Hello, I bought my Nexus 4 about a year ago and was always hesitant on trying to "root" it. I am completing new to this and have no idea what to do. The only thing I have come close to this sort of thing was jailbreaking an old iPhone. It was extremely straight forward, I download & install 'X' app. Reboot, app runs and I simply follow the instructions on screen (a series of button pressing). The Nexus 4 seems more complicated but with all the feedback, I'm really curious to see what can be done with a rooted android.
I've read through a few threads but I'm still unsure whether I've successfully completed each step properly. The mainly followed the "Ultimate Nexus 4 Root guide"
1. I installed the ADK onto my computer. (Have no touched the folder ever since)
2. Unlocked bootloader using the no-data-wipe method.
3. Done every step until the "install custom recovery"
It feels like most of the guides are a little outdated because I can't seem to fully follow each step. One example is when I was installing towelroot, the next step is supposed to reboot my device. However, the towelroot app itself indicated my device was succesfully rooted despite not having anything appear on my screen or my device restarting.
Basically, can anyone help/provide a step-by-step guide for a brainless monkey like myself? A video would be a lot better so I could pinpoint where my mistakes are exactly.
It's right that your phone is rooted now, with the latest version of Towelroot it's no longer necessary to reboot the device (afaik). If you want to have a step by step guide check out my guide on how to root the device without wiping data, you may find the link in the stickies
There are plenty of apps on the playstore to check if your N4 is rooted or still not, you can download and try this one https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.joeykrim.rootcheck
Related
First of all Hello, first post on here.
This is my first android device and I've already made a small mistake in rooting it. Using the Nexus Root Tool kit and was using the PdaNet route. Trouble is my computer didn't seem to follow the order the visual walk through was, so in the process I accidentally clicked 'Install' to that June's Fabric technology thing. Now when I try to root the device using that process it automatically installs PdaNet and asked me to tether my phone. Want I want to know is if I have anything to worry about? Also noticed that it installs an app onto the Nexus 7 which I've uninstalled. I wanted to make sure that before I go and continue down the rooting route I won't be bricking or damaging the device.
So am I okay with that PdaNet thing installing or is there a way for Windows 7 64bit to stop automatically installing it. Basically allowing me to select 'Don't install' in the process. Silly issue I know, but not overly experienced with Android devices so need some advice from you smarter folks.
Thank you.
Hi guys,
Just installed the 4.2.2 update on my Nexus 7, but I decided I wanted to go further. I have had plenty of android devices in the past, but I was always cautious about rooting them in fear of messing up. Well, after reading up about the benefits of rooting I think it's worth a try. I have read up on the basics of what rooting is and how to do it, but there are so many roms and kernels out there I have no idea where to begin!
So I saw an article on a website I frequent that has a guide on how to root the Nexus 7 with the newest update.
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/4...7-official-android422-jdq39-jellybean-ota.htm
What do you think about using this guide?
Also some side questions:
1.) Is there a way to backup my Nexus 7's unrooted state before I begin, so if I decide to go back to unrooted I can easily do so?
2.) Should I root my Nexus 7 on the 4.2.2 ota, or downloading it here on the forums? ( I assume they are slightly different)
3.) I don't want to ask what is your favorite rom, but what would you say is the most popular one around here? My biggest needs are stability, as well as better battery and performance.
Please excuse me if my questions seem strange or obvious. I've tried reading up more on this subject but quite frankly I don't understand it. I probably will get the hang of it. I was once a beginner to PC building but eventually I made myself a monster rig and overclocked the hell out of it. But since I'm thinking of rooting tonight, I would really appreciate it if someone would be kind enough to help me out! Thanks
Apav said:
What do you think about using this guide?
Also some side questions:
1.) Is there a way to backup my Nexus 7's unrooted state before I begin, so if I decide to go back to unrooted I can easily do so?
2.) Should I root my Nexus 7 on the 4.2.2 ota, or downloading it here on the forums? ( I assume they are slightly different)
3.) I don't want to ask what is your favorite rom, but what would you say is the most popular one around here? My biggest needs are stability, as well as better battery and performance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The guide looks fine from what I skimmed, I would follow the toolkit found here though. It does everything for you basically.
1) Unlock your bootloader, install CWM, then nandroid backup from there. Transfer your backup to your PC.
2) No point in rooting your current rom if you are switching out.
3) I don't know which roms are the most popular but I switch between these two:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1800268
-best customizing options and on the fly phone/phablet/tablet UI changing
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2098139
-stable, smooth and fast. Performance rom here.
