Database Develop

[How-To] Root and unlock the bootloader of the Nexus 4/5 without wiping data

This is a tutorial on how to root and unlock the bootloader of the nexus 4 without wiping any data!
Note: I'm not responsible for any damage on your phone! You choose to do these modifications and you are responsible for any problems!
I tested this on Android 4.4.3, but you may try it on other android versions, too. Please report if it works
Devices you can root using this app:
- Nexus 4: 4.4.3, 4.4.4
- Nexus 5, 4.4.3
1. Install the towelroot app (xda thread) from the project site! Please thank geohot, he made this possible!
2. Open the app and click on "make it ra1n"
3. Wait 15 seconds and the phone will reboot!
Congratulations! Your phone is rooted now!
4. Install either SuperSu or Superuser
a) In the app update your binary the "normal way" (without a custom recovery)
b)
1. Install BootUnlocker for nexus devices to unlock your bootloader! In the app, click "unlock" to unlock it!
2. Now you are able to install a custom recovery like TWRP or cwm
3. Boot up your system again, open SuperSu or Superuser and update the binary (using "TWRP/CWM")
This is it! You're rooted now and you can easily unlock/relock your bootloader using the BootUnlocker app without wiping any data
Note: This was not my work! I just wrote down some steps to root and unlock
How to unroot:
1. Reflash the stock recovery image/stock kernel/etc (only necessary if you are running a custom kernel/recovery/etc)
2. Open BootUnlocker and lock the bootloader. Now you are able to uninstall the app!
3. Open SuperSu -> Settings -> Full unroot. This will unroot your phone and the app will automatically be uninstalled.
4. Reboot and done

noob clarifications
Hey, came across your post in another post where you mentioned this method would prevent the posibility of the phone being wiped when unlocked + rooted via "traditional" methods using a PC w SDK etc. Phone at present is locked, unrooted stock Nexus 4 kitkat 4.4.4 stock.
Just wanted to clarify a few points since this is the first time I've come across a method where the phone is rooted and unlocked from within itself (I've rooted and unlocked a HTC desire back in my heydays).
--- Do I need to unlock the phone if I just want to change the kernel from stock to the Matr1x kernel? (I had taken unlocking as a given as it was the first step in every guide - there is no mention of steps on how to actually install the kernel but I was going to research that process once root and unlock was done successfully)
--- Any chance you can give steps on updating the binary the 'normal' way? (never done this before)
--- How do you install CWM using your method? Again, I have only seen it being installed via command lines from the PC
Apologies in advance for the dumb questions but searched and couldn't find any clear answers for those steps that I'm not understanding

salxtai said:
Hey, came across your post in another post where you mentioned this method would prevent the posibility of the phone being wiped when unlocked + rooted via "traditional" methods using a PC w SDK etc. Phone at present is locked, unrooted stock Nexus 4 kitkat 4.4.4 stock.
Just wanted to clarify a few points since this is the first time I've come across a method where the phone is rooted and unlocked from within itself (I've rooted and unlocked a HTC desire back in my heydays).
--- Do I need to unlock the phone if I just want to change the kernel from stock to the Matr1x kernel? (I had taken unlocking as a given as it was the first step in every guide - there is no mention of steps on how to actually install the kernel but I was going to research that process once root and unlock was done successfully)
--- Any chance you can give steps on updating the binary the 'normal' way? (never done this before)
--- How do you install CWM using your method? Again, I have only seen it being installed via command lines from the PC
Apologies in advance for the dumb questions but searched and couldn't find any clear answers for those steps that I'm not understanding
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. To flash a kernel you have to unlock your bootloader, that's right. You just flash it using your PC and fastboot, there are many guides on how to do that
2. If your phone is rooted and you have SuperSU installed there'll be a popup and it'll tell you to update the binary before using the app. You are able to select the "normal" way then without a recovery
3. You can install CWM/TWRP using your PC in fastboot mode!
No problem, just ask :good:

Can the usual commandline methods for other things be used after this?

