For Android users, the allure of rooting often outweighs the risks. But, bricking your device is one of the worst things that can happen after you get a new handset. There’s always a chance that your device will face issues after a root, but at least there are a number of steps you can take to restore it to perfect working order. If your device has issues after rooting, we’re here to help with a guide that discusses 10 of the most common rooting problems with tips and advice for each one.
1. Device Restarts/Freezing Randomly
It varies from case to case, but many users have reported random restarts after rooting their device. It can happen at any time. You might see a restart right when you unlock the device. It might also happen when you send messages or try to open your browser. If your device is affected, wiping the cache partition could potentially solve your problems. Here’s a guide to clearing your cache partition with methods and more information about the process if you want to learn more. If that doesn’t help. It’s recommended to unroot the device. You can find out how to do so in point 2.
2. Unrooting the Device
Sometimes, you just have to get rid of your root access. If you’re selling your handset, having issues with the phone, or you just want the latest update, it’s usually quite easy to unroot a device. However, it can vary depending on the method of rooting and the device itself. If you have SuperSU installed, you can usually unroot directly from the app. Step 1: Open SuperSU. Step 2: Click on the Settings tab. Step 3: Scroll down to Full Unroot. Step 4: Tap, and confirm if prompted. Step 5: Your device will now be unrooted. If you’re having issues with this method, alternatively you can factory reset your device. Factory resetting your device will lead to data loss of images and contacts stored on the phone. Back up all data before attempting this method. You can use your computer, apps, and Google to back up important data like photos and contacts. (Your SIM card won’t be affected by the factory reset.) It may differ depending on your model, but to factory reset most Android devices:
Go to the Backup and reset menu in your settings.Tap Factory Data Reset, located at the bottom of the menu.A message will pop up, detailing everything that will be erased from your devices internal storage.Tap Reset phone or Reset Device at the bottom of the screen.The phone will reboot into recovery mode.Once it reboots again it will be restored to factory settings.
Here’s a video that shows the process: It’s a drastic method, but it does to be done sometimes.
3. Computer won’t Recognize your device when rooted
If your computer is refusing to recognize your device, there are a couple of things you can do to find out if it’s a hardware issue. Make sure that your device is unlocked, because it won’t connect to the PC if a passcode is active. There could also be an issue with your cable, so try a replacement and ensure that the ports are clear. If the device charges, at least you’ll know that it’s a software problem. If all else fails, you can always revert to factory settings and attempt to re-root.
4. Device Won’t Turn On – Is it Hard-Bricked?
Nothing is scarier than a device that won’t power on. What should you do if the problems occur after you’ve rooted? (Rooting voids the warranty on your device, meaning that you can’t send it back to the store.) Here’s a video that takes you through steps you should take if your Samsung phone won’t switch on: If your phone won’t turn on and it won’t connect to your computer you may have hard bricked your device. Check the next step for a few tips that could help out. If you’re stuck in a bootloop, check point nine for more information.
5. Bricking your Device
A bricked device is pretty much the worst problem you can have. There aren’t many options available. You will always want to double check to see if there’s any way you can power it on. (See step 4.) A few online services are available that might be able to fix your device for a fee. You can also check the XDA Developer forums to see if they can help you with your issues.
6. Problems with SuperSU
If SuperSU isn’t working for you, there aren’t many alternatives. In fact, there’s pretty much nothing available anymore. So what do you do if SuperSU stops working? Reinstalling the app is probably your best bet, you can find it here on the Play Store.
7. Malware
If you’re not especially careful during the rooting process, there’s a chance your phone could become infected with malware when you download suspect files to your device. (Always make sure that you download your rooting software and files from a legitimate source, such as the developer’s homepage.) However, apps downloaded from the Play Store are usually the culprit, as reports continue to surface about the rising number of infected apps, as well as growing numbers of affected users. Here’s a guide to stop your device from being hacked.
8. Bootloops
Bootloops can be terrifying at first, but try to remember that your phone isn’t bricked or broken. If your device gets stuck, there’s a good chance that you can get it working perfectly again. Here’s a video explaining how to fix a device that is bootlooping using the Odin method: There’s a mega thread for bootloop issues available at the XDA forums if you have more questions or issues.
9. Battery Charging Issues
It has been reported that some users have faced battery problems after rooting, despite the process being widely known to enhance battery life. If your device continues to have problems with the battery, you can always unroot the handset to see if there’s any difference. However, any issues shouldn’t derive from the root itself, and it’s more likely than an app or a new update is to blame. If you have recently installed a new game or utility, it’s far more likely to be the source of any problems.
10. Any Other Issues after Rooting
If there’s one thing to remember, you can nearly always restore a device and attempt a re-root. There are numerous issues reported about a wide variety of hardware and software issues that are claimed to stem from rooting. They usually come from apps and updates, or because the root was installed incorrectly. If your device has an issue that wasn’t covered in the article let us know in the comments and we’ll try our best to help out.
Conclusion
If the Root isn’t working: try a different method. If your root didn’t work, it’s possible that your device isn’t supported, or you’ve made a mistake during the process. Again, the XDA Developer forums are often useful if you need to ask a detailed question. There is a wide variety of methods to choose from, such as the Universal Android Root or Towelroot. If you’re overwhelmed, take a break and read through a guide that explains what needs to be done in easy steps. There will always be a nominal risk involved, even if you take every precaution, but it’s a chance that many of us are willing to take. It’s part of the reason why Android is so successful, but there’s a reason why every rooting article has a disclaimer at the top. If you’re having problems after rooting or you have a different issue, let us know in the comments below, or you can also send us a message, (or a follow) on both Facebook and Twitter. Image Credit: SuperSU
