Table of Contents
1. What is Rooting?
a. Definition of Rooting
Rooting is the process of gaining administrative or “superuser” access to the Android operating system, which is typically restricted by the manufacturer. Rooting allows users to modify system files, install custom ROMs, tweak performance settings, and access applications that require root permissions.
b. Difference Between Rooting and Jailbreaking
While the terms “rooting” and “jailbreaking” are often used interchangeably, they refer to different processes for different operating systems. Rooting applies to Android devices, while jailbreaking is a term used for iOS devices like iPhones and iPads. Both processes aim to bypass the restrictions set by the operating system to allow greater customization, but they are platform-specific.
2. Pros of Rooting the Realme 6
Rooting your Realme 6 offers several advantages, which can greatly enhance the functionality and experience of using your device. Below are the key benefits:
a. Full Control Over Your Device
Rooting allows you to take full control of your device by enabling you to tweak various system settings, uninstall pre-installed apps (bloatware), and adjust permissions for apps that are otherwise inaccessible.
b. Custom ROMs
Once your Realme 6 is rooted, you can install custom ROMs. Custom ROMs are third-party operating systems designed by developers to provide different features, performance enhancements, or visual tweaks that the stock Realme UI does not offer.
c. Improved Performance
Root access lets you tweak the device’s performance. You can overclock the CPU for faster processing speeds, or underclock it to save battery life. Advanced apps like Greenify can also manage background processes more efficiently, improving the device’s performance.
d. Advanced Customization
With a rooted Realme 6, you can fully customize your device with custom themes, boot animations, fonts, and other visual elements that are not available in the stock ROM.
e. Block Ads System-Wide
Rooting allows you to install apps like AdAway that can block ads across all apps and browsers, providing an ad-free experience without relying solely on app-specific ad blockers.
f. Access to Root-Only Apps
Several powerful apps, such as Titanium Backup, Link2SD, and Magisk Manager, require root access. These apps allow you to perform advanced tasks like full system backups, linking apps to an SD card, and managing system files.
3. Cons of Rooting the Realme 6
While rooting can significantly enhance your Realme 6’s functionality, there are certain drawbacks and risks involved that must be considered:
a. Voiding the Warranty
Most manufacturers, including Realme, void the warranty of a device once it is rooted. This means that if something goes wrong with the device after rooting, you won’t be able to claim repairs or replacement under warranty.
b. Risk of Bricking
Rooting your device improperly or installing a corrupted file can lead to bricking. Bricking refers to rendering your device unusable, and it may not even boot up or respond to input. Recovering a bricked device can be difficult and, in some cases, impossible.
c. Security Vulnerabilities
Rooting your Realme 6 can expose your device to potential security risks. Root access allows malware to gain deeper access to your system, increasing the chances of data theft, privacy invasion, and more.
d. Loss of Official Software Updates
Once your Realme 6 is rooted, you may no longer receive official software updates (Over-the-Air, or OTA updates) from Realme. This can leave your device behind in terms of features, security patches, and performance improvements.
4. Prerequisites for Rooting the Realme 6
Before you proceed with rooting your Realme 6, there are a few prerequisites and preparations you need to complete. These steps are crucial to ensure that the rooting process goes smoothly:
a. Unlock the Bootloader
The first step to rooting the Realme 6 is unlocking the bootloader. The bootloader is a program that loads the operating system when the device powers on, and most Android devices come with a locked bootloader by default to protect the system. Unlocking the bootloader is necessary for flashing custom recovery or installing root tools like Magisk.
b. Backup Your Data
Rooting can wipe all the data on your device, including apps, photos, and personal files. It’s essential to back up your data before proceeding. Use Google Drive, an external SD card, or a computer to store your important files.
c. Charge Your Device
Make sure your Realme 6 is sufficiently charged before starting the rooting process. A minimum of 50% battery is recommended, but having it fully charged is ideal to prevent the device from shutting down in the middle of the process.
d. Install ADB and Fastboot
ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and Fastboot are essential tools that allow you to communicate with your Android device from your computer. These tools are required for unlocking the bootloader and flashing custom recovery or root files. You can download ADB and Fastboot from Google’s official developer site.
e. Enable Developer Options and USB Debugging
To use ADB, you need to enable Developer Options on your Realme 6.
- Go to Settings > About Phone.
- Tap Build Number seven times to enable Developer Options.
- Go to Settings > Developer Options and enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking.
