What is root for android and why. What is root rights on android

Android has taken over the world. This operating system from the American Internet giant Google is installed on most mobile devices various price categories. It is it that is distributed according to the most attractive scheme, so any manufacturing companies can install it.

To access hidden settings, you will need to get Superuser rights

Android is a complete operating system, so it can be used to perform a variety of tasks. We will not now consider in detail the capabilities of the system. If you have questions, we advise you to read. In order to take full advantage of all the possibilities and hidden settings, you need to root your Android. In this article, we will look at what root rights are, as well as all the available options for obtaining them.

What are root rights for?

First, let's talk about how the system works. When the user starts work, the system activates his account, which stores the main settings and preferences, as well as installed programs. Thanks to this, there is no need to reconfigure the device every time it is turned on. If you sync your tablet or smartphone with a Google account, the settings and application list will be saved on a remote company server.

For most users, the options for setting up the device that are provided by the developer are quite enough. For full control over the file system and settings, as well as the ability to full customization machine, a rooted account is required. On Linux, of which Android is an offshoot, this is called "superuser mode", on Windows it's called Administrator mode. If in computer operating systems it is enough to enter with a password account(Windows) or enter it if you need system settings (Linux), then in the mobile you need to perform certain procedural steps to obtain root rights.

What exactly is their presence?

• Absolute control over the device system.
• Ability to change system applications, remove or replace them.
• transformation desired applications to system.
• Advanced features for creating a full-fledged backup.
• Changing the boot menu to install new firmware or modify an existing one.
• Possibility of fine tuning appearance Android.
• Transferring system applications to a memory card in case of a small amount of it in the device.
• Complete removal of unnecessary applications.
• Remove ads not only in the browser, but in all applications.
• Processor and hardware improvements.

The list is far from complete, you can list many more advantages that the superuser rights provide. But is it that easy to get them?

Options for obtaining root rights

The fact is that Google, together with top manufacturers, in every possible way hinders the process of obtaining root rights. Firstly, the user has the opportunity to disable ads, and Google makes very good money on this. Secondly, the company believes that most users have crooked hands, and if they have a root, they will definitely ruin something.

There are several ways to get root rights. In some cases, you can get by with just one mobile application, in others you will need a computer and a special rooting program. You can also get superuser rights by entering recovery mode. There is no universal way that is effective for each device.

Types of root rights

Depending on the type of device, you can get one of the varieties of root:

• full, or full root - working constantly and without any restrictions, providing full access to the system partition; you can change everything at your discretion;
• partial, or shell root - also works on , but has a number of limitations, the most significant of which is the lack of access to the system file partition; many opportunities become unavailable;
• temporary, or temporary root - gives full or partial access to all file system, but only until the first reboot of the device; after turning it on again, root flies, and you have to repeat the whole procedure again.

Android Application

Most easy way obtaining root rights. You just need to allow the installation of programs from unknown sources (to do this, activate the corresponding item in the Settings - Security menu), download the application installation file, install it and run it. After that, you should perform all the actions that the program requires. The whole process usually only takes a few minutes.

The most famous:

There is also other software. If you are unable to achieve results with the above programs, try to find others.

computer program

It also allows you to quickly root with a few clicks on your computer. Algorithm for obtaining rights through a computer:

There are several programs, the most popular of them are Kingo Root, OneClickRoot, VRoot. If you are unable to cope with your device using one program, you can try another.

Using recovery mode

The method is simple, but it requires certain skills and attentiveness, because if you do not comply with one of the conditions or accidentally skip a step, you can only complicate your life. Recovery mode is a recovery mode that allows you to incorrect work reset, clear the system cache or install an update. It starts most often by simultaneously pressing the power and volume buttons when the device is turned on. The combination may vary. To get root in this way, you will need:

• download a zip archive with modified files, called update.zip, and copy it to the root of the memory card;
• enter recovery mode, go to install zip from sdcard - choose zip from sdcard and select your archive;
• after the process is finished, click reboot system now to reboot the device.

