Database Users

How to flash a radio Nexus S

Call me a n00b, whatever. I am interested in testing a different radio on my Nexus S i9020a. I have recently noticed terrible download and upload speeds over 3G on my device since upgrading to Android 2.3.4.
My device is not rooted, and if this is a requirement to flash the new radio, then I will not do it. But my question is, can somebody guide me through the process step by step?

get fastboot (and adb while you're at it) working, then power of an boot into fastboot (or "adb reboot bootloader"), then:
"fastboot flash radio radio.img"
either "fastboot reboot" or just scroll down to reboot in the fastboot menu.

irishrally said:
get fastboot (and adb while you're at it) working, then power of an boot into fastboot (or "adb reboot bootloader"), then:
"fastboot flash radio radio.img"
either "fastboot reboot" or just scroll down to reboot in the fastboot menu.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This doesn't exactly help me because I don't know what any of that is...

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=619153

irishrally said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=619153
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, good to have you back here. Do you still have the ns or have you shifted?
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk

You need to set up adb, you will also need to have Java jdk in order to set up adb. You will also need to have to have the correct drivers installed on your computer in order for it to communicate with your phone. IMO you might as well root your phone if your going to set up adb lol its the hardest part. Good luck. Btw Google is your friend, read read and read so you wont end up bricking your device.
Sent from my Sexy Nexy 4 GIZZLE!

deeren said:
Hey, good to have you back here. Do you still have the ns or have you shifted?
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, thanks man. My NS took a turn for the worst. I think I corrupted the memory as I could no longer write to the internal memory and the phone wouldn't get past the google splash screen. I spent a while thinking I could fix it (ODIN etc.) but finally gave up and sent it back to Samsung. They replaced the PBA (Printed Board Assembly), free of charge. I should be getting it back in the mail any day now. Can't wait, I've been stuck with my g1 for weeks now.

My 3g/mobile data is also guffed since the 2.3.4 upgrade and I'm going to revert the radio back.
I dunno if I'm being stupid but I can't seem to find any radio images anywhere...can someone point me to them please?
Thanks,

irishrally said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=619153
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank for the helpful link. And to reference "Google is my friend", I have searchec high and low for some kind of step by step guide on how to do this. Somebody want to point me in the direction of a guide or write up quickly here in this thread?

I just re-read your first post and I don't think you can flash a different radio if you are not rooted (could be wrong though). Honestly, flashing a radio has much higher risk than rooting your phone (but still low risk as long as you check the md5 on the radio image you download and you don't pull the battery during a radio flash).
If you choose to root, this is a good guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=895545

irishrally said:
I just re-read your first post and I don't think you can flash a different radio if you are not rooted (could be wrong though). Honestly, flashing a radio has much higher risk than rooting your phone (but still low risk as long as you check the md5 on the radio image you download and you don't pull the battery during a radio flash).
If you choose to root, this is a good guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=895545
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found a thread on Modaco where Paul posted radios.
http://android.modaco.com/content/google-nexus-s-nexuss-modaco-com/333482/01-mar-xxkb3-gri54-basedband-radio-only-updates/
Not tried it yet...

Deeko1 said:
I found a thread on Modaco where Paul posted radios.
http://android.modaco.com/content/google-nexus-s-nexuss-modaco-com/333482/01-mar-xxkb3-gri54-basedband-radio-only-updates/
Not tried it yet...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the radio image I want to apply I just need to have some sort of guide on howvto apply. All this talk of fastboot and adb is in reference it seems to the Android SDK. I have the SDK installed and what not. But where do I go from there. Is there a way to root with stock recovery? Or just applyt the radio image without rooting in recovery mode with unlocking bootloader?

EvilSpants said:
I have the radio image I want to apply I just need to have some sort of guide on howvto apply. All this talk of fastboot and adb is in reference it seems to the Android SDK. I have the SDK installed and what not. But where do I go from there. Is there a way to root with stock recovery? Or just applyt the radio image without rooting in recovery mode with unlocking bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fastboot or Clockwork Recovery is mandatory.
If you want to use stock + a radio. You can try renaming the .zip to update.zip and applying update.zip from stock Recovery but I'm not 100% sure if that would work.
best bet is to use fastboot or clockwork recovery.

Btw if you flash clockwork only once than it will not stick, than you can flash a new radio while still having stock recovery if that's you're jive.
Sent from my Sexy Nexy 4 GIZZLE!

Deeko1 said:
My 3g/mobile data is also guffed since the 2.3.4 upgrade and I'm going to revert the radio back.
I dunno if I'm being stupid but I can't seem to find any radio images anywhere...can someone point me to them please?
Thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here you go
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=14564429#post14564429

[Q] First Post!...with a ton of help needed.

HellllOOooOoOo!!
Ok, here goes. First off, I searched. A lot. There is so much conflicting information and opinions out there. I hate to annoy you pros with noob-ness but I have to. Sorry!
Here is the quick version:
Friend gave me an Atrix 4G. He is big on experimenting, rooting, custom ROMs and all that. I am not. At all. I want to use it on t-mobile. I DO get a signal and can text. MMS doesn't work and motoblur wont let me set up an account. This results in no access to email other then Gmail. Basically, I want to bring the phone back to its original (or close as possible) state. Hopefully, that will solve some of my issues.
-Android Version
2.3.4
-Unlocked
-Rooted
-Build Number
olympus_hktw-userdebug 2.3.4 4.5.2A-5_OLH-3110614 test-keys
-Clockwork recovery mod installed (if that matters)
I am not THAT tech savvy but can follow instructions well. I've already been messing around but cant seem to get RSD Lite to actually flash properly. I dont care for customs ROMS, hacking and tinkering. I just want this phone to work as well as possible.
Can anyone give me some personal assistance? Please? Step by step would be great. I'll be refreshing this page often in hopes of responses.

