When rooting OPPO A72 like rooting any other Android device, a ton of options get unlocked for customization and features that are usually denied become accessible. Rooting essentially acts as the superuser with an administrative-level access to the device’s OS with freedom to change system files, install custom ROMs, and use applications with root privileges. However, there are some risks involved, so one should be fully aware of such implications before proceeding.
Here comes a complete review wherein we discuss the rooting procedure for OPPO A72, the advantages it provides, the risks involved, possible complications users may experience, and alternative ways to reach the same goal without actually rooting the device. Then, we shall proceed with a comprehensive step-by-step procedure to root OPPO A72 successfully.
1. Understanding Rooting: What Does It Mean?
Rooting means being able to have privileged control by gaining access to various Android subsystems. Whenever you purchase a smartphone such as OPPO A72, the manufacturer imposes certain limitations to maintain the system’s integrity, security, or warranty. These limitations are what rooting removes, so that one may conduct changes at the system level.
Root access is like having administrative access on your computer: you install or change system applications and settings; you run special apps that require permission at an administrator level; you may even strip off carrier restrictions and limitations. But with these opportunities comes big responsibilities and risks: the wrong step may make your phone unstable or unusable.
2. Why Root the OPPO A72?
2.1 Customizations
Rooting ensures that you can perform much deeper customizations on your phone. At least without root access, you are supposed to be limited to the customizations allowed by the phone’s default settings and launcher. With root access, you can:
Installing Custom ROMs: Developers start with the Android platform and modify it to suit their own design schemes for programs. Many custom ROMs offer a pure Android experience by cutting away bloatware and adding theming possibilities and performance enhancements.
Applying Custom Themes: You can install and apply themes that will completely change the UI look of your OS when you root, even beyond what the stock launcher allows.
Remove Bloatware: Many smartphones come pre-installed with applications which cannot be uninstalled; by rooting, you gain the power to remove these bloatware apps, really reclaiming some space and resources.
2.2 Performance Enhancement
Performance enhancement is another domain in which root access can be used:
Overclocking or Underclocking CPU: Overclocking will improve the performance of your phone by running the CPU at higher speeds; and underclocking will save battery by reducing the CPU speed when running full power is not needed.
Improve Battery Life: When having root permissions, you will be able to use apps that kill background processes better, disable unnecessary services, and tweak system settings for better battery performance.
Block Ads System-Wide: Rooting allows installing ad-blocking apps that can block ads on all apps and web pages.
2.3 Access to Root-Only Apps
There are so many elegant apps requiring root permissions. Such apps can offer features that one can only dream of on non-rooted devices, such as:
Titanium Backup: It backs up all data and apps, including system apps and settings, and lets you restore them at any time.
Greenify: Helps hibernate background apps to save battery and improve performance.
Xposed Framework: A framework that allows a user to apply modules that modify the behavior of the OS and apps, without having to flash custom ROMs.
3.3 Risks and Drawbacks of Rooting
Rooting your OPPO A72 has many advantages, but it has the disadvantage of risks and drawbacks.
3.1 Voiding the Warranty
Great is the risk of rooting due to the voiding of one’s warranty. This simply means should an untoward incident occur on your device, in no way will you be able to have the manufacturer intervene for repairing or replacing it. If your phone has a valid warranty, this is a very important consideration.
3.2 Bricking the Device
The term “bricking” is used to describe a situation where someone’s device has become inoperable after a failed rooting attempt or improper alteration of system files. A bricked OPPO A72 will refuse to power on or become stuck in a boot loop. While some bricks can be recovered, others might extremely damage the device beyond repair.
3.3 Security Risks
Rooting your device can open it up to security vulnerabilities. Root access overrides some of the built-in security mechanisms, which makes it easier for malware to tamper with system files or for hackers to take control of your device. Therefore, you should be cautious about the apps you install and the sources you trust once the device has been rooted.
3.4 Loss of Official Software Updates
Rooted devices lose the ability to receive OTA updates from OPPO. These updates usually include important security patches, added features, and performance improvements. Occasionally you can manually update your device, but that is not only difficult but quite risky too.
3.5 App Compatibility Issues
Certain applications, such as those used for banking and finance, may be prohibited from operating on a rooted device for security reasons. Google Pay might detect root access and forbid its usage, as may some streaming services.
4. Preparing to Root Your OPPO A72
Several steps are important for you to take so as to prepare your device and minimize the risks involved.
4.1 Backup Your Data
Rooting can cause data loss; hence, you must ensure you back up your vital data. You can use Google Backup, OPPO’s interface-based backup application, or any third-party application to back up your contacts, photos, messages, and app data. Also, if you have a custom recovery installed, consider making a full NANDroid backup, as this allows you to restore your device to the exact state it was in before rooting.
4.2 Charge Your Device
Ensure that your OPPO A72 is fully charged or has at least 80% battery life prior to initiating the rooting process, as a power outage in the midst of rooting may cause severe problems and even the bricking of the device.
