FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

iQ Android Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rooting?

Rooting Android means gaining administrator access to the operating system.  It allows users to change their Android devices that are restricted from regular users. It gives you full access to the entire operating system to customize and improve performance. With root access, you can bypass any blocks your manufacturer or carrier applied. You can run root apps, overclock your processor, and even replace the firmware with a newer or custom version of Android.

Why do I want Root?

The main reasons for rooting your Android include advanced backup capability, increased performance, better battery life, upgrading with a custom version of Android, remove factory-installed bloatware apps.

What are the risks of rooting my Android?

You can end up with a bricked Android.  If you mess up the rooting process, you can damage the Android software, and your phone becomes a brick.

Your phone warranty is now void. Most manufacturer warranties do not cover rooted devices. If you have a hardware or software problem in the future, you are on your own.  However, Root is reversible, so you can unroot and get your warranty back.

Malware could breach your mobile security. Gaining root access bypasses the security restrictions in the Android operating system. This means worms, viruses, spyware, and trojans can infect the rooted Android and assume master-level access to all your apps and app data.  This threat exists on all Android devices, even without root. You can protect against this by installing effective mobile antivirus software for Android.

Is Rooting legal?

Yes, it is legal to root your Android.  This doesn’t mean that service carriers and manufacturers want you to be able to do this easily.

Will rooting delete my stuff?

The rooting process does not necessarily delete all your stuff.  Sometimes it does require wiping everything from your Android internal storage or factory resetting your device.  The best practice is to back up your important info before rooting.

Does Rooting allow me to change service carriers?

No, android root does not have anything to do with your device's carrier.  It does not carrier unlock phones.  These are two separate things.  iQ Android does not unlock the carrier.

What does unlocking mean?

Most cell phones under contact or payment plan are locked by the carrier to only work on their network. Some carriers do provide the unlock code for free, depending on certain circumstances. Also, be careful when buying a used smartphone, and be sure to check with the seller or test whether the device is unlocked or not.  iQ Android does not provide carrier unlock service.

What is a Custom ROM?

A ROM is a term we use to describe an Android-based operating system. OneUI is the ROM developed by Samsung.  An independent group or individual can develop their own custom ROM. For example, LineageOS is a custom ROM based on stock Android.

What is a custom recovery?

The recovery mode is a special place in the software that allows you to perform maintenance and repair.  It is often accessed by restarting your phone using a specific key combination.  Installing a custom recovery often requires root. It's a much more advanced recovery mode. Use it to create complete backups or to install custom ROMs, kernels, or other software.