How to Root Android: Two Incredibly Simple Ways to Root Your Android Phone

Do you have an Android device and want to root it to update it to a newer version of Android? Thankfully, it isn’t as difficult as you may think, and you can do it without delving into Android’s system BIOS.

For information on the terms “rooting” and “unrooting,” the advantages of rooting, why you would want to root your phone, and why you would not, check out the FAQs at the end first.

Backup Your Data First before Rooting

You should back up your essential files when doing anything to your Android device. Rooting will wipe data from your phone. Therefore, back up anything you want to keep to cloud storage, SD card, or your PC.

Contacts can be stored in your email account, while photos, documents, and other data can be stored in your Google account. If you already have a backup or don’t care too much for the information on your phone, feel free to save time and skip ahead.

How to Root and Unroot Android Using Magisk

By far, the simplest (and most popular) way to root your Android handset is to use Magisk. This application doesn’t modify core code like direct rooting. Magisk leaves the system partition alone; it only changes the boot partition.

The key advantage of using Magisk is that it changes the code without requiring root access. You can change read-only permissions, alter files, and more without going through the tedious root process.

Another name for this type of rooting is “systemless root.” Since it only alters the boot partition, you still have proper access to Google Play. Magisk also lets you access sites that block rooted phones. You can also adjust core settings, manipulate the configuration, and more.

You can find a full tutorial on installing Magisk here.

How to Root or Unroot Android Using an Android App

Believe it or not, some file explorer apps like Solid Explorer File Manager and RS File Manager have a feature to access root files.

To use either app listed above, you must enable root access. Solid Explorer and FS File Manager work great without that tedious rooting process if you only need to add or manipulate files.

Note: Allowing root access is not the same as actually rooting your phone. You’re just changing user permissions to allow access to root files. Solid Explorer File Manager and FS File Explorer use that permission to give you access.

How to Use Solid Explorer File Manager to Access Root Files

1. Download and install Solid Explorer File Manager from Google Play Store. Ensure the developer is “NeatBytes.” Check the spelling and spacing too. Many copycat apps strive to take over your phone and data.
   
2. Launch “Solid Explorer,” then tap the “hamburger icon” (Menu) in the top-left section.
   
3. Select “Root” to activate root file access.
   
4. Navigate to “System -> bin, xbin, or sbin,” depending on what you need. You can also browse other folders in root.
   

How to Use Solid Explorer File Manager to Unroot Your Phone

1. Open Solid Explorer File Manager, click the menu button, and click on “Root.”
   
2. Find the “Busybox” and “su” files and delete them. If you can’t find them, navigate back to “/” and open the “app” folder. Delete “superuser.apk.”
   
3. Restart your Android phone, and it should reboot unrooted.
   

How to Access Root Files or Unroot Android Using RS File Explorer

Generally speaking, the RS File Manager process to access root files or unroot your phone is the same as ES File Explorer above. The only difference is the navigation of the menu options.

Rooting FAQs

This section includes the answers to more questions you may have about rooting your Android.

Can I just factory reset my device to unroot?

Unrooting your device via factory reset depends on the version of Android you’re running and the rooting software used. In some cases, you may be able to unroot your device by restoring the OS to factory settings.

Does rooting a phone void the warranty?

Yes, in most cases. Even if you unroot your phone, there are ways to tell if someone modified the software. For example, if your flash counter has any number other than “0,” manufacturers will still void the warranty.

What is rooting versus unrooting?

Technically speaking, rooting your phone means giving yourself access as a root user with admin privileges. Unrooting your phone is the process of retracting your administrative rights and your access as a root user; it is NOT a process of removing root in the OS like the English language would make you think.

Rooting allows you to change system settings, access system files, upgrade the OS, and sideload apps rather than install them through Google Play or similar stores. Rooting an Android device allows you to manipulate the native operating system. You can customize your phone or tablet in ways that usually get blocked by the system. This function includes installing certain apps that generally are not permitted, uninstalling bloatware, adjusting the bootloader, upgrading the OS version, installing a different OS, and much more.

Unrooting is just another term for removing your admin privileges. Like Linux OS and even Windows, you will always have an admin account in the system.

Regardless, you find that the words rooting and unrooting your phone are used interchangeably across the web and in conversation. This scenario does not make things any easier. Rooting is the process of gaining administrative control, and unrooting is the method to remove your root status, not to remove root.

What are the risks of rooting a phone?

First, a rooted phone may void the manufacturer’s warranty. Essentially, you’re violating the terms of use for native software. If something breaks, your warranty or insurance won’t cover it.

Second, upgrading the OS on your Android smartphone may be impossible. Compatibility issues with new processes and functions could potentially overwork internal components to the point of failure.

Third, when rooting your phone, you lose a certain level of protection, allowing risky apps to open and distribute malware, spyware, and other dangerous elements. Furthermore, hackers have a better chance of infiltrating your phone and manipulating it.

Why would you root your phone?

Rooting a phone allows you to download and install apps and firmware previously unavailable for your phone. While you may not want to update your phone, it is essential to remember that many of these updates contain vital security patches. So, if your phone is capable of a newer Android version, it might be worth it.