Root Android with SuperSU & TWRP - A Comprehensive Guide

Is Rooting Necessary?

Rooting is only essential if you intend to utilize applications that specifically require root access. If you don't anticipate leveraging these capabilities, it's generally unnecessary.

The rooting process can be performed at any time, should the need arise. Delaying it until a specific application demands it is a viable approach.

Understanding the Risks of Android Rooting

Android devices are intentionally shipped without root access, and some manufacturers actively work to prevent the rooting process. This is due to several important considerations.

Potential Drawbacks of Rooting

Rooting introduces potential vulnerabilities and complications. Here's a detailed look at the primary concerns:

• Compromised Security: Gaining root access bypasses Android’s standard security measures. This allows applications to operate outside of their designated security perimeters. Consequently, apps could potentially exploit these elevated privileges to monitor the activity of other applications, a capability normally restricted. Google, for instance, prohibits the use of Android Pay on rooted devices due to these security implications.
• Warranty Implications: Certain device manufacturers claim that rooting invalidates the device’s warranty. It’s important to note, however, that rooting itself doesn't cause physical damage to the hardware. Often, the rooting process is reversible, allowing you to “unroot” your device, potentially preventing manufacturers from detecting prior root access.
• Risk of Bricking: The rooting process carries inherent risks, and is undertaken at the user’s own discretion. While generally safe when performed correctly, the possibility of encountering issues exists. Should complications arise, standard warranty service may not cover the resulting problems. Thorough research and verification of successful rooting methods for your specific device are strongly recommended before proceeding.

Furthermore, rooting can potentially invalidate your warranty, particularly concerning specific repair types. A more comprehensive explanation of this topic is available for your review.

Related: Does Rooting or Unlocking Void Your Android Phone's Warranty?

Methods for Rooting an Android Device

Numerous techniques exist for rooting an Android phone, and the optimal approach is contingent upon the specific model of your device. Generally, the rooting process will involve one of the following procedures:

• Bootloader Unlocking: While not officially endorsed by Google or device manufacturers, an official pathway to low-level access is often provided for select devices. This access then facilitates the rooting process. Nexus devices, designed with developers in mind, exemplify this, allowing bootloader unlocking via a single command. Subsequently, rooting can be achieved by flashing a .zip file containing the su binary through the recovery screen. Tools such as the Nexus Root Toolkit streamline this process for Nexus devices. Other manufacturers may also offer bootloader unlocking options, but availability is limited to certain devices.
• Security Vulnerability Exploitation: Certain devices implement stricter security measures. Their manufacturers do not provide official bootloader unlocking methods or allow software tampering. Rooting these devices necessitates the discovery and exploitation of a security vulnerability to install a su binary onto the system partition. It's important to note that Over-The-Air (OTA) updates can often patch these vulnerabilities, effectively unrooting the device. As an example, a bounty of $18,000 was offered for successfully rooting a Samsung Galaxy S5 on Verizon or AT&T networks. Although a vulnerability was identified, subsequent updates could potentially eliminate it, preventing future rooting attempts.
• Custom ROM Flashing (e.g., CyanogenMod): This can be considered an extension of the previously mentioned methods. Both unlocking the bootloader and exploiting security vulnerabilities can enable the flashing of Custom ROMs like CyanogenMod, which frequently come pre-rooted. CyanogenMod incorporates a straightforward toggle within its settings menu, allowing users to easily enable or disable root access. Updating to a newer version of CyanogenMod or your chosen custom ROM will not typically unroot your device if the ROM includes an integrated root access control.

This article will primarily focus on users whose devices feature an unlockable bootloader. If your phone requires a security exploit, assistance cannot be provided here, as the procedure varies significantly between devices. You will need to consult resources like the XDA Developers forum for specific instructions pertaining to your device. Previously, one-click root applications like Kingo Root and Towelroot were discussed, and they may still offer support for older phone models.

