As a graphic designer, I always strive to make the most out of my devices, and my Nokia 5 is no exception. However, I found out that some of the apps and features I need to use are only accessible if I root my phone. And so, I decided to explore the world of rooting and discovered the wonders it can do to my device. In this article, I will share with you my experience on how to root Nokia 5 and the benefits and risks that come along with it.
But before we proceed, let us first define what rooting means. Simply put, rooting is the process of gaining full access to your device's operating system, allowing you to modify its software and hardware to your liking. It is like having administrator privileges on your computer, but on your phone. With rooting, you can install custom ROMs, remove bloatware, and access features that are otherwise restricted by the manufacturer.
Preparing Your Nokia 5 for Rooting
Before we dive into the actual process of rooting, it is important to note that rooting your phone will void its warranty and can potentially damage your device if not done properly. Thus, it is crucial to back up all your important files and ensure that your phone's battery is at least 50% charged to avoid any interruptions during the process.
Step 1: Unlocking the Bootloader
The first step in rooting your Nokia 5 is to unlock its bootloader. Bootloader is a program that loads the operating system when you turn on your device. By default, Nokia 5's bootloader is locked for security reasons, but you can unlock it by following these steps:
- Go to Settings > About Phone > Software Information > More > Build Number and tap it seven times until you see a message that says you are now a developer.
- Go back to Settings and open Developer options. Enable OEM unlocking and USB debugging.
- Connect your phone to your computer using a USB cable and open the command prompt on your computer.
- Type "adb devices" to make sure that your phone is detected by the computer.
- Type "adb reboot bootloader" to reboot your phone into bootloader mode.
- Type "fastboot oem unlock" to start the bootloader unlocking process. This will erase all your data, so make sure to back up your files before proceeding.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process, and your phone's bootloader should now be unlocked.
Step 2: Installing Custom Recovery
After unlocking the bootloader, the next step is to install a custom recovery on your Nokia 5. Custom recovery is a third-party software that allows you to install custom ROMs, create backups, and perform other system-level tasks that are not possible with the stock recovery. Here's how to do it:
- Download TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) or any other custom recovery of your choice from their official website.
- Connect your phone to your computer and transfer the downloaded recovery file to your phone's internal storage.
- Disconnect your phone from your computer and turn it off.
- Press and hold the Volume Up and Power buttons simultaneously until you see the Nokia logo. Release the Power button but continue holding the Volume Up button until you see the recovery mode.
- In recovery mode, select "Install" and navigate to the location where you saved the recovery file.
- Select the recovery file and swipe to confirm the installation.
- Wait for the installation to complete, and you should now have a custom recovery installed on your Nokia 5.
Step 3: Rooting Your Nokia 5
Finally, we come to the most crucial step of rooting your Nokia 5. There are several methods to root your phone, but the most popular and easiest one is by using Magisk. Magisk is a systemless root solution that allows you to root your device without modifying the system partition, making it easier to pass SafetyNet checks and use apps that require a non-rooted device. Here's how to do it:
- Download Magisk Manager and Magisk zip from their official website.
- Transfer the Magisk zip file to your phone's internal storage.
- Boot your phone into recovery mode by pressing and holding the Volume Up and Power buttons simultaneously until you see the Nokia logo. Release the Power button but continue holding the Volume Up button until you see the recovery mode.
- In recovery mode, select "Install" and navigate to the location where you saved the Magisk zip file.
- Select the Magisk zip file and swipe to confirm the installation.
- Wait for the installation to complete, and then reboot your phone.
- Open Magisk Manager and check if your phone is successfully rooted. You can also download root checker apps from the Play Store to verify.
Benefits and Risks of Rooting Your Nokia 5
Benefits
Rooting your Nokia 5 can bring a lot of benefits, such as:
- Removing bloatware and freeing up storage space
- Customizing your phone's appearance and functionality using custom ROMs and mods
- Accessing features and settings that are not available on the stock firmware
- Improving your phone's performance and battery life
Risks
On the other hand, rooting your Nokia 5 can also pose some risks, such as:
- Voiding your phone's warranty
- Bricking your phone if not done properly
- Compromising your phone's security and exposing it to potential malware and viruses
- Losing access to certain apps that require a non-rooted device
Tips and Tricks for Rooted Nokia 5
Tip #1: Install Xposed Framework
Xposed Framework is a powerful tool that allows you to customize your phone's system-level behavior without the need for custom ROMs. With Xposed, you can install modules that can do things like change the status bar icons, add new features to your camera app, or even enable multi-window mode on unsupported devices. To install Xposed, you need to have a rooted device and a custom recovery installed.
Tip #2: Use Titanium Backup
Titanium Backup is a backup utility that allows you to back up and restore all your apps, data, and settings in one go. With Titanium Backup, you can easily switch between ROMs without losing any of your data or settings. You can also freeze or uninstall system apps that you don't need, freeing up more storage space and improving your phone's performance.
Tip #3: Install AdAway
AdAway is an ad-blocking app that blocks all kinds of ads on your phone, including in-app ads, pop-ups, and banners. AdAway modifies your phone's hosts file to redirect all ad requests to a black hole, effectively blocking them from appearing on your screen. With AdAway, you can browse the web and use your apps without being interrupted by annoying ads.
Tip #4: Install Greenify
Greenify is an app that helps you optimize your phone's battery life by hibernating apps that consume too much power when not in use. With Greenify, you can extend your battery life by up to 50% and reduce your phone's temperature, making it more comfortable to hold. Greenify also has a donation package that unlocks more features, such as Aggressive Doze and Wake-up Tracker.
Conclusion
Rooting your Nokia 5 can open up a whole new world of possibilities, but it also comes with risks and responsibilities. It is important to weigh the benefits and risks before deciding to root your phone and to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your device. With the right tools and knowledge, you can unleash the full potential of your Nokia 5 and make it truly yours.