4.3 Enable Developer Options and USB Debugging
To root your OPPO A72, these 2 options must first be enabled: Developer Options and USB Debugging:
Activate Developer Options. On the phone, go to Settings > About Phone, and tap on Build Number seven times. You should see a message saying: “You are now a developer.”
Activate USB Debugging. Go to Settings > Developer Options and find USB Debugging.
4.4 Unlock the Bootloader
The bootloader is the program which loads the operating system when you turn on your device. By default, the bootloader is locked on most devices to disallow any unauthorized alteration of the system files. Thus, to root your device, you have to unlock it:
Check OPPO’s Bootloader Policy: Check the policy on bootloader unlocking by OPPO first, as a few regions or carriers might restrict it.
Unlocking the Bootloader: With some devices, the bootloader can be unlocked by either issuing special commands through Android Debug Bridge (ADB) or by using a software tool offered by OPPO itself. Be advised that unlocking the bootloader will wipe every single data from your device.
4.5 Downloading Required Tools and Files
Depending on whichever rooting method you choose, some tools and files need to be downloaded:
ADB and Fastboot: Command-line tools to interact with your device from the computer. They are necessary for unlocking the bootloader and flashing files.
Magisk: The main rooting tool that gives root access but keeps the system intact for passing Google’s SafetyNet checks.
Custom Recovery (Optional): TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a type of custom recovery that allows you to install third-party firmware and do a lot of other things like taking full system backups. Rooting-wise, you don’t need it, but it can be handy.
5. Rooting the OPPO A72: Execution
Once the preparations have been completed, the next step would be rooting. In this method, Magisk will be used; it is one of the safest and most sought-after rooting means.
5.1 Unlocking the Bootloader
Install ADB and Fastboot: ADB and Fastboot should be installed on your computer. You can download them from the official Android developer website or use a third-party installer that includes these tools.
Boot into Fastboot Mode: Turn off your device. Hold the Volume Up + Power buttons until the device goes in Fastboot Mode.
Connect to Computer: Connect the phone to your computer with a USB cable.
Open Command Prompt: Now, open a command prompt on Windows or a terminal on Mac/Linux.
Check Fastboot Connection: Now type fastboot devices and press enter. You can see the serial number of your device if properly connected.
Unlocking the Bootloader: Now type fastboot oem unlock and then press enter. Follow all on-screen instructions displayed on your phone to confirm the unlocking of your bootloader. This will wipe all data on your device.
Reboot your Device: Type fastboot reboot after your bootloader has been unlocked to reboot your device.
5.2 Installing Magisk to Gain Root Access
Magisk is the preferred rooting method for OPPO A72 because it modifies the boot image to attain root access without tampering with the system partition. It enables what is called a systemless root, whereby core system files are left intact so that users can receive OTA updates as well as pass SafetyNet checks that are necessary for apps like Google Pay and Netflix.
5.2.1 Patching the Boot Image
Download Magisk Manager: Download the latest version of Magisk Manager apk onto your OPPO A72 from the official Magisk GitHub repository or any other trusted source. Install the program on the device.
Extract the Stock Boot Image: To root the OPPO A72 using Magisk, the stock boot image needs to be patched. You can extract the boot image from the stock firmware file meant for your device or use a custom recovery such as TWRP to take a backup of the boot partition.
Usually, you can get this firmware on OPPO’s official website or from third-party sources. Once you acquire the firmware package, extract the boot image file (boot.img) on your device.
Patch the Boot Image:
Open the Magisk Manager application.
Tap on the Install button, then select the option which says ‘Select and Patch a File.’
Navigate to the folder location where boot.img file is located and select it.
Magisk Manager will then begin patching the boot image. After the process completes, the patched boot image would be saved under your Download folder with the name magisk_patched.img.
Transfer Patched Boot Image to PC: Connect your device to your computer and transfer the magisk_patched.img file from the Download folder on your device to a folder on your computer where you can easily access it.
5.2.2 Flashing the Patched Boot Image
Boot into Fastboot Mode: Turn off your OPPO A72 and boot into Fastboot mode by simultaneously holding Volume Up and Power.
Connect to Computer: Make sure your device is connected to the USB port of your computer.
Open Command Prompt/Terminal: Open a command prompt window on Windows or Terminal on Mac/Linux and navigate to the folder containing the magisk_patched.img.
Flash the Patched Boot Image:
Type the command fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img and hit Enter.
This will flash the patched boot image to the device and start root access.
Reboot the Device: Once flashing is done, type fastboot reboot to restart your device. Now-rooted should be your OPPO A72.
5.2.3 Verifying Root Access
Launch Magisk Manager: After your device reboots, launch the Magisk Manager app.
Check the Root Status: Magisk Manager will show the root status. If all goes well, it will show that your device is indeed rooted.
