Did you hear about android rooting and custom ROM? Want to know what are those? This article will tell you about some complex terms.
Sometime we face problems with our android phone and Googled some solution. But it consisted of some tough words like rooting or flashing a custom ROM or unlocking SIM and you did not understand their meaning.
This blog will tell you about those complex terms.
What is Rooting?
Rooting your android means to get access to the system files. No android phone you buy from the market comes rooted. So, by default no android device is rooted.
Android makers do not send rooted device to stop everyone from gaining access to the system files. If you have root permissions they you can make changes to you system files, which may cause some trouble.
But rooting your device also allows you to make some attractive changes. Please note that rooting your device will void warranty.
All devices have different process of rooting. For some people it is quite easy with just a click, but for many its tough. You can search for your process on XDA forums or Google it.
After rooting your device, you will not see any immediate changes, but it will be fun when you install apps that require root permissions for tasks.
What is Unlocking the Network/SIM?
A device that is network/sim locked means that the device can be used with only one carrier. There are many carriers who sell devices at a cheaper rate but on condition that you will be able to use their network only.
But if you plan to pay off the phone, then the carrier will legally have to give you a code to unlock the phone.
It is best to buy a unlocked phone at a unsubsidized rate as unlocking a phone sometimes gets tougher.
What Is Unlocking Bootloader?
Bootloader is the software that runs when you turn on your android device. It is locked by manufacturers. Until Bootloader is unlocked, you phone can not be rooted.
What Are Custom ROMs?
ROM stands for Read Only Memory. But in the world of android phones that term has nothing to do with it. For Smartphones, ROM is a operating system that your device runs.
Did you ever checked two phones of same android version but from different manufacturer? You might have noticed that both the phones have different system operations even though they are built on android. This is because the manufacturer modify android to make their own version of ROM.
A custom rom is a version of OS that is not made by the manufacturer. Custom ROM can be made by a programmer to even large organizations like Lineage OS.
After you have rooted your device, you can install a custom ROM. This process of installing is called Flashing a ROM. Flashing means you wipe out all data including the inbuilt ROM and install a new ROM.
Here are some popular custom ROMs:
- Pixel Experience: You can understand from the name, it gives Google Pixel like experience to the device. I personally use it currently, and its really good.
- Lineage OS: Another popular name in the industry, which was previously known as Cyanogen Mod. It has some of the best features, and also featured for manufactures in past.
- AOSP: Android Open Source Project is the original version of rom that Google gives. You may have heard people say that their ROM is ASOP-based. That means, they just altered the stock version to meet their needs.
- AOSIP: Android Open Source Illusion Project is another popular name. It chooses the popular features from other popular custom ROMs and add them to the stock ASOP.
Apart from these there are several other names popular in the market. You will be good to try them too. But before trying a ROM you can try to read the reviews.
Other Useful Android Terms Related To Custom ROM
Custom Recovery
If you have made up your mind to install a custom ROM you will need to go to recovery. It is the place where you can flash ROMs, make backups, etc.
But the stock recovery of your android phone can not do any of the above. So, you need a custom recovery. One of the most popular custom recovery is TWRP.
Nandroid Backup
The term came from two different terms NAND (a flash memory type) and Android.
If you are planning to tinker with your android phone and you messed up something. You need a backup to restore. Though there are other ways to take a backup. But Nandroid Backup is a complete backup, it will restore you to exactly where it was once you flash your Nandroid Backup file.
Kernel
Kernel is the most important part of a Operating System. Specifically, it connects the OS and the hardware of the device.
It is responsible for several functions like battery life. You can install a custom kernel or you can leave it to the stock kernel.
Brick
It is not a term you can be happy to listen. Bricking means literally destroying your phone. It is of two types:
Soft Brick: You messed up something that damaged your phone slightly. It is normally fixable. Like you are stuck in the boot loop and your phone is not starting. I personally did this by mistake, but it was fixed by a bit research from Google.
Hard Brick: It is something when you messed up every thing in your device. It is a not fixable condition. Though it is very rare but it can happen.
