Reasons to Root Your Android Device

Android's an open, capable operating system all by itself, but by default it doesn't allow apps to assume root access—that is, take full control—of your phone or tablet. That imposes a few limitations and those are easily removed through the process of rooting your device. In many cases it's very simple, and doesn't require much more than plugging in your Android and pressing a button. Some devices require quite a bit more work, and others just need you to apply a firmware patch (which is scarier than it is difficult). Rooting will let you do great things like control your device with a PS3 controller, set up an awesome automated backup process, block ads, encrypt your internet traffic, and automate practically anything. You may not need to root for a lot of reasons, but there's almost always one killer hack that makes it an essential process.