No matter how confident you are in your abilities, we recommend that you clarify the information specifically for your model on specialized forums. So you protect yourself from possible unpleasant consequences.

Possible risks

Despite the many advantages, there are several fat disadvantages:

• Your warranty is automatically void. In the event of a breakdown, you will have to carry out repairs entirely at your own expense.
• It becomes impossible to automatically update the firmware through the device menu.
• There is a risk of rendering the device inoperable.

Recently, manufacturers have been releasing more and more advanced ones that are practically unhackable.

Conclusion

As you can see, getting root rights for Android is a simple procedure, but in some cases there may be insurmountable difficulties. We strongly advise you to study the pages of your device on specialized forums, for example, w3bsit3-dns.com or xda-developers.com. There you will find comprehensive information about all possible difficulties, comments from experts or experienced users and more precisely decide which method suits you best - through a computer or on the device itself. Are you planning to root your device? Do you think they are needed? We are interested in your opinion on this matter.

Unlike most competitors, operating android system is more open. However, it also has its prohibitions and limitations. Android doesn't allow normal user to delete important files, modify the operation of system programs, or set potentially dangerous settings. You can get access to such features in cases where the owner receives the so-called root - superuser rights.

Rooting an Android device is about getting superuser rights, roughly corresponding to a similar concept in a Linux system. After rooting, you can perform almost any action on the device, even potentially dangerous ones. Thus, full control over your device is provided.

What is it for?

Getting Root rights on Android provides users with a number of benefits. These include:

• Unlimited control over the operating system.
• The ability to replace system files, which will allow:
  • change standard applications - clock, calendar, mail program other;
  • replace topics;
  • replace the Recovery image and the system bootloader to be able to replace the firmware, as well as save and restore the system;
  • perform any actions with system applications - adding, replacing, etc.;
  • change the animation and images that are displayed at system startup.
• Run applications that provide a lot of options for managing the system, for example:
  • the Root Explorer file manager, which, unlike the standard manager, will allow you to see and work with all the files on your device;
  • Super User, with which you can grant root rights to various programs;
  • programs that allow you to change and remove any applications, including system ones.
• Make backup Android, including programs and data you have installed, which can always be restored after a firmware update or factory reset.
• Move installed applications from a tablet or phone to a memory card.
• Copy the cache of various applications and temporary browser files to the memory card.
• Manage your device using a computer through WiFi connection or USB port.

Getting root rights

The procedure for obtaining root rights is quite simple and, if all instructions are carefully followed, it is performed without any problems. Moreover, a number of universal utilities have been developed that automate this process and opening access even to the most novice users.

On the different devices procedures for obtaining root rights are different from each other. Some require their own program, others just need to install a universal application, and still others need to unlock the system bootloader first. There are universal programs designed to help in obtaining superuser rights on most Android devices - for example, Towelroot, Framaroot, Root Genius, Unlockroot and others.

As the name implies, this article will focus on programs for obtaining Root rights. Sooner or later, every active Android user, for one reason or another, needs to get Root on their device. If you don't know what they are and how to get them, then you've come to the right place. In this article, we will walk you through the process of obtaining root rights, as well as answer frequently asked questions.

What is root rights

First, let's find out what root rights are and why they are needed. In simple words, then:

Ruth is right- these are superuser rights that make it possible to log into the Android system on behalf of the administrator (developer).

In turn, this will allow you to gain complete control and freedom of action over the system files of your android phone. Why is it necessary for ordinary users? There may be several reasons for this, which we will discuss below.

Types of root rights

There are three types of root rights:

1. Full - permanent rights, special actions will be required to remove them.
2. Shell - similar to the previous ones, but with a limitation, since they do not have access to the system folder.
3. Temporary - temporary, after rebooting the device, access to them will be lost.

Root (translated from English) - the root, meaning the root of the system. You may have already met applications in the Play Store with the inscription “Root Required” - this inscription means that these programs work only with these rights.

