Rooting a smartphone gives users enhanced control over their devices, allowing them to remove bloatware, customize software, and access advanced features. However, it comes with risks, including security vulnerabilities and voided warranties. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of safely rooting your Android smartphone in 2025.
What is Rooting
Rooting is the process of gaining superuser (admin) access to an Android device. It allows users to modify system settings, install unauthorized apps, and customize the operating system.
Pros and Cons of Rooting
Benefits of Rooting
Remove bloatware and get rid of pre-installed apps that slow down performance
Enhanced customization by installing custom ROMs, themes, and UI modifications
Boost performance by overclocking your CPU for better speed and efficiency
Full app control to run powerful apps that require root access
Risks of Rooting
Voids warranty as most manufacturers do not support rooted devices
Security risks since root access can expose your device to malware
Bricking your phone if incorrect rooting methods render your device unusable
No more OTA updates as official system updates may no longer work
Step 1: Prepare Your Device for Rooting
Before proceeding, ensure your phone is ready for the rooting process.
Backup Your Data
Since rooting can erase your data, create a full backup
Use Google Drive or Samsung Cloud for cloud backups
Use apps like Titanium Backup for non-rooted devices
Transfer important files to a PC or external storage
Charge Your Device
Ensure your phone is at least 80 percent charged to prevent shutdowns during the process
Enable Developer Options and USB Debugging
Go to Settings and tap About Phone
Find Build Number and tap it seven times to enable Developer Mode
Go to Developer Options in Settings and enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking
Step 2: Unlock the Bootloader
Many Android devices require bootloader unlocking before rooting.
Check If Your Bootloader is Locked
Power off your phone and boot into Fastboot Mode by pressing the Power and Volume Down buttons together
Connect your phone to a PC and run the command fastboot oem device-info
If the bootloader is locked, proceed with unlocking
Unlocking the Bootloader
Install ADB and Fastboot on your PC
Connect your phone and open Command Prompt in the ADB folder
Run the command fastboot oem unlock or fastboot flashing unlock depending on the device
Follow the on-screen instructions and confirm bootloader unlocking
Step 3: Download the Rooting Software
Choose a Rooting Method
Magisk is the most popular and safest method for rooting in 2025
Other tools like KingRoot and SuperSU are available but may not be as reliable
Install Magisk
Download the Magisk ZIP file from the official source
Transfer it to your phone’s internal storage
Step 4: Flash Magisk Using Custom Recovery
Install a Custom Recovery like TWRP
Download the correct TWRP image for your phone model
Use Fastboot Mode to flash the recovery with the command fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
Flash Magisk to Root the Device
Boot into TWRP Recovery by pressing Power and Volume Up buttons together
Select Install and choose the Magisk ZIP file
Swipe to flash and wait for the installation to complete
Reboot your device once done
Step 5: Verify Root Access
Install Magisk Manager
Open the Magisk Manager app to check root status
If successful, grant root access to apps that require it
Final Thoughts
Rooting gives you full control over your Android smartphone, allowing advanced customization and performance enhancements. However, it comes with risks, so always research your specific device model before proceeding. If done correctly, rooting can unlock powerful features, but it should be approached with caution to avoid damaging your device.