The build.prop file is your android handset's 'ID card'. It tells applications the specifications of your device, so that apps can change their interface or function for your specific device. Editing the build.prop file is most commonly used for changing LCD density, build number and your device’s model or manufacturer. Changing your 'fingerprint', model or manufacturer can trick some apps in the market to become compatible with your device.
Be very careful when editing this file. Accidental deletion or alteration will cause some prettty serious inconvenience. If you don’t know what it does, don’t change it!
1. Achieve Root Access
Nowadays, it is pretty common for an android device to be rooted. But if you haven’t done so yet, head over to your device’s section for an in-depth guide on rooting.
2. Download a File Manager with Root Capability
Most of the popular managers have root capability built-in already, but not all of them. You'll need a file manager with root capability because your build.prop file is located on the /system partition. Files in your system partition can only be viewed and edited with root access, but without a root file manager (or adb if you're so inclined), your root access becomes obsolete. Two of the more common root file mangers are Astro File Manager (free) and Root Explorer ($3.99). I will provide specific instructions and screenshots for Astro file manager. These instructions are universal with almost all file managing applications.
3. Navigate to Your Build.prop File
Your build.prop file’s location is /system/build.prop. From the default start up location in Astro (the SD Card) press the “up” button located at the top of screen two times until you get to the root of your internal memory.
The default start-up screen for Astro
The Root Screen of your internal memory
You know you are in the root directory, when you see that the text that shows your location displays a single slash “/.” From the root screen, scroll to your “system” folder and click on it to open it. The contents of the “system” folder should look something like this:
The build.prop file is highlighted in orange
You should see a file titled “build” that looks like a piece of paper. This is your build.prop file.
4. Open Your Build.prop File for Editing
In Astro, simply clicking on the file will give you a message saying “File type prop not found.” To get Astro to recognize the .prop file, tap and hold on the build.prop icon. This will bring up a dialogue with many different options.
The dialogue for selecting further actions in Astro
When the dialogue appears, select the option “open as.” This will bring you another dialogue asking you what you want to open it as. Select “text”.
After clicking on “text”, your build.prop file will open in Astro’s built-in a text editor.
