rights leads to failure of smartphones and tablets. However, for an experienced user, the risk of screwing up the phone is minimal, and the potential benefits of rooting - judging by the above list - are impressive.

There are three potential dangers when activating root access:

1. Cancellation of warranty. Some suppliers, upon discovering activated root access on a phone, refuse to provide warranty coverage.

It's worth keeping in mind, however, that you can always revoke root access to your mobile device's file system. If you need to send your device in for repair, simply roll back to the original (backup) firmware and no one will ever know you were rooted.

2. Turning the phone into a “brick”: If rooting is unsuccessful, there is a risk of turning the device into a so-called “brick”.

The surest way to avoid breaking your phone is to carefully follow the instructions when obtaining root rights on trusted web resources and mobile portals. Make sure the manual applies to your device and that the custom ROMs are compatible with it.

Pay attention to reviews from users with a similar device: perhaps they have already installed root or, on the contrary, turned it into a “brick” and are in shock.

3. Increased vulnerability. Providing root rights on Android reduces security. Services and applications with unrestricted rights can create vulnerabilities. It’s not for nothing that Google refuses to support its services (for example, Google Wallet) in rooted devices.

Today we will tell you about a topic that attracts the attention of many, but at the same time causes inner fear among the majority - Root rights on Android. In this material we will not talk about how to obtain these rights, how to flash firmware for certain smartphones, but we will consider the possibilities of such access, its main pros and cons. The purpose of the material is to help the user decide whether it is worth taking on or not.

Today, Android from Google is one of the most popular mobile systems in the world. It provides a very wide range of possibilities for setting up and managing the gadget, but the system can’t do everything. Expand functionality Android You can by obtaining so-called administrator rights - root rights.

We will consider only 6 main, from our point of view, advanced capabilities of the system after gaining such access:

Appearance. Root rights make it possible to completely customize the appearance of your smartphone's desktop - from the notification shade to the appearance of third-party applications. Custom themes can be used either completely or in layers. For example, you like the appearance of a theme, but don’t like the status bar, then you can only apply a separate theme block and that’s it. Everything here will be limited only by the user’s imagination.
Google camera. If you are not satisfied with your camera, then it is possible to port the reference camera from Google Pixel to your smartphone. The main condition for this is that the smartphone has a processor from . Additionally, you can write a line of code into the system file of the smartphone, getting the HDR+ mode in the camera, the quality of pictures in this mode will significantly improve.

Here are just a few features of having root access that allow the user to become, to some extent, the creator of their gadget.

But every decision has two sides - positive and negative. Let's start, perhaps, by considering the arguments against obtaining root rights. There are several such arguments:

Now let's look at the most interesting part - the arguments for the user obtaining root rights. Administrator rights allow you to:

After obtaining such rights, the user gains full control over his device. If you don't like the selection of standard applications installed on your device, you can easily remove them. You can force traffic restrictions on the device. The list of possibilities can be continued endlessly.
Optimizing device power consumption. Initially, Google's system provides a fairly wide range of options for managing the device's energy consumption, but with root rights these options will expand significantly. For example, some applications will allow you to control the performance of processor cores, slowing them down at certain moments so that the user does not feel it.
Possibility of forced overclocking of the device. Using various special utilities, you can increase the frequency of the device’s processor. Root rights also allow you to install less power-intensive firmware on devices.

General conclusion regarding Root rights- they open up new device capabilities for the user without additional investment. But before starting work, it is worth assessing all the risks and consequences of obtaining such rights. Here the choice and responsibility falls solely on the shoulders of the user.