Database Users

[GUIDE] [NS4G] Simple Root/Unroot

This guide is the easiest way to root and unroot your nexus s 4g. If you follow the instructions well you should be fine, included is odin and the files needed if something goes wrong, but it shouldn't as my 11 year old sister could follow them correctly. READ ENTIRE POST BEFORE ASKING QUESTIONS PLEASE.
If your pc doesn't recognize your phone in fastboot make sure your sdk is up to date including thirdparty installs, and download pdanet trial version and those drivers will work. get drivers here http://hotfile.com/dl/92897696/7ae5290/drivers.rar.html
or if your not comfortable installing drivers download pdanet here and install as it will automatically install drivers for you
http://www.junefabrics.com/android/download.php
ROOTING..................
Ok download the files attached and extract them. For the first part for rooting you will need the:
superuser.zip
recovery3101.img
-Ok put the superuser.zip on the sdcard of your phone.
-Power off phone, when off hold volume up and power button to get to bootloader.
-Go the the tools folder of your android sdk and open command prompt and enter the following command: (easiest way is to hold shift and right click on tools folder and hit the button that says "open command window here" then type these command...
fastboot devices (make sure your device shows up, if not your drivers aren't installed)
fastboot oem unlock
-this will unlock the bootloader and you should follow the prompt and accept (volume up, then power button)
-Some have reported unlocking the bootloader erases sdcard..if so when you reboot after unlocking make sure to put superuser.zip back on sdcard.
-this should reboot your phone, now power off, when off hold volume up and then power button to get back to bootloader.
-place the recovery3101.img in the tools folder and type the following command
fastboot flash recovery recovery3101.img
-You should see it say flash ok in the command prompt, now scroll down (on phone) to recovery and hit the power button (ok button)
-Go to flash zip from sdcard and select the superuser.zip and let it flash.
-when done reboot phone, sign into google accnt, download rom manager, open up rom manager go down to All clockworkmod recoverys and flash 3.1.0 (the newest recovery doesn't work for me as my phone can't get into recovery that is why we are flashing the other one )
-All set you can flash other roms, MAKE SURE TO CREATE BACKUP OF YOUR CURRENT STOCK ROOTED ROM FIRST.
UNROOTING.........
Get files http://www.4shared.com/file/N5g8Hav_/root.html?]
-download and extract files, we will be using odin, the 3 tar files.
-extract tar files to desktop along with odin.
-run odin and in the files section select the boxes bootloader, pda, phone.
-click the buttons next to each and direct it to the .tar files we extracted to desktop, so....
click the bootloader box, direct it to sph-d720-bootloader.tar ...then..
click the pda button direct it toward the sph-d720-pda.tar....then..
click the phone button and direct it toward sph-d720-phone.tar....
-now turn off your phone, when off hold volume up and volume down buttons simultaneously, then quickly press the power button....a huge yellow triangle will pop up and say "downloading'.......
plug your phone via usb to computer....odin should automatically see it.....click the start button in odin and let it do its thing and bam...all set.
If you want stock recovery too place the recovery.img in tools folder, open command prompt..type the following command..
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
Done.

Ill give this a try when I get home....but I'm sure you need to make sure you have all the correct drivers installed...or when you run the fast boo command it won't recognize your phone is connected.

Subbed for when I have time.
Since the NS4G doesn't have a SD Card where do you put the superuser zip?

This will work for the 3g version, correct?
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk

yes it should work for 3g

where the files to download?dont see the links

dodgeram02 said:
where the files to download?dont see the links
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Links are right under the post, i'll post the unroot guide tonight as i am at work and cannot do it.

need some help..when i hook my phone to my computer which has windows vista 32..i get a found new hardware that pops up SM BUS CONTROLLER..why is that..but if i go into my DEVICE MANAGER under OTHER DEVICES it has a question mark next to SM BUS CONTROLLER...and at the top of the list i do have ANDROID PHONE.when i expand that there is ANDROID COMPOSITE ADB INTERFACE...this crap is driving me crazy tried everything....HELP.....

