Our Always-Updated Rooting Guide for Any Phone or Tablet

Without a comprehensive root method for all Android phones and tablets, a device-specific approach is needed. And since we always cover each new rooting method for all the popular phones and tablets here at Gadget Hacks, we've built this always-updated guide to rooting any Android device.
Any time we find a new and better way to root, we'll be updating this post. Bookmark it now, and we'll be ready when you get your next new phone or tablet. Currently, this guide covers the following devices and methods.

What Is Root?

In the simplest terms, "root" is the topmost folder on your Android device. If you have experience using Windows Explorer, you can think of root as the C:\ drive, where all of your other folders like My Documents, Program Files and your Windows files are stored.
However, unlike Windows, Android doesn't let you access these top-level folders and leaves you stuck behind a virtual wall about halfway up the file tree. This is done so that novice users don't accidentally compromise their device by deleting necessary files.

Rooting your device gives you access to these top folders so that you can make system-level changes such as getting rid of bloatware apps, blocking ads in apps, or even modifying your SystemUI to give your device a completely new look and feel.

Don't Miss: Android Basics: What is Root?

There are a few drawbacks to rooting your device, most notably that your device will most likely no longer receive over-the-air firmware updates (in most cases). Secondly, rooting voids the warranty on most devices, so you'll probably be out of luck on that end if something happens to your phone after rooting it. Lastly, there are potential security risks involved, since rooting your device will also grant apps access to your top-level folders. However, you should be able to mitigate these concerns by installing a root manager like SuperSU.

CF Auto Root: Multi-Device Rooting Tool

Due to the vast number of Android devices on the market and the differences between these devices, there isn't a rooting method that will universally work on all devices. However, there is a tool you can utilize for many of the most popular Android devices. CF Auto Root, created by developer Chainfire, works on hundreds of devices on their latest firmware. You will need to use a computer with CF Auto Root, so make sure you have access to one before you begin.

CF Auto Root works by unlocking your device's bootloader, so bare in mind that if you use a device with a locked bootloader, you'll lose all of your stored data by using this method, so make sure to back up your files before you begin. Typically, the only phones with locked bootloaders are models sold through Verizon and AT&T in the U.S., while phones sold through Sprint and T-Mobile are generally unlocked. Some devices, such as Nexus and Moto X/Z handsets, are universal to all carriers, so you will be able to unlock them.
Almost all international variants will allow the bootloader to be unlocked.
Also, you'll need access to a Windows PC in order to use CF Auto Root with a Samsung device, but for any other Android device you'll be able to use either a Windows, Mac, or Linux computer.
For the full tutorial, head over to our guide on how to root with CF Auto Root.