Can I Upgrade My Phone's Android Version by Rooting It?

When it comes to upgrading the Android version of your phone, many users explore the possibility of rooting their device in hopes of obtaining greater control over the software and system. However, it's essential to understand the limitations and implications of this process.

One of the common misconceptions is that rooting your phone automatically disallows OTA (Over-The-Air) updates. Though this was largely true in the past, the landscape has changed with the evolution of the Android operating system and the introduction of systemless rooting methods.

OTA Updates and Rooting

Since the early days of Android, rooted devices have faced challenges with OTA updates. These updates often include an installation script that performs validation checks on certain key partitions of the device before applying the update. Rooting typically modifies these partitions, leading to failure in the update process.

Starting from Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) and onwards, most devices employ a systemless root strategy, such as Magisk or phh-Superuser, which modifies the /boot or /recovery partitions via ramdisk patching. While these partitions are critical for system integrity, they can be tampered with to achieve root access.

During the OTA pre-installation phase, these partitions are subject to verification. If any modifications are detected, the OTA update installation will fail with an error message.

Proper OTA Update Process for Rooted Devices

To successfully install an OTA update on a rooted phone, the most efficient approach is to first revert your device to its factory stock state. This can be achieved by flashing an official firmware package or factory binary. Once the device is restored to its original condition, you can then install any pending OTA updates until your phone reaches the latest firmware build.

After ensuring your device is fully up-to-date and stock, you can proceed with re-rooting the device using a systemless method like Magisk. This process ensures that the device remains functional and secure, while also providing the benefits of rooted access.

Manual Upgrades Without Rooting

Many users do not require rooting to upgrade their Android version. Instead, they can use official update channels provided by their device manufacturers. For many models, OTA updates are available and sufficient for upgrading the Android version.

However, if your device is no longer receiving official updates, you may need to consider alternative methods such as unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom recovery, like TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project). From there, you can install a custom ROM, which may contain a more recent version of Android.

To determine whether your phone supports these custom upgrade methods, you can visit XDA-Developers, a community where developers share information and guides for various Android phones. Ensure you consult the specific make and model of your device to find the most accurate and reliable instructions.

Conclusion

While rooting your phone can provide enhanced functionality and flexibility, it does not inherently prevent OTA updates. For most users, a factory reset followed by a standard OTA update process is a feasible and recommended approach. However, if you're looking to upgrade to a more recent Android version and your phone is no longer receiving official updates, unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom recovery and ROM may be the way to go.

Regardless of your approach, always ensure you have reliable guides and community support to help you through the process, especially when unlocking the bootloader and flashing custom firmware.