Develop Bugs

[GUIDE] Rooting AND Unrooting NS4G using a Mac

I’ve compiled this information, found elsewhere, in order to make it easier for Mac users with the Nexus S 4g. I’ve simply combined BuglessPete’s Instructions for Rooting/Unrooting on the NS4g, with kenvan19’s Guide to Root on a Mac. All credit goes to them and the sources they cited in their original threads. Any errors here are my own. This method worked for me. The only change I’ve made is to link to the most recent version of Clockwork Recovery.
[NOTE: If Pete prefers, this information can be incorporated into his original thread, and a Mod can delete this]
Warning: If you break your phone trying this, I am not responsible. I do not guarantee that the following is safe or that the steps are correct. Rooting your phone voids the warranty. I have no responsibility for anything that occurs as a result of your following these directions! I cannot provide any support nor guide you in undoing this process and restoring the phone to factory condition.
This process will wipe your phone. Ie, you will lose all your apps/data on your phone and have to reinstall them. It will also wipe your external storage, so back that up prior to proceeding if you want to keep anything.
1) Download this file and unzip it to your desktop (Inside you'll find all the files you need to proceed including "adb", "fastboot", "recovery-clockwork-3.0.0.5-crespo.img", and "su-2.3.6.1-ef-signed.zip"). Immediately delete "recovery-clockwork-3.0.0.5-crespo.img." You’ll replace it with the new version.
2) Download Clockwork 4.0.0.2 (****MAKE SURE YOU SELECT ONE OF THE NS4G VERSIONS*****) in the color of your choosing. Move the file into the adb-fastboot folder you created in Step 1.
3) On your phone, go to Menu>Settings>Applications. Select "Development" and check the box next to "USB debugging"
4) Connect the phone to your Mac via the USB cable
5) Open a Terminal window on your Mac (Applications>Utilities>Terminal), and copy/paste the following into the Terminal:
Code:
~/Desktop/adb-fastboot/adb reboot bootloader
Hit "Return" and wait for your phone to reboot into Bootloader/Fastboot mode
5) If your Bootloader screen says "LOCK STATE - UNLOCKED" then skip to Step 6. If it says "LOCK STATE - LOCKED" then copy/paste the following into the Terminal:
Code:
~/Desktop/adb-fastboot/fastboot oem unlock
Hit "Return" and on your phone will prompt you to confirm and warn you that you are going to lose everything. Confirm. At this point you will have an unlocked bootloader.
6) Copy/paste the following into the Terminal window (***Change the file name to the appropriate color***):
Code:
~/Desktop/adb-fastboot/fastboot flash recovery ~/Desktop/adb-fastboot/ns4g-4002-COLOR.img
Hit "Return" again and wait for recovery to boot.
For the following steps while in Recovery, use "Volume Down" to highlight a selection and "Power" to choose that selection:
8) Choose "mounts and storage"
9) Choose "mount USB storage". Your phone should now be mounted on the Mac as a Device called "NO NAME"
10) Move the zip file "su-2.3.6.1-ef-signed.zip" from the "adb-fastboot" folder to the "NO NAME" Device on you computer.
11) Eject/unmount your phone in the Finder on your Mac.
12) On your phone, choose "Unmount"
13) Choose "mount /system"
14) Choose "+++++Go Back+++++"
15) Choose "install zip from sdcard"
16) Choose "choose zip from sdcard"
17) Choose "su-2.3.6.1-ef-signed.zip"
Some people with new Nexus S' are finding that the file discussed in the following steps does not exist. If you cannot find it but can still reboot into Clock Work Recovery Mod then don't worry, you're still rooted and fine!
At this point you have root, but your phone will continue to replace ClockworkMod Recovery on reboot. To prevent this, do the following:
1) Reboot your phone, and download the app "Root Explorer" from the Market
2) Open Root Explorer and navigate to the "etc" directory.
3) Tap on the gray box that says "Mount R/W"
4) Tap and hold on the file "install-recovery.sh" and rename this file to "install-recovery.sh.old"
5) Download the app "ROM Manager"
6) Open ROM Manager and choose "Flash ClockworkMod Recovery". At this point you are all set.
To Unroot and Return to Stock:
1) Download Stock GRJ22 Software Images.
2) Unzip the files, and place the images into the adb-fastboot folder you created on your desktop above.
3) Open a terminal and use the following commands:
Code:
~/Desktop/adb-fastboot/adb reboot bootloader
4) Wait for bootloader to reboot on phone.
5) Then, in terminal use the following commands:
Code:
~/Desktop/adb-fastboot/fastboot flash boot ~/Desktop/adb-fastboot/boot.img
~/Desktop/adb-fastboot/fastboot flash system ~/Desktop/adb-fastboot/system.img
~/Desktop/adb-fastboot/fastboot flash recovery ~/Desktop/adb-fastboot/recovery.img
~/Desktop/adb-fastboot/fastboot flash userdata ~/Desktop/adb-fastboot/userdata.img
~/Desktop/adb-fastboot/fastboot erase cache
~/Desktop/adb-fastboot/fastboot oem lock
6) Reboot to System, and you should be returned to Stock, Unrooted GRJ22.

