What are root for? The best apps for root users, plus the pros and cons of rooting. What are the types of Root rights?

Everyone has heard of such a concept as root rights, why it is needed and how to get it. We will try to answer these questions. Let's start with whether the average person needs root rights. Perhaps not, for the most part, the functionality of the smartphone out of the box meets the requirements of ordinary users. Root rights are used in service centers to flash firmware and restore smartphones; they are also used by advanced users who want to get the most out of their phone. How dangerous is this? The first warranty expires, the second auto-update stops coming, and then various errors arise in the system, and what do we get in return: the ability to update software, change the design, overclock hardware, install pure android, and so on. This article explains everything in more detail.

So what is Root?

Root (from the English root - root; read “root”), or superuser - a special account in UNIX-like systems with an identifier (UID, User IDentifier) ​​0, the owner of which has the right to perform all operations without exception.

Benefits of Root

Having access to the main administrator profile (superuser) you get a number of features that are not available in normal mode work.

First of all, obtaining Root makes it possible to remove standard applications imposed by device manufacturers, change themes and shortcuts, as well as launch specialized applications that significantly expand the capabilities of the smartphone (usually such applications require Root rights). In addition, it becomes possible to change system files (Recovery image, Bootloader or images displayed during boot), launch executable Linux files, install applications on the memory card or transfer the program cache to it. In some cases, after modifications to the OS, available only after obtaining Root rights, it is even possible to achieve a small, but still increase in battery life performance.

Disadvantages of Root

As with everything else, gaining Root access has its drawbacks. First of all, the device loses its warranty in the event of “something like that”, provided that you cannot roll back your “device” to official firmware, you will have to repair it exclusively at your own expense.

The rooting procedure is simple - by doing everything in accordance with the descriptions, you can achieve what you want, but if you do not have any experience, the potential risk remains - under unfavorable circumstances, the device may turn into an unusable “brick”.

Another important drawback is that opening Root privileges implies interference with system files and entails the loss of the ability to update over the air (install OTA updates). More precisely, the ability to update may not be lost, but the consequences of the update will be unpredictable. The most harmless of them is the loss of root privileges, but more fatal options are also possible - up to and including obtaining a brick.

Types of Root rights

There are several types of Root right:

• Full Root - permanent rights that remove established restrictions. It is not recommended to update the operating system.
• Shell Root is similar to Full Root, but without access to the system folder.
• Temporary Root – temporary Root access. After rebooting the device it disappears.

How to get Root rights?

The 4PDA forum describes a lot universal methods and methods for obtaining Root rights on devices running Android control. Most of them involve the use special programs and computer. Among such programs, Universal AndRoot, Unlock Root, z4root, Revolutionary and others are well known, promising to get what you want in “two clicks”. Unfortunately, not all of them are able to 100% help you achieve what you want, specifically for your mobile device. Moreover, similar software can be detected as viral because it makes changes to the kernel operating system Android. IN in this case The antivirus is partly right - all these programs are virus exploits that penetrate the system kernel and when downloading or installing them, it is recommended to disable the security software.

Another way to obtain Root rights is to install it on your smartphone modified firmware. In this case, all the work has already been done for you by specialists, and all you have to do is choose the firmware that is suitable specifically for your device. By the way, there you will also find various decorations and additions for your smartphone model.

It is worth noting that some phones have protection supplied by the manufacturer - NAND lock. Most often, HTC was guilty of this, so the owners of such devices were out of luck - NAND lock prohibits making any changes to the /system partition (it will not allow anything to be written/deleted to/from the /system partition, even if it is remounted for writing), which is why It is impossible to install the Superuser program in the /system folder.

It is still possible to Root phones with NAND lock, but it will not be fully functional (you can only get Shell root or Temporary Root). You can find out whether your device has NAND lock in the discussion thread for your model in the section Android - Devices.

How to check that root rights have been obtained?

