Database Users

[Q] T-Mobile Nexus 4 Rooting/Bootloader Help

Hi guys.
First off, just got my hands on a Nexus 4 from T-Mobile. Got it at an awesome $45. You can't imagine the ecstasy I experienced when it got here and it was 16 GB. Going from my LG Optimus T to this is mind blowing.
Now, after researching, I'm at a standstill. According to every search I've made on this website, and on Google, the only way to root a Nexus running 4.2.2 is to unlock the boot loader. That's my first problem. I've found no guide through my searching that gave me a solid way to unlock it. Could someone link me to one?
Second, the rooting process. I've heard that it, as well, has no one solid way to be done on 4.2.2. Again, any help or links would be appreciated.
I can't wait to get a custom kernel and Cyanogenmod running on this. This is my Android dream come true.

CodmasterRob said:
Hi guys.
First off, just got my hands on a Nexus 4 from T-Mobile. Got it at an awesome $45. You can't imagine the ecstasy I experienced when it got here and it was 16 GB. Going from my LG Optimus T to this is mind blowing.
Now, after researching, I'm at a standstill. According to every search I've made on this website, and on Google, the only way to root a Nexus running 4.2.2 is to unlock the boot loader. That's my first problem. I've found no guide through my searching that gave me a solid way to unlock it. Could someone link me to one?
Second, the rooting process. I've heard that it, as well, has no one solid way to be done on 4.2.2. Again, any help or links would be appreciated.
I can't wait to get a custom kernel and Cyanogenmod running on this. This is my Android dream come true.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Weird! We'll here's a link for you!

Use the nexus toolkit... While 4.2.2 isn't listed, select 4.2.1... It works.
Takes all of 2 minutes.
Mark
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

Thanks for the quick reply, guys! Does it root and unlock the bootloader?

CodmasterRob said:
Hi guys.
First off, just got my hands on a Nexus 4 from T-Mobile. Got it at an awesome $45. You can't imagine the ecstasy I experienced when it got here and it was 16 GB. Going from my LG Optimus T to this is mind blowing.
Now, after researching, I'm at a standstill. According to every search I've made on this website, and on Google, the only way to root a Nexus running 4.2.2 is to unlock the boot loader. That's my first problem. I've found no guide through my searching that gave me a solid way to unlock it. Could someone link me to one?
Second, the rooting process. I've heard that it, as well, has no one solid way to be done on 4.2.2. Again, any help or links would be appreciated.
I can't wait to get a custom kernel and Cyanogenmod running on this. This is my Android dream come true.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rooting any nexus device is the same. in a nutshell..
1. this one line typed into fastboot unlocks the bootloader.. fastboot oem unlock. then press yes on the device when the menu pops up.
2. fastboot flash a custom recovery, cwm or twrp.
3. flash either the su binaries or a custom rom with your new recovery.
4. reboot and profit.
thats the right way to root any nexus, on any version of android, even 4.2.2. there do exist different root toolkits, but i dont recommend them. they have their own issues plus you learn zilch.

ace7196 said:
Weird! We'll here's a link for you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right. Duh. I forgot that I also read that the bootloader doesn't depend on whether or not you updated to 4.2.2. I'm blonde, you'll have to forgive me. Or not. Also, the Google link. That didn't help. That thread had dead links, so it's irrelevant.

HELP needed!

Hi everyone - thanks in advance for your help.
I have tried to get 4.4 paranoid android running on my nexus 4 - however, CWM is not working (can't enter recovery, nor can I flash it in ROM Manager -- it says "an error occurred while flashing your recovery"), and I do not have any of the google apps.
I have not gone into this stuff for many years (did it on an old xperia), but unfortunately got into this whole mess when I bought this nexus which I didn't realize until after was rooted. Anyhow, can someone please provide a link with a straight-forward step-by-step process for how I can get this phone working again, back to stock, with google apps and everything? In simple terms would be great, from start to finish.
I really do apologize in advance for my amateur knowledge coming into this. In essence, I am simply trying to get around issues that came up after having bought a rooted nexus 4. But now in flashing Paranoid Android CWM won't work and I can't flash any google apps as a result.
Thank you, thank you, and thank you.

Hello,
Actually, rooting yor phone is not the problem, btw you can check this link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2534160 to back your n4 to stock 4.4.
You will need to unlock your bootloader before, however it is simple and the instructions is on the link too.

tiago_s said:
Hello,
Actually, rooting yor phone is not the problem, btw you can check this link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2534160 to back your n4 to stock 4.4.
You will need to unlock your bootloader before, however it is simple and the instructions is on the link too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The bootloader is actually unlocked. Thank you for the link though, I will give it a whirl.