hey i just rooted the phone. I can't see the install file in root explorer and I can't boot into the recovery anymore. what do i do?

nevermind i got it

Root explorer will not let me make /etc R/W. I press the gray button that says "Remount as R/W" but nothing happens

hmpm9 said:
Root explorer will not let me make /etc R/W. I press the gray button that says "Remount as R/W" but nothing happens
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure if you're reading the instructions correctly. You don't create /etc R/W.
In root explorer go to /etc directory and click on "Mount R/W" then rename the install file.
If there is a remount option, you probably already mounted.

Awesome thanks.

This is great, thanks. Is anyone having success? I have to wait until after work to do this.

hmpm9 said:
Root explorer will not let me make /etc R/W. I press the gray button that says "Remount as R/W" but nothing happens
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some root apps require BusyBox in order to work properly.
Edit: I think nandroid backup and BusyBox install should be part of every proper root guide.

FYI: The second steps 1-6 are ONLY necessary if clockwork recovery doesn't stick.
I didn't have to use these steps myself.
To see if it stuck, turn phone off. Then hold Volume UP + Power to enter bootloader. Then enter recovery, if it enters Clockwork Recovery. You're fine, and you don't need to do the second steps 1-6.
-Nick

Thanks man, just unrooted my phone to return it for the e3d. Worked absolutely flawlessly. Great write up.

Worked to unroot. Had to give it a couple tries but got it to work. Thanks for the great tutorial!

Thank you, It took me 5 mins and I now have root on my NS4G!!!

2) Download Clockwork 4.0.0.2 (****MAKE SURE YOU SELECT ONE OF THE NS4G VERSIONS*****) in the color of your choosing. Move the file into the adb-fastboot folder you created in Step 1.
Im not able to download this file... I tried all three... and it keeps saying Mounting Failed.
What am I doing wrong?
PLEASE HELP!!!! Im new to rooting... Im tired of paying people to do the rooting for me I want to learn on my own...
Thank you.

Lokario90 said:
2) Download Clockwork 4.0.0.2 (****MAKE SURE YOU SELECT ONE OF THE NS4G VERSIONS*****) in the color of your choosing. Move the file into the adb-fastboot folder you created in Step 1.
Im not able to download this file... I tried all three... and it keeps saying Mounting Failed.
What am I doing wrong?
PLEASE HELP!!!! Im new to rooting... Im tired of paying people to do the rooting for me I want to learn on my own...
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can see that as giving back to the economy in one way...

I could swear when i rooted early this morning on my virgin NS4G, it was 3.0.something and now i see it is now 4.0.something. Anyway i had to get inventive as the SD card would not mount on my Mac when i got to that part. Basically rebooted normally to reg Android, transferred SU to SD card(it mounted then) and got back to the step to flash SU. Did that manually, got a hold of ROM manager and all's well.
Only issue is that more often than not it still boots to the blue recovery and not CWM, and sometimes the Android guy with yellow rectangle. When that happens, i connect to Mac via USB and get to CWM via terminal.
But on the whole, ROM manager is a saviour. Been playing with MIUI rom now and it's impressive.
I assume the right way to boot into CWM is to hold down volume key and power key at the same time?

Trying to unroot to send it back for a replacement. At "~/Desktop/adb-fastboot/adb reboot bootloader" I'm getting "error: device not found." It's driving me bat****. Any ideas?

jckeyser - I know it might sound stupid but did u try a different usb cable? i just came across same issue as you. was unable to get my device to show up. Turns out cable i was using for some reason wasn't working with NS4G. It was my old Palm Pre cable. i swapped my cable for one that came with my kindle and device immediately showed up without any problems

jckeyser said:
Trying to unroot to send it back for a replacement. At "~/Desktop/adb-fastboot/adb reboot bootloader" I'm getting "error: device not found." It's driving me bat****. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're missing a dash. It's
adb reboot-bootloader
.
Or you could boot into fastboot by powering on using volumeUp+Power.