I have rooted a EVO IPHONE AND ETC..but for some reason I just cant get this thing to root or to comunnicate to my computer.

MAKE SURE PDANET IS INSTALLED http://api.viglink.com/api/click?fo...ers&txt=http://www.fileserve.com/file/5bgRBX5
OR HERE http://hotfile.com/dl/92897696/7ae5290/drivers.rar.html

dodgeram02 said:
need some help..when i hook my phone to my computer which has windows vista 32..i get a found new hardware that pops up SM BUS CONTROLLER..why is that..but if i go into my DEVICE MANAGER under OTHER DEVICES it has a question mark next to SM BUS CONTROLLER...and at the top of the list i do have ANDROID PHONE.when i expand that there is ANDROID COMPOSITE ADB INTERFACE...this crap is driving me crazy tried everything....HELP.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
install pda net before doing this root process..

ok i got it figured out but when i do the RECOVERY STEP I GET A "!"IN A TRIANGLE.

-place the recovery.img in the tools folder and type the following command
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
-You should see it say flash ok in the command prompt, now scroll down (on phone) to recovery and hit the power button (ok button)
this part isnt workin for me.........

dodgeram02 said:
ok i got it figured out but when i do the RECOVERY STEP I GET A "!"IN A TRIANGLE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
redownload the files....
Just in case i reuploaded the recover.img and named it recovery3101.img
place in tools folder and type
fastboot flash recovery recovery3101.img
and should flash just fine...

DUDE YOUR THE MAN!!!!!!GOT R DONE...you been very helpful....out of trying all the other damn ROOTING GUIDES yours was the FASTEST AND THE EASIEST......Thanks bud!!!!

dodgeram02 said:
DUDE YOUR THE MAN!!!!!!GOT R DONE...you been very helpful....out of trying all the other damn ROOTING GUIDES yours was the FASTEST AND THE EASIEST......Thanks bud!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem.

I can't seem to get this to work. I have Win7 64 and I used PDAnet to install the drivers but when I get to the part where I have to type "fastboot oem unlock" the command prompt just says < waiting for device > and there is nothing on the Nexus S 4g other than the normal fastboot options for me to select.

DarkManX4lf said:
I can't seem to get this to work. I have Win7 64 and I used PDAnet to install the drivers but when I get to the part where I have to type "fastboot oem unlock" the command prompt just says < waiting for device > and there is nothing on the Nexus S 4g other than the normal fastboot options for me to select.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure you installed the right drivers....reboot computer, make sure you opened the command prompt in the tools folder as that is where the fastboot commands are located....also it will automatically reboot in the "unlock bootloader menu" you don't select anything...until that menu comes up..make sure your sdk is updated as well..even third party installs..

I want to thank you, these are great instructions so far. I have been trying for days, got my phone unlocked by a mistake, had to Odin back (came from Epic so know and love that system), but it stayed unlocked.
I cannot get it rooted. Used your instructions and get to second part - cannot install fasboot recovery.
My files are in tools listed as recovery-clockwork-3.1.0.1-crespo4g. I ran fastboot, came up with a large square of instructions, not ok, with command and option. So I tried again. nothing
Then went to phone with it connected, tried to select from card the su file. It goes to yellow triangle and finally get back to a reboot.
I am so close, can you help with what I am doing wrong? It is not rooted and cannot get it to do anything.

nmoreman said:
I want to thank you, these are great instructions so far. I have been trying for days, got my phone unlocked by a mistake, had to Odin back (came from Epic so know and love that system), but it stayed unlocked.
I cannot get it rooted. Used your instructions and get to second part - cannot install fasboot recovery.
My files are in tools listed as recovery-clockwork-3.1.0.1-crespo4g. I ran fastboot, came up with a large square of instructions, not ok, with command and option. So I tried again. nothing
Then went to phone with it connected, tried to select from card the su file. It goes to yellow triangle and finally get back to a reboot.
I am so close, can you help with what I am doing wrong? It is not rooted and cannot get it to do anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MAKE SURE IT IS UNLOCK BY TYPING
FASTBOOT OEM UNLOCK
JUST TO BE SURE ITS UNLOCKED.
to open the command prompt for fastboot when you see the tools folder in android sdk folder hold shift, right click on tools folder and choose option "open comand prompt here"
first use the recovery3101.img i provided. Flash that by typing
fastboot flash recovery recovery3101.img
command prompt will say flash ok...look at your phone..scroll down to recovery option and hit the power button..should load you into clockwork recovery....let me know if you get that far..