Now you should hold off flashing these until the devs have integrated 4.2.2 into them, shouldn't take long...they are both working on them!
coolloser said:
The guide looks fine from what I skimmed, I would follow the toolkit found here though. It does everything for you basically.
1) Unlock your bootloader, install CWM, then nandroid backup from there. Transfer your backup to your PC.
2) No point in rooting your current rom if you are switching out.
3) I don't know which roms are the most popular but I switch between these two:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1800268
-best customizing options and on the fly phone/phablet/tablet UI changing
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2098139
-stable, smooth and fast. Performance rom here.
Now you should hold off flashing these until the devs have integrated 4.2.2 into them, shouldn't take long...they are both working on them!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! So the tutorial I linked is just to unlock the bootloader but not to install a ROM correct? Then why is SuperSU included in this guide?
Apav said:
Thanks! So the tutorial I linked is just to unlock the bootloader but not to install a ROM correct? Then why is SuperSU included in this guide?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
because some people just want Root on stock?
rooting =/= rom
Thanks guys! Last question. Should I have restored my Nexus 7 to factory settings before I updated to 4.2.2, or before I root? I know with the 4.2 update a lot of people recommended doing it since it increased performance. That was a bigger update though, so probably not, but I just want to be sure before I root that it would or wouldn't make a difference.
From what I've seen the easiest way to root the Nexus is 'Nexus Root Toolkit' which does the whole job with a couple of clicks of the mouse (you run it from Windows).
(Note: at the time of writing NRT v.1.6.2 doesn't support 4.2.2 so wait a couple of days before trying it and it will be updated.)
1) Do a full backup (MyBackup Pro is excellent for unrooted devices) as the process wipes your Nexus back to factory settings.
2) Connect your Nexus to the PC and copy the backup (the 'rerware' folder) to your PC (I'd copy everything, just to be safe).
3) Install and run Nexus Root Toolkit on the PC, enter the details for 'Your model type' and run the 'Full Driver Installation'.
4) Click 'Unlock', let it do its thing, then click 'Root' and after a while you'll have a fully rooted device.
5) Install MyBackup Pro on the Nexus, copy the 'rerware' folder back to the Nexus and restore it.
It really couldn't be easier and it works a treat.
Once you're rooted you'll find Titanium Backup is a better app as it can backup more stuff but it only works on rooted devices.
Or you could spend the 15 minutes to learn the right way and you would understand the process that takes place with the click of that 'magical button'.....then you wouldnt have to wait for a toolkit to update...
KNOWLEDGE REALLY DOESNT HURT.
Hello Everyone,
Just got my Nexus 4 the other day and have loved every minute spent with it. I'm trying to root it using the apparently fool-proof cf-auto root, but --despite apparent success-- have been having issues installing the fastboot drivers. Despite downloading and installing the appropriate drivers with the Nexus 4 toolkit, following all the instructions, troubleshooting a bit (switching from MTP to TPT USB mode to get those drivers as advised at the end of the toolkit instructions), I have had no luck at all with cf-auto root. The first step, where I think it says it will unlock the bootloader before the root, I get "The system cannot find the path specified." The phone is recognized and drivers have been automatically obtained from the internet exactly when they were supposed to be, according to the step by step instructions in the toolkit and the cf-auto root guide.
I really can't wait to get this thing rooted. Anyone have any idea as to what I can do? Also, what exactly do I need to uninstall/reset so that I can start the process from scratch in case that's necessary? Thanks so much everyone. Can't wait to have some actually fun questions to ask...
hexagondun said:
Hello Everyone,
Just got my Nexus 4 the other day and have loved every minute spent with it. I'm trying to root it using the apparently fool-proof cf-auto root, but --despite apparent success-- have been having issues installing the fastboot drivers. Despite downloading and installing the appropriate drivers with the Nexus 4 toolkit, following all the instructions, troubleshooting a bit (switching from MTP to TPT USB mode to get those drivers as advised at the end of the toolkit instructions), I have had no luck at all with cf-auto root. The first step, where I think it says it will unlock the bootloader before the root, I get "The system cannot find the path specified." The phone is recognized and drivers have been automatically obtained from the internet exactly when they were supposed to be, according to the step by step instructions in the toolkit and the cf-auto root guide.
I really can't wait to get this thing rooted. Anyone have any idea as to what I can do? Also, what exactly do I need to uninstall/reset so that I can start the process from scratch in case that's necessary? Thanks so much everyone. Can't wait to have some actually fun questions to ask...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
forgot to mention that i downloaded android sdk for drivers too.
