This article explains how to root your Android smartphone to gain more control and customization options. We'll also explore the risks of rooting your phone. Instructions apply to Android phones from all manufacturers.

If you’ve ever worked with an IT professional, you know that backing up your data is one of the most important things you can do. When you root your phone, this is especially important in case something goes wrong or you change your mind. (You can reverse rooting .) There are several ways to back up your Android device, using Google’s tools or third-party apps.

Next, you’ll need to choose either an APK (Android application package) or a custom ROM (an alternative version of Android). Since Android is open-source, developers can create custom versions, and there are many versions available. An APK is used to distribute and install software on your device. Rooting programs include Towelroot and KingoRoot: check which one is compatible with your device.

After you root your phone, you can stop here or opt to install a custom ROM, which offers even more features. The most popular custom ROM is LineageOS (formerly CyanogenMod), which comes built into the OnePlus One Android phone. Other popular ROMs include Paranoid Android and AOKP (Android Open Kang Project). A comprehensive table describing custom ROMs is available online.