1. It is possible (but not necessary) for an application called Superuser or SuperSU to appear in the list of programs
2. When running programs that require root privileges, a corresponding prompt will pop up
3. Programs that previously did not work, citing lack of rights, are now fully functional
4. In a terminal emulator, when you enter the su command, a hash prompt appears: #
5. This verification method depends on the method getting root-rights (for example, when using Universal Androot this method of verification is unacceptable). In a terminal emulator, type the command "/system/bin/id". If you get "uid=0(root) gid=0(root)" in response, then you have achieved what you wanted.

Let's sum it up

Now you know why you need to obtain Root rights in the Android operating system. Some users believe that Root is necessary, while others live quite well without it. It’s up to you to decide whether to perform this procedure or not, just don’t forget about the warranty and everything will be fine.

What is root rights on Android? How to root Android? FAQ which many beginners ask when choosing a smartphone or tablet on this OS and much more useful information oh Root!

How to root your Android smartphone or tablet

For those who can’t wait to get Root rights and no matter what it is, go to the website http://4pda.ru/ to a special section of the site where you can find many ways to get Root specifically for your Android from companies such as Samsung, HTC, Sony Lenovo, LG, Alcatel and other smartphones and tablets!

What is Root Android?

Root [root] or as it is also called Superuser is needed to expand the functionality of the operating system Android systems. 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 the functionality of the system, this opportunity has only the main Administrator or, as he should be correctly called, Superuser.

What exactly do Root rights on Android give:

• Ability to freeze and restore firmware on an Android device
• Remove ads from applications
• Remove built-in applications and ringtones
• Embed apps and ringtones
• Change external Android view to the point of being unrecognizable (change icons, change background), edit apk, system applications in every possible way
• Extend the battery life on a single charge (if the charge lasted you for 1 day, then by obtaining root rights you can increase the battery life by 1.5 - 2 days)
• Increase Android performance and responsiveness
• Overclock or reduce processor speed
• create your own firmware

and many others useful functions and opportunities...

You may ask why then the Android OS does not initially have Root built in to immediately expand this functionality?

Root is not built in only because many people do not know that they are editing system files; due to lack of experience, you can greatly increase the processor frequency and the device will burn out and in the future will only perform the functions of a brick or a hammer, and also because free apps There is an advertisement with which Google earns money, and once you have root rights you can remove it!

Disadvantages of obtaining Root rights

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

• Official firmware updates (you can do everything manually)
• Disabling manufacturer's proprietary features

Also, having received Root, you automatically lose warranty repair ! But don’t despair, having received Root, you can also unnoticeably delete it, and then not alone service center will not be able to refuse you repairs.

If after obtaining Root rights Android is buggy

In very rare situations it happens that Android smartphone or the tablet is faulty (there are common mistakes, some functions do not work) after obtaining root rights. To solve this problem, a data reset or, as it is commonly called in the Android environment, “wipe” can help you. You can reset your data by going to the settings menu -> recovery and reset, or from the Recovery menu by selecting wipe data/factory reset.

What needs to be done before obtaining Root rights

Certain manufacturers, such as Sony and HTC, put additional spokes in the wheel, blocking Bootloader Android. How to unlock the bootloader can be found in these articles

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

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

What happens when you get Root rights to Android?

On Android smartphone or tablet installation in progress binary file S.U., which is precisely responsible for root rights. This file is installed along the path /system/xbin/su. Also for correct Android work After rooting it, sometimes a busybox file is needed, which greatly increases the capabilities of the rooted device.

Why do you need SuperSu or SuperUser / Kinguser?

IN Internet networks Android users frequently asked questions:

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

Types of Root

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 section
• Shell Root– permanent root rights as well, but unlike Full Root there is no possibility of writing and rewriting to the system partition
• Temporary Root– temporary Root rights. Unfortunately Root data rights disappear after the first reboot of Android

Problems with 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 root installation rights and first boot Android devices, SeLinux simply corrupts the su and busybox binaries, that is, accordingly, there are no root rights.

If you are using a device based on the Android operating system, such as a phone or tablet, then you may have already heard the word Root or Root rights. We'll talk about what it is right now.

