Database Users

[GUIDE] Simple, Non-Destructive Root for Nexus S i9023, i9020A and 4G Gingerbread

Disclaimer
This may work on other versions - I can't see any reason why not - but the only ones it is confirmed working for is the i9023 and the i9020A running 2.3.6 and the Nexus S 4G running 2.3.7. If you use this to root other handsets then reply in the thread and I'll update this. This assumes you are starting with a completely stock Nexus S.
About
This works with Windows only by using DooMLoRD's excellent Easy Rooting Toolkit to root without deleting your data in under a minute.
Credits
This is a noob-friendly mashup of various tutorials and sources to provide you with root access on the stock Gingerbread ROM, and nothing else. Credits to DooMLoRD, for his amazing toolkit and kursk for the original i9023 tutorial that made me think Consider donating to DooMLoRD if you find this helpful.
Steps to Root your handset
Preparation
1)Update your Nexus S to 2.3.6 if it isn't already, getting the update file from here.
2)Rename the file you downloaded to "update.zip". Place it in the root of your SD card.
3)Reboot your phone into Recovery Mode by powering it off, then on again while holding the Vol + button.
4)Now you’ll see a triangle with exclamation mark, now repeatedly press Vol+ and power button to enter Recovery Mode.
5)Select "apply sdcard update.zip" and if necessary, follow on screen instructions to slect the update.zip file.
6)Reboot the device and you will be updated to 2.3.6
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Connecting to your Computer
1)Download and install the Android SDK. This may not be necessary for the rooting process but is certainly handy for future hacking or mods that you will likely want to do once you've rooted.
2)Install the Nexus S drivers as detailed here.
3)Make sure USB debugging is still enabled on your device and you are ready to proceed to rooting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting your Nexus S
1)Download DooMLoRD's Easy Rooting Toolkit here.
2)Extract the zip to your desktop.
3)Connect your phone by USB and confirm USB Debugging is still enabled.
4)Double click the runme.bat file located in DooMLoRD's Easy Rooting Toolkit
5)Read the command prompt and press any key to root.
6)Your handset will be rooted and then reboot. The process should take around 1 minute.
7) Congratulations! You now have the stock ROM rooted and Superuser installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Further Steps
Now that your phone is rooted, you can use apps that require superuser access such as Root Explorer to modify system files.
You can install ROM Manager and use that to flash custom ROMs.
You may wish to unroot your device. This can be done as detailed by DooMLoRD here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope that some people find this useful.

But what's wrong with just flashing the signed superuser zip from stock recovery or any other superuser zip from cwm?

marcelnn said:
But what's wrong with just flashing the signed superuser zip from stock recovery or any other superuser zip from cwm?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking the boot-loader erases the phone. Hence the "Non-Destructive" part of the title.

Yes, this method does it in under a minute and doesn't wipe your phone, making it easier for people who are new to modding or just want an easy and quick root.

Rooted an 9020a stock 2.3.6. Great work, thanks.

TheManicGibbon said:
or just want an easy and quick root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
. zing!

Can someone please confirm if this works for i9020T OTA 4.0.3?

I don't *think* it will work on ICS...but you could give it a try, or wait for someone else to if you don't want to

Couple quick noob questions...
Does this unlock the bootloader?
Is this considered the old fashion way of rooting the NS4G?
I've tried the One Click Root by ShabbyPenguin with no luck
So I'm lookin to get this NS4G runnin 2.3.7 Gingerbread rooted..
Hoping someone can answer these questions for me thanks.
FWIW I'm not a complete noob I'm coming from a rooted EVO4G so I'm a noob in the NS4G area completely lol thanks in advanced

I've just checked my Nexus S i9023 and it appears the boot loader is still locked, in answer to your question. It is not possible to unlock the boot loader without wiping all your personal data.
Hope this helps.

TheManicGibbon said:
I've just checked my Nexus S i9023 and it appears the boot loader is still locked, in answer to your question. It is not possible to unlock the boot loader without wiping all your personal data.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really....
I'm not really worried about the phone being wiped clean I could careless its not my phone Im just confused about rooting this NS4G..and what actions need to be taken to do so...
I ran the One Click Root by Shabby but I keep getting
"error: device not found"
And I've installed every single driver that I've found and I still get the same error running the one click root
I guess my question should've been
What's another way to root the ns4g without the one click root?
Tell Siri I said SUCK IT!

