Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
Google puts a lot of time into thinking about Android security, and has developed systems like the way the OS handles app permissions in order to give us control over how software gets to see our data. But that sort of gatekeeping doesn’t just apply to apps, and we’re also limited ourselves in what Android will let us do — admittedly, often for our own protection. And while there are ways around some of those limitations, taking advantage of them isn’t always without consequence.
We’re discussing the concept of rooting your phone today, which involves manipulating Android to grant you superuser access. Rooting can have its benefits, such as removing unwanted bloatware or customizing app behaviors. However, there are also risks involved, like compromising your phone’s security or potentially bricking it.
One aspect we often overlook when rooting is the impact it might have on existing features of our phones. For example, in the past, Sony tied Xperia camera capabilities to secure DRM key storage, causing issues when unlocking the bootloader for rooting. The latest Pixel phones are now presenting challenges for rooters.
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
New Pixel 9 owners who have unlocked their bootloaders in the quest for root have been reporting that some of the phone’s AI-powered features no longer operate. It’s not happening universally, and some AI functions still work, but features like Pixel Screenshots are affected by an unlocked bootloader.
Various reasons could explain this issue, and the inconsistency in affected features suggests it may not be intentional. We have contacted Google for clarification on the matter.
Considering the risks and potential trade-offs involved in rooting your phone, we want to know: Do you still root? With modern Android features and customization options available, has the appeal of rooting diminished? Or is it more about principles and control for you?
Do you root your smartphone?
28 votes
For our poll, we are grouping together various modification actions that have similar outcomes. Whether you root, unlock the bootloader, or install custom ROMs, the key question is: Are you altering your phone in ways that impact Android’s security model?
If you root your phone, share your experience in the comments after voting. What led you to root, and why do you continue to do so?