What is a rooted device?

Rooting is a process that allows you to attain root access to the Android operating system code (the equivalent term for Apple devices is jailbreaking). It gives you privileges to modify the software code on the device or install other software that the manufacturer would not normally allow you to.

For mobile-security reasons, manufacturers do not allow users to modify phones that could result in accidents beyond repair. It is easier for manufacturers to provide support if they allow users to only use the same unmodified version of the software.

If an Android device is rooted improperly, it can create various security issues. Even if done correctly, it loses antivirus protection for Android and leaves your device open to all sorts of malware.

What are the security risks of a rooted device?

A rooted Android device can be problematic for various reasons. Some of these reasons are:

• Lost functionality: If you root your Android device incorrectly, your phone software can get so damaged that your phone no longer functions.
• Voided warranty: If you root your Android device, you lose your warranty from the phone manufacturer.
• Increased chances of a malware breach: Root access requires circumventing the security restrictions put in place by the Android operating system. Viruses, spyware, and Trojans can infect the rooted Android software if it is not protected by effective a mobile antivirus for Android.

Is my Avast Password Manager vault at risk?

The data you store in Avast Password Manager is encrypted and only encrypted data is stored on Avast servers. When you access your vault, your data will only be decrypted on the local device by using your vault password. For more details, refer to the following article: Learn more about securing passwords and personal information using Avast Password Manager.

Why does Avast Password Manager not support rooted devices?

When you access your vault from a rooted device, there is a chance that attackers or malware could gain access to your personal information. On a rooted device, it is more likely that this sensitive information could be exposed to cybercriminals or hacking attempts due to malware or other security risks. We understand that some users may prefer to root their devices, but for the protection of our customers' personal information, we have made the decision to not support rooted devices. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and encourage users to consider the security risks before rooting their devices.