Sorry, I forgot to answer your other questions
This method can be used to root a Nexus S 4G: I can't confirm it personally because I'm in the UK and don't have access to any kind of 4G tech, but "Samsung Nexus S 4G 2.3.7" is listed in the supported devices post here in DooMLoRD's Easy Rooting Toolkit Thread

TheManicGibbon said:
Sorry, I forgot to answer your other questions
This method can be used to root a Nexus S 4G: I can't confirm it personally because I'm in the UK and don't have access to any kind of 4G tech, but "Samsung Nexus S 4G 2.3.7" is listed in the supported devices post here in DooMLoRD's Easy Rooting Toolkit Thread
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Click to collapse
Awesome I'll give it go this evening thanks for answering the other threads Ive posted are dead nobody answers questions so I'm gonna proceed in hitting your thanks button. Lol
Tell Siri I said SUCK IT!

Yeah it can occasionally seem a bit like no one answers
Glad I helped.

Worked on my Rogers Nexus S I9020A, Thanks!

TheManicGibbon said:
Yeah it can occasionally seem a bit like no one answers
Glad I helped.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't work what windows should I be running to do this?
Tell Siri I said SUCK IT!

question
I run the runme file and every step gets a
"the system cannot find the path specified"
error
then it says all done and the phone never reboots and nothing changes
I have installed the samsung drivers and tried again and still nothing changes
so . . .
now what?

TheManicGibbon said:
Yes, this method does it in under a minute and doesn't wipe your phone, making it easier for people who are new to modding or just want an easy and quick root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I don't understand. How you can install custom ROM as mentioned in OP if bootloader stays closed? Does it give only root access, doesn't it?
Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium

I'm getting a nexus s i9020T soon and was wondering if this root method might work for it? When it comes to computers I'm a complete idiot. If something does go wrong I'll be clueless how to fix it. The reason I want to root is to remove some apps I can't uninstall and also so I can do a full backup including app data. If this method is not suitable what is the best way to do it? A super easy one click method would be preferable. Thanks!

Yes! This Method Works! If you follow this step by step! It will Unlock the bootloader and give root access! I just rooted this morning ladies and gents!

[Q] Bricked? HELP

Hi there. I'm a total newbie at this and all i wanted was some pretty fonts. I rooted my brand new nexus 4 with the CLockwork mod and it was fine. I then installed the Font Installer, and when installing a font i ended up in a bootloop. The phone wouldn't move past the Nexus logo.
I entered recovery mode and cleared the cache, and did a factory reset. I also reformatted the SD card and the system (which i think is where i made a big mistake). When i hit reboot, i ended up at the Google logo, i am not even moving past that now. It's completely stuck.
When i try to go to the bootloader, by powering down (volume down + power) and then vol up + vol down + power vibrate release power -> this usually brings me to the bootloader but now i get Download mode do not unplug the device until the process is complete.
Please help!!
Am i bricked? Is there a way to solve it? Please, please help, i am begging. It's a brand new phone and i probably shouldn't have messed with it but i really don't know what to do and my parents are going to kill me.
PLEASE HELP.

clpw said:
Hi there. I'm a total newbie at this and all i wanted was some pretty fonts. I rooted my brand new nexus 4 with the CLockwork mod and it was fine. I then installed the Font Installer, and when installing a font i ended up in a bootloop. The phone wouldn't move past the Nexus logo.
I entered recovery mode and cleared the cache, and did a factory reset. I also reformatted the SD card and the system (which i think is where i made a big mistake). When i hit reboot, i ended up at the Google logo, i am not even moving past that now. It's completely stuck.
When i try to go to the bootloader, by powering down (volume down + power) and then vol up + vol down + power vibrate release power -> this usually brings me to the bootloader but now i get Download mode do not unplug the device until the process is complete.
Please help!!
Am i bricked? Is there a way to solve it? Please, please help, i am begging. It's a brand new phone and i probably shouldn't have messed with it but i really don't know what to do and my parents are going to kill me.
PLEASE HELP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To get into the bootloader, just hold volume down, and then press and hold power until it vibrates. Now you should be in the bootloader. Just re-flash the system and boot image using fastboot (as per this thread).

efrant said:
To get into the bootloader, just hold volume down, and then press and hold power until it vibrates. Now you should be in the bootloader. Just re-flash the system and boot image using fastboot (as per this thread).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you i will try!

Got it working again. Thank you!! Don't think i'll be rooting/flashing again anytime soon that scared the crap outta me. Thank you so much!

clpw said:
Got it working again. Thank you!! Don't think i'll be rooting/flashing again anytime soon that scared the crap outta me. Thank you so much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But it's the best way to learn!! That and lots of reading! Rooting and flashing ROMs and kernels really isn't that difficult. Once you've done it a few times, it'll be second nature. Hell I think a lot of guys here do it in their sleep!

