Are you a fierce Android fan with your fingers firmly in Google’s latest super handset, and you’re chomping at the opportunity to get it to root. Here’s how.
If you’re among those lucky ones who obtained the Nexus 4, the first thing to do is give yourself a happy feeling of contentment as result LG seems to be not being able to keep up with the overwhelming demand. However, it appears to be improving a bit.
The next thing you need to do, as an unrelenting Android lover, is to gain control of your new device with rooting. Rooting is basically like getting administrator access. You are able to play with different settings, install powerful apps, and, perhaps best is to flash your phone with custom ROMs that allow users to completely alter the way that your phone functions.
The drawback is that rooting voids your warranty. As usual, CNET can’t be held accountable for any damage that you cause to your new smartphone by following this guideline and you do it on your own responsibility.
The process of rooting differs slightly for every Android device however, generally, you’ll unlock the bootloader first, then utilize your PC for rooting the phone by using specific software. To perform the procedure we’ve described below, you’ll require a Nexus 4 (obviously), an operating system on your PC that runs Windows, and a USB micro-USB cable.
It is also necessary to download the most recent version of the Android SDK and CF-Auto-Root by Chainfire.
Backup your phone
Before we get started we must remember one important aspect that you must bear in mind unlocking the bootloader on your phone erases all information saved in its memory, so if you’ve important photos, music or videos, or even secret plans for an explosive weapon of mass destruction ensure you’ve backed these before proceeding with this procedure.
Enable USB debugging
This is necessary to make sure that your naive Nexus 4 allows the software that you’re about to install to work its magic. This option is available within the Nexus 4 developer menu -that’s hidden within Android 4.2 to stop simple mortals from messing around with settings.
Google isn’t making it difficult to find it by simply going to the Settings menu of your phone and selecting the ‘About Phone option. The ‘Build Number’ will be displayed among the information pieces that you tap seven times, and the developer’s options will appear. Cool! After you’ve got them, ensure that you enable the USB Debugging option is checked.
Install and download the Android SDK
Is the Android SDK that contains all of the USB drivers that are required for your PC to connect with the device. Install and download the SDK prior to doing anything else, since your computer might not recognize your phone in other ways.
Copy CF-AutoRoo to your computer
Download the CF-Auto-Root zip file that you downloaded earlier, and copy the contents onto your computer. Keep track of the exact location because you’ll require this in a moment.
Put your Nexus 4 into fastboot mode
Shut off the phone totally. Set the phone into fastboot mode by pressing the volume up and power buttons simultaneously. The display will come on with an enticing, welcoming “Start” message. Press the buttons to connect the phone to your computer by using the micro-USB connector.
Windows should detect your Nexus 4 and begin installing the drivers that you need with Android SDK. Android SDK.
Start CF-Auto-Root
Remember CF-Auto-Root? Find the location you downloaded it on your PC and then start the folder. Find that Root Windows .exe file and double-click it to start your rooting procedure.
Enjoy your rooted Nexus 4
Once the rooting process has been completed, it is important to examine whether your phone is running the SuperSU application running This is a sign that your phone has been rooted. If it’s not installed You can get that app via the Google Play market here.