Installed OTA 4.2.2 and lost root, recovery shows "no command".

Hello,
I installed 4.2.2 OTA and now Apps keep flashing notifications across the bottom of the screen saying "requested SuperUser" so I went to go to recovery to reinstall apk, but my recovery mode now says "No Command" with an android guy and an exclamation. I tried root checker and it looks like I do not have root any more? What exactly do I need to do if it was already rooted?
Thanks all.

m374llic4 said:
Hello,
I installed 4.2.2 OTA and now Apps keep flashing notifications across the bottom of the screen saying "requested SuperUser" so I went to go to recovery to reinstall apk, but my recovery mode now says "No Command" with an android guy and an exclamation. I tried root checker and it looks like I do not have root any more? What exactly do I need to do if it was already rooted?
Thanks all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fastboot a custom recovery and install superuser.

m374llic4 said:
Hello,
I installed 4.2.2 OTA and now Apps keep flashing notifications across the bottom of the screen saying "requested SuperUser" so I went to go to recovery to reinstall apk, but my recovery mode now says "No Command" with an android guy and an exclamation. I tried root checker and it looks like I do not have root any more? What exactly do I need to do if it was already rooted?
Thanks all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OTA`s break root. Reflash a custom recovery in fastboot if need be and flash the superSU.zip in CWM. That should solve it

Does that wipe my phone? I remember something I did originally wiped it.

I am also in the same position.
I lost my root.
How do I get root access again? I used wugfresh's toolkit, so everything was automated, but his toolkit isn't compatible with 4.2.2 yet...
Do I need to unlock the bootloader first? then install custom recovery?
Can someone link to instructions on how to do this? I am completely noob and don't know very much.
Thanks.

m374llic4 said:
Does that wipe my phone? I remember something I did originally wiped it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing a recovery doesn`t wipe anthing.

Thanks, everything worked out fine. Appreciate it fellas.

canuckerr said:
I am also in the same position.
I lost my root.
How do I get root access again? I used wugfresh's toolkit, so everything was automated, but his toolkit isn't compatible with 4.2.2 yet...
Do I need to unlock the bootloader first? then install custom recovery?
Can someone link to instructions on how to do this? I am completely noob and don't know very much.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Find the download somewhere on here for "fastboot" and "adb", once you have it and all the files, download this .http://download2.clockworkmod.com/recoveries/recovery-clockwork-touch-6.0.2.3-mako.img Once downloaded put it in the same folder as the fastboot.exe and the adb.exe.
Then in that folder hold shift and right click and select "open command prompt here" and then copy and paste this.
fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-touch-6.0.2.3-mako.img
The type in "fastboot reboot" then you need to find and download the Clockworkmod superuser zip, plug your phone in usb and then upload it to the main directory of your phone. Turn the phone off and hold volume down and then power at the same time. Once that is up press volume down until you see "Recovery" and hit that, either with finger or I think you can press power to select it. Once there select "Install from zip", then look in the /0 folder I think to see the zip you uploaded, select it and install it. once done hit reboot, it should ask you a question. I just hit yes. rebooted, and now I have root back.