Below we will consider all the “Pros” and “Cons” of having Root on an android, and also list in more detail what exactly rooting a smartphone or tablet gives.

Pros of root rights

Let's start with the benefits for which the owners of their gadgets want to get administrator rights.

• One of the main advantages is the removal of built-in games and system applications that are not removed in the usual way.
• The ability to hack games by making free purchases in them using additional programs that can be downloaded here.
• Remove ads from games.
• Changing system files.
• Installing useful software that works only with root.
• Installing third-party firmware or mods.
• Activation of many additional functions.
• Increased productivity and autonomy, which are achieved with the help of additional applications.

Cons of root rights

There are not so many disadvantages as advantages, but still they are:

• When you get a root or if you accidentally delete the “wrong” system file (which is more likely), you can disable the entire device (turn your tablet or smartphone into a “brick”), but most often the gadget can be revived.
• Rooting voids your warranty (but all signs that you were rooted can be eliminated)
• You will not be able to receive software updates over the air from the manufacturer.

Actually, this is where all the shortcomings end. Now that you know about all the possible risks associated with root rights, you can move on to the programs themselves, and it's up to you to download them or not.

How to get root rights

In order to get root rights, most often it is enough just to run a special application on your gadget. Sometimes, depending on the device model or Android version, root can only be obtained using a computer via USB. In general, the process of obtaining a root for each model is individual, and for each Android it requires you to choose your own method of activating Root.

Please note that when downloading such programs, antiviruses may show a virus, since they all contain an Android protection bypass code. The developers do not bear any responsibility for possible damage resulting from obtaining Root rights on your device. You do everything at your own peril and risk!

As a rule, rooting occurs using exploits, through system errors and bugs, which are always “dangerous” according to antiviruses. All the programs below are downloaded from official sites, so you can be sure about the safety of your mobile.

Programs for obtaining Root rights with and without a PC

One of the most popular programs for getting root rights for android without a computer. Framaroot also installs the Superuser and SuperSu apps, which are needed to manage root access. To get root, you need to copy APK file into the phone's memory and launch it. Antiviruses may swear at the virus, as this program contains a protection bypass.

Instruction:

1. Download and install Framaroot.
2. Run it, then select one of the listed applications responsible for managing the superuser - Superuser or SuperSU.
3. Then choose one of your favorite characters.
4. Wait a few seconds, a window with the result of the process should appear.
5. Reboot your device.
6. Together with Framarut, the SuperSu application will be installed, if this did not happen, then SuperSu can be downloaded independently from the Play Market.

Video instruction for obtaining root rights without a computer through Framarut.

It is also a fairly popular application with which you can get root rights to android without a PC. Kinggut fits most versions and supports on this moment about 10 thousand mobile phones and more than 40 thousand firmware with Android version from 2.3 to 5.1. To work, you need to turn on the program, press the "Start" button and wait for the result.

Instruction:

1. Charge your device at least 30%.
2. Connect internet.
3. Enable downloading applications from "Unknown sources" in the settings.
4. Disable the antivirus, because antiviruses can show a virus, since Kinggut contains an Android protection bypass code.
5. Launch KingRoot.
6. Open and click "Get Root". The operation may take several minutes.
7. If the result is successful, then you can go to the next step.
8. Restart your smartphone.
9. Install KingUser from Google Play.
10. Remove KingRoot.

3. 360ROOT

A program for obtaining root rights in one click, from the Chinese developer Qihoo 360. 360ROOT combines different methods of rooting, so it works both with and without a PC. The program supports more than 9000 models: Sony, HTC, Fly, Lenovo, Samsung, etc.

After launch, the application will independently determine the model of your android, and choose the method of rooting. The software is in Chinese, but do not be afraid, for work it is enough to install, run and press the "ROOT" button. You just have to wait until the end of the process, and then restart your tablet.

Program for getting Root on Android devices, developed by the famous hacker Geohot, who hacked the PS3 and Iphone game consoles. According to the hacker, you can hack through Tovelroot samsung galaxy S5, Galaxy S4 Active, Google Nexus 5, Galaxy Note 3 and other Android models with a kernel released before June 2014. TowerRoot may not work on later versions.

