root access vs bootloader?

[Taylor Jones]

Hello I am new to some of these terms. In simple terms what's the difference between gaining root access and unlocking bootloader?
Thanks

 

[Hadron]

Unlocking the bootloader allows you to use a utility called "fastboot" to flash new images to different partitions of the phone (e.g. a custom version of the "recovery" image, which is what people use to install custom ROMs, make system backups, and can be used to root the existing ROM by flashing a package to make the appropriate mods). It is commonly a step on the way to rooting.

Gaining root access means modifying the ROM so that you, the user, can grant superuser privileges to user-installed apps. "root" is the name of the superuser account in unix/linux systems, and Android is based on the Linux kernel, so that's why this is referred to as root access.

 

[Taylor Jones]

Unlocking the bootloader allows you to use a utility called "fastboot" to flash new images to different partitions of the phone (e.g. a custom version of the "recovery" image, which is what people use to install custom ROMs, make system backups, and can be used to root the existing ROM by flashing a package to make the appropriate mods). It is commonly a step on the way to rooting.

Gaining root access means modifying the ROM so that you, the user, can grant superuser privileges to user-installed apps. "root" is the name of the superuser account in unix/linux systems, and Android is based on the Linux kernel, so that's why this is referred to as root access.

Thanks, i get that with the unlocked bootloader you can flash custom recovery but what would be an example of something you can do with root access?

 

[mavrikmeercat]

Deleting apps that are installed in the phone from the factory or by your carrier that are useless and cause things to run in the background and cause major battery usage.

But basically, you have access to control every part of the OS

 

[Brian706]

Thanks, i get that with the unlocked bootloader you can flash custom recovery but what would be an example of something you can do with root access?

The primary reason I root anymore (I used to do a lot more) is simply to use AdAway and Titanium backup. Two apps that require root. The former blocks ads as you'd guess and the latter makes full backups of all my apps and their data. I can even restore that data to a new device once it's rooted.

 

[Hadron]

Yeah, I've been pondering whether to root my new phone (arrives tomorrow morning), and when it comes down to it it's really those 2 apps that I want. There may be other minor tweaks, but it's only those 2 things that I really feel inclined to make the effort for.

 

[Brian706]

@Hadron imo, it's worth it. Pixel is so darn easy to root..just think Nexus. Slightly different but just as easy.

When I first got my XL, root was not available as Google changed a lot of the internal workings on the pixel release. I still unlocked my Bootloader day one, just in case I ever wanted to root. I really do enjoy the stock experience, but in the week it took for chainfire to release root, I realized how much I desperately missed AdAway and immediately rooted the say it became available.

Also, Google provides OTA Images now along side the factory images. This makes it super easy to update. Every time my monthly security update rolls in, here's all I do:

1. Flash stock boot.img to both bootloaders.
2. Download/adb sideload the ota.zip
3. Fastboot boot TWRP
4. In TWRP, install the TWRP zip for permanent install and also install SuperSU zip.

That's it.

A bit off topic, sorry, but slightly on topic.

 

[mlrz24]

Deleting apps that are installed in the phone from the factory or by your carrier that are useless and cause things to run in the background and cause major battery usage.

But basically, you have access to control every part of the OS

Disabling them stop the bloatware from running and draining the battery without all the hassle of rooting