How to prepare your Android device for rooting

One of the easiest ways to root an Android device is by using an app, and a number of rooting apps have garnered attention over the years — KingRoot, Firmware.mobi, Kingo Root, BaiduRoot, and One Click Root. They will root your device in the time it takes you to brush your teeth. But some only support devices running older versions of Android. If you’re looking to root an older device, you may need to check CFRoot’s older site.

While it used to be that rooting Android versions from Android 7.0 was more difficult — verified boot would check the device’s cryptographic integrity to detect if your device’s system files have been tampered with, and this would previously inhibit legitimate rooting apps. Thankfully, rooting apps have caught up with the curve, and rooting Android Nougat is much easier than it used to be. Kingo is one of the one-click apps that support Android 7.0 Nougat. Their list of supported manufacturers include:

Asus
Acer
Alcatel
Google/Nexus/Pixel
HTC
Huawei
Lenovo/Motorola
LG
Samsung
Sony
If your phone isn’t compatible with a one-click rooting app, you will have to spend a little time researching alternatives on Android forums. The best place to start is XDA Developers Forum — look for a thread about your phone or tablet and you’re likely to find a method.

Preparation for root

Back up everything you cannot live without before you start. You should also always back up your phone’s current ROM before you flash a new one.

You will want to ensure that your device is fully charged before you begin.

You will need to turn on USB debugging, as well as OEM Unlocking.

Open Settings on your device. If you do not see Developer Options toward the bottom of the Settings screen, follow these steps to activate them.

Tap on About Phone and find the Build Number.
Tap on the Build Number seven times and the Developer Options will appear on the main page of the Settings.
Tap on the Back key to see the Developer Options.
Tap on Developer Options.
Check to enable USB Debugging.
Check to enable OEM Unlocking.