Quick guide to root Android phones

0. Google how to unlock the bootloader for the phone.
1. Download and install the universal adb drivers from https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools.html. Alternatively, download them from https://adb.clockworkmod.com
2. To check if adb was correctly installed, follow instructions here.
2. Enable USB debugging on your phone.
3. Download the latest version of SuperSU and put it in the phone
4. Install TWRP using this guide http://androiding.how/how-to-install-twrp-recovery-via-fastboot/ or this guide http://www.howtogeek.com/240047/how-to-flash-twrp-recovery-on-your-android-phone/
5. Install SuperSU using TWRP

Android root related words

ROM: modified version of android
Flash: To install something on your device. To replace the OS that is installed on your phone.
Recovery: the software on the phone that lets you make backups, flash ROMS, and other system-level tasks.
TRWP: A custom recovery
SuperSU: A management tool app. It prevents and provides access to root facilities.

Sources: http://lifehacker.com/5789397/the-always-up-to-date-guide-to-rooting-any-android-phone
http://android.stackexchange.com/questions/6183/what-do-root-flash-and-rom-mean

Advantages of rooting an Android device

- Get rid of ads, e.g. by using AdFree. This has successfully blocked ads within free apps.
- Get rid of pre-installed bloatware, e.g. by using Titanium Backup.
- Permanently request desktop site on Chrome, e.g. using Chrome User Agent  (this may not actually require a rooted device.).
- Add additional apps that can support multi-window for multi-window compatible devices, e.g. by using MultiWindow Apps Manager.
- Add useful apps that require root, e.g. f.lux, or Root Explorer

Disabling camera shutter sound in Google Camera

This only works if your android has been rooted.

A Google search suggests renaming the camera_click.ogg file, however this did not work for me. The file I had to rename was called Shutter.ogg

1. Use ES File Explorer to navigate to system/media/audio/ui
2. Rename the Shutter.ogg file to disable shutter sound.


April 2017 update: camera shutter sound can now be disabled via settings.