We all want full control of our phones, however, not all of us know how to achieve that. Well, if you’re wanting unlimited control of your phone, you’re going to have to root your Android.  By doing so, you allow yourself the opportunity to completely control your phone. Though, we should warn you that by doing this, rooting your phone many void your warranty or leave you with a broken Android. In other words, don’t try this out because you’re curious about what will happen. If you don’t do this properly, you could really damage your phone without hopes of fixing it. However, if you’re able to do it successfully, you’ll be able to remove bloatware, increase your processing speed and customize your phone.

What is rooting exactly? Good question. In short, rooting or also known as jailbreaking is when you access the operating system and take control over it. So, if you’re wanting to root your phone, this is how you’re going to do it.

Back up Your Phone

You’ll want to make sure all your information on your phone is backed up. In addition, also make sure that your phone is fully charged. Once this is done, you’ll need to turn on your USB debugging and OEM Unlocking.

To do this, go to Settings. Now, you’ll want to look for Developer Options, which will be able at the bottom of the screen.

Tap on About Phone and look for Build Number. You’re going to tap on Build Number seven times and the Developer Options will appear on the main page of Settings. Then, you’re going to tap on Back key where it’ll show you Developer Options. Then, tap on Developer Options. Enable USB Debugging  and enable OEM Unlocking.

Now that this is done, you’ll need to install the Android SDK tools.

Install Android SDK Tools

You’ll need to install ADB and Fastboot on your computer.

You’ll need to download and install the Android SDK tools. You’ll be able to choose from Linux, Mac and Windows. Follow the downloading instructions.

You’ll be asked what directory you’ll want to install the software to, we recommend you choose C:android-sdk.

After the Android SDK tools are installed, launch it from the Start Menu. The SDK Manager will open and you’ll want to uncheck everything but Android SDK Platform-tools.

Then, click on Install 2 packages at the bottom right. You’re going to Accept license and then click on Install.

Install Device Drivers

Now, you’re going to need to install a device driver to make sure your computer properly communicates with your Android.

There is a list of driver’s to choose from: LG, Sony, Asus, Acer, HTC, Samsung, Huawei, Google.

Install one of these drivers and follow the instructions. Once downloaded, you can continue to the next step.

Unlock Your Bootloader

Before you unlock your phone, you need to unlock your phone’s bootloader. The bootloader is the program on your phone which loads the operating system on your Android. It chooses what applications run on your phone when your turn it on.

If you have a Motorola, Sony or HTC, you’ll need a manufacturer’s key to unlock it. You’ll need to contact them to obtain it.

Once you have the key, you need to put your Android on fastboot mode. Every phone is different for this procedure, but, for a majority, you’ll need to hold down the Power and Volume Down buttons for ten seconds.

Once it’s in fastboot mode, you’ll open your computer’s command prompt by holding down Shift+Right Click. Then, choose “Open a Command Prompt Here.”

Some phones will need a code which you will receive. Paste it into the area on your device manufacturer's website. Then submit the form where you’ll receive a key, file and instructions.

Now, you’ll need to connect your phone to your computer to unlock your Android’s bootloader. Then, put it into fastboot mode again and pull up the Command Prompt again.

Each Android brand will vary with the commands, for example:

Nexus Androids: type “fastboot oem unlock” (without quotes) and hit enter.

Motorola Androids: type “oem unlock UNIQUE_KEY” (without quotes) and replace “UNIQUE KEY” with the code you have.

Depending on your brand of Android the command prompt will vary. If your phone did reboot or crash, you’ve successfully rooted your phone.