So, I *just* got an Evo. I mean just barely. While in the Sprint store, they ran the updates. That means that I have the newest OTA and an otherwise stock phone.
I've spent like 4 hours reading through stuff on here trying to wrap my head around everything. S-ON, S-OFF, ROM this, brick that... It's a little overwhelming. I'm a n00b, but not completely as I had rooted my Epic via ADB. (A painless process.)
So, now I'm trying to find out if root is possible with a stock phone with the OTA that they "graciously" installed for me. I'd like to at least take that step. Ideally I'd really like to try Fresh since apparently it's great, fast, and solid. But I'm having a heck of a time trying to find real info for n00bs that kind of walk a person through what everything means, how everything works, etc. Anyway...
My biggest question is can a stock/OTA'd phone be rooted yet? Thanks!
Go here...http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=787304
READ, READ, READ...then go for it. Then move on to a rooted ROM of choice.
Jim
Thanks! Between you & joeykrim on IRC I got it working. Pretty easy, actually. Don't notice any problems other than my battery has gone nuts since I rooted. Namely, Lost 10% in about 10 minutes and then charged it back up 5% and lost 20% over an hour at lunch. *shrug* Probably not related.
Just got a replacement Evo today and really wanna root and flash CM7 or MikFroyo, but my laptop is getting repaired and I was wondering if it was possible to root by downloading and flashing files right on the phone?? I know this is a longshot....lol....Please no flamers.....
I looked around for the same thing a while back before rooting and didn't have any luck. I think you need the computer. I'm pretty much a n00b so I could be more than wrong here.
Yeah, something like jailbreakme.com for the iphones. I hear ya. I haven't seen anything come up on any blogs, or anywhere on this forum. (and i assume they'd be among the first to know)
sorry mate!
Not as of yet, at least not permanently. There's a program called z4root but doesn't make it permanent. As soon as you reboot the phone it's back to stock. I'd just be patient and wait for your laptop. In the meantime keep doing your research and reading about the different problems you may run into, etc. That way you'll be prepped for almost anything. I read about rooting for about three months before actually doing it, best choice with the phone other than the initial purchase.
OK i cant believe nobody has gotten this phone rooted yet, is there at least a way to get temp root?
Only thing I can say is that it has only been out for a few days on US Cellular, not exactly a huge carrier; it might take some time to get root. There isn't even a subforum opened up yet which frankly would be a good first step.
use visionary to temp root. some have complained of random reboots after temp rooting but i haven't had that problem. works great.
Is this the correct place to get visionary?
android.modaco(dot)com/content/software/320350/19-nov-r14-visionary-one-click-root
Because everytime i run it it stays on the please wait screen for like 30 min, then i just shut it down: does it take a long time to temproot or something?
astriaos said:
Only thing I can say is that it has only been out for a few days on US Cellular, not exactly a huge carrier; it might take some time to get root. There isn't even a subforum opened up yet which frankly would be a good first step.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the folks over at PPC Geeks have generated enough buzz over the HTC Merge. There is now a dedicated subforum to discuss the Merge, how to root it, etc.
