Rooting Your Oppo F19 Pro: A Comprehensive Guide to Achieving ColourOS 15 and Beyond
The Oppo F19 Pro is a solid mid-range device, but unlocking its full potential often requires rooting. Rooting provides unparalleled control over your device, allowing you to install custom ROMs like ColourOS 15 (if available), remove bloatware, improve performance, and access advanced features. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step process for rooting your Oppo F19 Pro, while emphasizing the importance of caution and informed decision-making.
Understanding the Benefits and Risks of Rooting Your Oppo F19 Pro
Before embarking on the rooting process, it is crucial to fully grasp the potential advantages and disadvantages. Rooting is not without risks, and understanding these factors will help you make an informed decision.
Benefits of Rooting:
- Custom ROMs: Install custom ROMs like ColourOS 15 (if a compatible version is developed) to experience new features, improved performance, and a different user interface. Custom ROMs often offer enhanced customization options and frequent updates.
- Bloatware Removal: Eliminate pre-installed applications (bloatware) that consume valuable storage space and system resources, leading to a cleaner and faster operating system.
- Performance Enhancement: Optimize system performance by overclocking the CPU and GPU, fine-tuning kernel settings, and implementing custom tweaks. This can result in smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and improved gaming performance.
- Advanced Customization: Access advanced customization options, such as modifying system themes, icons, fonts, and boot animations, allowing you to personalize your device to your liking.
- Root-Specific Apps: Utilize root-specific applications that offer advanced functionalities, such as system-wide ad blocking, advanced backup solutions, and enhanced security features.
- Kernel Customization: Install custom kernels tailored to specific needs, offering improvements in battery life, performance, and hardware compatibility.
- Access to System Files: Gain unrestricted access to system files, enabling advanced users to modify system behavior, fix bugs, and implement custom patches.
Risks of Rooting:
- Voiding Warranty: Rooting your device may void the manufacturer’s warranty, as it involves modifying the system software.
- Bricking Your Device: Incorrect rooting procedures or incompatible software can potentially brick your device, rendering it unusable. This risk can be mitigated by following instructions carefully and using reputable tools.
- Security Vulnerabilities: Rooting can potentially expose your device to security vulnerabilities if not handled properly. It is crucial to install security patches and avoid downloading malicious software from untrusted sources.
- Bootloops: A bootloop occurs when the device gets stuck in an endless boot cycle, making it impossible to access the operating system. This can often be resolved by flashing a stock ROM or performing a factory reset.
- Data Loss: The rooting process may involve wiping data from your device. It is essential to create a complete backup of your important data before proceeding.
- Software Instability: Rooting can sometimes lead to software instability, causing apps to crash or the system to freeze. This can often be resolved by reinstalling the ROM or restoring a backup.
- OTA Updates: Rooting can interfere with over-the-air (OTA) updates from the manufacturer. You may need to manually flash updates or unroot your device before installing them.
Prerequisites Before Rooting Your Oppo F19 Pro
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
- A Computer: You will need a computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux.
- USB Cable: A high-quality USB cable to connect your Oppo F19 Pro to your computer.
- Oppo USB Drivers: Download and install the appropriate USB drivers for your Oppo F19 Pro. These drivers enable your computer to communicate with your device. You can find these drivers on the official Oppo website or through a reliable third-party source.
- ADB and Fastboot: Install ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and Fastboot tools on your computer. These tools are essential for communicating with your device in bootloader mode. You can download ADB and Fastboot as part of the Android SDK Platform Tools from the Android Developer website.
- Unlocked Bootloader: Your Oppo F19 Pro’s bootloader must be unlocked. Unlocking the bootloader is a prerequisite for rooting, as it allows you to flash custom images and modify the system partition. Note: Unlocking the bootloader will wipe all data on your device, so ensure you have a complete backup.
- TWRP Recovery (Optional): While not strictly necessary for all rooting methods, TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom recovery environment that simplifies the rooting process and provides additional functionalities. If you plan to use Magisk for rooting, having TWRP installed is highly recommended. Check if a TWRP version is available for your specific Oppo F19 Pro model.
