How to root your Motorola Milestone

The Motorola MILESTONE has  finally been "rooted" enabling us to gain direct access to the smartphone's file system.

It means the user can modify the phone’s firmware for installing custom themes, apps and custom operating systems/roms. It is similar to jailbreaking an iPhone as it provides a set of  functions that are not enabled by default.

The rooting process for the MILESTONE works on both the original Android 2.0 operating system/rom that shipped with early handsets, and the recently released 2.0.1 OTA (over the air) software update. It is recommended that the user may update the MILESTONE to version 2.0.1, as mentioned in step 1 below, before rooting their phone.

Disclaimer: While root access is easily achieved, it can void your warranty and have negative effects on the operation of your phone. We recommend that you do the necessary research on root access before you attempt the above as you could cause damage to your handset.

1. Update to the latest Android 2.0.1 operating system over the air (your device should prompt you to update the system software automatically)


2. Download the Android 2.0.1  "super user" update file


3. Rename the  file downloaded in step 2 to update.zip


4. Plug your MILESTONE into your computer via USB and click on the notifications bar, select USB Connected then tap Mount


5. Once the device is mounted, the SD card will appear as a removable device on your computer


6. Copy  the update.zip file created in step 3 to the  root (top) directory of your SD Card


7. Unmount the MILESTONE and power it off


8. Hold down the 'X'key on the physical keyboard and press the power button simultaneously


9. Continue to hold both buttons from step 8 down until  a triangle symbol appears with an ! (exclamation point)


10. Release the 'X'and power button and now press both volume+ and the camera button, which displays a menu


11. Using the directional pad on the physical keyboard,  highlight apply update.zip and press the select key


12. Once the upgrade is complete, select the option for rebooting the handset.

You can also click this link to check out an exclusive Motorola Milestone review.