forum.ppcgeeks.com/htc-merge-lexikon/
Backstory: I have just switched over to Sprint from ATT, due to a growing need to save money on my family plan. As such, I had to sell my Nexus 4 and get an Optimus G (HTC One was sold out ) Picked this phone for it's extreme similarity to the N4, which I liked quite a bit. Brought home my new device and immediately set about rooting and unlocking it. I have been around this particular block many times since my first rooting and ROMing experience with the HD2 back in '10. I am relatively adept at this and don't typically get put off by it being more or less difficult than the last time. For example, I had an HTC Rezound that required a length or wire to touch two contact points together during a script run to unlock the bootloader. That was fun! Point is, this ain't my first rodeo. I researched the threads pretty thoroughly, and although I wanted to use shadow's AIO root/unlock, it sounded from the posts that it was outdated due to recent updates that hadn't been implemented. Sooooo, I went with engine's root/unlock. I followed the instructions carefully, installed and utilized Freegee(after running the rooting script, which was successful), got to the 'YAY' screen, and went about the reboot to recovery process, and poof! - brick city. What sucks is that I see all over where people have had seemingly the same problem (no boot past the LG splash screen). The thing is, everyone else seems to be able to get a download mode or fastboot or both, thereby making some form of 'recovery' possible, even without an actual recovery program being in place. I cannot. I was unable to do anything with the device, and after many hours of trying, I took the damn thing to Sprint and got another(always root and ROM on the first day, that way you can blame the crappy product instead of your crappy ability to follow directions ). Now, I have never been too proud to admit when I screw up, but I was very careful about reading and following the instructions and took my time. This isn't to say it couldn't still be user error; it almost always is. But, the fact that my problem was so similar to so many others, but no one else had documented a problem like mine really bugged me. Anyway, I got a new one and have been researching LGNPST and teenybins way of rooting/unlocking. I have already installed all the drivers and software and am ready to go. But, I gotta be honest, I am leery. I don't care about taking another phone back to Sprint, but just don't want the hassle. I am nervous because it seems that these devices are very finicky and there are many posts in all of the root/unlock threads with people who can't seem to get theirs handled. This is compounded by the fact that my friggin device refuses to go into either download mode or fastboot mode. I have followed the instructions for this as well (vol down and pwr for download - all three and plug at the same time for fastboot) I can't accomplish either task with this device. WTF. I have no problem doing the noobie dance if I am somehow screwing this process up, but I can't see how. I have some experience at this; I have owned an HD2, a Sensation 4G, a Rezound, a G2X, a GSII Skyrocket, a Nexus 4, and this. All have been rooted and unlocked successfully, except one of the LGs, see below. I have had issues getting this done before, but never like this. I also have some experience compiling builds, so I am not a pro by any means, but I have a pretty good idea how to go about these things when I change devices. What I would like is some factual and specific tips, steps, and/or advice. I have read all of the threads about these, so simply mirroring the current steps listed is not much help right now. I also have some questions, regardless of whether or not some of the 'purists' will troll my possibly noobie style thoughts :
Why the hell can't I get into download or fastboot? If this is something that is actually happening and not just my user error, it would definitely be a reason for unlock failure and potential bricking, right?
Is it absolutely neccesary to unlock after root? I know that the two almost always go hand-in-hand, but nevertheless I think it is a legitimate question.
Is this just a problem with LG devices? I had a G2X for about a week, and went through 3 of them trying to get the damn thing rooted and unlocked. I literally could not do it, and after the third one even TMobile was tired of it. The gave me a Sensation that I had rooted and ROMed in about an hour. I had no issues with my N4, and to be honest I was nervous as hell getting that badboy set up. smooth sailing....
I know that most eveyone swears by the LGNPST method, but there have been reported failures through this method as well. Can I get anything more than just opinion about the best way to accomplish this with a minimum of bloodshed?
I would appreciate as much advice and discussion as possible, because I can't be the only one and we have to be able to figure this out once and for all.........
One other question: Why the hell am I having so much trouble extracting the .bin files on my laptop? I have 7zip, archive manager, and winzip. All three have the settings refecting .bin files being formatted with each file manager, and none will recognize the .bin files. I have an HP DV7 dual-core, running W7 Ultimate. SOLVED: Desktop at work showed these files properly as .bin. Don't know why my laptop won't........
UPDATE: I was able to get into download mode by pressing both vol buttons while plugged in. I was also able to gain root using fiddy619s Universal root and held it after reboot. For all the good it does... can't use font installer. hmph. Can alter root files though, so progress is being made
UPDATE: I am able to get OEM system recovery by holding dn and pwr until 'buttons' light up, then releasing pwr but not dn until recovery shows. Still can't get anything from holding up and pwr. Tried unplugged and plugged in; no love. From what I have read, you HAVE to be able to access fastboot to be able to complete this process, sooooo........