Instruction:

1. Install Towelroot.
2. Once launched, click the "Make it ra1n" button.
3. Wait for the automatic reboot.
4. Check for Root, if successful, install SeperSu from Google Market.
5. After that, you can uninstall the program.

A program for obtaining and removing root on android, both without a PC and using a computer. Currently, more than 15,000 models are supported, Asus, Samsung, LG, etc., but the list continues to grow.

Using the program is as easy as the previous software - just run it and press the "Start" button. If the process ended successfully, then you just have to reboot and enjoy the result.

A universal program for quickly obtaining Root rights on Android devices without using a computer. You just need to run and press the "START" key, wait for the process to complete and restart the gadget.

Root Master supports more than 10 thousand popular models such as Samsung, Lenovo, Huawei, LG, etc. To control access, you need the SuperSu or SuperUser application, which can be downloaded from Google Play.

The programs are improved versions of Dingdong and RootDashi (ZhiqupkRoot). BaiduRoot is designed to get superuser rights in Russian in almost one click, without using a computer.

The application supports more than 6000 models and is ideal for Android 2.2-4.4. A distinctive feature of the program is the creation of a backup copy before starting the process.

Instruction:

1. Download and install Baiduroot on your phone.
2. We accept the user agreement.
3. If an update message appears, click the Confirm button.
4. After the update is completed, click "START".
5. Wait no more than a minute.

8. DINGDONG ROOT (Easy Root)

An improved version of the BaiduRoot program with extended functionality. The application is designed to activate root rights on android without a PC in one click. Works great with all Chinese brands and supports over 9000 models and works with most of Samsung, HTC, Sony, Huawei, ZTE, Lenovo, CoolPad and more.

To work, you just need to launch DingDong and press "START". The program itself scans your device and determines The best way root activation. The list of models is constantly updated, the current list of phones is available on the developer's website.

9. IROOT

A universal program for obtaining rut rights for android without a PC. Iroot combines several rooting methods at once, along with the SuperSu application needed to manage them.

When you launch the application, click "Multi-Root" and you will be shown the percentage with the probability of successfully unlocking the root on your device, as well as information about the system of your smartphone or tablet.

Instruction:

• Install iRoot.
• We launch it on the phone.
• Click the "Multiroot" button and then click on OK.
• We are waiting for a few minutes, after which the gadget will reboot and you will have a new SuperSu icon.

A simple and fast program to get root rights using a computer in a few steps. KingoRoot supports almost all android versions from 1.5 to 5.0 and various smartphone models, including Sony Xperia, Google, HTC, Motorola, Samsung, LG Optimus, Huawei, Alcatel, Lenovo and others.

To install Kingoroot, you need to download the application on your PC, and start the installation process. Once completed, open the program. Then, to use the utility, you need to enable the mode USB debugging in settings. As soon as you connect the device to your computer, Kingo will download and install the appropriate driver itself. To do this, click on "ROOT" and start the process. After that, the phone should automatically reboot.

How to check root rights

The first thing to do after you have rooted is to check if your Android has root rights and if they are installed correctly. To do this, download any application from Google Play called RootChecker.

- an application for quickly checking the availability and correct installation of Root rights on your Android device. To work, you just need to turn on the checker and press the “CHECK” button, after a few seconds the result of the check will appear on the screen.

DOWNLOAD ROOT CHECKER

If the result of the check is positive, then you will need an application with which you can manage root rights. Please note that usually, after activating root, the access control application is installed automatically. If you find that this did not happen, then you can download it yourself.

- the most popular application for managing and distributing root access. In addition, Superuser or Kingo SuperUser may suit you, especially if you rooted with KingoRoot (PC or APK version).

Using this program is very easy, all you need to do is go to the settings and tick all the applications that require Root. Or simply confirm access in a pop-up window on the screen of your device when an application requests a connection to root rights.

