Introduction

Did you know your phone could do so much more than what it does right now? Did you ever feel the need to change your same old boring and unattractive themes or applications that are not of any use to you? Our operating systems are coded and configured to restrict daily users from obtaining hidden features and a plethora of other tasks and specialized apps & tools that cannot be performed in your android device under normal circumstances. Welcome to the world of rooting, where you discover the real potential of your android device

What is Root?

Root or Android rooting (equivalent to jailbreak on iOS devices) is a process by which you can gain root access or vested access in your phone’s operating system code, that any other average user does not have. Rooting allows you to install any applications on your device without any restrictions, it also allows you to make changes to your device’s basic coding and functions as per your choices and concerns.

How to root any Android device

The rooting process for different android devices varies slightly but almost all android devices can gain root access through using Magisk. Magisk is software that makes rooting easier than ever without the complications that come with main storage partitioning on your device. Firstly, you will need

• a Laptop/Mac with fast-boot loaded in the system
• bootloader enabled in your device- can be done through the developer options in the setting

First, you will need to download the Magisk app from the GitHub repository and then you will see a bootloader image installed on your device( make sure you note down the ‘Installed’, ‘SAR’, ‘Ramdisk’ and ‘A/B’)  Now, on your laptop/mac you have to load the bootloader image which you will find in the firmware packages from GitHub. Now, you will need to patch your boot image with your device.

When you have finally patched your boot image with your device, you will have to open the newly installed Magisk application on your device and verify your root access. Check the version number beside the ‘installed’ section and if it has changed, CONGRATULATIONS! You now have root access.

How rooting a device affects Mobile Security

This is one of the significant reasons why root access is not promoted by phone manufacturers and android software developers. Also, rooting makes your device’s warranty null and void. During rooting, you may create attack vectors during the process as the device’s security protection is suppressed. Any damage to the software or OS code during the process cannot be claimed through the warranty as it strictly prohibits such actions. Also, rooting is not an easy task for anyone with zero knowledge about coding or mobile software, which anyone could potentially make certain mistakes during the process and damage the pre-installed android code in the device. What could happen to this you ask? Your phone would be nothing but a brick without any capabilities of performing any tasks and features, not even basic calling!

References

https://www.xda-developers.com/root/

https://www.bullguard.com/bullguard-security-center/mobile-security/mobile-threats/android-rooting-risks.aspx#:~:text=Rooting%20is%20a%20process%20that,t%20normally%20allow%20you%20to.