Database Users

Root nexus 4 without unlocking bootloader

Hi all,
I used to be a hard core iOS user and just boarded on android wagon with my nexus 4 version 4.2.1. I am still learning my ways around android coolness and stumbled upon apps like display control for nexus 4 or titanium backup etc which require root access.
Can I just root and install these apps or any other apps which needs root access without unlocking the boatloader (From what I have heard it will wipe phone and is only useful if there is a need to install custom roms...which I have no use for as of now..just root)
Thanks in advance.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

I'm pretty sure you need to unlock bootloader to root..
I recently rooted and was able to back up everything.. I dont think I lost anything when I restored my backup

You only need to unlock the boot loader if you are going to flash custom ROMs. Other you can leave it locked and just root it.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

The short answer is that you must unlock.
The long answer is that in theory you could achieve root without unlocking but in practice any other method is just too difficult.
No one is going to make the effort when backing up all your files, unlocking, then starting again with an empty phone, is about a million times easier.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

Use a new app called carbon backup. No need for root. It backs up app data etc...
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Backup your apps + data (photos) with titanium backup, then copy the folder to your computer or sync with Dropbox. After unlocking bootloader (wipe) just copy /sync The folder back
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

calanizzle said:
Backup your apps + data (photos) with titanium backup, then copy the folder to your computer or sync with Dropbox. After unlocking bootloader (wipe) just copy /sync The folder back
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Titanium requires root

Read this if you want to have root with a locked bootloader.
But you still have to unlock and lock
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2010312
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

I was under the same situation, but part of learning is breaking stuff.
I had to reinstall the stock rom in my phone twice in the first week, and lost all my settings in the process, I would just say that rooting is worth the process and the pain.
And carbon backup does not require root

I have unlocked and rooted my Nexus 7, and I plan to do the same with my Nexus 4, so I'll go ahead and ask the question here.
Once I unlock and root, could I, and should I relock the bootloader, and if so, will it wipe all data again, but leave it rooted? In other words, I want to root, but have heard that leaving the bootloader unlocked is a bad idea. If the response applies to both my 4 and 7, please advise.

wvcadle said:
I have unlocked and rooted my Nexus 7, and I plan to do the same with my Nexus 4, so I'll go ahead and ask the question here.
Once I unlock and root, could I, and should I relock the bootloader, and if so, will it wipe all data again, but leave it rooted? In other words, I want to root, but have heard that leaving the bootloader unlocked is a bad idea. If the response applies to both my 4 and 7, please advise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bootloader unlocked may void warranty.
Unlock bootloader. Root phone. Relock bootloader.
But when u install an OTA u have to do the same process again because
u lose root.

Unjustable said:
Bootloader unlocked may void warranty.
Unlock bootloader. Root phone. Relock bootloader.
But when u install an OTA u have to do the same process again because
u lose root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I unlocked, rooted, but didn't relock, will relocking wipe my tablet/phone again?

wvcadle said:
If I unlocked, rooted, but didn't relock, will relocking wipe my tablet/phone again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe it's only when unlocking. But can't tell 100% sure

Thanks to all folks for taking the time to contribute here.
OK..so what I am hearing is that I can unlock the boot loader for root but that's not mandatory. Correct? Is not t advisable ?
Also will I lose ota updates if I
1) just root, no unlocking boot loader
2) root + unlocking boot loader
Again I have no idea on androids world of custom Roms and kernels
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

anx.sap said:
Thanks to all folks for taking the time to contribute here.
OK..so what I am hearing is that I can unlock the boot loader for root but that's not mandatory. Correct? Is not t advisable ?
Also will I lose ota updates if I
1) just root, no unlocking boot loader
2) root + unlocking boot loader
Again I have no idea on androids world of custom Roms and kernels
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to unlock bootloader to root. I don't believe there's an exploit for rooting with a locked bootloader for jellybean.
You won't lose ota if you unlock and/or root. Just make sure the phone is only rooted and no system files are modified
Flowed and Tapped from my Nexus

anx.sap said:
Hi all,
I used to be a hard core iOS user and just boarded on android wagon with my nexus 4 version 4.2.1. I am still learning my ways around android coolness and stumbled upon apps like display control for nexus 4 or titanium backup etc which require root access.
Can I just root and install these apps or any other apps which needs root access without unlocking the boatloader (From what I have heard it will wipe phone and is only useful if there is a need to install custom roms...which I have no use for as of now..just root)
Thanks in advance.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to unlock the bootloader if you want to root. But you can side load apps (Not using Play Store) without rooting.
Unless the app requires root for the app to function correctly.

Thanks so much guys. I went ahead and unlocked the boatloader followed by root. I used the wugfresh toolkit and it was a cakewalk. I didnt install any custom recovery.
The only problem is dolphin browser beta has stopped working now. It was great before.
Also, should I re lock the boot loader...and how.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

I found the cause. The ad block plus app is no blocking the dolphin beta browser.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

You only need to re lock it if you return it for warranty. The stickies have many guides showing how.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

juicyjones said:
You only need to re lock it if you return it for warranty. The stickies have many guides showing how.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+ back to stock first
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

CWM with locked bootloader?

