How To Root The Motorola DROID Android Phone

What is “rooting?”

It's a lot like jailbreaking an iPhone.

If you've used Linux, you may be familiar with the “root” or “super” user. This is a special user account that can write, move, and delete any file on the system. Since Android is based on Linux, it can also have this type of account. By enabling root on your DROID, you will be able to modify the phone's firmware, opening the door to custom applications, themes, and even operating systems. Tethering can also be enabled, a service that Verizon won't offer until sometime next year.

What do I need to add the account?

A DROID phone updated to the latest version of Android 2.0.1.

A USB cable to connect your DROID to your computer.

An Android 2.0.1 “super user” update file. This can be found with a quick Google search. Do not extract this file: the phone will do this when you perform the update.

How do I add a root account to my phone?

1. Change the name of the the super user update file to “update.zip”.
2. You will now need to get this file onto the phone's Micro SD card. There are two ways to do this:

a. If your computer has an SD card, the card can be put into a Micro SD to SD adapter and inserted into the slot. Most aftermarket memory cards come with this adapter.

b. If you don't have an SD slot, you can access the card through the phone. Plug your phone into the computer via USB, and go to the notifications bar. If you updated your phone via computer, unmount and unplug it from your computer. On the phone, select “USB Connected,” then click on “Mount.” Instead of connecting to the phone, the SD card in the device will show up as a removable drive.

3. Copy the “update.zip” file to the root directory of your SD Card. This is the “” or “/” directory that will come up when you open the device, not a subdirectory.

4. Unmount the SD card. If you removed it from the phone, put it back in. If you accessed it through the phone, turn the phone off and disconnect it from the computer.

5. Hold down both the “X” key on the keyboard. Keep holding it and press down the power button until you see a warning sign (triangle with a “!” inside) appear on the screen.

6. Release the “X” and power button and now press both the “volume+” and the “camera” button. This will bring up a new menu.

7. Using the directional pad on the keyboard, highlight “Apply update.zip” and press the “select” button.

8. After the upgrade is completed, select the reboot option.