I do feel like i understand the flashing process now before it was all like FLASH WHAT HOW DO I DO THAT?! But exactly what you said, i learnt how to do it and now i feel so accomplished + a staggering sense of relief.
:laugh:

Pardon me, but i have another question. I would like to root the device again using the method described in this thread - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2019273 After following the instructions to flash the stock ROM i now have a stock rom installed with an unlocked bootloader, i believe (i did everything but relocking the bootloader) but i don't know what a locked bootloader means. Is it safe for me to go ahead and redo the root now with the unlocked bootloader? I would very much like to use the display control app to modify the colours again.
Again, thank you for your help!

clpw said:
Pardon me, but i have another question. I would like to root the device again using the method described in this thread - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2019273 After following the instructions to flash the stock ROM i now have a stock rom installed with an unlocked bootloader, i believe (i did everything but relocking the bootloader) but i don't know what a locked bootloader means. Is it safe for me to go ahead and redo the root now with the unlocked bootloader? I would very much like to use the display control app to modify the colours again.
Again, thank you for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just leave your phone's bootloader unlocked.
having a bootloader locked = cant flash custom images (Recovery,radio,etc)
unlocked = ...... well the opposite.
but yeah you can. just if ur phone's bootloader is unlocked (theres a lock on the bottom of the screen as you boot up when it says Google.. if not present it is LOCKED, and in bootloader mode it tells you if u are LOCKED or UNLOCKED) follow that guide and it will bring you on your way.

clpw said:
Pardon me, but i have another question. I would like to root the device again using the method described in this thread - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2019273 After following the instructions to flash the stock ROM i now have a stock rom installed with an unlocked bootloader, i believe (i did everything but relocking the bootloader) but i don't know what a locked bootloader means. Is it safe for me to go ahead and redo the root now with the unlocked bootloader? I would very much like to use the display control app to modify the colours again.
Again, thank you for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1995688
^That one is super simple to use. A locked bootloader prevents custom kernels, ROM, and other Mods that people use.

Hmmm, i do have that unlocked logo below my google when i switch on the device, but i suppose that is from the previous time i rooted it. Since the bootloader is already unlocked then, will going through the same steps again cause any problems? Because from what i gather the rooting process unlocks the bootloader + does other stuff.. so now that my bootloader is unlocked, will going through the same steps lead to a complication because it's a duplicate step?
Thanks!!

Ace42 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1995688
^That one is super simple to use. A locked bootloader prevents custom kernels, ROM, and other Mods that people use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NO! He said he want's to learn. A toolkit does not teach one a damn thing!

El Daddy said:
NO! He said he want's to learn. A toolkit does not teach one a damn thing!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Am a girl. But yes. I do wanna learn.

clpw said:
Am a girl. But yes. I do wanna learn.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ha sorry. 95% of the time its a "He" around here.
The best way to learn is to study the process efrant linked originally.
Also go through his Nexus 4 101 guide which is also a sticky in the general section. It contains a ton of great info. Efrant did a great job putting it together.
Sent from my Nexus 4

El Daddy said:
Ha sorry. 95% of the time its a "He" around here.
The best way to learn is to study the process efrant linked originally.
Also go through his Nexus 4 101 guide which is also a sticky in the general section. It contains a ton of great info. Efrant did a great job putting it together.
Sent from my Nexus 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will do! Thanks!

El Daddy said:
NO! He said he want's to learn. A toolkit does not teach one a damn thing!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't recall reading that part, sorry I skimmed.

Ace42 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1995688
^That one is super simple to use. A locked bootloader prevents custom kernels, ROM, and other Mods that people use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, on this device, assuming you have root, you can still flash custom kernels and ROMs even with a locked bootloader.
And yeah, as El Daddy mentioned, you learn a lot more by doing things yourself, without scripts and toolkits. See the link in El Daddy's sig for more info.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

efrant said:
Actually, on this device, assuming you have root, you can still flash custom kernels and ROMs even with a locked bootloader.
And yeah, as El Daddy mentioned, you learn a lot more by doing things yourself, without scripts and toolkits. See the link in El Daddy's sig for more info.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I have learned enough for now, but I didn't know the N4's loader allowed changes even when locked(guess you really do learn everyday haha). The manual way is not always suitable for someone like myself, when I first got this thing I was eager to jump straight into mods. And I read Dad's rant so I understand why you guys aren't fans of automatic methods. However if you are already knowledgeable on the topic then what's it gonna hurt to try the toolkit.

Guide to Rooting

Hi guys,
last method to root the nexus 10?
I read different guide ,which of these successfully work?
Thanks in advance

I used the method here nexus10root.com. He doesn't tell you but you will bootloop after you unlock the boot loader. Visit the Youtube Channel of qbking777 and watch his tutorial for how to get out of the bootloop. After doing what qbking777 said, I finished rooting with the instructions at nexus10root.com. My only problem was that CWM does not stay on the N10 as the recovery so I flashed TWRP and all has been great ever sense. For ease of use I say WuFresh's method is easiest, but I just like to do things myself and know exactly what it is I am doing and not depending on a tool. That way if I screw up I know exactly what it was that happened. Good luck.

