Android devices are touted as some of the best due to the large number of customization options. Even so, not all of the features are available to everyday users. Rooting, or jailbreaking, an Android device allows you to install restricted applications, delete bloatware, replace the OS with beta versions, overclock your processor and much, much more.
It’s quite daunting at first considering rooting will completely void your warranty and possibly brick your device. Scary, yes, but not difficult. Rooting has become pretty easy over the years, and the small risk you take on will usually pay dividends.
We’re going to use a tool known as KingoRoot, which is completely free and has a large list of compatible devices. There are a plethora of Android devices available, though, so make sure you check the list to make sure yours is supported.
There are two methods for rooting your devices with KingoRoot. Here are both.
Rooting with the APK
KingoRoot can be downloaded as an APK file and installed directly on your Android device. This is the easiest way to go about it, as the device simply requires you to tap a button to fully root. However, if you’re an Android newbie, you may not know how to install it.
KingoRoot isn’t available in the Google Play Store. You can only download the APK file from the website and install it manually. Thankfully, the process isn’t too difficult.
Before you can install the app, you need to tell Android to allow installation from unknown sources. Head into your settings and tap “security”. From there, scroll down until you find “unknown sources”. Tick the slider to the on position, and you’re all set.
After that’s done, go to the KingoRoot website and download the APK directly on your Android device. There’s no computer involved in this process. Wait for the download to complete and swipe down to see your notifications. Tap the downloaded file and install it. In the event you can’t see the downloaded file, grab a file manager from the Play Store, find the downloaded APK and install it that way.
If that doesn’t work, you can always email the file to yourself and download the attachment. Once the app is installed, open it and tap “one click root”. If everything goes well, you should have a fully rooted device within a minute or two.
Rooting with Windows
Certain devices will fare better with the desktop version. It’s more involved, but has a wider range of compatibility. Download and install the file, but be careful. KingoRoot has adware in its installer, so make sure you’re vigilant to decline all offers included.
Step 1: On your Android device, follow the path “settings > developer options” and enable “USB debugging”. If you’re on Android 4.2, follow “ settings > about phone > developer options” and enable the same feature.
If you’re on 4.3 or higher, follow “settings > about phone” and then scroll down to your build number. Tap it seven times and you should see the message “You are now a developer!” With that, go back and repeat the process for 4.2 to enable USB debugging.
Step 2: Open up KingoRoot on Windows and connect your device via USB. Give it a second and the connection will appear. You device may show a popup with “allow USB debugging?” Select “always allow from this computer” and then “OK”.
Step 3: Click “root” on your PC, wait a minute or two and you’re all set. If you phone crashes and reboots, just try again. Sometimes the root process doesn’t fully take on the first go of it.
If you want to unroot your device, just follow the same steps and click “remove root” instead. The same process goes for the APK.
Thankfully, that’s it. Rooting your device is extremely simply and most phones should have little fuss when you do it. The only important part of this process is to avoid the adware that KingoRoot tries to install on Windows.