BMP7777 said:
Backstory: I have just switched over to Sprint from ATT, due to a growing need to save money on my family plan. As such, I had to sell my Nexus 4 and get an Optimus G (HTC One was sold out ) Picked this phone for it's extreme similarity to the N4, which I liked quite a bit. Brought home my new device and immediately set about rooting and unlocking it. I have been around this particular block many times since my first rooting and ROMing experience with the HD2 back in '10. I am relatively adept at this and don't typically get put off by it being more or less difficult than the last time. For example, I had an HTC Rezound that required a length or wire to touch two contact points together during a script run to unlock the bootloader. That was fun! Point is, this ain't my first rodeo. I researched the threads pretty thoroughly, and although I wanted to use shadow's AIO root/unlock, it sounded from the posts that it was outdated due to recent updates that hadn't been implemented. Sooooo, I went with engine's root/unlock. I followed the instructions carefully, installed and utilized Freegee(after running the rooting script, which was successful), got to the 'YAY' screen, and went about the reboot to recovery process, and poof! - brick city. What sucks is that I see all over where people have had seemingly the same problem (no boot past the LG splash screen). The thing is, everyone else seems to be able to get a download mode or fastboot or both, thereby making some form of 'recovery' possible, even without an actual recovery program being in place. I cannot. I was unable to do anything with the device, and after many hours of trying, I took the damn thing to Sprint and got another(always root and ROM on the first day, that way you can blame the crappy product instead of your crappy ability to follow directions ). Now, I have never been too proud to admit when I screw up, but I was very careful about reading and following the instructions and took my time. This isn't to say it couldn't still be user error; it almost always is. But, the fact that my problem was so similar to so many others, but no one else had documented a problem like mine really bugged me. Anyway, I got a new one and have been researching LGNPST and teenybins way of rooting/unlocking. I have already installed all the drivers and software and am ready to go. But, I gotta be honest, I am leery. I don't care about taking another phone back to Sprint, but just don't want the hassle. I am nervous because it seems that these devices are very finicky and there are many posts in all of the root/unlock threads with people who can't seem to get theirs handled. This is compounded by the fact that my friggin device refuses to go into either download mode or fastboot mode. I have followed the instructions for this as well (vol down and pwr for download - all three and plug at the same time for fastboot) I can't accomplish either task with this device. WTF. I have no problem doing the noobie dance if I am somehow screwing this process up, but I can't see how. I have some experience at this; I have owned an HD2, a Sensation 4G, a Rezound, a G2X, a GSII Skyrocket, a Nexus 4, and this. All have been rooted and unlocked successfully, except one of the LGs, see below. I have had issues getting this done before, but never like this. I also have some experience compiling builds, so I am not a pro by any means, but I have a pretty good idea how to go about these things when I change devices. What I would like is some factual and specific tips, steps, and/or advice. I have read all of the threads about these, so simply mirroring the current steps listed is not much help right now. I also have some questions, regardless of whether or not some of the 'purists' will troll my possibly noobie style thoughts :
Why the hell can't I get into download or fastboot? If this is something that is actually happening and not just my user error, it would definitely be a reason for unlock failure and potential bricking, right?
Is it absolutely neccesary to unlock after root? I know that the two almost always go hand-in-hand, but nevertheless I think it is a legitimate question.
Is this just a problem with LG devices? I had a G2X for about a week, and went through 3 of them trying to get the damn thing rooted and unlocked. I literally could not do it, and after the third one even TMobile was tired of it. The gave me a Sensation that I had rooted and ROMed in about an hour. I had no issues with my N4, and to be honest I was nervous as hell getting that badboy set up. smooth sailing....
I know that most eveyone swears by the LGNPST method, but there have been reported failures through this method as well. Can I get anything more than just opinion about the best way to accomplish this with a minimum of bloodshed?
I would appreciate as much advice and discussion as possible, because I can't be the only one and we have to be able to figure this out once and for all.........
One other question: Why the hell am I having so much trouble extracting the .bin files on my laptop? I have 7zip, archive manager, and winzip. All three have the settings refecting .bin files being formatted with each file manager, and none will recognize the .bin files. I have an HP DV7 dual-core, running W7 Ultimate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to the Optimus G. It sounds like you got a phone that needs the "Special Unlock". This is not a method available to the general public. You will need to go to IRC and ask Shelnutt2 for it. Good luck!
Stories like this make me not want to root/unlock.