m374llic4 said:
Find the download somewhere on here for "fastboot" and "adb", once you have it and all the files, download this .http://download2.clockworkmod.com/recoveries/recovery-clockwork-touch-6.0.2.3-mako.img Once downloaded put it in the same folder as the fastboot.exe and the adb.exe.
Then in that folder hold shift and right click and select "open command prompt here" and then copy and paste this.
fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-touch-6.0.2.3-mako.img
The type in "fastboot reboot" then you need to find and download the Clockworkmod superuser zip, plug your phone in usb and then upload it to the main directory of your phone. Turn the phone off and hold volume down and then power at the same time. Once that is up press volume down until you see "Recovery" and hit that, either with finger or I think you can press power to select it. Once there select "Install from zip", then look in the /0 folder I think to see the zip you uploaded, select it and install it. once done hit reboot, it should ask you a question. I just hit yes. rebooted, and now I have root back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome job for the details. This would save a lot of people for sure!

m374llic4 said:
Thanks, everything worked out fine. Appreciate it fellas.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got a quick question; which recovery did you use at the time of the OTA update?

don't flash any custom recovery or you won't get OTA
use superboot in DEVELOPING forum
it will fix everything
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

logicmd said:
don't flash any custom recovery or you won't get OTA
use superboot in DEVELOPING forum
it will fix everything
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This incorrect. You will, get the OTA and it will be able to install successfully. You'll just have to take action on a few prompts.

m374llic4 said:
Find the download somewhere on here for "fastboot" and "adb", once you have it and all the files, download this .http://download2.clockworkmod.com/recoveries/recovery-clockwork-touch-6.0.2.3-mako.img Once downloaded put it in the same folder as the fastboot.exe and the adb.exe.
Then in that folder hold shift and right click and select "open command prompt here" and then copy and paste this.
fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-touch-6.0.2.3-mako.img
The type in "fastboot reboot" then you need to find and download the Clockworkmod superuser zip, plug your phone in usb and then upload it to the main directory of your phone. Turn the phone off and hold volume down and then power at the same time. Once that is up press volume down until you see "Recovery" and hit that, either with finger or I think you can press power to select it. Once there select "Install from zip", then look in the /0 folder I think to see the zip you uploaded, select it and install it. once done hit reboot, it should ask you a question. I just hit yes. rebooted, and now I have root back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If u dont want to flash custom recovery... u can use fastboot boot recovery-clockwork-touch-6.0.2.3-mako.img...flash the zip and retain the stock recovery

same happened to eye. solution all. with prob. adb push superuser from Chainfire to /sdcard/ then flash your recovery then do not boot to android rather to recovery then flash the superuser.zip. reboot, root. if you boot to android OS you will lose your recovery and not have any recovery, just dead droid,... so sad to see droid dead... dont kill droid

[Q] No Recovery Installed, Cant Install

Hey everyone. Hoping to get a little help on my nexus 4. Right now I'm trying to get root access again (which I lost) and also install a recovery (im guessing that I currently have no recovery installed right now). At the moment, when I go into recovery I get a "no command" error with a red triangle. Since then I've used NRT to try to flash stock recovery. Everything seems to be going along and then my phone just goes into a blank screen and NRT says its lost connection with device. Did this trying to install TWRP as well.
Something went haywire while i was trying to unroot to get 4.3. Currently running 4.3 without root access.
Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

You could try installing GooManager from the Play Store, from which you can download and install TWRP.

bushaman said:
Hey everyone. Hoping to get a little help on my nexus 4. Right now I'm trying to get root access again (which I lost) and also install a recovery (im guessing that I currently have no recovery installed right now). At the moment, when I go into recovery I get a "no command" error with a red triangle. Since then I've used NRT to try to flash stock recovery. Everything seems to be going along and then my phone just goes into a blank screen and NRT says its lost connection with device. Did this trying to install TWRP as well.
Something went haywire while i was trying to unroot to get 4.3. Currently running 4.3 without root access.
Any ideas? Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you have the stock recovery installed (that Android laying on its back with a red triangle is the stock recovery).
Download SuperSU (this is what gets you root) from http://download.chainfire.eu/345/SuperSU/UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.51.zip?retrieve_file=1 and copy it to your device
You need a custom recovery like TWRP to get root (because it's a zip file you need to flash though it).
Download the Android ADT Bundle from http://dl.google.com/android/adt/adt-bundle-windows-x86-20130717.zip
Extract the file and copy the "platform-tools" folder to C:\Android (create this folder if it doesn't exist). The final path should be C:\Android\platform-tools
Download TWRP (recovery) from http://techerrata.com/browse/twrp2/mako (latest version is 2.6.0.0).
Move this file to your "platform-tools" folder
Open a command Window in your platform-tools folder by holding SHIFT and right-clicking on it
Type:
Adb devices
And make sure it says "device" after some numbers.
Now type:
Adb reboot-bootloader
Wait for the device to reboot to bootloader.
Now type:
Fastboot flash recovery openrecovery-twrp-2.6.0.0-mako.img
Using your volume buttons move to "Recovery Mode" and then press the power button. At this point you'll be taken to the recovery you just flashed. Now, once you're in, press "Install" and look for the SuperSU file you downloaded. Select it, move the slider to the right and then reboot.
That's it.