Vul said:
HellllOOooOoOo!!
Ok, here goes. First off, I searched. A lot. There is so much conflicting information and opinions out there. I hate to annoy you pros with noob-ness but I have to. Sorry!
Here is the quick version:
Friend gave me an Atrix 4G. He is big on experimenting, rooting, custom ROMs and all that. I am not. At all. I want to use it on t-mobile. I DO get a signal and can text. MMS doesn't work and motoblur wont let me set up an account. This results in no access to email other then Gmail. Basically, I want to bring the phone back to its original (or close as possible) state. Hopefully, that will solve some of my issues.
-Android Version
2.3.4
-Unlocked
-Rooted
-Build Number
olympus_hktw-userdebug 2.3.4 4.5.2A-5_OLH-3110614 test-keys
-Clockwork recovery mod installed (if that matters)
I am not THAT tech savvy but can follow instructions well. I've already been messing around but cant seem to get RSD Lite to actually flash properly. I dont care for customs ROMS, hacking and tinkering. I just want this phone to work as well as possible.
Can anyone give me some personal assistance? Please? Step by step would be great. I'll be refreshing this page often in hopes of responses.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sounds like you need to set up a proper T-Mobile APN. (you have a T-Mobile SIM card currently installed?)
If you can get on Wifi, try to go the the Play store and download Tweakker or other APN utilities that enter the APN for your based on your carrier.

co.ag.2005 said:
It sounds like you need to set up a proper T-Mobile APN. (you have a T-Mobile SIM card currently installed?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. I have a t-mobile SIM card installed. My concern is what the previous owner may have done and whatever ROM is loaded on this phone. Can I somehow bring it back to stock or get a super stable, close to stock as possible ROM first and then start addressing the quirks I have?

Is this an AT&T branded phone? I'm not sure if getting back to stock is necessary, and if you do get back to stock, you might be SIM locked to AT&T (I could be wrong however). If you want to flash a fresh, stock ROM but still be rooted, SIM unlocked, etc., find a 2.3.6 Fruitcake in this forum or try NottachTrix 4G ROM.
however, I'd wait till others weighed in before doing anything. Honestly, I'd try getting your APN (download Tweakker app and walk through the steps) going now and if that solves your issue, your ROM might be working fine for you... my $0.02
oh, and welcome to XDA!

Vul said:
Yes. I have a t-mobile SIM card installed. My concern is what the previous owner may have done and whatever ROM is loaded on this phone. Can I somehow bring it back to stock or get a super stable, close to stock as possible ROM first and then start addressing the quirks I have?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Download the fruitcake .zip you want (webtop also, if you want it)
2. Do a full wipe with fastboot (search if you're unsure how to)
3. Boot into recovery and flash the .zip you downloaded from step 1
4. Reboot and you're done
This will put you back to stock. I can't remember if fruitcakes are pre-rooted, but if not you can easily root again.

Alright, now we're getting somewhere.
co.ag
The phone itself says "unlocked" upon startup. I got the network unlock code direct from AT&T because at first the phone wouldn't even recognize my t-mo SIM. Phone is now network unlocked.
Ghost
gonna search now for fruitcake and see what thats all about. Do I need webtop?
Then going to get fastboot. Guess I dont need RSD Lite anymore?
Im doing this because I dont know what the previous owner has done and would like a clean slate. Kind of like changing the oil on a used car you buy, even if the PO says it was done.

Ok so,
I found fastboot with recovery tool and the .exe files within the ZIP dont do anything.
The fruitcake ZIP file I downloaded according to your link, I'm not sure what to do with that. lol
Help?
**am I supposed to be saving these files to the phone itself? If so, where? Internal storage? SD card?

Vul said:
Alright, now we're getting somewhere.
co.ag
The phone itself says "unlocked" upon startup. I got the network unlock code direct from AT&T because at first the phone wouldn't even recognize my t-mo SIM. Phone is now network unlocked.
Ghost
gonna search now for fruitcake and see what thats all about. Do I need webtop?
Then going to get fastboot. Guess I dont need RSD Lite anymore?
Im doing this because I dont know what the previous owner has done and would like a clean slate. Kind of like changing the oil on a used car you buy, even if the PO says it was done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that "unlocked" bit on start up means your bootloader is unlocked, doesn't have anything to do with the SIM card. All this means is that you can flash a ROM since the phone is "unlocked"
Vul said:
Ok so,
I found fastboot with recovery tool and the .exe files within the ZIP dont do anything.
The fruitcake ZIP file I downloaded according to your link, I'm not sure what to do with that. lol
Help?
**am I supposed to be saving these files to the phone itself? If so, where? Internal storage? SD card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the fruitcake .zip goes on your internal sdcard. BUT, before you start doing anything, please go through the stickied threads in this section and read up on how to flash ROMs to your phone. This will include how to wipe your phone using the fastboot commands and how to flash the fruitcake .zip.
start here, read this post
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1154600
then follow guides to
"HOW TO INSTALL FRUITCAKES ON 2.3.4 (GREAT SBF/RSD ALTERNATIVE!!!)"
and
"ROMs & Kernels:
FYI:
Before installing any ROM or Kernel I suggest you do the following to help prevent error, boot-loops, etc. Also, it's a good idea to flash a new ROM or Kernel on a fully charged device:
1) Download which ever ROM or Kernel you plan on flashing and have the .zip on your device ready to flash.
2) Backup your apps (not system data), contacts, etc. Also consider making a CWM backup of your device, just in case.
3) Boot into CWM Recovery
4) Wipe Dalvik Cache (under advanced in CWM)
5) Wipe Cache Partition
6) Wipe data/factory reset
6a) If you're using ROM Manager/CWM you will need to reboot the device after step 5, and upon reboot enter fastboot mode and enter the command: "fastboot -w" or "moto-fastboot -w" if you prefer using moto-fastboot. Then type "fastboot reboot" and upon reboot make sure to enter Android Recovery again, so that you can flash the ROM/Kernel.
7) Install .zip from SD Card (choose the .zip you wish to install)
8) If you installing a radio, theme, kernel, etc. on top of a ROM, I would suggest redoing the whole wipe process again between flashes.
9) Reboot the Device
- If you get a boot loop, try entering Android recovery and re-wiping the chace and data, and perhaps try reflashing the ROM/Kernel. Or if you made a CWM backup, you can always restore that."

