If you’ve recently purchased a used Android phone or are unsure if your current device has been modified, it’s important to check if the phone has been rooted. Rooting gives users administrative access to the device’s operating system, allowing deep customization but also introducing security risks. In this article, we’ll cover several methods to definitively determine your Android phone’s root status.
What is Rooting?
Rooting is the process of allowing users of Android devices to attain privileged control (known as root access) over various Android subsystems. It’s similar to running programs as administrators in Windows, or with sudo rights in Linux. Rooting offers benefits like removing bloatware, customizing the interface, and running specialized apps. However, it also bypasses built-in security restrictions, making your device more vulnerable to malware if you’re not careful.
Checking Root Status
Here are the most reliable ways to check if your Android phone has been rooted:
1. Look for SuperSU or Kinguser Apps
Two common tools for managing root access are SuperSU and Kinguser. If you see either of these apps installed, that’s a clear sign your device is rooted. Check your app drawer and if you spot these icons, you have your answer.
2. Use a Root Checker App
There are many free root checker apps available on the Google Play Store that can quickly scan your device. Two popular ones are Root Checker and SU Root Checker. Simply download one of these tools, open the app, and press a button to run the test. Within seconds it will clearly tell you if your phone has been rooted.
3. Check Your Phone’s Settings
This method may not work on all devices, but it’s worth a shot. Go to Settings > About Phone > Status. Look for an entry that says Official under Device Status. If instead you see tags like Custom or Rooted, then your phone has likely been modified.
4. Use a Terminal Emulator
Terminal Emulator is an Android app that provides a Linux command line interface. After launching the app, type su at the command prompt and press Enter. If your device has root access, the $ prompt will change to a #, indicating administrative rights. If you get an error or nothing happens, your device isn’t rooted.
5. Check for Root Files via USB Debugging
More advanced users can check system files using Android Debug Bridge (ADB). With your phone connected to a computer, open a command prompt and run adb shell. Then enter su and see if you’re granted superuser permissions. You can also browse the file system for suspicious files like su, busybox, and others related to rooting.
6. Scan for Root Cloaking Apps
Some apps try to hide root status from other applications. If you suspect foul play, look for package names associated with root-cloaking tools such as:
- com.devadvance.rootcloak
- com.devadvance.rootcloakplus
- de.robv.android.xposed.installer
- com.saurik.substrate
- com.amphoras.hidemyroot
If any of these are present, your phone is almost certainly rooted.
Conclusion
Checking if your Android phone is rooted is an important step in assessing device security, especially if you’ve bought the phone second-hand. By using root checker apps, examining system settings, and knowing what to look for, you can quickly determine if your device has been compromised. If you do discover unwanted root access, there are steps to unroot your phone and return it to a secure state. Stay safe!
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