Gaining root access to your device takes tweaking to another level
Some of the features you could be enjoying on your phone or tablet may well be missing, either because your network locked them out or Google failed to include them. Your ability to change or add functionality is limited, but hacking your Android device - also known as 'rooting' - will unlock it so that you can control every aspect of its operation, much as you can with a PC system.
Here well outline the process of rooting an Android device. Note that these are not intended to be complete instructions, and we don't have space to explain all the jargon, so you'd be well advised to seek further details online.
GET ROOT ACCESS
The first step towards total control of your hardware is obtaining root access. Unfortunately, our favourite method, the Easy Root app (www.unstableapps.com), no longer works properly due to recent Android updates. Fortunately, the basic process remains the same; you'll just have to roll back to an older Android release, after which you can install a custom ROM.
Do bear in mind that rolling back your device to a previous version of the Android OS will likely erase any data that's not on your SD card or stored on Google's servers. Back up your stuff first.
We'll use the Motorola Milestone and Windows as an example, along with
instructions from the CyanogenMod Wiki (wiki.cyanogenmod.com). First, download and install RSD Lite and the Motorola USB drivers, then download a copy of the SPRecovery SBF image file Connect the Milestone to a Windows computer via USB, and turn off the device. Turn it back on while holding down the power button and the up key on the directional pad to boot into Recovery Mode.
Once the device has booted, run RSD Lite (right-click the icon in Windows and choose Run as administrator), select the SPRecovery SBF image and click Start. RSD Lite will apply the recovery image and reboot the Milestone. If you don't receive a 'Pass' message from RSD Lite after the device has rebooted, apply SPRecovery with RSD Lite again.
Here well outline the process of rooting an Android device. Note that these are not intended to be complete instructions, and we don't have space to explain all the jargon, so you'd be well advised to seek further details online.
GET ROOT ACCESS
The first step towards total control of your hardware is obtaining root access. Unfortunately, our favourite method, the Easy Root app (www.unstableapps.com), no longer works properly due to recent Android updates. Fortunately, the basic process remains the same; you'll just have to roll back to an older Android release, after which you can install a custom ROM.
Do bear in mind that rolling back your device to a previous version of the Android OS will likely erase any data that's not on your SD card or stored on Google's servers. Back up your stuff first.
We'll use the Motorola Milestone and Windows as an example, along with
instructions from the CyanogenMod Wiki (wiki.cyanogenmod.com). First, download and install RSD Lite and the Motorola USB drivers, then download a copy of the SPRecovery SBF image file Connect the Milestone to a Windows computer via USB, and turn off the device. Turn it back on while holding down the power button and the up key on the directional pad to boot into Recovery Mode.
Once the device has booted, run RSD Lite (right-click the icon in Windows and choose Run as administrator), select the SPRecovery SBF image and click Start. RSD Lite will apply the recovery image and reboot the Milestone. If you don't receive a 'Pass' message from RSD Lite after the device has rebooted, apply SPRecovery with RSD Lite again.
User beware!
The steps shown here for rooting an Android device are examples based on information that is, for obvious reasons, unofficial. Check the latest advice online before attempting any operation. We are not responsible for broken or 'bricked' devices that may result. Rooting your device will most likely void its warranty, and if anything goes wrong may very well turn your hardware into a pricey paperweight. Proceed with extreme caution and at your own risk.
INSTALL A ROOTED OS
The next step is to install a pre-rooted version of Android OS 2.1 on the Milestone. Download the Android OS image and rename it to update.zip. Connect the Milestone to your PC via USB, mount it and copy update.zip to the root of the SD card. Unplug the USB cable, power off, then reboot the device while holding the 'x' key.
When the phone has booted, use the volume keys to navigate and the camera button to select the Wipe data/ factory reset option. Choose Wipe cache partition, then Install, and Allow update.zip installation. The update can now be applied, after which the Milestone reboots into rooted Android 2.1.
REPLACE THE ROM
After you've updated your device to a rooted version of Android 2.1, you may want to re-upgrade to a newer third-party ROM. CyanogenMod has ROMs for many devices, including features left out of the stock ROMs that Google distributes. For example, it adds tethering via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, so you can share a cellular internet connection with other devices - though your network may take a dim view. You can also use ROMs of newer Android releases on unsupported devices, such as Froyo (2.2) on the G1.
CyanogenMod isn't the only ROM option. Others offer different combinations of features such as extra home screens and widgets, connectivity choices and the ability to get the most out of the Market apps that require root access. You can also find ROM options for boosting performance at the expense of features.
If yours isn't a Motorola Milestone, don't worry - you can find detailed rooting instructions for a number of other devices at wiki.cyanogenmod.com
Just be sure to double-check compatibility with your device before installing.
After rooting, the easiest way to replace your ROM is to use ROM Manager (available from the Android Market in both free and paid versions) to install ClockworkMod Recovery. Download, install and launch the ROM Manager app, select Flash ClockworkMod Recovery, choose your device and grant root privileges when asked. Re-launch ROM Manager, select Download ROM and pick the ROM you want. We installed the most recent version of CyanogenMod; be sure to tick the Google Apps box, or you'll be left without apps such as Gmail.
Once the ROM downloads, grant root privileges if asked again, then select Backup Existing ROM and Wipe Data and Cache. The Milestone will install the CyanogenMod ROM and reboot.
OVERCLOCK YOUR DEVICE
Many PC users 'overclock' their processors to get extra performance. You can do the same with Android devices simply by installing SetCPU for Root Users. As with PC overclocking, though, you risk damaging your hardware if you overclock too much or use an incompatible method.
The SetCPU app makes managing a stable overclock very easy. By default, it gives your phone a moderate speed boost, but you can customise it further for more dramatic on-demand overclocking. More power means that battery will drain more quickly, but we found using SetCPU with a substantial on-demand overclock had little effect on our device's battery life. If you prefer, you can even use SetCPU to underclock, which sacrifices performance to make the battery last longer.
New faces
As much as we love the Android interface, it has room for improvement. jealous of HTC's Sense Ul onscreen keyboard? Don't have a device that supports multitouch or pinch-to-zoom in the web browser? Just install an Android ROM replacement with the interface elements you want. You can pick options from several creators via CyanogenMod.
As much as we love the Android interface, it has room for improvement. jealous of HTC's Sense Ul onscreen keyboard? Don't have a device that supports multitouch or pinch-to-zoom in the web browser? Just install an Android ROM replacement with the interface elements you want. You can pick options from several creators via CyanogenMod.
MANAGE TASKS BETTER
You don't need to root your Android device to use a task manager to control your apps, and from Android 2.2 you're probably better off sticking with the built-in tools. However, the Advanced Task Manager app (990 from the Android Market) does give you extra power to kill any running process, schedule tasks, and even uninstall apps in bulk.
Any Android device can suffer data loss, yet you can only make a regular complete backup as a root user. One of the best utilities is Titanium Backup (free or $5.99 on the Android Market).
Rooting isn't for everyone, but for true geeks it's all about getting the most from your device. Take the plunge and you can make Android more useful than ever. Happy hacking !
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