However, if your device possesses an unlockable bootloader, continue reading. We advocate for the TWRP method over one-click root programs because it fosters a deeper understanding of the underlying processes, aiding in troubleshooting should issues arise. One-click root programs often lack transparency. Before proceeding, you must unlock your bootloader through the official channels and then install the TWRP recovery environment following the provided instructions. TWRP will then be utilized to root your phone.

Further Reading: A Guide to Flashing the TWRP Recovery Environment to Your Android Phone

Achieving Root Access on Your Phone: A SuperSU Guide

Having successfully unlocked your device's bootloader and installed TWRP recovery, you are now nearing the completion of the rooting process. Gaining root access requires a specialized application, and we will utilize SuperSU for this purpose. This program empowers you to manage and authorize root permissions for other applications.

While SuperSU is available through the Google Play Store, this version is functionally limited. It actually necessitates root access to operate, creating a paradoxical situation. Fortunately, SuperSU is also distributed as a .zip file, which can be "flashed" using TWRP. This method will grant full root privileges alongside the administrative capabilities of the SuperSU Android application.

Downloading and Transferring SuperSU

Begin by navigating to this link to access the most current version of SuperSU available for download. Retrieve the .zip file and save it to your computer.

Connect your phone to your computer using a USB cable. Then, transfer the downloaded SuperSU .zip file to either your phone’s internal storage or its SD card.

Booting into TWRP Recovery

Next, reboot your phone into TWRP recovery mode. The specific method for achieving this varies depending on your phone model.

For instance, some devices require simultaneously pressing the Power and Volume Down buttons. Volume keys are then used to select "Recovery Mode". Consult online resources specific to your device to determine the correct procedure.

Installing SuperSU via TWRP

Upon entering TWRP, you will be presented with the TWRP home screen. Select the "Install" button to proceed.

Important Note: Before continuing, it is highly recommended to create a backup of your current system within TWRP. This safeguard allows for restoration if any issues arise during the process.

The subsequent screen will display your file system. Locate and navigate to the SuperSU ZIP file that you previously transferred.

Select the SuperSU zip file. This will bring up a confirmation screen.

Swipe to confirm the flashing process. The installation of the SuperSU package will commence and should be completed quickly.

Once the flashing is complete, tap the "Wipe cache/Dalvik" option and swipe to confirm. This clears temporary files that may interfere with the new root configuration.

Rebooting Your System

After the cache is wiped, tap the "Reboot System" button to restart your phone into Android.

If TWRP prompts you to install SuperSU at this stage, select "Do Not Install". Occasionally, TWRP may fail to recognize the already-flashed SuperSU and attempt to install its own version. However, utilizing the latest version of SuperSU, which you have just installed, is generally the preferred approach.

Managing Root Permissions Utilizing SuperSU

Upon restarting your device, a new SuperSU icon should be visible within your application list. The SuperSU application functions as a central authority, governing which applications on your phone are granted root permissions.

Whenever an application attempts to acquire root access, it must first request it through the SuperSU application, which will then present a permission request to the user.

Confirmation of successful rooting can be achieved by downloading a Root Checker application and verifying your device’s rooted status. Alternatively, attempting to use an application specifically designed for rooted devices will often prompt a request for superuser permissions.

For instance, when launching and attempting to add an application within Greenify—a beneficial battery optimization tool for rooted phones—a popup requesting root access will appear.

To administer root permissions, locate and tap the SuperSU icon in your app drawer. A comprehensive list of applications that have either been granted or denied superuser access will be displayed.

Individual application permissions can be modified by selecting the desired app from the list.

Further Reading: Five Useful Xposed Modules for Customizing Your Rooted Android Phone

Should you wish to revert to an unrooted state, access the SuperSU application, navigate to its Settings menu, and select the “Full unroot” option. This will initiate the unrooting process.

This method is generally considered the simplest approach to unrooting your phone, if successful. However, with root access established, a wide range of customization options are now available.

Explore our curated list of excellent root applications for inspiration, or consider installing the Xposed framework to unlock even more advanced modifications. Best of luck!

Image Source: Norebbo