And what program did you manage to get root rights to you? Share your opinion by leaving a comment at the bottom of the page, perhaps your message will be useful and help other users make a choice.

Root rights or superuser rights allow you to get unlimited access to the file system of the gadget on the Android platform, including access to system files and folders. An already open and customizable system, if granted these rights, becomes even more changeable.

What are the types of root rights

1. Full Root - means full root, these are permanent root rights that open absolutely all possibilities to the owner of the device operating system and apparatus.
2. Shell Root - these are the same rights as Full Root, only with them access is denied to the System partition, that is, there is no way to write and overwrite this partition.
3. Temporary Root - means a temporary root, that is, the rights disappear after the device is rebooted.

Getting root rights

The rooting process may differ slightly depending on the device used, but is essentially the same and boils down to adding to system folders several files and the Superuser or SuperSU application.

To become a superuser, you usually need to go through the following steps:

1. Preparing your device. For example, it is necessary to unlock the bootloader on some smartphones and tablets, transfer files to a memory card, etc.
2. Launch of a special software directly on the device itself or on the computer to which the device is connected.
3. Copying the su executable, which installs to /system/xbin/su . It is he who is responsible for root.
4. Setting file and directory permissions with the chmod command.

The most necessary programs for root users

• The list of must-have programs opens the Root Explorer file manager. It will allow you to freely operate system files, making your smartphone or tablet even more personal. For example, it will be possible to transfer programs, cache and other data to a memory card, even if this possibility is not provided.
• If you want to remove unused system applications, you will need Root Uninstaller. Be careful when uninstalling - some supposedly unused applications may actually be vital elements of the system.
• Frequently performed tasks can be automated with the most powerful app in the category, Tasker. A slightly confusing interface is more than offset by the richest functionality and practicality of the program.
• Greenify is another landmark rooted phone solution. Allows you to "freeze" the work of programs in the background and thereby saves precious battery percentage.
• Busybox - allows you to use familiar linux commands to control your smartphone.
• Titanium Backup - allows you to perform backup systems, including contacts, SMS messages and application data.

With superuser rights at your disposal, you can change the system bootloader, install an alternative recovery menu and custom firmware.

Superuser to manage a rooted device

To ensure that the full power of the new rights is not used for other than its intended purpose, but for selfish purposes, control measures are needed to limit the use of these rights. The main management of a rooted phone falls on the shoulders special programs, most often - Superuser. It allows you to grant and restrict access to super-rights for various applications. For example, during the first launch of the same Root Explorer, a window will appear where you will be asked to provide file manager root-rights, and if you refuse, then the application will not get access to the hidden elements of the built-in memory.

The Superuser interface is intuitive: the main screen is a list installed applications, which in general, in principle, may require root rights and displays what powers this or that program is endowed with. When you select a program from the list, a permissions menu will open, where you can grant extended rights for a while, permanently, or completely prohibit their use.

What are the disadvantages of rooting

1. Loss of warranty on the performance of the device, if it is still valid.
2. Loss of the ability to update the operating system "over the air" (OTA update), but not on all firmware versions.
3. Disable branded chips of some manufacturers.

conclusions

If you are still wondering whether to root or not, then our answer is unequivocal - do it now. Superuser rights will be useful to any owner of an Android smartphone, because they turn your custom device into a truly limitless field for creativity and practical solutions. The risk of getting an inoperative device if all the instructions are followed is almost as minimal as the probability of spontaneous “bricking” of the device. In addition, at any time, if desired, you can make an root, that is, remove root rights.

Go ahead and use your device at 100%.

First, a little materiel. Just a little, don't worry. The word root in the Linux environment is an account that has certain privileges in accessing files. It is also called the superuser. The closest exact comparison is the administrator profile in Windows, only a password is usually not needed. However, it depends on the device, and now we are not talking about full-fledged Linux, but about its offspring of the mobile format called Android.

