How to Root the Dell XCD28

Dell XCD28 is an Android smartphone announced back in 2011 and was introduced with Android Eclair running out-of-the box. The device is ideal for those who are concerned about their budget and can’t afford to pay much for an Android smartphone, it just costs $150. With this price tag attached to it, you really can’t expect much from the smartphone, however, it does have some pretty useful features and Android Eclair on top of that. Seems to be a good starter smartphone if you’ve just jumped into the Android world and want to explore it before you go with any high-end smartphone. Luckily, the device’s gotten a root method and that clearly leads to more freedom over your device and more apps. This guide teaches how you can root your Dell XCD28 smartphone and enjoy root-only apps!

I. Before You Begin:

1. This will void the warranty of your device. However, you can reinstate the warranty by unrooting your device if there’s any unrooting procedure available.

2. Your device should have at least 50% of battery life left.

II. Downloading Required Files:

1. z4Root APK (It’s attached in the first post)

III. Rooting the Dell XCD28:

1. Download and place the z4Root APK file onto your Desktop.

2. Connect your device to your PC via USB cable.

3. Copy the APK file over to the root of your SD card.

4. Once copied, unplug your device from your PC.

5. Now on your device, head to Menu>>Settings>>Applications and enable the Unknown sources option.

6. Open the File Manager app on your device and install the APK you copied earlier.

7. Once installed, open it from your Menu.

8. Tap on Root button in the app and it’ll start rooting your device.

9. It should take some time to root your device, so have patience.

10. Once it’s done, reboot your device.

11. You’re rooted now!

Excellent! Your device has been successfully rooted and the Superuser app has also been installed on it. From now on, you can install root-only apps on your device and run them without any issues!

IV. Flash a Custom Recovery Image (Optional):

1. If you would like to flash a custom recovery image in order to flash custom ROMs, head to the How To Flash a Custom Recovery Image on the Dell XCD28 to learn how to do that.

If this procedure helped you please thank/donate to the original developers here and here.

If you need help with this procedure, please ask in the comments below or in the forum.

This is part of our Android How To’s. We have how to’s on rooting, loading ROMs, and tons of other tips and tricks for your specific device or for Android devices in general! For all of our Android How To’s, head here.