How to unlock and root your Android handset
The Samsung Galaxy S4 can get a new look, if you do the below-mentioned steps.
Before we begin, here's the disclaimer: unlocking the bootloader and rooting your Android handset may brick your phone if you don't follow the instructions carefully. Even then, there's some assumed risk involved, especially when using third-party software to do so. Our guide uses official and non-official unlocking software and and a third-party rooting program for the process.
Do also note that you'll need to back up your phone's data beforehand as unlocking the bootloader will wipe your handset. If it all sounds daunting, fret not -- we'll explain as we go along. Note that unlocking the bootloader and rooting the phone are two separate processes, the bootloader unlock lets you flash new roms, while rooting gives you superuser access to install apps that can't normally run on the handset.
For example, you can get install Market Enabler, which lets you download apps that are otherwise blocked in your country (via IP), one example being Amazon's Kindle app. You can overclock or underclock your phone's CPU for performance and battery life. You can also block ads, remove "default" apps you don't need, and best of all, install a new custom ROM such as MIUI (though for this you really only need to unlock the bootloader).
Ready to begin?
Sony smartphone users can head over to Sony Mobile's Web site -- there's a page just for users who want to unlock the bootloader. Follow the instructions listed there to proceed. For LG handset owners, it's not so easy. LG doesn't really provide official support for unlocking the bootloader, so I suggest using Google to see if some canny developer has developed a solution for your specific phone model. For instance, there's an unlock here for the LG Optimus G.
As for Nexus owners, you'll have it really easy. All you need is the SDK from Google, then plug your phone in and make sure USB debugging is turned on, then type the following commands:
adb reboot-bootloader
fastboot oem unlock
Enjoy your freed handset!
Do also note that you'll need to back up your phone's data beforehand as unlocking the bootloader will wipe your handset. If it all sounds daunting, fret not -- we'll explain as we go along. Note that unlocking the bootloader and rooting the phone are two separate processes, the bootloader unlock lets you flash new roms, while rooting gives you superuser access to install apps that can't normally run on the handset.
For example, you can get install Market Enabler, which lets you download apps that are otherwise blocked in your country (via IP), one example being Amazon's Kindle app. You can overclock or underclock your phone's CPU for performance and battery life. You can also block ads, remove "default" apps you don't need, and best of all, install a new custom ROM such as MIUI (though for this you really only need to unlock the bootloader).
Ready to begin?
Step 1: backing up
Perform a backup as well as make sure data such as your contacts are stored in the cloud. You can check out our guide here on how to do this. Done?Step 2: unlocking the bootloader
This one's slightly harder. Depending on your phone model, you will want to search your manufacturer's Web site for the unlocking tool. For HTC users, you need to head here. Search for your model and download the tool. Samsung users should head to the XDA forums instead, where you can find the Odin unlocker for Samsung devices (meant for developers). Be sure to download the right version for your handset by checking the post first.Sony smartphone users can head over to Sony Mobile's Web site -- there's a page just for users who want to unlock the bootloader. Follow the instructions listed there to proceed. For LG handset owners, it's not so easy. LG doesn't really provide official support for unlocking the bootloader, so I suggest using Google to see if some canny developer has developed a solution for your specific phone model. For instance, there's an unlock here for the LG Optimus G.
As for Nexus owners, you'll have it really easy. All you need is the SDK from Google, then plug your phone in and make sure USB debugging is turned on, then type the following commands:
adb reboot-bootloader
fastboot oem unlock
Step 3: Rooting
Rick Broida over at CNET has written a piece on how to do this easily with a third-party software called Kingo Android Root, and we're going to be following the same steps to do so. Simply check the compatibility list first, download the program (it's for Windows), enable USB debugging mode on your handset, then run the program. Hit Root and you're all done after the reboot.Enjoy your freed handset!
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