I know the basics, but I dont know much beyond that. I would feel pretty stranded if some sort of soft-brick, etc occurred.
Rooting my OG EVO was simple as simple could get.
Mindspin_311 said:
Stories like this make me not want to root/unlock.
I know the basics, but I dont know much beyond that. I would feel pretty stranded if some sort of soft-brick, etc occurred.
Rooting my OG EVO was simple as simple could get.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm just as nervous, but I'm not gonna let this damn thing get the best of me. Already made some progress. As I figure it out, I plan to offer another listing for how to accomplish this goal. I don't think we need YET ANOTHER thread about it though. Probably ask one of the others to add whatever makes mine work to their existing OP. I think part of the problem is too many different ways to do this that are only verified as working by a few; or many up until a recent time. Maybe the latest LG update is part of it as well.....
I know this feel all too well. On my third LGOG and I was able to properly rot/unlock. I'm more of a visual learner so learning using text only was a pain in my ass(weird right?) But I am way to skeptical to flash a new ROM and the ROM I want to use(Paranoid Android) was just recently ported so I'll stick with Stock rooted for now.
KUmike said:
Welcome to the Optimus G. It sounds like you got a phone that needs the "Special Unlock". This is not a method available to the general public. You will need to go to IRC and ask Shelnutt2 for it. Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually not anymore, since I rewrote the freegee app, it's built into it. On the main screen press menu -> sbl unlock. Follow the directions, read everything, then after you enter the code, unlock like normal. This method is guarnteeed to always work, however there is some additional risks involved and only a small subset of optimusg owners need it, that is why it is not the default method.
BMP777 said:
vol down and pwr for download - all three and plug at the same time for fastboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is wrong, it's vol up + vol down + have the usb plugged in + power and they will get you to download mode. Fastboot mode is only avaliable when unlocked and that is vol down + power .
Tried the Freegee again but the softbrick was the result. I didn't find the sbl unlock, it must be in the paid version. Waiting for a new bank card to come in the mail is the only reason I haven't coughed up the buck. Was able to get into download mode easily and restore using LGNPST. No fastboot or recovery access though......back to the drawing board. Makes me wonder if the last one was really broken or I was too dumb to figure it out.
BMP7777 said:
Tried the Freegee again but the softbrick was the result. I didn't find the sbl unlock, it must be in the paid version. Waiting for a new bank card to come in the mail is the only reason I haven't coughed up the buck. Was able to get into download mode easily and restore using LGNPST. No fastboot or recovery access though......back to the drawing board. Makes me wonder if the last one was really broken or I was too dumb to figure it out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe the SBL unlock method in the freegee app is there, you just have to hit the menu button (I think).
Ran LGNPST again and acheived unlock. Good to go.
BMP7777 said:
Ran LGNPST again and acheived unlock. Good to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to hear it, and fyi as in the description on the play store, the free and paid versions are 100% the same minus the name change.
I was considering trading my Note 2 for two OG's but reading this scares me a lil. Is it really that bad to root this thing?
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app
RayTrue04 said:
I was considering trading my Note 2 for two OG's but reading this scares me a lil. Is it really that bad to root this thing?
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope not at all. Rooting and unlocking is pretty easy for 99% of the phones out there.
Shelnutt2 said:
Nope not at all. Rooting and unlocking is pretty easy for 99% of the phones out there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you ever owned an Evo? Rooting and unlocking is not always easy lol
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app
RayTrue04 said:
Have you ever owned an Evo? Rooting and unlocking is not always easy lol
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By phones I was meaning optimus g's
Sent from my LG-LS970 using xda app-developers app
Rooting this device is easy. Unlocking was a bit more detailed but in the end, just as easy. Still not certain if my issues were genuine or user error, but I will assume it was me. Make sure you read the instructions over and over before you begin. I have been doing this for a long time so I may have gotten caught up in thinking I knew all there was to know and not paying close enough attention to the details. Thanks to fiddy619, engine95, and especially Shellnutt2 for making these tools and taking time to offer assistance. Use fiddys tool for rooting, then buy and install Freegee for unlocking. If you have issues with Freegee, use the two-button plug method of accessing download mode(press and hold both volume buttons while plugging in the USB), and then use the LGNPST tool with teenybins for unlocking and/or repairs. These are the steps that worked for me without hassle; your experience may vary......