2.3.5
Hey guys, just got the NS4G yesterday and want to root using this method. The best buy associate updated me from 2.3.4 to 2.3.5 without my knowledge and I was curious if this method would still work. If not, is there one that will.
Thanks

techdude54 said:
Hey guys, just got the NS4G yesterday and want to root using this method. The best buy associate updated me from 2.3.4 to 2.3.5 without my knowledge and I was curious if this method would still work. If not, is there one that will.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it will work just fine.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using XDA App

[Q] stuck in CWM 5.5.0.4, how can I install CWM Touch 6.0.1.2 ?

I install CWM5.5.0.4 through this method team epics webiste, how do I update to CWM Touch 6.0.1.2 ? I try download image file from here clockworkmod and rename img to tar? then using odin every time it says succeed, but when I reboot still 5.5.0.4

occafian aerfact
ecgz88 said:
I install CWM5.5.0.4 through this method team epics webiste, how do I update to CWM Touch 6.0.1.2 ? I try download image file from here clockworkmod and rename img to tar? then using odin every time it says succeed, but when I reboot still 5.5.0.4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure you have the right image, stick it in the root of your sdcard. I assume you have rooted your device. Sooo, download the correct image, then do the following.
Download Terminal Emulator
Open it
Run the following commands:
su (this should grant you superuser access, if it doesn't, well, you have other issues)
dd if=/sdcard/recovery.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p18
Change the recovery.img to whatever the image you put on your sdcard was (or just rename it to recovery.img, whatever makes you happy).
It takes a couple of seconds, but it should just write it on in there. If you did it properly, you should be able to boot in to CWM Touch. If not, well, you'll have to put something new in there. I did this to install an AT&T recovery image on my Telus S3. Your mileage may vary, and I take no responsibility for it destroying your phone or your home.

touch version is not available yet only the stander one is for 6
you can refer to the following thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1877761
a flashable zip update was made by billard412
or the method mention above will work just rename the file to recovery.img place it under internal sd card / and run the command via terminal

I did the Terminal Emulator thing before post and put all the commands but it said recovery.img cannot find, I'm using the file name recovery-clockwork-6.0.1.2-d2att.img download from clockworkmod website and rename to recovery.img
toxictaru said:
Make sure you have the right image, stick it in the root of your sdcard. I assume you have rooted your device. Sooo, download the correct image, then do the following.
Download Terminal Emulator
Open it
Run the following commands:
su (this should grant you superuser access, if it doesn't, well, you have other issues)
dd if=/sdcard/recovery.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p18
Change the recovery.img to whatever the image you put on your sdcard was (or just rename it to recovery.img, whatever makes you happy).
It takes a couple of seconds, but it should just write it on in there. If you did it properly, you should be able to boot in to CWM Touch. If not, well, you'll have to put something new in there. I did this to install an AT&T recovery image on my Telus S3. Your mileage may vary, and I take no responsibility for it destroying your phone or your home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Question about installing custom recovery

If I have a stock rooted gs3 currently running ICS and stock recovery, can I just download goo manager or ROM manager and use that app to install the custom recovery?
Or if I'm on stock recovery is Odin the only way to install a custom recovery?
Thanks.
-Sent from my Nexus 7.-

Ya
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

Yes u can
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

I think u need root ti install custom roms.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

phositadc said:
If I have a stock rooted gs3 currently running ICS and stock recovery, can I just download goo manager or ROM manager and use that app to install the custom recovery?
Or if I'm on stock recovery is Odin the only way to install a custom recovery?
Thanks.
-Sent from my Nexus 7.-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you are rooted.... forget everything you know about installing recoveries and follow this instruction here:
download the clockworkmod, or any recovery you want... download it straight from it's source site, so like clockworkmod.com, wherever... you are looking for the .img file of the recovery, not the .tar....
let's assume it is named "cwm.img" ... with me so far? put that file on your sdcard of your device, not the external sd card.... and put don't put it in any folders or anything, just download it, put it on your sd card... ready? here comes the easy part
download this app... https://play.google.com/store/apps/...251bGwsMSwxLDMsImphY2twYWwuYW5kcm9pZHRlcm0iXQ..
open the app, and type these commands for successssss (after each 1 of these command lines, you must hit enter)
su (it will ask for root permission, grant it, your "$" icon will change to "#")
dd if=/sdcard/cwm.img of=/dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.1/by-name/recovery (you should see an output)
reboot recovery
you are now in your new recovery.