So, imagine that your computer is accessed through an administrator profile. You can edit system files, cheat with the registry, cheat in the cache and do other operations that, with a certain level of curvature of the hands, can lead to the PC turning into a photo frame with a permanent BSOD on the screen. So, the superuser in Android has an even harder time, because you can make more mistakes, but simply reinstalling the OS on it is not an easy task. To summarize: superuser rights allow the smartphone owner to access system files, and, more importantly, modify them and save these changes.

It will not be superfluous to say that there are three types of root rights. Full Root provides the user with permanent access to the superuser's capabilities, Shell Root is a trimmed version of Full, that is, changing the / system folder is not available, and Temporary Root gives full access only until the smartphone is rebooted. And now:

Flaws

The warranty period for most types of electronics ranges from six months to two years. During this time, it is possible to identify after-sales defects, the responsibility for which lies with the manufacturer. If he really is to blame (which is easy to check), repairs and replacement of components will be made free of charge at special service centers. But if the so-called warranty conditions are violated, you will have to do everything at your own expense. So, getting a superuser account violates the terms of the guarantee in 99% of cases. It's like opening the security seals on the TV to try to fix it yourself, but not succeeding in this, send the device to the SC. Warranty Terms are violated, the manufacturer does not know for what reason the breakdown occurred - through his fault, or through yours. And no one will take it on faith.

Therefore, I form the first and main drawback for the average user: when you get root access, you will almost certainly lose the warranty on your smartphone! True, there is an option that with a certain chance can hide such actions - a rollback to the factory firmware, but only those who have already dealt with access to the system at a low level are able to do this. Although the probability of an error for such users is close to zero, the root “counter”, if the manufacturer has inserted it, may not be reset. Well, if the warranty for the device has already ended, then there is no point in fearing this particular drawback.

In my article on mobile viruses, I mentioned that with the opening of superuser rights, a smartphone receives an additional pack of vulnerabilities. But this applies not only to the fact that even a simple virus can easily shit in the holy of holies - right in the heart of a pocket friend. People are naturally curious. Having gained unheard of freedom in working with a smartphone, they try to do things while diligently avoiding the study of materiel. Their self-confidence amuses, but the result is not very good. With a careless hand movement, a multifunctional phone turns into a so-called. "brick", which does not even turn on. This means that a man-made grain of sand got into the impeccably debugged mechanism and stopped the work of the gears. For an ordinary user, the matter is solved exclusively by the service center, flashing and losing all the data (!) that were in the phone, with the exception of those on the memory card and SIM card. And the SC, in turn, will require money from you for this service, because the guarantee has expired (see the paragraph above).

This implies the second drawback: if you make an error in working with superuser rights, you can disrupt the operation of the OS up to irretrievable data loss. You can avoid this by the following actions: before you do something, you need to find out the consequences - there is probably at least one person on the Internet who has already taken a risk and posted his thoughts in an accessible form. Next - always have a backup copy on hand, and more than one. I'm not talking about gallery files or contacts, but about a full-fledged backup of the entire system - the so-called recovery. How to do it, we will discuss later.

Also, for a user who has tasted the delights of root for the first time, the following news will be sad: interference with system files will take away the smartphone’s ability to automatic update, that is, to receive new firmware versions. Yes, yes, you won’t see KitKat if you are on older versions of Android and decide to play around with the superuser. However, there is no question of reliability here - an update may come, and even be installed, and even work! But if this happens to you, consider yourself winning three lotteries in a row, because this is a colossus with feet of clay, and your OS runs on files that are not designed for this. Therefore, disadvantage number three: after obtaining root access, you can forget about auto-updates of the smartphone OS, unless you are a very lucky person. If you really want new version Android, you have to do everything manually. It's not easy, but since you got root access, if you please, respond to this title!

A serious drawback of root rights is the variability of obtaining them from device to device. Let's start with the fact that not every smartphone generally provides such an opportunity. If your device has a feature (although I would call it a "crutch") called NAND lock, you can not dream of rooting. About Full Root, to be precise. The other two options are available in most cases. Yes, there are ways to get around this software charm, but be prepared for additional hours of digging through instructions.

