Rooting is the Android equivalent of jailbreaking, a means of unlocking
the operating system so you can install unapproved (by Google) apps,
update the OS, replace the firmware, overclock (or underclock) the
processor, customize just about anything, and so on.
Of course, for the average user, rooting sounds like -- and can be -- a
scary process. After all, "rooting" around in your smartphone's core
software might seem like a recipe for disaster. One wrong move and you
could end up with bricked handset.
Thankfully, there's a new Windows utility that makes rooting a one-click affair:Kingo Android Root.
It's free, and based on my initial tests with a Virgin Mobile Supreme
and later ones with an Asus Nexus 7, it works like a charm. (Be sure tocheck the compatibility list before
you proceed, keeping in mind that even if your device isn't on it, the
utility may work with it.) Here's how to get started.
Step 2: Enable USB debugging mode on your phone. If
it's running Android 4.0 or 4.1, tap Settings, Developer Options, then
tick the box for "USB debugging." (You may need to switch "Developer
options" to On before you can do so.) On Android 4.2, tap Settings,
About Phone, Developer Options, and then tick USB debugging." Then tap
OK to approve the setting change.
On Android 4.3 and later (including 5.0, though this also applies to
some versions of 4.2), tap Settings, About Phone, then scroll down to
Build Number. Tap it seven times, at which point you should see the
message, "You are now a developer!"
With that done, tap Settings, About Phone, Developer Options, and then
tick USB debugging." Then tap OK to approve the setting change.
Step 3: Run Android Root on your PC, then connect your
phone via its USB sync cable. After a moment, the former should show a
connection to the latter. Your device screen may show an "Allow USB
debugging?" pop-up. Tick "Always allow from this computer," then tap OK.
Step 4: Click Root, then sit back and wait while the utility does its thing. The
aforementioned Nexus 7 took all of about two minutes, including the automated reboot
at the end.
And that's all there is to it. If you decide you want to reverse the process, just run
Android Root again, connect your phone, then click Remove Root.
With that done, now you can take advantage of options like USB On-the-Go to
make your unexpandable phone expandable. Hit the comments to share your
favorite tricks for a rooted Android phone.




