This is way too complicated. Try this --> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1999922
cobraboy85 said:
you are rooted.... forget everything you know about installing recoveries and follow this instruction here:
download the clockworkmod, or any recovery you want... download it straight from it's source site, so like clockworkmod.com, wherever... you are looking for the .img file of the recovery, not the .tar....
let's assume it is named "cwm.img" ... with me so far? put that file on your sdcard of your device, not the external sd card.... and put don't put it in any folders or anything, just download it, put it on your sd card... ready? here comes the easy part
download this app... https://play.google.com/store/apps/...251bGwsMSwxLDMsImphY2twYWwuYW5kcm9pZHRlcm0iXQ..
open the app, and type these commands for successssss (after each 1 of these command lines, you must hit enter)
su (it will ask for root permission, grant it, your "$" icon will change to "#")
dd if=/sdcard/cwm.img of=/dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.1/by-name/recovery (you should see an output)
reboot recovery
you are now in your new recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Clockworkmod recovery questions

I'm running cwm recovery 5. Something. I'm sorry I forgot the specific build. But I want to update to build 6 touch. I downloaded cwm manager and it doesn't support i747m. Only metropcs s3. I downloaded the img file from clockworkmod. But now I have no idea on how to update my recovery. I tried using flashify app because it says it can flash images. But in the end it just broke my recovery so I had to use mobile Odin to flash back the old recovery

cj95zz said:
I'm running cwm recovery 5. Something. I'm sorry I forgot the specific build. But I want to update to build 6 touch. I downloaded cwm manager and it doesn't support i747m. Only metropcs s3. I downloaded the img file from clockworkmod. But now I have no idea on how to update my recovery. I tried using flashify app because it says it can flash images. But in the end it just broke my recovery so I had to use mobile Odin to flash back the old recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Follow these steps exactly and you will have the latest CWM running.
1) Download correct Clockworkmod (touch or regular as you wish) for your device from http://www.clockworkmod.com/rommanager
2) Rename it to recovery.IMG and place it at the root of your internal sdcard
3) Download and install terminal emulator from the Play Store
4) Run the terminal and
type: su (press enter)
Then type: dd if=/sdcard/recovery.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p18 (press enter)
Don't mess up the command or you WILL brick your phone.
5) Enjoy your Clockworkmod.

A little easier way is to use "mobile odin" (from the play store) and flash the recovery image from there.
Avoids the possibility of making a typing error.

[Q] Help! Edited settings.db now phone won't boot?

I am running a T-Mobile Note 3, stock rom, rooted. I wanted to get unrestricted wifi tethering by following a thread that has you edit the settings.db. Before editing it I not only made a backup copy but I also renamed the settings.db in the original location to .bk. I edited the settings.db with SQLite, saved it and overwrote the original. After rebooting I'm just stuck at a t-mobile logo.
So my question is how can I now erase that and rename the backup?
First try:
I'm in recovery but no devices are listed. Bummer.
Second try:
In recovery I pick "apply update from ADB". Now my device is listed but you cannot 'adb shell' from that mode.
What else can I try? Is there a way to make a sideload.zip that will restore my settings.db so I don't have to restore the entire phone?
Update:
Now I'm trying to create my own update.zip to sideload. So far I have been unable to get the file signed.

Where is the thread you are following
TWEAKED N3

This thread in this forum: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2467193 which links you over to this thread (another forum) http://forum.xda-developers.com/google-nexus-5/help/nexus-5-tethering-block-t2512674/page8.
The next thing I tried was to flash CWM using Odin. I thought CWM would let me use adb shell in recovery since the stock recovery doesn't. I flashed with Odin and then I could't get into recovery at all, awesome.
Finally I downloaded TWRP and flashed it with Odin. This time it worked and I could boot into recovery. In recovery I used adb to go to my settings.db file and I saw that the permissions were root:root instead of system:system. I chowned it and now I am back up and running!

pcm2a said:
This thread in this forum: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2467193 which links you over to this thread (another forum) http://forum.xda-developers.com/google-nexus-5/help/nexus-5-tethering-block-t2512674/page8.
The next thing I tried was to flash CWM using Odin. I thought CWM would let me use adb shell in recovery since the stock recovery doesn't. I flashed with Odin and then I could't get into recovery at all, awesome.
Finally I downloaded TWRP and flashed it with Odin. This time it worked and I could boot into recovery. In recovery I used adb to go to my settings.db file and I saw that the permissions were root:root instead of system:system. I chowned it and now I am back up and running!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
glad you got it working. that thing sent you all over the place. not a good thread.