- Magisk (Recommended): Magisk is a popular and versatile rooting solution that allows you to root your device without modifying the system partition. This makes it easier to unroot your device and receive OTA updates. Download the latest Magisk APK file from the official Magisk GitHub repository or a trusted source.
- Backup: Create a complete backup of your important data, including contacts, photos, videos, documents, and app data. You can use cloud storage services, such as Google Drive or Dropbox, or create a local backup on your computer.
- Battery Charge: Ensure your Oppo F19 Pro has at least 60% battery charge to prevent interruptions during the rooting process.
Unlocking the Bootloader on Your Oppo F19 Pro
Unlocking the bootloader is the first crucial step. This process will erase all data on your phone, so back up everything important before proceeding.
- Enable Developer Options: Go to Settings > About phone. Tap on Build number seven times until you see a message saying “You are now a developer!”
- Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking: Go to Settings > Additional settings > Developer options. Enable USB debugging and OEM unlocking.
- Boot into Fastboot Mode: There are several ways to boot into Fastboot mode:
- Method 1: Connect your phone to your computer via USB. Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer. Type
adb reboot bootloader
and press Enter. - Method 2: Power off your phone. Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Power button simultaneously until the Fastboot mode screen appears.
- Method 1: Connect your phone to your computer via USB. Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer. Type
- Unlock the Bootloader using Fastboot:
- In the command prompt or terminal window, type
fastboot devices
to verify that your device is connected. You should see your device listed with a serial number. - Type
fastboot flashing unlock
and press Enter. - On your phone, you will see a confirmation screen. Use the volume buttons to navigate to “Unlock the bootloader” and press the power button to confirm.
- Your phone will reboot and unlock the bootloader. This process will erase all data on your device.
- In the command prompt or terminal window, type
- Reboot and Configure: After the unlock process completes, your phone will reboot. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your phone again.
Installing TWRP Recovery (Optional but Recommended)
TWRP recovery is a custom recovery environment that offers advanced functionalities, including flashing custom ROMs, creating backups, and installing root packages.
- Download TWRP: Find the appropriate TWRP recovery image for your Oppo F19 Pro model from a reputable source like the official TWRP website or XDA Developers forum. Ensure the image is compatible with your specific device variant.
- Boot into Fastboot Mode: Follow the steps outlined in the “Unlocking the Bootloader” section to boot your phone into Fastboot mode.
- Flash TWRP: Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer.
- Type
fastboot flash recovery <twrp_image_name>.img
and press Enter. Replace<twrp_image_name>.img
with the actual name of the TWRP image file you downloaded.
- Type
- Boot into TWRP Recovery: After flashing TWRP, you can boot into the recovery mode using one of the following methods:
- Method 1: Use the command
fastboot boot <twrp_image_name>.img
(this will boot into recovery, but will not persist it, meaning that upon reboot it will be replaced with stock recovery unless you flash it again). - Method 2: Manually reboot into recovery mode. Power off your phone. Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Power button simultaneously until the TWRP recovery screen appears.
- Method 1: Use the command
- Persistent Flash (Optional): Because some phones remove custom recovery, it may be necessary to flash TWRP to both the recovery and boot partitions. If your phone overwrites the TWRP recovery after rebooting, you may have to perform the steps:
- Flash TWRP to recovery partition using
fastboot flash recovery <twrp_image_name>.img
- Flash TWRP to boot partition using
fastboot flash boot <twrp_image_name>.img
- Flash TWRP to recovery partition using
Rooting Your Oppo F19 Pro Using Magisk
Magisk is a systemless rooting solution that offers several advantages, including the ability to hide root from certain apps and receive OTA updates.
- Copy Magisk APK to your Phone: Download the latest Magisk APK file from the official Magisk GitHub repository. Connect your phone to your computer and copy the Magisk APK file to your phone’s internal storage.
- Boot into TWRP Recovery: Power off your phone and boot into TWRP recovery mode by pressing and holding the Volume Down button and the Power button simultaneously.
