Rooting
Rooting
Unlocking the restrictions on an Android phone to gain full administrator-level access to its system.
In Simple Terms
Rooting means removing the restrictions on an Android phone so you can freely change deep system settings that are normally off-limits. Once you've done it, you can unlock special features that aren't in the regular menus and thoroughly customize how the phone behaves, however you like. On the flip side, it breaks down security protections, leaving the phone more vulnerable to viruses.
Behind the Name
The name comes from "root" — the most powerful administrator privilege, the one that controls a phone's entire system. Rooting means turning that deep, root-level part of the system into something you can freely manipulate.
Take a Closer Look!
Rooting is the act of gaining stronger administrator privileges than users are normally allowed — mainly on Android smartphones and similar devices.
Put simply, it's a way to change system settings you normally can't access, and to perform more advanced operations.
On iPhones, the equivalent act of removing restrictions is called "jailbreaking", a separate process from rooting.
Normally, a phone's core system components are protected to keep it safe, but rooting lets you act as an administrator and change some of the system settings that are otherwise off-limits.
This makes it possible to remove pre-installed apps that can't normally be deleted, and to apply customizations that aren't possible through the standard settings.
However, this comes with security risks.
Because some of the phone's protective features are weakened, malicious viruses can more easily get into the system, creating a risk that your personal information could be stolen.
On top of that, a mistake in the settings can leave the phone unable to start up properly, and rooting can also void the warranty offered by the manufacturer or carrier.