Vul said:
Ok so,
I found fastboot with recovery tool and the .exe files within the ZIP dont do anything.
The fruitcake ZIP file I downloaded according to your link, I'm not sure what to do with that. lol
Help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, sorry I wasn't that detailed in my other post and assumed you were on your phone (my bad). First things first, read the N00b guide.
1. Anytime you download CWM .zips, put them on the root of your phone's sdcard. You'll need them there in order access them from recovery. ( note: sdcard=internal sd card & sdcard-ext=external sd card for blur ROMS )
2. Fastboot commands are executed from the command line. Open a command prompt and navigate to the directory containing fastboot.exe in order to use it. The Noob guide should have links to all the fastboot commands you'll need.
3. With the Atrix's unlocked BL, holding Volume Down when turning the phone on will bring up a series of bootmodes to choose from. This is how you get into fastboot, recovery, RSD, etc. Navigate through the choices with Volume Down. Select one by pressing Volume Up. You should only ever really need Fastboot and Android Recovery.
4. CWM is used to flash .zips (ROMS, kernels, apps) while in recovery mode. Use romracer's to make things easier on yourself later.
Read through the N00b guide and this will all make perfect sense.

I have no idea what Im doing. I think because this phone has been tampered with so much already, it's making it extra tough to work with.
I managed to install CM7. Its the only ZIP file that actually seemed to take. I still dont understand fastboot , in the sense that I don;t know when Im supposed to see a command prompt. Also, now, CM7 is asking me to upgrade to premium and I have to pay for it. There doesnt seem to be a free way of installing it so that I can sync all my info through my google account. Ugh. Im not cut out for this but Ive been screwing with this literally since 730 this morning.
**CM7 with google apps packet installed. So far, so good. Im happy with this considering its pretty close to stock gingerbread, kinda like my G2. Now, Im hopefully done messing around. Would be nice if they release a solution for the fingerprint scanner or if I can get my gmail to auto sync but at least I can stop obsessing for the time being. Great help guys, thanks so much!!!!

Did you use a toolkit ?

So for the past weeks I've been looking in to flashing PA ROM on my nexus 4 , Honestly I'm kind of nervous that I will end up Bricking it... its completely Stock ATM . I noticed a few people saying not to use a toolkit, but to me it seems a lot easier, even to get it back to stock if I needed to . So how many have used a toolkit ? Any Problems Major issues ?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

yes
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Did you use this one?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1995688

Toolkits aren't bad it's when people use them but have no idea what it is doing that is bad.
Your phone goes into a bootloop then you don't know how to fix it. If you don't know the 6 partitions in the Google.imgs how to use adb or fastboot don't use a toolkit
Edit: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1469909
The Dangers of Tool Kits and One Click Root Methods + Mini Rant
Sent from my Nexus 4

g2uzer said:
Did you use this one?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1995688
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used Mr Skip's and it worked really well, most important thing to get right is installing the drivers on your PC, I donated to him cause it has so many options and worked so well

Never have and never will. Once you learn fastboot it's too much fun playing in the command prompt lol.

spaceman860 said:
Toolkits aren't bad it's when people use them but have no idea what it is doing that is bad.
Your phone goes into a bootloop then you don't know how to fix it. If you don't know the 6 partitions in the Google.imgs how to use adb or fastboot don't use a toolkit
Edit: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1469909
The Dangers of Tool Kits and One Click Root Methods + Mini Rant
Sent from my Nexus 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I have read about phone going in to bootloop and it seems like a easy fix from what I read, the only phone I have rooted was a g2x thru a kit, so yeah I'm mostly a noobie, I've done a lot of reading but I usually ask my friend to do it for me since he knows A LOT more than me , I seen him unlock,rooot a few phones with out kits,,but to me it seems a lot more steps and there for more chances of me messing something up, so the only possibility you have thru rootkit is your phone going to boot loop ?
I have read mrskip but seems that this one looks easier (I think so )
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1766475

g2uzer said:
Yeah I have read about phone going in to bootloop and it seems like a easy fix from what I read, the only phone I have rooted was a g2x thru a kit, so yeah I'm mostly a noobie, I've done a lot of reading but I usually ask my friend to do it for me since he knows A LOT more than me , I seen him unlock,rooot a few phones with out kits,,but to me it seems a lot more steps and there for more chances of me messing something up, so the only possibility you have thru rootkit is your phone going to boot loop ?
I have read mrskip but seems that this one looks easier (I think so )
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1766475
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After you install the drivers its this simple
fastboot oem unlock
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
Then flash the SU.zip in recovery
Done
Sent from my Nexus 4

spaceman860 said:
After you install the drivers its this simple
fastboot oem unlock
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
Then flash the SU.zip in recovery
Done
Sent from my Nexus 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i disagree with you..
instead of using "done", id use "profit" :silly:

spaceman860 said:
After you install the drivers its this simple
fastboot oem unlock
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
Then flash the SU.zip in recovery
Done
Sent from my Nexus 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good i found this thread, ill get an n4 soon and just wanted to check things out. I am comfortable with fastboot, and ADB(done everything with one v).
So its like this right?
fastboot oem unlock (cant believe its this simple, you have to use an unlock token to unlock an HTC boot loader)
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img same with the one v
Root by flashing zip.
After that simply enjoy flashing. Am i right? Also, do you need to flash kernels while changing ROMs like on hTC phones?
Just read, someone mentioned that if you don't know the 6 partitions you better not flash. Which 6 partitions?
Sent from my One V using xda app-developers app

soham_sss said:
Good i found this thread, ill get an n4 soon and just wanted to check things out. I am comfortable with fastboot, and ADB(done everything with one v).
So its like this right?
fastboot oem unlock (cant believe its this simple, you have to use an unlock token to unlock an HTC boot loader)
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img same with the one v
Root by flashing zip.
After that simply enjoy flashing. Am i right? Also, do you need to flash kernels while changing ROMs like on hTC phones?
Just read, someone mentioned that if you don't know the 6 partitions you better not flash. Which 6 partitions?
Sent from my One V using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yup, thats it. fastboot oem unlock, fastboot flash a custom recovery, flash a custom rom or the su binaries via your new custom recovery, then reboot and profit. you dont have to flash kernels since all custom roms include them. but, you can and should flash custom kernels to better your device

simms22 said:
yup, thats it. fastboot oem unlock, fastboot flash a custom recovery, flash a custom rom or the su binaries via your new custom recovery, then reboot and profit. you dont have to flash kernels since all custom roms include them. but, you can and should flash custom kernels to better your device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a updated video doing it this method? ( not using any rootkit) I'm more of a visual learner
Can't seem to find one.
After unlocking every thing I know how to flash ROMs, just the unlocking is what got me nervous .
Thanks
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

g2uzer said:
Is there a updated video doing it this method? ( not using any rootkit) I'm more of a visual learner
Can't seem to find one.
After unlocking every thing I know how to flash ROMs, just the unlocking is what got me nervous .
Thanks
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd like a video of this too.
Can you brick your phone while unlocking? Or just while flashing?

g2uzer said:
So for the past weeks I've been looking in to flashing PA ROM on my nexus 4 , Honestly I'm kind of nervous that I will end up Bricking it... its completely Stock ATM . I noticed a few people saying not to use a toolkit, but to me it seems a lot easier, even to get it back to stock if I needed to . So how many have used a toolkit ? Any Problems Major issues ?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
use the nexus 4 toolkit by msskip..
its the best one so far and very easy to use...and dont worry abt bricking..
post if any issues,,.

No toolkit. It's important to know how to use fastboot.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

Unlocking the bootloader and rooting for new users
The only thing I've ever used toolkit for in the past is restoring my Nexus devices to a factory image and the only reason I did that is because I didn't care to figure out how to decompile those things. But yeah, just like others have said above it is extremely easy to root a nexus device. Since my N4 already has the bootloader unlocked I can't really give you a real video anyway so I will give you an very detailed instruction list.
Before you start, install the N4 drivers. More simply, you can download and install the clockworkmod universal adb drivers from kouch. Everything below assumes that drivers are installed and working.
1. Get your supplies - download a custom recovery (most these days prefer TWRP and for simplification, today, so will you) You will also need a superSU.zip which I will also provide below. You will notice that it is a bit old but it can be updated easily once you reboot back into android. Lastly, but most importantly you will need the fastboot interface which will be in the mini_adb.zip file that I have also provided on mediafire. Keep in mind that there are a lot of tools in that folder that could be useful for you at some point down the road but today all you need is fastboot.
Link to Team Win Recovery for mako
MediaFire link to Superuser.zip
Mediafire link to miniadb_inc.zip
2. Set up your environment - first you need to unzip miniadb_inc.zip and for the sake of making things easier take the folder inside of the same name and drop it into the root of your C: drive. Again, to make things easier, go ahead and drop the twrp.img into the miniadb_inc folder. If you don't follow these instructions exactly then my commands won't work as written.
3. Turn off your phone and boot into the bootloader. To do this, when the phone is off hold down the power, vol-up, and vol-down buttons simultaneously until the phone viabrates once. You should see a picture of an Android lying on it's back with it's front opened up and a big start button on top. Connect your phone and then set it aside for a moment and open command prompt on your PC. Input the following commands:
Code:
cd /
cd /miniadb_inc
this changes your active directory to the miniadb_inc folder. Next input this command:
Code:
fastboot oem unlock
this sends the command to your phone to unlock the bootloader. At this time you should look at your phone and see a prompt regarding unlocking the bootloader. Click accept to unlock the bootloader or if you're freaking out too much to continue at the moment you can click that you don't accept the terms and then click the power button and boot back into android and go about your day.
If you were bold enough to get to this point then you will now need to boot back into android anyway. Your phone will have reset and these instructions assume that you aren't flashing a custom ROM at this time so go ahead and take a minute to sign in and get things like you want them. While you're booted into Android take a moment to transfer superuser.zip to your SD partition on your phone. When you're done get back to the bootloader like you did earlier and input the following command:
Code:
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
this command tells your computer to push the twrp recovery that you downloaded earlier to your phone and to flash it, effectively removing the stock recovery from your device.
4. Using the volume keys scroll through the bootloader options until you see recovery at the top of your phone and then click the power key to confirm. This will boot you into TWRP for the first time. Now select the install button in TWRP and then find the superuser.zip file that you put on your phone in the previous step.
5. Select the reboot button and your phone should reboot back into Android and will now be rooted! Update the su binary within the SuperSU app and update SuperSU through the Play Store like any other app. Congratulations, you're done!
6. Profit. :laugh:

sparkplugDev said:
The only thing I've ever used toolkit for in the past is restoring my Nexus devices to a factory image and the only reason I did that is because I didn't care to figure out how to decompile those things. But yeah, just like others have said above it is extremely easy to root a nexus device. Since my N4 already has the bootloader unlocked I can't really give you a real video anyway so I will give you an very detailed instruction list.
Before you start, install the N4 drivers. More simply, you can download and install the clockworkmod universal adb drivers from kouch. Everything below assumes that drivers are installed and working.
1. Get your supplies - download a custom recovery (most these days prefer TWRP and for simplification, today, so will you) You will also need a superSU.zip which I will also provide below. You will notice that it is a bit old but it can be updated easily once you reboot back into android. Lastly, but most importantly you will need the fastboot interface which will be in the mini_adb.zip file that I have also provided on mediafire. Keep in mind that there are a lot of tools in that folder that could be useful for you at some point down the road but today all you need is fastboot.
Link to Team Win Recovery for mako
MediaFire link to Superuser.zip
Mediafire link to miniadb_inc.zip
2. Set up your environment - first you need to unzip miniadb_inc.zip and for the sake of making things easier take the folder inside of the same name and drop it into the root of your C: drive. Again, to make things easier, go ahead and drop the twrp.img into the miniadb_inc folder. If you don't follow these instructions exactly then my commands won't work as written.
3. Turn off your phone and boot into the bootloader. To do this, when the phone is off hold down the power, vol-up, and vol-down buttons simultaneously until the phone viabrates once. You should see a picture of an Android lying on it's back with it's front opened up and a big start button on top. Connect your phone and then set it aside for a moment and open command prompt on your PC. Input the following commands:
Code:
cd /
cd /miniadb_inc
this changes your active directory to the miniadb_inc folder. Next input this command:
Code:
fastboot oem unlock
this sends the command to your phone to unlock the bootloader. At this time you should look at your phone and see a prompt regarding unlocking the bootloader. Click accept to unlock the bootloader or if you're freaking out too much to continue at the moment you can click that you don't accept the terms and then click the power button and boot back into android and go about your day.
If you were bold enough to get to this point then you will now need to boot back into android anyway. Your phone will have reset and these instructions assume that you aren't flashing a custom ROM at this time so go ahead and take a minute to sign in and get things like you want them. While you're booted into Android take a moment to transfer superuser.zip to your SD partition on your phone. When you're done get back to the bootloader like you did earlier and input the following command:
Code:
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
this command tells your computer to push the twrp recovery that you downloaded earlier to your phone and to flash it, effectively removing the stock recovery from your device.
4. Using the volume keys scroll through the bootloader options until you see recovery at the top of your phone and then click the power key to confirm. This will boot you into TWRP for the first time. Now select the install button in TWRP and then find the superuser.zip file that you put on your phone in the previous step.
5. Select the reboot button and your phone should reboot back into Android and will now be rooted! Update the su binary within the SuperSU app and update SuperSU through the Play Store like any other app. Congratulations, you're done!
6. Profit. :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot ! When I get home I'm going to read this for the 3rd time .
So if I want to go back completely stock I can use a toolkit ?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

g2uzer said:
Thanks a lot ! When I get home I'm going to read this for the 3rd time .
So if I want to go back completely stock I can use a toolkit ?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, like I said, the toolkit makes it a lot easier to flash a factory image and frankly, I think it's safer. Less room for mistakes. The less you toy around with flashing the bootloader and the radio, the better chance you have of not bricking your device. Fortunately, when your bootloader is unlocked, as long as you aren't doing anything crazy, you will have a hard time bricking your device. If you have any further questions while you're working on it shoot me a PM and I will try to help. Good Luck!

sparkplugDev said:
The only thing I've ever used toolkit for in the past is restoring my Nexus devices to a factory image and the only reason I did that is because I didn't care to figure out how to decompile those things. But yeah, just like others have said above it is extremely easy to root a nexus device. Since my N4 already has the bootloader unlocked I can't really give you a real video anyway so I will give you an very detailed instruction list.
Before you start, install the N4 drivers. More simply, you can download and install the clockworkmod universal adb drivers from kouch. Everything below assumes that drivers are installed and working.
1. Get your supplies - download a custom recovery (most these days prefer TWRP and for simplification, today, so will you) You will also need a superSU.zip which I will also provide below. You will notice that it is a bit old but it can be updated easily once you reboot back into android. Lastly, but most importantly you will need the fastboot interface which will be in the mini_adb.zip file that I have also provided on mediafire. Keep in mind that there are a lot of tools in that folder that could be useful for you at some point down the road but today all you need is fastboot.
Link to Team Win Recovery for mako
MediaFire link to Superuser.zip
Mediafire link to miniadb_inc.zip
2. Set up your environment - first you need to unzip miniadb_inc.zip and for the sake of making things easier take the folder inside of the same name and drop it into the root of your C: drive. Again, to make things easier, go ahead and drop the twrp.img into the miniadb_inc folder. If you don't follow these instructions exactly then my commands won't work as written.
3. Turn off your phone and boot into the bootloader. To do this, when the phone is off hold down the power, vol-up, and vol-down buttons simultaneously until the phone viabrates once. You should see a picture of an Android lying on it's back with it's front opened up and a big start button on top. Connect your phone and then set it aside for a moment and open command prompt on your PC. Input the following commands:
Code:
cd /
cd /miniadb_inc
this changes your active directory to the miniadb_inc folder. Next input this command:
Code:
fastboot oem unlock
this sends the command to your phone to unlock the bootloader. At this time you should look at your phone and see a prompt regarding unlocking the bootloader. Click accept to unlock the bootloader or if you're freaking out too much to continue at the moment you can click that you don't accept the terms and then click the power button and boot back into android and go about your day.
If you were bold enough to get to this point then you will now need to boot back into android anyway. Your phone will have reset and these instructions assume that you aren't flashing a custom ROM at this time so go ahead and take a minute to sign in and get things like you want them. While you're booted into Android take a moment to transfer superuser.zip to your SD partition on your phone. When you're done get back to the bootloader like you did earlier and input the following command:
Code:
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
this command tells your computer to push the twrp recovery that you downloaded earlier to your phone and to flash it, effectively removing the stock recovery from your device.
4. Using the volume keys scroll through the bootloader options until you see recovery at the top of your phone and then click the power key to confirm. This will boot you into TWRP for the first time. Now select the install button in TWRP and then find the superuser.zip file that you put on your phone in the previous step.
5. Select the reboot button and your phone should reboot back into Android and will now be rooted! Update the su binary within the SuperSU app and update SuperSU through the Play Store like any other app. Congratulations, you're done!
6. Profit. :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Superb, all this I know already as I did this with one v
But, I read in some tutorial that if you don't reboot to stock recovery and data reset your phone AFTER you've unlocked the boot loader, you will end up with a soft brick? Is it true?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