- Install Magisk through TWRP: In TWRP, tap on Install. Navigate to the Magisk APK file you copied to your phone and select it. Swipe to confirm the flash. Note: If you flashed the
.apk
as instructed, TWRP will automatically rename the file to a.zip
, this is normal. - Reboot: After the flashing process is complete, tap on Reboot System.
- Install Magisk App: Once your phone reboots, locate the Magisk APK file on your phone and install it. If the Magisk Manager app is not installed automatically, you can manually install it from the APK file.
- Verify Root: Open the Magisk Manager app. If your device is successfully rooted, you will see a green checkmark next to “Magisk” and “Installed”.
Verifying Root Access on Your Oppo F19 Pro
After rooting your Oppo F19 Pro, it is essential to verify that the rooting process was successful.
- Install a Root Checker App: Download a root checker app from the Google Play Store. Popular options include “Root Checker” and “Root Verifier”.
- Run the Root Checker App: Open the root checker app and tap on the “Verify Root” button.
- Grant Root Permissions: If the app prompts you for root permissions, grant them by tapping on “Grant” or “Allow”.
- Check Root Status: The root checker app will display the root status of your device. If your device is successfully rooted, it will show a message confirming root access.
Installing ColourOS 15 (or Another Custom ROM) on Your Rooted Oppo F19 Pro
Note: The availability of ColourOS 15 for the Oppo F19 Pro is dependent on whether developers have created a compatible custom ROM. Before proceeding, research and confirm the existence of a stable ColourOS 15 ROM for your device. Alternatively, you can choose another custom ROM that suits your preferences.
- Download the Custom ROM: Download the custom ROM (e.g., ColourOS 15) and any necessary GApps (Google Apps) package from a reputable source, such as XDA Developers forum or the custom ROM’s official website. Ensure the ROM is compatible with your specific Oppo F19 Pro model.
- Copy Files to Your Phone: Connect your phone to your computer and copy the custom ROM and GApps package to your phone’s internal storage or external SD card.
- Boot into TWRP Recovery: Power off your phone and boot into TWRP recovery mode.
- Wipe Data: In TWRP, tap on Wipe. Select Dalvik / ART Cache, Cache, System, and Data. Swipe to confirm the wipe. Note: This will erase all data on your device.
- Flash the Custom ROM: In TWRP, tap on Install. Navigate to the custom ROM file you copied to your phone and select it. Swipe to confirm the flash.
- Flash GApps (Optional): If the custom ROM does not include GApps, you will need to flash them separately. In TWRP, tap on Install. Navigate to the GApps package you copied to your phone and select it. Swipe to confirm the flash.
- Reboot: After the flashing process is complete, tap on Reboot System. The first boot may take several minutes.
Troubleshooting Common Rooting Issues
- Device Not Recognized by ADB: Ensure you have installed the correct USB drivers for your Oppo F19 Pro. Try restarting your computer and phone. Check if USB debugging is enabled in Developer Options.
- Bootloop: If your phone gets stuck in a bootloop, try wiping cache and Dalvik cache in TWRP. If that doesn’t work, you may need to flash a stock ROM or restore a backup.
- TWRP Not Installing: Verify that you have downloaded the correct TWRP image for your specific Oppo F19 Pro model. Ensure that your bootloader is unlocked.
- Magisk Not Working: Try reinstalling Magisk through TWRP. Make sure you are using the latest version of Magisk Manager.
Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Oppo F19 Pro
Rooting your Oppo F19 Pro opens up a world of possibilities, from installing custom ROMs like ColourOS 15 (if available) to removing bloatware and improving performance. However, it is crucial to approach the rooting process with caution, understanding the risks involved and following instructions carefully. By following this comprehensive guide, you can successfully root your Oppo F19 Pro and unlock its full potential. Always prioritize backing up your data and researching the specific requirements for your device model. Remember, Magisk Modules and the Magisk Module Repository offer further customization and enhancement options once your device is rooted. Good luck, and enjoy your rooted Oppo F19 Pro!