What is root?
Root is simply accessing and modifying files and folders that android doesn't typically allow you to access. Thats it. Android doesn't want you to mess with these things because things could go wrong. Being an administrator on Windows is exactly like having root on an Android device. Just like an administrator can delete important files on Windows that could cause things to not work, having root grants you that same ability, and oh so much more. That's the only reason it's considered dangerous.
Therefore it's safer if no one has the option to modify these files, since most people have no business doing so. Remember, there's millions of Android users who don't even know root is a thing. If people are unable to break their phones it makes for a more consistent user experience. Safer isn't always better though.
Those willing to give up liberty for security deserve neither. okay I get it, stupid quote in this context
Having root allows you to do anything you want with Android, as long as it's possible. A lot of common uses are
- Block ads in all apps and web pages
- Changing the look and colors of apps
- Changing the colors of the status bar icons
- Overclocking your processor to make it faster
- WiFi Hotspots
- Being able to completely backup your apps, game saves, texts, call logs, everything.
- Installing alternate frameworks[2]
- and endless other things
If you ever decide you don't want root anymore, you can literally go back to the way it was before at the press of a button.
What root isn't
Root isn't a hack. It's not a jailbreak (which IS a hack). It's not something Google is trying to prevent us from doing. It doesn't make your device slower and it doesn't break anything. And lastly...