Hey guys,
I just bought the nexus 4 from a guy and its working awesome. The only "problem" I have is that the guy before me was playing around with the nexus. And now I have a locked bootloader, no SU binaries/root but CWM?? Is it possible to have CWM with a locked bootloader?
Anyways, i dont want to play around with it because the original store that sold this nexus will blame me for playing around with it if something actually happens.
So can i update it to key lime pie when it comes out without any problems?? Or can i remove CWM without unlocking the bootloader(i have alot of apps)?
Thanks
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

You can flash a ROM and then relock the bootloader. Just unlock it and start again

Nevermind

EddyOS said:
You can flash a ROM and then relock the bootloader. Just unlock it and start again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can i update it without removing the nonfunctional recovery?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

It's better to go back to 100% stock so you know exactly what's been done

You can always use this if you're rooted. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.segv11.bootunlocker
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

Will Google accept return with custom ROM installed

I have pacmanrom installed on my device.
The issue is my headphone socket not software related.
So, will they accept a return or do I have to do some resetting process?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

ganon11000 said:
I have pacmanrom installed on my device.
The issue is my headphone socket not software related.
So, will they accept a return or do I have to do some resetting process?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's always safer to return to stock, if doing warranty stuff. Just do a nandroid backup, return phone to stock, send to Google and when you get it back, just restore your backup.

Amro90 said:
It's always safer to return to stock, if doing warranty stuff. Just do a nandroid backup, return phone to stock, send to Google and when you get it back, just restore your backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good idea, now how do I return to stock?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

ganon11000 said:
Good idea, now how do I return to stock?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd use this toolkit, it's pretty easy to use:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=44984820&postcount=1951
or you can download stock image manually and flash it with fastboot, then lock your bootloader.
Edit: Stock image can be found here: https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images#occam

ganon11000 said:
Good idea, now how do I return to stock?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash a Nexus 4 factory image from Google: https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images#occam
It will overwrite the bootloader, recovery, and /system, therefore wiping the device of any customizations.
Don't forget to also relock your bootloader at the end: fastboot oem lock

Amro90 said:
I'd use this toolkit, it's pretty easy to use:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=44984820&postcount=1951
or you can download stock image manually and flash it with fastboot, then lock your bootloader.
Edit: Stock image can be found here: https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images#occam
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you, will do that

Question about returning my N4 to Google

Just began the RMA process with Google Play by ordering the replacement device. Now when I send back my faulty unit when the replacement arrives, in what state should I leave the software of the phone so that the RMA process finishes smoothly?
I'd imagine I'd have to flash stock rom+kernel, stock recovery, relock the boot loader, unroot, and possibly reset the flash counter (have no idea how to go about this last one). Anything I'm missing/feedback?
This is my first time going through Google's RMA process and I want it to happen as smoothly as possible. Thank you.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Nexus phones dont have flash counters. All you need to do is flash the stock images and relock the bootloader.
A guide can be found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2010312

I've never heard about a flash counter on a nexus
Swyped from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4

Chromium_ said:
Nexus phones dont have flash counters. All you need to do is flash the stock images and relock the bootloader.
A guide can be found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2010312
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You learn something new everyday. Thanks guys!
Lord Yurij said:
I've never heard about a flash counter on a nexus
Swyped from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Question on returning to stock

Hello wonderful XDA Peoples. I am planning on returning my Nexus 4 in the near future as part of T-Mobile Jump. I'm currently on a stock ROM; but unlocked with CWM recovery installed.
To return to stock, would I need to fastboot the entire stalk image (via flash all.bat) or would I just need to flash the stock recovery image, then relock the boot loader? Thanks guys! Keep up the absolutely spectacular work.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

You could just flash the recovery.img and then re-lock it
Sent from my Nexus 5

joshvader8 said:
Hello wonderful XDA Peoples. I am planning on returning my Nexus 4 in the near future as part of T-Mobile Jump. I'm currently on a stock ROM; but unlocked with CWM recovery installed.
To return to stock, would I need to fastboot the entire stalk image (via flash all.bat) or would I just need to flash the stock recovery image, then relock the boot loader? Thanks guys! Keep up the absolutely spectacular work.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
on the nexus 4 rom,kernel .... index there is a stock recovery flasher, if you dont wanna use the pc
if you have root you can lock bootloader via an app
or else just via pc.

n-cry toolkit
With n-cry toolkit is posbly.
He][razor said:
I have offered. The developer didn't seem interested.
He] [razor
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

So, just flash the stock recovery image and then lock it? In that order? Thanks for the reply
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

joshvader8 said:
So, just flash the stock recovery image and then lock it? In that order? Thanks for the reply
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.