Android rooting: advantages and disadvantages

There are plenty of rooting instructions for Android phones. We explain the term and show you the main advantages and disadvantages of rooting.

Advantages of root access on Android

First of all: We explain exactly what rooting is in another article. As soon as the user has admin rights or root rights, he can basically change the entire system under Android.

• This includes, among other things, far-reaching surface modifications (UI customization) as well as changing system settings.
• Using root, for example, it is possible to install a system-wide equalizer, increase the maximum volume and adjust the entire menu navigation yourself.
• Preinstalled apps that are supplied by many manufacturers can also be removed via root access.
• Since Android is an open system, you cannot only make a few modifications - you can also replace the complete Android system with another version.
• These custom ROMs are often based on the “Android Open Source Project” (AOSP) and offer many features that are not provided by the standard system. Every developer of a ROM (ROM cooker) sets their own priorities here, such as improved battery life, more speed or alternative operating concepts. The installation of a custom ROM does not require root access, but an unlocked boot loader.
• The administrative rights under Android are regulated by root apps such as SuperSU and Superuser, which means that any other app that requires root rights must be released manually by one of the apps mentioned above.

Disadvantages of root access on Android

Rooting your smartphone doesn't just have advantages. Before rooting your cell phone, you should also be aware of the disadvantages.

• There is already a risk during the root process, because in the event of an error you can destroy the device (“brid”). A distinction is made between a soft brick and a hard brick.
• A soft brick is basically just a software error that causes the smartphone to no longer start properly. The problem can be solved simply by installing new firmware. A soft brick is the most common form of brick.
• The hard brick is very rare, but all the more fatal, because here the system has been destroyed to such an extent that access to the smartphone is no longer possible - and accordingly it can no longer be saved.
• Since the Android system is open due to root access, the risk of malware also increases. Although the user has to manually release the root rights, a careless tap of the finger or a supposedly harmless root app can lead to malware infiltrating - and cause much more damage due to the root privileges.

Guarantee and warranty of rooted cell phones

For many users, the most crucial point is the loss of the guarantee - but the guarantee remains unaffected.

• To differentiate: The warranty is a legal obligation that the seller must comply with if the customer detects a defect in the device that existed at the time of purchase.
• The guarantee is a voluntary service that guarantees the customer the functionality of the goods over a certain period of time.
• If the customer discovers a defect that did not already exist at the time of purchase, the guarantee applies - and you often lose it by rooting. A general statement cannot be made here, however, because the manufacturers proceed very differently. However, many other manufacturers remain silent on this point or make a general mention that rooting expires the guarantee.
• In case of doubt, it only helps to give it a try and, where possible, remove all traces of root access on the cell phone before sending it back.

Once you have weighed up the advantages and disadvantages and decided on a root, we will also explain in the next practical tip how to root Android.