I'll just put this simply. I've got a splitting headache and I've been staring at various web pages for hours trying to (unsuccessfully) unlock the bootloader on my g4 so I can install twrp and root the thing. I'm about ready to kill someone. don't know who, nobody is around.
anyway.. I need a guide on how to transform my LG G4 US99120c US Cellular mobile device running Android 6.0 Marshmallow from a battery-draining eyeball-paining bright white piece of techno-trash into a rooted device with custom recovery that I can use on a regular basis without experiencing severe migraines because I can't delete stuff off the SD card due to carriers being pricks about released phones.
yes, I've tried google. Yes, I've tried searching the forums. If I hadn't done that already I wouldn't be posting here. please don't waste my time with "try the search feature".. I'm here because this is my last viable option for getting the damn thing working right. Please don't just link me to some random instruction manual either. I have bad luck with links.
If anyone does write me with help, write it for an idiot. Normally I'm pretty good at picking things up quickly but I seem to have come down with something the past couple days so I'm also a bit under the weather.. right around the idiot quotient.
I don't want to downgrade, I don't want to install half a dozen things or flash my whatchamacallit (got arrested last time I did that). I want to root the device, and possibly install xposed so I can change everything thats sharp white to a dull black. I do not want to do anything else at all but make calls, text, watch vids, listen to music and play the occasional game.
Thank you very much for your time, and a colossal chunk of gratitude for anyone who wants to take up this task.
FTR: I'm a former samsung user, so if you need to make comparisons I suggest using those. I'll understand 'em.
Jofreidr said:
I'll just put this simply. I've got a splitting headache and I've been staring at various web pages for hours trying to (unsuccessfully) unlock the bootloader on my g4 so I can install twrp and root the thing. I'm about ready to kill someone. don't know who, nobody is around.
anyway.. I need a guide on how to transform my LG G4 US99120c US Cellular mobile device running Android 6.0 Marshmallow from a battery-draining eyeball-paining bright white piece of techno-trash into a rooted device with custom recovery that I can use on a regular basis without experiencing severe migraines because I can't delete stuff off the SD card due to carriers being pricks about released phones.
yes, I've tried google. Yes, I've tried searching the forums. If I hadn't done that already I wouldn't be posting here. please don't waste my time with "try the search feature".. I'm here because this is my last viable option for getting the damn thing working right. Please don't just link me to some random instruction manual either. I have bad luck with links.
If anyone does write me with help, write it for an idiot. Normally I'm pretty good at picking things up quickly but I seem to have come down with something the past couple days so I'm also a bit under the weather.. right around the idiot quotient.
I don't want to downgrade, I don't want to install half a dozen things or flash my whatchamacallit (got arrested last time I did that). I want to root the device, and possibly install xposed so I can change everything thats sharp white to a dull black. I do not want to do anything else at all but make calls, text, watch vids, listen to music and play the occasional game.
Thank you very much for your time, and a colossal chunk of gratitude for anyone who wants to take up this task.
FTR: I'm a former samsung user, so if you need to make comparisons I suggest using those. I'll understand 'em.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ill lay it on wasy for you......... you cant unlock bootloader. you cant install twrp and you cant root MM. not unless bootloader unlocked. wich your phone cant be unlocked..
root only on locked bootloader on LP.
there isnt a way and there will never be one.. to bypass and be able to install twrp..
well that explains why fastboot refuses to acknowledge the existence of the phone. I guess.
never say never tho m8, geohot should be proof enough of that for you. looks like I can't downgrade either.
guess I'll have to stick with my s5.
Jofreidr said:
well that explains why fastboot refuses to acknowledge the existence of the phone. I guess.
never say never tho m8, geohot should be proof enough of that for you. looks like I can't downgrade either.
guess I'll have to stick with my s5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there was a bounty of like 3000 dollars to whoever unlock it.. no one did it.. i said i might never be one.. thats waht everyone says samething.