Looking for an easy way to root your Android Device? Universal Androot may just be what the doctor ordered. The one-click root fad seems to be catching on and Universal Androot is an app that covers multiple Android devices, making it easier for those who may be reluctant experience the mighty wonders of root.

Universal Androot is the simplest root/unroot method I have seen to date and probably the safest - it has been confirmed as working by multiple users (apparently it uses the same exploit used to 1-click root the Motorola Droid X).

Note: This application just gives you root and does not unlock the /system partition or the boot loader on those devices that have them locked, such as the Droid X.

This means it will let you run apps that require root access. It may not necessarily allow flashing of custom ROMs or deleting preinstalled apps.

You can find more about rooting here: Rooting Explained + Top 5 Benefits Of Rooting Your Android Phone and custom ROMs here: Custom ROMs For Android Explained And Why You Want Them.

To see if this method works on your phone, check the list below or simply try it out - if it doesn't work, nothing bad should happen (though don't blame us if your phone explodes). Pick which version of Android your device is running and click the Root or UnRoot buttons.

If you have already rooted your device via bootloader unlock, the UnRoot function will not re-lock your bootloader or unroot your device.

List of Supported Devices

The following devices are listed as supported by the article author:

  • Google Nexus One (2.2)
  • HTC Hero (2.1)
  • HTC Magic (1.5)
  • Dell Streak (2.1)
  • Motorola Milestone (2.1)
  • Motorola XT701
  • Motorola XT800 (2.1)
  • Motorola ME511
  • Sony Ericsson X10 (1.6)
  • Sony Ericsson X10 Mini Pro (1.6)
  • Acer Liquid (2.1)
  • Vibo A688 (1.6)

This is by far not a full list, and we've been able to also confirm from various comments:

  • Droid X
  • Droid 1
  • G1
  • MyTouch 3G

These are the devices listed as not currently supported:

  • Samsung i9000 (Galaxy S)
  • Samsung i6500U
  • HuaWei U8220
  • HTC Desire / Legend / Wildfire

Steps To Install

  1. Download the latest version of the program from this xda post to your computer.
  2. Copy the file to your SD card.
  3. Find and install it with your file browser of choice (I choose Android Mate in the market, or you can use Astro). Don't forget that this ability is only enabled if you check the Settings > Applications > Unknown sources option.
  4. Root root root!
  5. Check whether you have root or not by downloading one of these apps.

If you experience problems, hit up the xda forum post and post your question there.

Note: this is a guest post by Jason Rossicoe, one of Android Police job applicants, edited by Artem.

Source: 23corner.com via xda-developers; image credit: mobiputing.com