5. How to Unlock the Bootloader of Realme 6
Unlocking the bootloader is the first step toward rooting your Realme 6. Below is a detailed guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Apply for Bootloader Unlock
Realme requires you to apply for bootloader unlock permission through an official app. Here’s how to do it:
- Download the In-Depth Test App: Visit the official Realme website and download the In-Depth Test app designed for bootloader unlocking.
- Install and Run the App: Install the app on your device and open it.
- Submit Application: The app will ask for confirmation to apply for unlocking. Tap Apply Now to proceed. The application will be reviewed by Realme, and you should receive a confirmation in a few hours or days.
Step 2: Unlocking the Bootloader
Once your application is approved, you can proceed with unlocking the bootloader.
- Boot into Fastboot Mode: Power off your device. Then press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously to boot into Fastboot mode.
- Connect to PC: Connect your Realme 6 to your PC using a USB cable.
- Use Fastboot Command: Open a command prompt or terminal on your PC, and enter the following command to check if your device is recognized:
fastboot devices
If your device appears, it’s ready for bootloader unlocking. Now enter the command:
fastboot oem unlock
- Confirm Unlock: Your device will display a warning about unlocking the bootloader. Use the volume buttons to navigate and the power button to confirm.
After a few seconds, the bootloader will be unlocked, and your device will reboot.
6. How to Root Realme 6 Using Magisk
Magisk is one of the most popular and reliable tools for rooting Android devices. It allows you to gain root access without altering the system partition, making it possible to hide root from certain apps (like banking apps). Here’s how to root your Realme 6 using Magisk:
Step 1: Install Custom Recovery (TWRP)
To flash Magisk, you need a custom recovery like TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project). Here’s how to install it:
- Download TWRP: Download the TWRP image file for Realme 6 from the official TWRP website.
- Flash TWRP via Fastboot: Boot your device into Fastboot mode, then connect it to your PC. Enter the following command in the command prompt or terminal:php
fastboot flash recovery <path_to_TWRP_image>
Step 2: Install Magisk via TWRP
Now that you have TWRP installed, you can proceed to root your device.
- Download Magisk ZIP: Download the latest Magisk ZIP from the official Magisk GitHub page.
- Boot into TWRP: Power off your Realme 6, then boot into TWRP by pressing Volume Up and Power.
- Install Magisk: In TWRP, select Install, then navigate to the Magisk ZIP file you downloaded. Swipe to confirm the installation.
- Reboot System: Once Magisk is installed, reboot your device.
Congratulations! Your Realme 6 is now rooted.
7. Post-Root Care and Troubleshooting
Verifying Root
After rooting your Realme 6 using Magisk, it is important to verify that you have successfully gained root access. To do this, follow these steps:
- Install Root Checker: Download and install an app called Root Checker from the Google Play Store. This app allows you to easily check if your device is rooted.
- Open Root Checker: Once installed, open the app and tap Verify Root. The app will check your device’s root status and confirm whether you have successfully obtained root access.
If the verification is successful, you can now enjoy the full benefits of root access on your Realme 6!
8. Essential Post-Root Actions
Now that you have successfully rooted your Realme 6, there are a few things you should do to ensure the security, stability, and longevity of your device.
a. Create a Backup
Rooting provides access to system files and settings, which means any significant modification could potentially cause issues. It is crucial to create a full backup of your system using apps such as Titanium Backup or through TWRP. Here’s how:
- TWRP Backup: Boot into TWRP recovery by pressing Volume Up + Power. Once in TWRP, select Backup, and choose the partitions you wish to back up (usually System, Data, and Boot). Swipe to back up, and store the backup in a safe location like an external SD card or PC.
- Titanium Backup: Download and install Titanium Backup from the Play Store. With root access, this app allows you to back up all your apps and their data. This is especially useful if you plan to flash custom ROMs or perform deep system tweaks.
b. Install Root-Only Apps
Rooting your Realme 6 opens the door to a world of powerful root-only apps that can enhance your experience. Some of the most popular root apps include:
- Magisk Manager: Besides managing root access, Magisk Manager allows you to install modules to customize your device.
- Greenify: Greenify can help optimize your device’s battery life by controlling background apps and processes.
- AdAway: This app allows you to block ads system-wide, providing a cleaner browsing and app experience.
- Titanium Backup: For creating full app backups, freezing bloatware, and even removing system apps.
c. Hide Root from Certain Apps
Many apps, especially banking apps and those that involve DRM (like Netflix), may not work on rooted devices. Fortunately, Magisk’s MagiskHide feature allows you to hide root from these apps.