Anything I Should Know ??

Hi guys
I have a 32gb nexus 7 with 3G (2012) due to be delivered tomorrow and the first thing i want to do to it is root it.
But as things change so fast i was wandering if this guide is still up to date:
Before rooting it i will be updating it to the latest kitkat firmware so i want to also make sure that the Nexus Rootkit Toolkit has been updated to be able to root the kitkat firmware ?
Also while googling (is that a word....lol) i come across a guide saying that the toolkit has problems with the 3G version nexus 7.
I also come across one that said that if something is/isn't ticked in the toolkit then it will brick the tablet. The trouble is i cant find the guide now so i need you guys t let me know if this is all still true.
Any help would be gratefully received.
Thanks

Inked_ said:
Hi guys
I have a 32gb nexus 7 with 3G (2012) due to be delivered tomorrow and the first thing i want to do to it is root it.
But as things change so fast i was wandering if this guide is still up to date:
Before rooting it i will be updating it to the latest kitkat firmware so i want to also make sure that the Nexus Rootkit Toolkit has been updated to be able to root the kitkat firmware ?
Also while googling (is that a word....lol) i come across a guide saying that the toolkit has problems with the 3G version nexus 7.
I also come across one that said that if something is/isn't ticked in the toolkit then it will brick the tablet. The trouble is i cant find the guide now so i need you guys t let me know if this is all still true.
Any help would be gratefully received.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would steer clear of toolkits. As you said they can cause more damage than they are worth and it is always beneficial to learn the tools, especially if something does go wrong. Plus you get a good feeling when it works.
I would take a look and read how to use fastboot, which will allow you to unlock your bootloader and root your device.
This is a good read: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1907796

Real newbie help needed

Hi all
I know you probably get this a lot but could really do with some help.
Basically my wife has a nexus 7 2012 and it's become unusable now since lollypop. I have tried factory reset etc but it's still so slow. I have decided I'd like to delve into the rooting game and see if this will solve the problem.
I have a nexus 7 2013 so if I am honest if I brick it then I won't be devastated because she can always use mine so decided to bite the bullet and try.
I am not expecting a walk through guide but is there any good way to try and start this? I am quite techy but I know nothing about rooting let alone where to start.
I kind of understand roms and I want a basic one that will make her nexus workable again.
Any help on how I go about starting this whole rooting would be appointed.
Thanks all
Chris

Are you on 5.1.1? If not get that update fixed my 2012 & 2013 right up! If not, search for "nexus root tool kit". That's what I use without a hitch! But try the update first, it may just do the trick.
? Here there be Whales ?

Thanks and yea I'm on 5.1.1 I'll search that thanks

Once I root the device how do you put roms on? And what roms are the best?

chrisnewton said:
Once I root the device how do you put roms on? And what roms are the best?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
An easy way to root is by using the nexus root toolkit by wugfresh, a good rom to try is chroma also mkernel works well with the stock rom. Make sure you make a backup before you start flashing anything .

How do you back up?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Beginner's Guide?

Hey guys, so I plan on getting this phone within the next month and I want to be prepared to unlock the bootloader and install magisk as soon as I get it. The guides I've looked at just jump right into it without explaining anything. What are the best up-to-date guides for bootloader unlocking and custom recovery installing? Thanks for any help!

EarthboundHero said:
Hey guys, so I plan on getting this phone within the next month and I want to be prepared to unlock the bootloader and install magisk as soon as I get it. The guides I've looked at just jump right into it without explaining anything. What are the best up-to-date guides for bootloader unlocking and custom recovery installing? Thanks for any help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you need to know that there are 3 versions of the phone. A2017 (chinese), A2017G (intl) and A2017U (USA). I don't really know the exact differences, but keep in mind that the A2017U has probably the best support and has the most ROMs and kernels and stuff available. The A2017 comes, from what I've heard, with a recovery in Chinese. And the A2017G has development and stuff but you definitely want to avoid bricking it (DFU mode might need you to disassemble the phone). Besides from that the guides are well written, for example the one I used for my A2017G was okay (from Controllerboy). Everything's explained. If you find something that's not evident send the guide link here and ask.