Install Magisk Modules (Optional): Magisk has a plethora of modules that can facilitate various functions on your device. You can browse and install these modules from within the Magisk Manager app.
6. Post-Root Implications
Now that your OPPO A72 is rooted, there are some heavy considerations that need to be kept in mind to maintain device stability and security.
6.1 Managing Root Permission
Magisk Manager manages root permissions for apps requesting it. Whenever an app asks for root access, you will get a prompt allowing you to accept or deny the request. Be careful on granting root permissions especially to apps coming from an untrusted source as they can put your device at risk.
6.2 Updating
An OTA update can be performed on a root device using Magisk in the “systemless” way. However, update procedures tend to remove the root, so in most cases, you will need to re-root your device after every update. The Magisk Manager will sometimes offer a “Retain Root” option while performing an update, making this process a little easier.
6.3 Stock Firmware Restoration
Stock restoration is the best option if things go wrong after rooting or you just want to unroot your device. In restoring, one flashes the original boot image and reinstalls the stock ROM. It’s good practice of course to keep backups of the original boot image and any other files you may want before rooting.
6.4 Magisk Uninstallation and Unrooting
This will help you unroot your OPPO A72 and bring it back to normal by:
Open the Magisk Manager: Open the Magisk Manager application on your device.
Uninstall Magisk: Go ahead and click on Uninstall and select Complete Uninstall.
Reboot your device: After the uninstalling is finished, reboot your device. OPPO A72 shall be unrooted now.
7. Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Rooting, a process that remains mostly safe if done correctly, is not immune to troubles. Here are some of the most frequent problems faced by OPPO A72 users post root and typical ways of troubleshooting them:
7.1 Boot Loop
If boot loop appeared, this would mean that the device is resting in the boot animation stage and never moves onto loading the operating system. The root might not have finished correctly, and perhaps an incompatible module or system tweak was applied.
Solution:
– Boot into Recovery Mode: Hold the Volume Down and Power buttons to enter recovery mode.
– Restore from Backup: If you created a NANDroid backup before rooting, you can restore your device from this backup using TWRP recovery.
– Re-flash Stock Firmware: If you do not have a backup, then you will be forced to flash the stock firmware in order to restore the device.
7.2 Apps Not Working Properly
Post-rooting, some apps may refuse to work properly: mostly banking apps and DRM (Digital Rights Management) apps. Those apps make use of SafetyNet, a security feature implemented by Google, to check for root access.
Solution:
Make use of MagiskHide: MagiskHide is a feature in Magisk intended to conceal root from certain applications. From within the Magisk Manager application, you can configure MagiskHide to render these applications functional again.
Update the app: Make sure the app itself is up to date, as is Magisk. Updates tend to enhance compatibility.
7.3 Performance Issues
If your device slows down or behaves abnormally after rooting, it might be due to an incompatible module, overclocking, or a system tweak.
Solution:
Identify Problematic Modules and Remove Them: Use Magisk Manager to disable or uninstall any modules that might be causing the problem.
Reset CPU Settings: If you’ve overclocked the CPU, try reverting the overclock to the default settings to check if performance improves.
Revert System Changes: Undo any manual changes to system files or settings that you have made.
8. Alternatives to Rooting
If you’re apprehensive about rooting your OPPO A72 because of the risks involved, there are various methods you can use to get some of that functionality without rooting:
8.1 Custom Launchers
Installing a custom launcher can notably change the look and feel of your device without the need for rooting. Launchers like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher, or Action Launcher let you customize the home screen, app drawer, and icons.
8.2 ADB Commands
You do all sorts of advanced tweaking with ADB (Android Debug Bridge) commands without rooting. Bloatware removal, enabling hidden features, or adjusting system settings can be done using ADB.
8.3 Tasker and Automation Apps
Tasker is an automation application capable of doing practically anything on your device based on triggers. Many of the advanced features require root access, but many useful things can be done without it.
8.4 App-Based Ad Blockers
If blocking ads is your main reason for rooting, you can use DNS-based ad blockers or VPN-based solutions that don’t need root access.
9. Conclusion: Worth Rooting an OPPO A72?
Rooting the OPPO A72 opens something of a Pandora’s box where one can work on deep customization or enhancements in performance. But that whenever a person treads on such risky terrain, they could also potentially lose their warranty, lose device security, or worse, brick the device since the rooting mechanisms vary greatly between device models.
The advanced users who are well-versed in the risks associated and somehow find interest in issues related to rooting, such as removing bloatware or installing custom ROMs, or even experimenting with root-only apps, have more to gain from the relationship while casual users may find the risks too great for the benefits. There are, after all, other ways to customize and speed a phone up that do not require rooting.
Therefore, the decision to root or not to root the OPPO A72 is ultimately yours, after considering your own needs, technical skills, and willingness to accept the consequences that come with it. Should you choose to root, you should have a successful and safe rooting experience after following this guide.