The easy title for this would be, simply, “how to root your Android phone.” But I’m not going to go over specific root instructions. For starters, each handset is going to have a different set of instructions. Also, plenty can go wrong in the process. I’ll try to lead you down the right path, though, so that you can get the best possible instructions for rooting. But first, there are a couple of things you have to understand.
Basically, there are two types of root. The first involves unlocking your bootloader and then running a superboot. Honestly, I don’t quite understand the technical side of the process myself. Not that it’s necessary. You just need to be able to hook up your Android to a Mac or PC, download certain files, and run certain processes in the Terminal utility. For instance, when I unlocked the bootloader on my Nexus One, I followed these instructions. Again, this isn’t going to be the same for everyone, so you’re going to need to do a little googling. Just search for “unlock bootloader [your phone model]“. You could, alternatively, just search for “root [your phone model]“.
After you unlock the bootloader, you’ll then need to gain root access. For the Nexus One, this involved running superboot. I just found my version of Froyo and downloaded the appropriate file. Again, this might not be the same for your device. In order to find the correct steps, you’ll have to google a bit and find the proper process. I do wish that we could go over one generic process, but it rarely works that way.
Another way to root is something called one-click. This is often preferred, because it does not void the warranty. The downside is that I’ve seen many friends have their root reverted by a software update. That won’t happen when you unlock the bootloader. Still, this gives you all the benefits of root while keeping your warranty in tact. I recommend checking this xda developers thread for a comprehensive walk-through (plus 101 pages of forum back-and-forth that should help answer some questions).
If you’re going to root, I also recommend the following applications:
- ROM Manager. So you can install your neat new ROMs. Also, make sure to install Clockwork recovery from there.
- Titanium Backup. Things can go wrong with a rooted phone. Make sure you’re backed up.
There are surely many questions to be asked about rooting. It’s not an easy process, considering all the obstacles manufacturers have put in the way. A little googling goes a long way in this instance. That’s how I figured out how to root my Nexus One. But your rooting process might be a little different. So start with “root my [phone model]” and work from there. Read the process and google terms you don’t understand. Soon enough you’ll put it all together. I’ve got faith.
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