mlj11 said:
You could try installing GooManager from the Play Store, from which you can download and install TWRP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much. This worked perfectly! One last quick question, can i do the same thing on my N10? or are any of the files specific to the N4?
Thanks again.

You can do the same on your N10. The GooManager app will download the correct file for you, but just double-check the name of the file it selects to be safe.
Hit thanks if I helped

My idiot self flashed wrong recovery file..

Hey all,
So I was on Philz recovery (Kangabean Rom) I decided I wanted to go back to normal CWM touch. Flashed what I thought was the right zip and boom..no recovery + yellow triangle.
Turns out I flashed the normal i9505 version
To make a long story short I can't get ANY recovery back despite my efforts. Tried via goo manager to install TWRP real fast, didnt work. Tried via odin but couldn't get odin to see my phone in download mode.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

What state is your phone on. It gets into download mode? Will it boot? Odin is your option right now. Keep trying, use original usb cable, use the usb ports in the back of your computer, try a different computer.

jd1639 said:
What state is your phone on. It gets into download mode? Will it boot? Odin is your option right now. Keep trying, use original usb cable, use the usb ports in the back of your computer, try a different computer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm able to boot into download which enables me to boot into the OS as well. I'm going to keep giving it a go on the Odin side, im also downloading the stock firmware as well in case i need to go that drastic.

Update: Was able to install some strange version of CWM through terminal emulator on the phone using some files I found. I tried to flash philz again...wiped it out and got a yellow triangle again..
Think stock firmware flash is the best way to go?

viperguy212 said:
Update: Was able to install some strange version of CWM through terminal emulator on the phone using some files I found. I tried to flash philz again...wiped it out and got a yellow triangle again..
Think stock firmware flash is the best way to go?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes

1. Download this recovery IMG.
https://db.tt/Yp1NzlqZ
2. Move the file "recovery.img" from "sdcard/download/" to root of your internal sdcard.
3. Open terminal emulator and enter the following command lines:
su
dd if=/sdcard/recovery.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p21
4. Recovery should have flashed! Enjoy and remember to move the file recovery to the root of your internal sdcard or else the command prompt line won't work.
"All men are created equal, some work harder in pre-season."
- Emitt Smith

THANK YOU
I did this and it got a working recovery back on my phone. I think I preferred TWRP to clockwork at this point, but honestly either one does the same thing, and I am able to make a backup of my phone which was what I wanted. Also a phone with no recovery just screams a disaster waiting to happen for me. I ended up losing recovery after running triangle away, has anyone else had this happen?
Febby said:
1. Download this recovery IMG.
https://db.tt/Yp1NzlqZ
2. Move the file "recovery.img" from "sdcard/download/" to root of your internal sdcard.
3. Open terminal emulator and enter the following command lines:
su
dd if=/sdcard/recovery.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p21
I had a similar issue, I ran triangle away to get rid of the custom icon, and after that I had no recovery, your command got Clockwork back on my phone, I admit I am more used to TWRP at this point, but any port in a storm! Greatly appreciated! I can actually back up a WORKING version of my rom with the apps I want installed on it, you are a lifesaver!
4. Recovery should have flashed! Enjoy and remember to move the file recovery to the root of your internal sdcard or else the command prompt line won't work.
"All men are created equal, some work harder in pre-season."
- Emitt Smith
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Unable to boot into TWRP