Root is Account administrator or superuser, which allows you to do many things with the device that are not available ordinary user. So, if the owner of the device wanted, for example, to raise the sound level when current settings not enough, he can do it with root rights.

What do Root rights allow you to do?

• First of all, the user receives unlimited control over his operating system.

• It becomes possible to launch applications that provide access to work with the system. For example, these are file managers, which, in the case of installed root rights, see absolutely all system files and allow you to edit them.

• Added the ability to delete third party applications. It’s no secret that many manufacturers who use their own shell often literally “stuff” a bunch of applications into it, which are often not used in the future. Some of them even launch with the device and “eat up” extra resources. Root rights allow you to remove or freeze such applications.

• With root rights you can modify system files. For example, you can replace standard applications, icons, system sounds, animation and images that are shown when the system starts, etc.

• It also becomes possible to move applications from the device to the memory card, which is especially convenient in cases where the system memory is only a few GB.

• You can backup your entire system using popular applications type Titanium Backup.

• By adjusting some settings, you can even extend the battery life of your tablet or phone.

• If you forgot graphic key, then in some cases it can be unlocked using root rights.

In general, a superuser has a great many possibilities.

Why aren't root rights built into the Android OS?

Quite a logical question. Indeed, why are devices supplied from the factory to consumers without installed root rights? In fact, everything is simple: the majority of users can accidentally change the settings in the wrong places, after which the device may well turn into a brick.

However, some users have a different opinion. They believe that root allows you to remove ads in applications. This may be true, but it is primarily application developers who earn money through advertising, to which Google (the actual creator of the Android OS) has nothing to do.

By the way, many manufacturers refuse to repair a device if it has been rooted. Moreover, a special counter has begun to be installed in individual gadgets, which, even if flashed, shows that the device has already been rooted. Be careful.

Types of root rights

There are several types of root rights.

• Full Root - full and permanent rights without any restrictions, which allow you to access all system tools.

• Shell Root - essentially the same rights as Full Root, only in this case there is no ability to write and overwrite in the system section.

• Temporary Root is temporary root rights. They are valid until the first reboot of your tablet or phone.

Please note that some devices cannot be installed as superuser. The device has special protection installed that allows you to get either Shell Root or Temporary Root.

Do ordinary users need superuser rights?

More likely no than yes. Most users are quite satisfied with the settings that are available in the device they are using. It’s another matter if the user wants, for example, to limit clock frequency processor - then you can’t do without root rights. But let us remind ourselves once again that a careless action can lead to dire consequences and some companies do not accept devices under warranty if they have been rooted.

How to check for root rights on Android?

It's not that hard to do. There are several ways to do this.

• First, look at the list of applications, it may contain SuperSU app or Superuser.

• The second method is to launch the terminal. If you enter the su command, a grid prompt will appear.

• Third way. Go to the /system/xbin partition using file manager. If there is a su file there, it means you have received root rights.

• Finally, when launching some applications, a request for root rights appears. If there is such a request, it means the device is rooted.

You can ask your questions using comments.

Android OS is a complex system, which 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 if used skillfully), can cause more damage to a smartphone with root rights (up to full output its operating system is out of order). Therefore, superuser rights can only be given to trusted applications. What you can use root rights on Android for will be discussed 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. This can be done either manually (in text editor), and with the help special utilities.

Root rights also give you the ability to change loading screen, 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 16 GB common 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 some cases it may be absent. 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 it becomes too much, 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

A feature in the form of cheat codes in games allows you to quickly “pump up” and get hidden possibilities. 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 opens to the system ample opportunities on setting up 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 intervention in systemic Android 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.

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:

1. 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, did you like appearance some 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.
2. 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 in system file smartphone, having received the HDR+ mode in the camera, the quality of pictures in this mode will significantly improve.

Here are just a few of the perks of ownership. root access, allowing the user to become, to some extent, the creator of his gadget.

But every decision has two sides - positive and negative. Let's start by looking at the arguments against getting 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:

1. After receiving such rights, the user receives full control over your device. If you don't like the selection 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 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.