I've been playing g with androids for a long time and dozens of devices. Personally have never used a toolkit and its hard for me to recommend or knock them.
My view is a toolkit teaches you nothing
If a toolkit was made so was another method
Everyone will have an issue with something at some point, so the more you learn now the less freaking out latter
Learning to do thongs yourself will always be safer, I mean yes manually typing a dd command can be dangerous but if you know what you are doing you know when to be cautious, there will always be an example for either argument on this, but I truly can't see a reason to believe a tool kit is safer
But I'm a to each their own sorta guy, but also one who feels the need to learn as much as possible so will promote as much manually methods for anything in life and will do my best to stay away from auto-just-about-anything.... Just a my $.02
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

[Q] Before I install Kit Kat I would like to root my phone

Hello
My phone tells me that it is ready to update to Kit Kat.
Before I install Kit Kat I would like to learn how to go back to Jelly Bean if things go t1ts-up.
So, I would like to learn how to root my phone?
I would also like to learn how to backup everything including the Jelly Bean operating system, and I would like to know how to revert my phone back to Jelly Bean?
Please forgive my ignorance, but this whole process genuinely scares me. I have only ever rooted my Samsung Ace phone once and the experience left a bitter taste in my mouth.
I did manage to root my phone. I also thought that I had created a backup but when I tested the backup I discovered that my phone got wiped and I ended up with a brick. I eventually found an official Samsung ROM but it wasn't the one I wanted and it caused a few problems, especially with the Bluetooth feature.
I hope you can understand or appreciate my apprehension with even contemplating such a task on my expensive Nexus 4.
Cheers muchly

the lemming said:
Hello
My phone tells me that it is ready to update to Kit Kat.
Before I install Kit Kat I would like to learn how to go back to Jelly Bean if things go t1ts-up.
So, I would like to learn how to root my phone?
I would also like to learn how to backup everything including the Jelly Bean operating system, and I would like to know how to revert my phone back to Jelly Bean?
Please forgive my ignorance, but this whole process genuinely scares me. I have only ever rooted my Samsung Ace phone once and the experience left a bitter taste in my mouth.
I did manage to root my phone. I also thought that I had created a backup but when I tested the backup I discovered that my phone got wiped and I ended up with a brick. I eventually found an official Samsung ROM but it wasn't the one I wanted and it caused a few problems, especially with the Bluetooth feature.
I hope you can understand or appreciate my apprehension with even contemplating such a task on my expensive Nexus 4.
Cheers muchly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might want to check out the Wugfresh's toolkit if you are not incline with technical stuff. The toolkit is in the Development section.

Hello
I have no idea what Wugfresh's tool-kit is.
Sorry

the lemming said:
Hello
I have no idea what Wugfresh's tool-kit is.
Sorry
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would suggest that you study up and follow this guide here. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2010312
I was like you when I first got the nexus. Didn't know what to do and the steps seems to be so complicated. Hell..I even took couple of days to finally succeed in installing the drivers. And for me I think it is better to learn the basics of using adb before trying out the toolkits. If you start with toolkits and you will later on rely entirely on the toolkits. This is not good as some problems, the toolkits might not be able to solve it for you.
Btw, look into original android development for wug's toolkits. It is pinned there. Should be easy to find.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

You seem to be taking interest in Rooting and stuffs. I would suggest you to get handy with a few ADB and FASTBOOT commands and you won't need any toolkit ever in Life !!!
Its very very very easy in Nexus Devices.
Here is my attempt to make you learn :-
1. Say Bye Bye to your phone OS version.
2. Open Command Prompt or Terminal.(Assuming, you have SDK & Drivers installed)
Code:
adb devices
It shall return you the device id.
3. Reboot to BootLoader
Code:
adb reboot-bootloader
4. Check for your device's recognition in FastBoot Mode.
Code:
fastboot devices
5. I assume you have all the files(Factory Image tar.gz extracted to a folder)
just type :-
Code:
flash-all.bat
BOOM...
You are now on stock KitKat !
Now, To get a Custom Recovery (IMHO go with TWRP),
1. Download latest recovery from the official website.
2. Type when in FastBoot Mode.
Code:
fastboot flash recovery openrecovery-twrp-2.6.3.4-mako.img
(Or whatever the name is)
3. Reboot your device.
Now, to get the ROOT ACCESS, after booting up the device,
1. Download the latest UPDATE-SuperSU zip from here.
2. Keep it somewhere in DEVICE STORAGE.
3. open TWRP RECOVERY
4. FLASH that ZIP
5. HIT THANKS !
Have Fun ...
Welcome to the Flashing Fraternity !!! LOL

