Rooting Android Phones

Smartphones have become more and more common compared to a decade ago. Google's Android operating system is riding a wave of popularity that has rapidly eclipsed Apple's iOS. However, despite the relative openness and flexibility of the OS, your Android phone still isn't as powerful and customizable as it could be. To unlock all of your phone's potential, you'll need to root it.

The words “root”, “rooting”, “jailbreaking”, “root access”, and “unlocking” are terms that are used as the same thing. Rooting pertains generally to Android devices, such as Samsung Galaxy, Motorola Droids devices, etc.), while jailbreaking pertains to iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, etc.). Android rooting is

the process in which the …show more content…

By changing this we can essentially package a lot of changes all in one .zip file and flash it to the device in one shot. These changes can include performance tweaks, custom UI’s, themes, apps, etc. (The Unlockr, “New Here?”)

Custom ROM’s can be said to be the most powerful feature of "rooted" phones. There are hundreds of custom ROM's that can do anything from speeding up the processing speed of your phone to changing the entire look and feel of your phone.

Although there are many advantages to root an Android phone, there are other potential disadvantages that are worthy of consideration. One of the main disadvantages of rooting is that it immediately voids your phone’s warranty. The phone’s manufacturer and or/carrier provider will not support any devices that have been rooted. Therefore, the phone owner can’t send the phone back for service or warranty work, even it’s still under warranty. He or she has to look for other sources to service the rooted phone. Another disadvantage is that it involves the risk of “bricking” your phone. In essence, a "bricked" phone is no better than carrying around a brick in your pocket. The phone is dead when it has been "bricked." (Phelps, “To Root or Not to Root”) When used in reference to consumer electronics, a "brick" describes an electronic device such as a smartphone, router, or tablet that owing to a serious