PGvossman said:
Can the usual commandline methods for other things be used after this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you mean fastboot commands for example to flash another kernel/recovery/etc, yes! There's no difference between unlocking using this method or another "old" one, but this one doesn't wipe data

PGvossman said:
Can the usual commandline methods for other things be used after this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes. can also be used flashify to flash recovery.img without PC

I think I'll give it a try then (assuming there's no risk of bricking my phone or doing irreversible damage). On that subject, is there an easy way to lock the bootloader and unroot?

PGvossman said:
I think I'll give it a try then (assuming there's no risk of bricking my phone or doing irreversible damage). On that subject, is there an easy way to lock the bootloader and unroot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check the OP, there are already the steps given to unroot and relock

mihahn said:
I tested this on Android 4.4.3, but you may try it on other android versions, too. Please report if it works
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tested this on Android 4.4.4... it works fine!
Note: with TowelRoot v3 it isn't necessary reboot, but when I've tried to update SuperSu it fails so reboot and that's all
Thanks so much!

I apologize for asking so many questions but what exactly is "updating the binaries". Is that just for the app itself or does it do something to the phone?

PGvossman said:
I apologize for asking so many questions but what exactly is "updating the binaries". Is that just for the app itself or does it do something to the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It updates the superuser binary that got installed by Towelroot I guess

will this method work on the nexus 5?

mihahn said:
This is a tutorial on how to root and unlock the bootloader of the nexus 4 without wiping any data!
Note: I'm not responsible for any damage on your phone! You choose to do these modifications and you are responsible for any problems!
I tested this on Android 4.4.3, but you may try it on other android versions, too. Please report if it works
1. Install the towelroot app (xda thread) from the project site! Please thank geohot, he made this possible!
2. Open the app and click on "make it ra1n"
3. Wait 15 seconds and the phone will reboot!
Congratulations! Your phone is rooted now!
4. Install either SuperSu or Superuser
F
a) In the app update your binary the "normal way" (without a custom recovery)
b)
1. Install BootUnlocker for nexus devices to unlock your bootloader! In the app, click "unlock" to unlock it!
2. Now you are able to install a custom recovery like TWRP or cwm
3. Boot up your system again, open SuperSu or Superuser and update the binary (using "TWRP/CWM")
This is it! You're rooted now and you can easily unlock/relock your bootloader using the BootUnlocker app without wiping any data
Note: This was not my work! I just wrote down some steps to root and unlock
How to unroot:
1. Reflash the stock recovery image/stock kernel/etc (only necessary if you are running a custom kernel/recovery/etc)
2. Open BootUnlocker and lock the bootloader. Now you are able to uninstall the app!
3. Open SuperSu -> Settings -> Full unroot. This will unroot your phone and the app will automatically be uninstalled.
4. Reboot and done
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, for the average user who doesn't use custom roms or anything really crazy, is super su or Superuser a better option? Or is it the same more or less? Thanks

anees167 said:
will this method work on the nexus 5?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it should work fine. Try it
dodgebizkit said:
Thanks, for the average user who doesn't use custom roms or anything really crazy, is super su or Superuser a better option? Or is it the same more or less? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These two are basically the same, as they are apps to manage the superuser permissions of other apps. You may use the one you like

That was easy
Of course I don't see this thread unitl after I spent the last hour setting everything up in Ubuntu to root the old fashioned way! Used this and was rooted in no time.

ota updates affected or not?
does using this towelroot will affect the ota updates i.e. if any ota update comes will i able to install as in the stock rom...?? please clarify this...

ashutoshchauhan211 said:
does using this towelroot will affect the ota updates i.e. if any ota update comes will i able to install as in the stock rom...?? please clarify this...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
see towelroot only roots your device.
You can get OTA PROVIDED - You dont change any of the stock files.. Nothing should be changed.