- Open Magisk Manager: Launch the Magisk Manager app.
- Enable MagiskHide: Navigate to the settings and toggle on MagiskHide.
- Configure MagiskHide: In the Magisk Manager, tap MagiskHide and select the apps you want to hide root from. This will allow you to use these apps without triggering root detection.
9. Potential Issues After Rooting and How to Fix Them
Rooting comes with its own set of challenges, and you may encounter issues post-rooting. Here are some of the common issues and solutions:
a. Bootloop Issues
A bootloop occurs when your device gets stuck in the booting process and doesn’t complete loading the OS. This can happen after flashing an incompatible file or tweaking system files incorrectly. Here’s how to fix it:
- Reboot into Recovery: If your Realme 6 is in a bootloop, power off the device and boot into TWRP recovery by pressing Volume Up + Power.
- Restore from Backup: If you previously created a backup via TWRP, you can restore it by selecting Restore in the TWRP menu.
- Wipe Cache and Dalvik: Sometimes, wiping the cache and Dalvik cache can resolve bootloop issues. In TWRP, go to Wipe, then select Cache and Dalvik Cache, and swipe to wipe.
- Reflash ROM: If the above steps don’t work, you may need to reflash the stock ROM or custom ROM. This will reinstall the system and should resolve any bootloop issues.
b. Loss of SafetyNet
Google’s SafetyNet is a system that checks whether a device has been tampered with (such as rooting). Some apps won’t work if your device fails the SafetyNet check. Magisk includes a way to bypass SafetyNet:
- Use MagiskHide: Enable MagiskHide in Magisk Manager to hide root from apps and pass SafetyNet.
- Update Magisk: Ensure you are using the latest version of Magisk, as older versions may have issues passing SafetyNet.
c. Battery Drain
Rooted devices, especially those running custom ROMs or with certain apps enabled, may experience battery drain. Here’s how to mitigate this:
- Greenify: Use Greenify to hibernate apps that consume excessive battery life in the background.
- Underclocking: If you notice battery drain, try underclocking the CPU using an app like Kernel Adiutor. This reduces the performance slightly but can significantly save battery life.
- Check for Rogue Apps: Some root apps may consume excessive battery. Uninstall or freeze apps that seem to be draining the battery unnecessarily.
d. OTA Updates Not Working
Once you root your Realme 6, official OTA updates may stop working. This is because rooting modifies the system partition, which the OTA update process checks for integrity. To continue receiving updates:
- Flash Stock Firmware: You will need to flash the stock firmware (without root) to apply official updates. After the update, you can re-root the device.
- Use a Custom ROM with Regular Updates: If you are not concerned with stock OTA updates, consider using a custom ROM that provides frequent updates and improvements.
10. Unrooting the Realme 6
If you decide that you no longer want your device to be rooted, or if you need to return it for warranty or other purposes, unrooting is a straightforward process:
a. Using Magisk Manager
- Open Magisk Manager: Launch the Magisk Manager app.
- Uninstall Magisk: In the app, select Uninstall Magisk and confirm the action. This will remove root access and restore the stock boot image.
- Reboot: After Magisk is uninstalled, reboot your device. Your Realme 6 will no longer be rooted.
b. Flashing Stock Firmware
If you’ve made more extensive modifications to your device (such as flashing a custom ROM), you may need to flash the stock firmware to fully unroot your device:
- Download Stock Firmware: Go to the official Realme website and download the stock firmware for the Realme 6.
- Boot into Recovery: Power off your device and boot into recovery mode by pressing Volume Up + Power.
- Install Stock Firmware: In recovery, choose Install from storage and select the stock firmware file. This will reinstall the original firmware and remove any customizations or root access.
11. Conclusion: Is Rooting the Realme 6 Worth It?
Rooting the Realme 6 can significantly enhance the device’s functionality, giving users more control over customization, performance, and apps. However, it comes with considerable risks such as the potential for bricking the device, voiding the warranty, and increased vulnerability to security threats.
For advanced users or enthusiasts who enjoy tweaking their Android devices, rooting can be an exciting and empowering experience. The ability to install custom ROMs, remove bloatware, and access root-only apps is highly appealing. However, it’s essential to weigh the benefits against the potential drawbacks and understand the process fully before diving in.
If you decide to root your Realme 6, always ensure that you follow the correct procedures, back up your data regularly, and be cautious when installing third-party apps or custom ROMs. With proper care, rooting can unlock the full potential of your Realme 6, transforming it into a highly customizable and powerful device.