[Q] Stuck at "X" Nexus 7 2013

First I have been to and searched every post and site I can find to turn this thing around, with no success. Sent several emails.
Took a rooted New Nexus 7 that had been restored back because it froze/did not respond. Got a new N7, unlocked bootloader and installed TWRP using Terminal (Mac) booted into recovery (TWRP) it said you are not rooted, install SU by swiping below. I swiped and tried to reboot and it stops at X. I have wiped, reinstalled TWRP and used a One Click Toolkit to Root. no success. Not really sure what I did wrong.....given I have always trusted TWRP.
Anyway... have unlocked bootloader, TWRP installed and cannot get Android File Transfer to recognize device. Welcome help or suggestions.
Thank you in advance.
David

Same thing happened to me. Don't listen to TWRP about SU. You'll need to do it manually for it to be successful. Follow the instructions here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2381582. This won't relock your bootloader. You just need to root it by flashing the SU zip found on one if the "How to root" threads.

natezire71 said:
Same thing happened to me. Don't listen to TWRP about SU. You'll need to do it manually for it to be successful. Follow the instructions here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2381582. This won't relock your bootloader. You just need to root it by flashing the SU zip found on one if the "How to root" threads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, youre correct, you have to manually flash twrp. I would suggest running the utility to make youre device boot again, then make sure you have the LATEST twrp, then reboot and flash COMPATIBLE SU and you should be golden. Im not sure about macs though but you should deff be goin the right way.

Thank you, I used that site the last time I got into trouble. Do you or anyone know of a Mac site that will get me out of this rut. I won't have access to a PC for a few days and am anxious to set this tablet up.
Thank you for response,
David

dschaap said:
Thank you, I used that site the last time I got into trouble. Do you or anyone know of a Mac site that will get me out of this rut. I won't have access to a PC for a few days and am anxious to set this tablet up.
Thank you for response,
David
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Give this a try: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2395003
I don't have a Mac, so I don't know if this will help. Only thing I could find.

dschaap said:
Thank you, I used that site the last time I got into trouble. Do you or anyone know of a Mac site that will get me out of this rut. I won't have access to a PC for a few days and am anxious to set this tablet up.
Thank you for response,
David
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you were able to install using a Mac, then you should have no troubles setting things up again. Avoid toolkits if you can, especially during the early days where things are buggy.
If you put your tablet into fastboot though, you can get started by going ahead and running fastboot -w and then flashing the stock recovery images back on. Sure, you won't have root, but I've found that 1) root doesn't take super nicely unless you're already signed into the tablet anyway, and 2) regardless of 1), once your bootloader is unlocked you might as well get set up and then root afterwards.

Mine did the same thing. What I did to fix was:
1. Go into recovery and format data in the wipe menu.
2. Then factory reset.
3. Restart os.
This was posted by decksy post #11 in tutorial for unlock, recovery, and root thread so if it works thank him.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

G5 Plus Help unroot help!

Ok so I am just going to say I am a idiot and need some help. Please don't hate on me. I am not good with phone technology, but I followed directions to root my phone with TWRP & Magisk 12.0 and everything is working ok for the most part. The problem is I need a specific app to work for my job, but it fails to start due to the failed Safety Net. I would probably be able to figure out how to unroot it & relock the bootloader, but in my haste to root my phone, I did not backup the stock ROM image 1st. If anyone can help me figure out the next step to go back to a factory phone, I would forever be indebted to you. My specific model is an XT-1681 dual sim which I believe is from Brazil. I am in the US and not sure if I can use a different stock rom because I have tried searching to no avail. Please help if you can.
Thanks for your time.

There's a flash file for magisk which allows it to pass safety net. I saw it in the Lineage thread a few days back, but I don't know the exact origin.
Secondly, you can't relock the bootloader anyways. I don't know for sure if that in itself would cause safety net issues.

Karlinski said:
There's a flash file for magisk which allows it to pass safety net. I saw it in the Lineage thread a few days back, but I don't know the exact origin.
Secondly, you can't relock the bootloader anyways. I don't know for sure if that in itself would cause safety net issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate the response, but I was able to finally locate the stock rom from a site linked on here & flashed and relocked the bootloader using ADB. Basically my phone is stock again & working like I need it to. I tried hiding the app in Magisk, but was unsuccessful. So I guess this post can be locked.

ronefx said:
I appreciate the response, but I was able to finally locate the stock rom from a site linked on here & flashed and relocked the bootloader using ADB. Basically my phone is stock again & working like I need it to. I tried hiding the app in Magisk, but was unsuccessful. So I guess this post can be locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which phone version you have retin?
Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk