Rooted Devices: Definition, Benefits & Security Risks

Learn how Adaptive Multi-Factor Authentication combats data breaches, weak passwords, and phishing attacks.

Rooting is the process of unlocking or jailbreaking a device, such as a smartphone or tablet. It most commonly refers to android devices. A rooted device gives the user much more freedom to customise the device and achieve more administrative control. Phone carriers and hardware manufacturers often place limitations on these devices for security reasons. A rooted device allows a user to change the operating system (OS), replace or alter settings and system applications, install custom themes, and download specialised apps. Rooting an android device can cause a myriad of issues, including rendering the phone useless if it is done wrong, losing data, and allowing access for malware. Rooting a phone makes you a superuser, giving you admin privileges, but it can also void the warranty and cause damage to the device. While rooting a phone is currently legal, it is usually not recommended unless you have significant technical knowledge.

Root device explained

To root a device is to obtain superuser access on an android device. This is similar to jailbreaking an Apple device. When you purchase a smartphone, for example, the manufacturer and/or carrier place limitations on the device to help protect them from malware and from users unintentionally damaging the device. With a rooted android, you have complete control over the operating system and can make changes at an administrator level. Android devices use an open-source operating system based on Linux, adding a standard Linux function to give you superuser permissions.

Advantages of a root device

Rooting an android device gives you root access to it, meaning that you can customise the phone or tablet just how you want to, deleting unwanted software and installing specialised modifications. With a rooted android, you have complete control over the device and can work past the limitations placed by the phone carrier or manufacturer. Rooting an android allows you to install non-standard apps, which can help you to modify hidden settings, remove bloatware, and control storage. These are pros of a rooted device:

  • Added performance
  • Extended battery life
  • Ability to download any app, even ones that are not supported by the manufacturer/carrier
  • Option to fully customise themes and graphics
  • Ability to make changes to operating system to improve functionality

Drawbacks to a rooted device

Rooting a device can give you more privileges and the ability to customise, but it can also signal disaster, especially for inexperienced users. Even a small misstep in the rooting process can cause significant, and often irreversible, issues. These are some of the major potential problems associated with a rooted phone:

  • Security compromise: Rooting a phone disables the built-in security features and can leave you open to a malware attack. With administrative access, malware can do some real damage as it allows a much higher level of access. Security patches and updates are no longer automatically installed on a rooted device, leaving the user in charge of security on their own.
  • Phone instability: If there are any mistakes made during the rooting process, you can essentially turn your expensive device into a paperweight. Certain code modifications can damage your software beyond repair.
  • Voided warranty: In most cases, rooting a phone voids the warranty and will cause your carrier to refuse to service the device. It violates the service contract. Updates are no longer automatic, and it can be hard to keep up with technology.
  • Unavailable services: Many streaming services and financial institutions will not allow a rooted device to access their apps or sites.
  • Data loss: Rooting a device can often result in loss of data from the device.

Data loss & recovery after rooting

Data loss is common with rooting a device. If you do plan on rooting an android, be sure to back it up first. If you exper