What is Rooting an Android Device?  Do I need to do it?  What Does Rooted mean?

If you've heard these terms and wondering what it's all about here's a simple explanation:

Rooted means that you would have full rights to the entire Android file-system.  This allows changes, customizations and various functions not normally permitted by Android.  Rooting is for the experienced user who likes to tinker under the hood.  For anyone new to Android and most likely for anyone who doesn't know what rooting is, it is not necessary and you will certainly benefit from the full functionality of Android without having your device rooted.

To look at it another way if you consider that Windows permits access to the Windows folder on your hard drive.  Although modern editions of Windows tries to avoid accidental damage or removal of the files in that directory the standard user none the less can add, remove or edit files as they wish and so too can applications installed on the system.  That's why Windows frequently warns you about any changes to your system.

To make Android simpler and safer its "/system" directory protected - both from you and applications.  But just as in Windows if you want to change certain functionality that's where you need to go to make the changes.

So quite simply 'rooting' a device gives you access to this System area.  In fact it gives you access to ALL areas.  On Unix/Linux file systems the "root" is the very top of the directory structure.  A bit like "My Computer" on Windows.

Rooting a device is normally quite simple but there is no 'one size fits all' solution to rooting.  What works on one device to achieve root access does not necessarily work on another device.  

Whilst rooting is generally safe there is a risk of something going wrong.  You may have read the term "bricking", and yes this literally means inadvertently reducing the function of your tablet to that of a brick.  Additionally if you root your device this is considered an unauthorized modification of the software and it will technically void your warranty - not just with us but with any Android hardware seller.  Therefore we offer the option of us applying Root to your device before dispatch so that your device arrives pre-rooted.... and covered by warranty!