miku3191 said:
You seem to be taking interest in Rooting and stuffs. I would suggest you to get handy with a few ADB and FASTBOOT commands and you won't need any toolkit ever in Life !!!
BOOM...
You are now on stock KitKat !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello
Thank you for replying but I fear that I will not be following your advice at the moment.
I initially asked how to ROOT my phone so that I can learn how to do backups and recoveries. My phone is ready for the Over The Air official upgrade.
I want to take things one step at a time rather than causing problems by blindly following code.
Sorry

the lemming said:
Hello
Thank you for replying but I fear that I will not be following your advice at the moment.
I initially asked how to ROOT my phone so that I can learn how to do backups and recoveries. My phone is ready for the Over The Air official upgrade.
I want to take things one step at a time rather than causing problems by blindly following code.
Sorry
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want official OTA update of KitKat you should update it, and after that unlock bootloader and root phone. That way nothing will go wrong.
If you unlock bootloader and root your phone OTA update will cause problems like stuck in bootloop(your phone will be stuck on nexus logo and it will never boot into android)
If you want to learn about rooting I suggest you this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2367406
this is excelent tutorial how to root your nexus 4 http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2018179
and if you are more comfortable to hear and see somebody do it you can check out this page it have video of full process and pictures for every step http://nexus4root.com/nexus-4-root/how-to-root-nexus-4-windowsmac-osxlinuxubuntu/
Good luck!:cyclops:

miku3191 said:
You seem to be taking interest in Rooting and stuffs. I would suggest you to get handy with a few ADB and FASTBOOT commands and you won't need any toolkit ever in Life !!!
Its very very very easy in Nexus Devices.
Good luck!:cyclops:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This process is an absolute nightmare.
All I want to do is back-up my Jelly Bean phone operating system and have it safe in case the OTA Kit Kat goes wrong. I thought that this was sensible and safe practice before doing any updates, especially something as serious as a system update?
I have now tried several Tutorials on how to root my phone and all I have succeeded in doing is wiping my phone clean and returning it to Factory Settings. The latest Tutorial was here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2010312
I followed the following advice to this point
1) All of the files that are required, need to be in one (i.e., the same) directory. It does not matter what it is called, but all the files need to be in there, with NO subfolders. EVERYTHING needs to be extracted into this one directory;
2) Download the attachment from the end of this post and extract the contents to the directory created in step 1. (Latest version for Windows is here). Note: if all you want to do is unlock your bootloader, skip to step 7 in this section (C).
7) Reboot your device into bootloader mode (by turning it off, hold volume down, and press and hold power) and plug it into your computer;
8) Open a command prompt in the same directory (i.e., make sure you are in the same directory as your files are located). You can hold the shift key when you are in the folder in Windows explorer and right-click in a blank spot and it will open a command prompt.
I then get to the bit about rooting
E. Optional -- Root
If you want to get root access follow the steps below. (And no, this will not flash a custom recovery, and not, it will not make you "not stock".) Unlocked bootloader required. See steps above.
1) Download (to your computer) the latest version of CWM (from here) or TWRP (from here) for your device;
http://www.clockworkmod.com/rommanager/
http://www.clockworkmod.com/rommanager/developers/mako?name=Google Nexus 4
And when I click the link I am blinded by options. This is a nightmare.
Could somebody please cut through all this hyperbole and just explain how I get ROOT?
I have been at this for 24 hours solid.

the lemming said:
This process is an absolute nightmare.
All I want to do is back-up my Jelly Bean phone operating system and have it safe in case the OTA Kit Kat goes wrong. I thought that this was sensible and safe practice before doing any updates, especially something as serious as a system update?
I have now tried several Tutorials on how to root my phone and all I have succeeded in doing is wiping my phone clean and returning it to Factory Settings. The latest Tutorial was here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2010312
I followed the following advice to this point
1) All of the files that are required, need to be in one (i.e., the same) directory. It does not matter what it is called, but all the files need to be in there, with NO subfolders. EVERYTHING needs to be extracted into this one directory;
2) Download the attachment from the end of this post and extract the contents to the directory created in step 1. (Latest version for Windows is here). Note: if all you want to do is unlock your bootloader, skip to step 7 in this section (C).
7) Reboot your device into bootloader mode (by turning it off, hold volume down, and press and hold power) and plug it into your computer;
8) Open a command prompt in the same directory (i.e., make sure you are in the same directory as your files are located). You can hold the shift key when you are in the folder in Windows explorer and right-click in a blank spot and it will open a command prompt.
I then get to the bit about rooting
E. Optional -- Root
If you want to get root access follow the steps below. (And no, this will not flash a custom recovery, and not, it will not make you "not stock".) Unlocked bootloader required. See steps above.
1) Download (to your computer) the latest version of CWM (from here) or TWRP (from here) for your device;
http://www.clockworkmod.com/rommanager/
http://www.clockworkmod.com/rommanager/developers/mako?name=Google Nexus 4
And when I click the link I am blinded by options. This is a nightmare.
Could somebody please cut through all this hyperbole and just explain how I get ROOT?
I have been at this for 24 hours solid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The point you are missing is that your fear is clouding your ability to simply read and comprehend the proper steps to take. My friend rooting your phone with a toolkit is a simple task but you ask what is Wugs toolkit instead of taking the time to search for it an read up. YOu do not want to root your phone but to have someone do it for you. I used to do this for people back in the days where I would log into their pc and root their phones from my home.
My friend its simple your bootloader is unlocked and now all you need to do is push a recovery over to your phone. Now go to the TWRP thread and download the image file and follow the instructions given to you to flash the recovery. I fear if following these simple directions are too much for you maybe you should simply leave your phone alone before the next step is you calling Google with an issue or having to buy another phone...
Sorry but thats my honest opinion....
Edit: Boot into bootloader and check to see if its says unlocked. If so then all thats left is flashing a recovery