There is no complete list of devices with NAND lock, but even if your smartphone does not prevent getting root access, do not expect it to be easy. There is no single recipe for obtaining superuser rights. Each novelty will be studied by Internet masters for the first few days, before a sequence of actions appears on the Western forums. You shouldn't even think that it will be simple - there can be more than 20 steps, and each of them includes a desktop computer, the Internet, third-party programs, stubs, and who knows what else. Conclusion: due to NAND lock, not all smartphones have the ability to get Full Root, and for most devices where this option is available, there is a separate instruction that you need to look for a long time and strictly follow it. And if something didn’t work out on the way to your goal, there is a high probability of getting a technological “brick” at a reasonable price.

And the last but very important fact. Any experiments with getting root-rights, changing the firmware, creating a backup on a PC or creating a recovery should be carried out ONLY through the NATIVE USB cable, which should be plugged DIRECTLY into the computer case, bypassing any hubs. The fact is that various Chinese crafts of any price and value, with the exception of branded peripherals, fail at the most important moment, or simply cannot cope with such tasks. This is not a phenomenon of recent days - even Siemens phones were flashed only through native USB, which, by the way, cost a lot of money and was quite rare. As a result, it is possible to make a smartphone an expensive brick in the process of obtaining, say, recovery, which should protect the user from such situations. Be careful!

Advantages

The freedom of action. By obtaining Root rights, you, as a smartphone user, will acquire full control over the device. Don't like standard apps? Get rid of them! Tired of standard labels/icons? For God's sake, change them to whatever you like! You can remove the screen saver when you start and turn off the device, you can make the native flash dance during a call, you can put artificial limits on Internet traffic, remove ads from applications, hide the notification bar or navigation menu, and much, much more. Of course, for such changes, appropriate programs are needed.

Don't feel like messing around with individual elements, but the standard look of the shell is frankly bored? There is a solution! With root rights, no one will stop you put the real custom firmware. The leader in this field can be considered the CyanogenMod project, within which software builds for dozens of popular devices are released daily ... But there is also MIUI, Illusion, ParanoidAndroid and many others. After getting to know them, you may want to go back to such a native and understandable factory firmware, but not everything is not so simple, and the specifics specific device won't be slow to tell. Down with doubt! The possibilities of individual ROMs are simply breathtaking.

For example, the main advantages of CyanogenMod are the initial cleanliness (there are no unnecessary pre-installed programs), ease of use, a minimum of settings, the ability to quickly switch profiles, and excellent optimization. Among the shortcomings, it is worth highlighting a small set of settings, as for custom firmware, as well as general instability in work. And the MIUI firmware is positioned as a hybrid of Android, iOS, and, in fact, is a hodgepodge of the best elements of both platforms. It does not have most of the pre-installed applications, but there are a large number of themes and widgets, and most of the standard ones for android applications either removed or replaced with "lighter" counterparts.

Illusion stands out for its completely transparent interface, auto-hide status bar and excellent notifications, which can be configured separately. ParanoidAndroid is generally a kind of sandbox with customization, which will be respected by individual Linux distributions. This includes scaling EVERY single program, the status bar can also be customized as desired, as well as notifications, and the overall interface layout can be changed from smartphone to tablet, and PIE Control combines all the main shortcuts into one convenient diagram.

But there is even more customizable firmware - AOKP. Personally, it reminds me of the times when Siemens phones ruled the roost, as you could do incredible things with them. With AOKP, your vibrator will start singing along with your favorite song, there will be a photo of your girlfriend instead of uploading, and the Ribbon interface will negate the need for launchers. And that's just short review what universal ROMs are capable of. But there are still firmware for individual devices that fix the most unpleasant errors without rearranging the design on its head. Often they are almost in no way inferior to stock. But also pleasant trifles, such as the built-in boot menu, the ability to record screencasts or change the screen density in dpi through a general scaling. ATTENTION! The latter function is extremely dangerous, and can lead to "bricking the smartphone."