Could someone please help.
I've just updated from KK 4.4.4. to Lp 5.0.1 via OTA updates.
Then I tried to install TWRP 2.8.6.0 using Odin 3.10.6 (and 3.09), but I can't boot into TWRP, it just goes into Android System Recovery (or whatever it's called).
Before I updated, I could successfully use TWRP, root and create/restore backups etc. But, since the OS update I can't (plus I will have lost root, as I downloaded/installed the KK ROM as a "clean install".
From looking around various sites and watching videos. I think I need to side load TWRP using ADB.
But, I've visited the Dev. site, downloaded the SDK zip files. Extracted them, but the folder that should contain the files (platforms) is empty.
So, I downloaded the exe file. It wouldn't allow me to install it as I don't have Java installed.
I downloaded and tried to install Java, but it fails to install. Just F typical.
Could someone offer an easy to follow step by step advice and maybe post the files I need to use (if I do need to use ADB).
I'm using 910F and USB debugging is allowed.
Thank you.
************ EDIT ************
Never mind. I had to flash the Lp 5.0.1 stock ROM to fix the problem and now TWRP works.
******************************

Is reactivation lock enabled? If yes, disable and try again

abdyasar said:
Is reactivation lock enabled? If yes, disable and try again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
abdyasar said:
Is reactivation lock enabled? If yes, disable and try again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your help.
The reactivation lock is disabled.
To update my OP, other things I've tried:
I've downloaded and installed the basic files for ADB as well as the full SDK.
Some site say to update the ADB files to the Google USB Drivers (found in the SDK). It just says I'm up to date when I try to find newer drivers via Device Manager.
Tried flashing CWM instead of TWRP using Odin.
Tried installing TWRP (zip) when in the Android System Recovery mode via SD card.
When using ADB. My device is listed when I type "adb devices".
But when I type "fastboot flash recovery <the name of the TWRP file .IMG> I just get "waiting for device".
I get this message if I'm in Bootloader mode or using the phone "normally".

Hopefully it works out
Firstly download TWRP from the website : https://dl.twrp.me/trltexx/twrp-2.8.6.0-trltexx.img.tar.html
Then turn your device off and remove the battery for around 10 seconds (make sure the device isn't connected to any charger or anything via the USB cable).
Then after the 10 seconds put the battery back into the device and hold the home, volume down and power button.
Once you are in download mode and it says 'Downloading', plug your device into computer using the USB cable.
Open up Odin as admin and make sure no security software is interfering; once your device shows up in Odin select 'PDA' and then browse to the directory of the recovery file.
Then press start, however while it's flashing press the volume up and home button and this should boot the device directly into recovery. This is important as sometimes stock firmware might revert to stock recovery if you don't boot into recovery at least once.
I hope this helps you out.
UPDATE:
Crap, I didn't read that it worked out XD Ignore me ;P

Battlehero said:
Firstly download TWRP from the website : https://dl.twrp.me/trltexx/twrp-2.8.6.0-trltexx.img.tar.html
Then turn your device off and remove the battery for around 10 seconds (make sure the device isn't connected to any charger or anything via the USB cable).
Then after the 10 seconds put the battery back into the device and hold the home, volume down and power button.
Once you are in download mode and it says 'Downloading', plug your device into computer using the USB cable.
Open up Odin as admin and make sure no security software is interfering; once your device shows up in Odin select 'PDA' and then browse to the directory of the recovery file.
Then press start, however while it's flashing press the volume up and home button and this should boot the device directly into recovery. This is important as sometimes stock firmware might revert to stock recovery if you don't boot into recovery at least once.
I hope this helps you out.
UPDATE:
Crap, I didn't read that it worked out XD Ignore me ;P
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply.
Yes, I did fix it by re-flashing.
But, the info will be useful if I get into a similar situation again. Or will help anyone else who's stuck.