‘Rooting’ is the process of unlocking an Android phone’s operating system. This provides Android users with greater control of their devices, allowing them to modify the software, install unapproved apps and replace firmware, among other actions that are typically prohibited by the device manufacturer. A rooted device also allows users to modify application private files that are usually only accessible to the app itself.
‘Jailbreaking’ is the equivalent to rooting, but for iOS users on Apple devices.