I just got this phone today too. Man I don't see why anyone's even rooting this... It's working great for me. I spent a couple hours in settings, setting up Nova, and all that, and I'm really amazed by this phone. Stock Antutu and it's scoring 155k! Very fluid phone too. I got scared during delivery, because I started reading horror stories about this phone, and development it seems like there's always something broken or not working correctly. I really really don't see the need to mess with the software one bit! I would recommend sticking with stock just to see how you enjoy it, before taking any risks. I used to be a flashaholic, but after marshmallow, the need isn't really there anymore. Android has become so smooth, rooting has lost most of its novelty. At least that's my opinion.

Reasons to root
JoRocker said:
I just got this phone today too. Man I don't see why anyone's even rooting this... It's working great for me. I spent a couple hours in settings, setting up Nova, and all that, and I'm really amazed by this phone. Stock Antutu and it's scoring 155k! Very fluid phone too. I got scared during delivery, because I started reading horror stories about this phone, and development it seems like there's always something broken or not working correctly. I really really don't see the need to mess with the software one bit! I would recommend sticking with stock just to see how you enjoy it, before taking any risks. I used to be a flashaholic, but after marshmallow, the need isn't really there anymore. Android has become so smooth, rooting has lost most of its novelty. At least that's my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a lot of reasons to root it. Maybe you are just used to the Cyanogenmod ROMs ans don't want to use any of the proprietary ROMs and Launchers. XPosed Framework, adblock, VPN, custom CA Certificates and Linux arm with VNC in the background are only some of hundreds of reasons to root your phone.

EarthboundHero said:
Hey guys, so I plan on getting this phone within the next month and I want to be prepared to unlock the bootloader and install magisk as soon as I get it. The guides I've looked at just jump right into it without explaining anything. What are the best up-to-date guides for bootloader unlocking and custom recovery installing? Thanks for any help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need for any guides just use my toolkit: https://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/development/tool-axon7toolkit-t3573108

JoRocker said:
I just got this phone today too. Man I don't see why anyone's even rooting this... It's working great for me. I spent a couple hours in settings, setting up Nova, and all that, and I'm really amazed by this phone. Stock Antutu and it's scoring 155k! Very fluid phone too. I got scared during delivery, because I started reading horror stories about this phone, and development it seems like there's always something broken or not working correctly. I really really don't see the need to mess with the software one bit! I would recommend sticking with stock just to see how you enjoy it, before taking any risks. I used to be a flashaholic, but after marshmallow, the need isn't really there anymore. Android has become so smooth, rooting has lost most of its novelty. At least that's my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are obviously reasons for root, BUT i am with you on this one. I have personally not found a reason to root yet. And that means a lot coming from me, as i am a real ROM-whore and update-slut. The firmware suits my needs perfectly, i have a 2017U with firmware B029 installed. Oh and do check @bkores tookit! It rocks!

bkores said:
No need for any guides just use my toolkit: https://forum.xda-developers.com/axon-7/development/tool-axon7toolkit-t3573108
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey does your rootkit work with a phone that can't access adb? Like I was looking at the EDL method of returning my Axon 7 to stock for an RMA exchange. I am exchanging it because mtp/quick charge/adb does not work anymore. Fastboot still works.

runderekrun said:
Hey does your rootkit work with a phone that can't access adb? Like I was looking at the EDL method of returning my Axon 7 to stock for an RMA exchange. I am exchanging it because mtp/quick charge/adb does not work anymore. Fastboot still works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The bootloader unlock and restore stock options both use EDL.

runderekrun said:
Hey does your rootkit work with a phone that can't access adb? Like I was looking at the EDL method of returning my Axon 7 to stock for an RMA exchange. I am exchanging it because mtp/quick charge/adb does not work anymore. Fastboot still works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had this problem before. It's because I updated an "N" version of Windows without installing the latest media feature pack. If you have an "N" version of Windows, make sure to install the media feature pack.

EarthboundHero said:
I've had this problem before. It's because I updated an "N" version of Windows without installing the latest media feature pack. If you have an "N" version of Windows, make sure to install the media feature pack.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am aware of that issue but this is something else. Quick charge doesn't work at all and adb doesn't either. In fact a buddy of mine plugged his Axon into my computer and it worked just fine so..

I just got this phone today and it came with 6.0.1 MM B29. I am pretty impressed by the features that ZTE has added in to their stock UI. I hear that has gotten better with the N updates.
If I OTA update bone stock to N B25 and decide I miss root, I can go back and downgrade to N B19 via various methods and unlock the bootloader, install TWRP, root, and custom ROM etc?