the lemming said:
This process is an absolute nightmare.
And when I click the link I am blinded by options. This is a nightmare.
Could somebody please cut through all this hyperbole and just explain how I get ROOT?
I have been at this for 24 hours solid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reading your posts, I understand your frustration. Here are my suggestions, 1) step away from your PC for a few minutes or an hour or get a cup of water, 2) put the phone aside, 3) read and re-read the information in Google Nexus 4 threads just to get the knowledge first and then start working on your phone. You will be doing fine. BTW, you should have a back up phone that you can use while working on your Nexus 4.

playya said:
Edit: Boot into bootloader and check to see if its says unlocked. If so then all thats left is flashing a recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for this useful bit of information.

the lemming said:
Thank you for this useful bit of information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You got it man I know but sometimes the truth hurts... You have been given all the information laid out for you in the posts above. If this is still too difficult for you your only other task is to actually have somebody do it for you this is nothing more than simply reading and taking your time. I tell you this with all sincerity I would rather see you stop now than later see another thread created by you saying possibly bricked
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 02:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:51 PM ----------
playya said:
You got it man I know but sometimes the truth hurts... You have been given all the information laid out for you in the posts above. If this is still too difficult for you your only other task is to actually have somebody do it for you this is nothing more than simply reading and taking your time. I tell you this with all sincerity I would rather see you stop now than later see another thread created by you saying possibly bricked
Take care
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

the lemming said:
And when I click the link I am blinded by options. This is a nightmare.
Could somebody please cut through all this hyperbole and just explain how I get ROOT?
I have been at this for 24 hours solid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I trust that you have read the entire guide from that link you post. To get you see this clearly. Rooting is very easy. You just have to:
1. Install driver, download platform-tools (if you don't wanna download the entire android sdk) and SuperSU I trust that all the links are given in that guide.
2. Make sure you device is detected in adb. Copy SuperSU.zip into your device.
3. Unlock your device.
4. Push recovery. fastboot flash recovery recovery name.img
5. Reboot into recovery and flash SuperSu.zip
6. Reboot. Done.
Really..this is all it takes to perform a simple rooting. But if you're not the one who likes to read..and try to understand the steps. I suggest you not to mess with your device. You are more likely to brick it than make it better. The truth hurts but it is for your own good. Unless you prove me wrong. Then you are awesome instead
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

Idiots Guide (video) to installing the FULL Android!??

Is there a simple vid tutorial going on how to flash the shield with FULL android? ? The main thread on the developer section has about 120 pages but it is not idiot proof. I dont want to brick my new shield
Thanks in advance!!!

If its your 1st time flashing an android device head over to youtube and spend some time there. Once you get the idea of flashing via stock recovery/twrp come back to the full android rom thread

Ive flashed a zillion android boxes. But this is not yer average android box. How difficult would it be for someone to put up a very simple guide?
This is from the main thread explaining how to do it...
"Installation:
Put the device in fastboot mode:
Connect the Shield Tv to PC via micro usb cable
Enable usb debugging in development settings of Shield TV
In the command prompt of your PC type:
adb reboot bootloader
The bootloader must be unlocked before all others operations with the command:
fastboot oem unlock
When the bootloader is unlocked, In the command prompt type:
1) fastboot flash system system.img
2) fastboot -w
3) fastboot reboot
All others parts of the firmware can be stock for now and are already installed.
"
Talk about confusing!!!!!

lanzarote1000 said:
Talk about confusing!!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very confusing. I wrote it down here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=64572084&postcount=1244

gnoober said:
Very confusing. I wrote it down here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=64572084&postcount=1244
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Brilliant. Thanks!!!

I didnt like it either for some reason. I've followed instructions from a million xda OP's and flashed about as many ROMs but something about the way the dev chose to introduce his ROM and flashing instructions gave me a vibe l didnt like so I havnt tried it
*edit* I remember now he casually instructs you to run a command that wipes all user data (including internal storage) without the least bit of warning about potential loss of data or reason why its necessary... or making a simple statement about not supporting dirty flashing like I've seen some devs do. Anyway, other than that, it looks all good, and a lot of people seem to be enjoying it but thats funnyness if you ask me.

If it's your first time flashing on your shield then you will need to unlock the boot loader, which will wipe your device, then install a custom recovery, then flash the system image with his fast boot commands, which includes a wipe as well as his rom is very different from the stock one. You could try a dirty flash but doubt it would work. This is all from memory. I got it working fine but missed the stock rom and went back lol
Sent from my HTC One M9 using Tapatalk

The instructions are pretty straightforward aside from the usual language barrier issues. If you can't follow them, then I would suggest not even trying to flash it. Hell if you want to cheat and have a 1click solution, just download the recovery from NVIDIA, and replace the system.img in their file with @zulu99's and follow NVIDIA's instruction... Thier batch file essentially runs the commands for you so you don't have to do all that tedious typing.

hey I have tried all the guides to root my nvidia shield tv but without any luck, could any one please make me and other noobs a step by step guide ?