Hey,
I decided after a couple of months to finally root my Nexus 4. I followed a manual guide, I didn't want to use a toolkit because I'd figure I'd learn it the proper way. Anyhow, If I go to the bootloader it clearly says it's unlocked. As the guide told me I then went into the clockwerk recovery and installed SuperSu 1.89.
I then proceed to restart my Nexus 4 to then be told that by SuperSu that there are no binaries installed and thus has no root access. It has been driving me nuts and I have spend 3 hours troubleshooting with google searches and experimentation because I hate to just make a thread without researching myself first. what am I missing?
Thanks, a lot.
Alibambam said:
Hey,
I decided after a couple of months to finally root my Nexus 4. I followed a manual guide, I didn't want to use a toolkit because I'd figure I'd learn it the proper way. Anyhow, If I go to the bootloader it clearly says it's unlocked. As the guide told me I then went into the clockwerk recovery and installed SuperSu 1.89.
I then proceed to restart my Nexus 4 to then be told that by SuperSu that there are no binaries installed and thus has no root access. It has been driving me nuts and I have spend 3 hours troubleshooting with google searches and experimentation because I hate to just make a thread without researching myself first. what am I missing?
Thanks, a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you flashed the correct Supersu zip, then it should have also installed binaries. Did you install the zip from Chainfire's site?
Try flashing it again. Sometimes it doesn't seem to stick.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Good day, all.
My son has recently got a Verizon s5 and took the lollipop update. He now decided he wants root and all the fun that comes with it - and doesn't need to be lollipop; kitkat was fine.
Here's the problem. I am a Moto guy. I've always been moto and recently have turbo. I have NO clue what the build numbers mean, exactly how to start to get to where he wants to be. I've read these threads a dozen times and I think I'm ready to try. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
1. I believe I need Odin. And the drivers. No problem.
2. I believe I need to get back to kitkat, then root. with towel root.
3. He wants native tether capability to go along with his UDP, adaware, etc. Not sure I've found the kitkat app to do that.
4. I believe I can stop the lollipop update by freezing apps with TIbu, and I found the thread which says which apps to freeze.
5. He is not interested in custom ROMS yet so I don't think I'll be using safestrap ( I used that during my Droid Razr Maxx days so I am familiar with that).
So, if you can direct me to THE exact thread, that would be helpful. And the build / version of what I need to install. This is all like a foreign language at this point as the naming appears to me to be very different than my moto experience.
Thank you!
newskate9 said:
Good day, all.
My son has recently got a Verizon s5 and took the lollipop update. He now decided he wants root and all the fun that comes with it - and doesn't need to be lollipop; kitkat was fine.
Here's the problem. I am a Moto guy. I've always been moto and recently have turbo. I have NO clue what the build numbers mean, exactly how to start to get to where he wants to be. I've read these threads a dozen times and I think I'm ready to try. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
1. I believe I need Odin. And the drivers. No problem.
2. I believe I need to get back to kitkat, then root. with towel root.
3. He wants native tether capability to go along with his UDP, adaware, etc. Not sure I've found the kitkat app to do that.
4. I believe I can stop the lollipop update by freezing apps with TIbu, and I found the thread which says which apps to freeze.
5. He is not interested in custom ROMS yet so I don't think I'll be using safestrap ( I used that during my Droid Razr Maxx days so I am familiar with that).
So, if you can direct me to THE exact thread, that would be helpful. And the build / version of what I need to install. This is all like a foreign language at this point as the naming appears to me to be very different than my moto experience.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is only one firmware that can be rooted. That is NGC. Odin the full stock tar file that is in the notes #4 of this post. Root with towelroot, download SuperSU from play store, update the binaries, reboot phone. You will be rooted on 4.4.2
There are several firmwares that are 4.4.4. NI2 or NK2 would probably be best but that is up to you. Get rooted first. Then decide where you want to be.
newskate9 said:
Good day, all.
My son has recently got a Verizon s5 and took the lollipop update. He now decided he wants root and all the fun that comes with it - and doesn't need to be lollipop; kitkat was fine.
Here's the problem. I am a Moto guy. I've always been moto and recently have turbo. I have NO clue what the build numbers mean, exactly how to start to get to where he wants to be. I've read these threads a dozen times and I think I'm ready to try. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
1. I believe I need Odin. And the drivers. No problem.
2. I believe I need to get back to kitkat, then root. with towel root.
3. He wants native tether capability to go along with his UDP, adaware, etc. Not sure I've found the kitkat app to do that.
