So many Android users are talking about rooting their smartphones. Rooting has its own benefits and disadvantages. Rooting means gaining root access on your smartphones and administrator privileges. When your device is not rooted, you can do only what the manufacturer allows you to do with it.
By default, you can not delete system apps and are not able to access root folders and system folders on your smartphones, but rooting allows you to get superuser privilege & allows you what you want to do with your device.
Root access is similar to jailbreaking Apple iOS devices. Well, we have tried to cover the Advantages and disadvantages of Rooting smartphones here. Check this information before you root your device.
For example, just like you use Windows as a guest. You would not be able to make any changes to system files. It would ask for your administrator password each time you want to change something on the system.
Likewise, android smartphones allow users to use the system as a guest until they root it. After rooting it, you will be able to use your smartphone as a super administrator. If you have rooted your device, you can browse and modify system root files using ES File Explorer.
But, if you ask me, “Should I root my Android smartphone?” I would say, “Yes, But only if you are a pro-Android user and have detailed knowledge about Android !”If you don’t know much more about rooting, I would not recommend you to root because rooting has its own disadvantages.
Benefits of rooting Android smartphones:
There are so many advantages of rooting smartphone devices. When you root your smartphone, you will be able to increase battery life, install custom ROM, improve performance, Force install mobile apps to SD cards, and many more. Likewise, there are so many possibilities and benefits of rooting Android smartphones and tablets.
- Install Apps for Rooted Devices: There are so many apps available on the Google Play Store that need superuser permission to play and start. Apps like Titanium Backup ★ root and lots more apps for rooted devices can increase the performance of devices. For, Font installer-like apps allow you to modify and change your default Android fonts; you can install custom fonts on your smartphones. If you have not rooted your device, that app will not work; you will have to use the default fonts provided by your device manufacturer.
- Install Custom ROM (OS or Software): You will be able to install Custom ROM on your Android tablets. ROM is software that runs your Android device. Different ROMs will perform and look in different ways on your Device. You can tell that you can install the latest updates by flashing your device. If your manufacturer doesn’t provide an updated version for your smartphone, you can update the latest version of Android on your device by rooting it.
- Blocking Unwanted Ads in All Apps: You might have observed a few ads while playing some games like Angry Birds, Subway Surf, and many more. Like you are downloading something from online websites, and dirty ads annoy you. You would be able to block popup ads from Games, browsers, and apps.
- Installing incompatible apps: All apps available on the Google Play Store are not compatible with all smartphone devices. However, if you have a rooted device, you will be able to install & run incompatible apps on your device easily.
- Remove Unwanted System Apps: By default, android does not allow users to remove system apps; however, if you have a rooted device, you can dive into the system folder and remove system apps easily. Some of the default Android apps you are not using seem to occupy unwanted space on your device; you can remove such apps easily.
- Fully Customize Your Device: You can have administrative privileges for customization and theming options. Install custom fonts of your choice. Install custom home screen launchers and widgets on your smartphones.
- Force Apps to install on SD Card: By default, any apps you install on your smartphone would be installed on system memory. However, if you have rooted your device, you can force apps to be installed on your SD card. So you can make your internal storage free and increase the device’s performance quickly and so many benefits of rooting Android smartphones.
The disadvantage of Rooting Smartphones :
We all know every coin has two sides. The same is applicable to rooting smartphones. You would gain system root access and several other benefits of rooting an Android phone, but it has its own disadvantages.
- Warranty will be void: This is the main disadvantage. If you root your device, its warranty would be voided, and you would no longer be able to complain to your manufacturer if any issues arise.
- Risk of bricking device: When you root your device, there is the possibility of getting bricked. Its software would get corrupted at the level; that you can not fix it. However, you can fix a bricked Android device by flashing it and proceeding from step 1 to root it again. Most of the device that gets bricked during the rooting process has been successfully rooted after starting from step 1 again. However, you can avoid the risk of the device getting bricked by using standard rooting guides like XDA developers or Android Rooting Guides.
- Virus Attack: Rooting allows you to install any external apps on your device. You can install incompatible apps on your smartphone from unknown sources (out of the Google Play Store). However, there would be a chance of a virus attack on your device. If you install some malware-containing apps, they will automatically download harmful information and spread it on your device. However, you would be able to prevent virus attacks on your smartphone using any Anti-Virus Apps on your phone.
Comparision
| Advantages of Rooting | Disadvantages of Rooting |
|---|---|
| 1. Customization: Extensive ability to customize your device with custom ROMs, themes, and fonts. | 1. Warranty Void: Rooting often voids your device’s warranty, making repairs costly if issues arise. |
| 2. Remove Bloatware: Uninstall pre-installed apps (bloatware) that you don’t need, freeing up storage and improving performance. | 2. Security Risks: Rooting can expose your device to security vulnerabilities, as it removes some built-in security measures. |
| 3. Improved Performance: Overclocking and fine-tuning settings can lead to improved performance and speed. | 3. Bricking Risk: If not done correctly, rooting can “brick” your phone, rendering it unusable. |
| 4. Backup and Restore: Easy backup and restoration of apps and data, allowing for seamless device transitions. | 4. No OTA Updates: You may lose the ability to receive over-the-air (OTA) software updates from your device manufacturer. |
| 5. Ad-Blocking: Enable system-wide ad-blockers for a cleaner browsing and app experience. | 5. Compatibility Issues: Some apps or features may not work correctly on rooted devices. |
| 6. Advanced Tweaks: Access advanced system settings and tweaks to enhance device performance and battery life. | 6. Data Loss: Rooting can lead to data loss if not performed correctly, and data recovery may be difficult. |
| 7. Custom Kernel: Install custom kernels to optimize CPU and battery usage. | 7. Time-Consuming: The rooting process can be time-consuming and may require technical knowledge. |
| 8. Wi-Fi Tethering: Enable Wi-Fi tethering even if your carrier restricts it. | 8. Privacy Concerns: Rooting can expose your device to potential privacy risks. |
| 9. Greater Control: Gain control over system files and settings that are otherwise restricted. | 9. Legal Issues: Rooting may void software licenses, and it can be illegal in some regions. |
| 10. Extended Battery Life: Use apps and tweaks to optimize battery usage and extend battery life. | 10. Risk of Malware: Rooted devices can be more susceptible to malware and malicious apps. |
Please note that rooting your Android device should be done with caution and only if you understand the potential risks and benefits.
Conclusion
Well, if you root your device, you will have so many advantages. However, disadvantages are there.
As I said, if you want to use your Android as a power user, you can root it. The choice is always yours. Let me know your views by commenting in the comment section below.