4. I believe I can stop the lollipop update by freezing apps with TIbu, and I found the thread which says which apps to freeze.
5. He is not interested in custom ROMS yet so I don't think I'll be using safestrap ( I used that during my Droid Razr Maxx days so I am familiar with that).
So, if you can direct me to THE exact thread, that would be helpful. And the build / version of what I need to install. This is all like a foreign language at this point as the naming appears to me to be very different than my moto experience.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will help you out with a full guide. I have nothing better to do right now. This will wipe the device.
Step 1: Download Odin, the Samsung USB Drivers, and the NCG Firmware. I have packaged them into a ZIP file for you here:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82986368/Revert_And_Root_4-4-2-G900V.zip
Step 2: Extact the ZIP file.
Step 3: Install the Samsung USB Driver. Do not plug in the phone while the drivers are installing.
Step 4: Turn off the device. Now, hold down Home + Power + Volume Down. Once the Download mode screen comes up, press the Volume Up key.
Step 5: Open the Odin EXE file, in the Odin-3.09 folder.
Step 6: Click the "AP" button, and select the NCG Firmware (the .tar.md5 file with the very long name).
Step 7: Click "Start." This will flash the full stock KitKat firmware.
Step 8: Once rebooted, skip through the setup process.
Step 9: On the device, go to towelroot.com and click the weird symbol. This will download Towelroot. Install the APK now.
Step 10: Open TR, and click Make it Rain. You are now rooted on KitKat.
Step 11: Install SuperSU from the play store, open it up, and install the binaries.
Freezing the app "SDM" in Titanium Backup will indeed disable the Lollipop update notification.
FoxFi is the tethering app you're looking for.
You can stop here, but if you want to get a custom recovery, follow these steps: (UPDATE: You said you don't need one. I'm just pointing you there in case).
Install "Busybox Free" from the Play Store.
Open it and click "Install."
Download this APK and install it: http://forum.xda-developers.com/devdb/project/dl/?id=7144&task=get
Open it, click "Agree," and then click Install Recovery.
You now have a custom recovery! Rebooting will ask you to boot into recovery or into normal mode.
That's it! Let me know of any problems. I will be active here today
Nandr0idC0nsumer said:
I will help you out with a full guide. I have nothing better to do right now. This will wipe the device.
Step 1: Download Odin, the Samsung USB Drivers, and the NCG Firmware. I have packaged them into a ZIP file for you here:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82986368/Revert_And_Root_4-4-2-G900V.zip
Step 2: Extact the ZIP file.
Step 3: Install the Samsung USB Driver. Do not plug in the phone while the drivers are installing.
Step 4: Turn off the device. Now, hold down Home + Power + Volume Down. Once the Download mode screen comes up, press the Volume Up key.
Step 5: Open the Odin EXE file, in the Odin-3.09 folder.
Step 6: Click the "AP" button, and select the NCG Firmware (the .tar.md5 file with the very long name).
Step 7: Click "Start." This will flash the full stock KitKat firmware.
Step 8: Once rebooted, skip through the setup process.
Step 9: On the device, go to towelroot.com and click the weird symbol. This will download Towelroot. Install the APK now.
Step 10: Open TR, and click Make it Rain. You are now rooted on KitKat.
Freezing the app "SDM" in Titanium Backup will indeed disable the Lollipop update notification.
FoxFi is the tethering app you're looking for.
You can stop here, but if you want to get a custom recovery, follow these steps: (UPDATE: You said you don't need one. I'm just pointing you there in case).
Install "Busybox Free" from the Play Store.
Open it and click "Install."
Download this APK and install it: http://forum.xda-developers.com/devdb/project/dl/?id=7144&task=get
Open it, click "Agree," and then click Install Recovery.
You now have a custom recovery! Rebooting will ask you to boot into recovery or into normal mode.
That's it! Let me know of any problems. I will be active here today
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
y
You forgot one step. After making it rain, you download SuperSU from the play store, update the binaries, and reboot.
Tulsadiver said:
y
You forgot one step. After making it rain, you download SuperSU from the play store, update the binaries, and reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Woops! Just added it back in.
Gentlemen - success!
Wow. I was telling my son this would be "hard" and he laughed at how easy it was. Thank you, guys. Sitting at 4.4.2 for now, and we'll let him play with this a bit then go from there.
Sincerely, thank you for your help and guidance.