mihahn said:
This is a tutorial on how to root and unlock the bootloader of the nexus 4 without wiping any data!
b)
1. Install BootUnlocker for nexus devices to unlock your bootloader! In the app, click "unlock" to unlock it!
2. Now you are able to install a custom recovery like TWRP or cwm
3. Boot up your system again, open SuperSu or Superuser and update the binary (using "TWRP/CWM")
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I have rooted Nexus 4 4.4.4 with towelroot app (and I have SuperSu app).
Now, If I install custom recovery, I will lost data? With custom recovery, I will get OTA update?
Thank you

blank nexus 4 without ROM
hi
i tried to install android L, forgot to backup the old ROM , unable to flash the new android L and i cant even restore the old ROM because i forgot to backup the ROM. Tried to do ADB SIDELOAD also....it says cannot read the (file)...tried so many times
i am unable to install a ROM in my nexus 4....only thing i can see in my phone is recovery mode....
Kindly please help.........anyone please reply to this post....and help me......

nexusfans said:
hi
i tried to install android L, forgot to backup the old ROM , unable to flash the new android L and i cant even restore the old ROM because i forgot to backup the ROM. Tried to do ADB SIDELOAD also....it says cannot read the (file)...tried so many times
i am unable to install a ROM in my nexus 4....only thing i can see in my phone is recovery mode....
Kindly please help.........anyone please reply to this post....and help me......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-4/general/how-to-how-to-flash-factory-image-t2010312

[Q] Best way to get TWRP onto phone

Hi there,
I have a rooted Z3C. I'm using Kingroot and have lollipop 5.0.2.
Could anybody suggest what would be the best way to get TWRP onto my phone, please.
Thank you

Kus2304 said:
Hi there,
I have a rooted Z3C. I'm using Kingroot and have lollipop 5.0.2.
Could anybody suggest what would be the best way to get TWRP onto my phone, please.
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use XZDR - or - if you have an unlocked bootloader just flash androplus kernel

nzzane said:
Use XZDR - or - if you have an unlocked bootloader just flash androplus kernel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Brilliant, thank you.
I'll give that a shot and see how i get on.

iKevinShah said:
Hi there , I see you rooted your Stock 5.0.2 via Kingroot. Did you manage to get root successfully ?
Also, were you able to get custom recovery / TWRP on it ? Please let us know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello iKevinShah.
I rooted the phone successfully with no problems using Kingroot.
I tried to install TWRP using the XZDR link which nzzane suggested but there is no option for installing it with Kingroot as the superuser software; only SuperUser & SuperSU, not Kingroot yet.
I made a comment in the forums about it but have received no response yet. I have not been able to install TWRP yet.
So instead, I opted to do my backups with Titanium Backup for now.
I Originally used Online Nandroid Backup app, which worked perfectly for me. I ditched it when I learned the developer had stopped updating it.

Is it possible to root a Nexus 6 with Android Marshmallow?

Hi, I've always used Android with root, however I remember I read that Android 6.0 was too secure to allow root so I haven't tried yet, at this moment, is there a way to root it? I would appreciate the help, thanks!

several ways from manual to toolkit (the later is not recommended by many)
just read the stickies and search
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk

Wugfresh's Toolkit is the one to beat.
Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk

Learn how to manually do it so if something goes wrong you can retrace steps and hopefully fix it
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Wugs +1

Thank you all; I did some research before asking, maybe it was not enough because I could not find clear guide on how to do it manually, I've always used Chainfire's root method, which i kind of automatic. Thanks!

@saman0suke1
Your last message is unclear. Have you rooted?
As you say, Chainfire has done a really good job of automating root. Boot into TWRP, flash SuperSU 2.66, done.

dahawthorne said:
@saman0suke1
Your last message is unclear. Have you rooted?
As you say, Chainfire has done a really good job of automating root. Boot into TWRP, flash SuperSU 2.66, done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you also need to flash a custom kernel, unless chainfire fixed that.

simms22 said:
you also need to flash a custom kernel, unless chainfire fixed that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fixed in 2.60 and higher. Systemless root. 2.66 is the current version.

TonikJDK said:
Fixed in 2.60 and higher. Systemless root. 2.66 is the current version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, easiest choice right now is Boot into TWRP, flash SuperSU 2.66? Thanks!

Correct.

root

hi,
I would love to root my sm-g800f.
Which guide should I follow?
Thanks

What ROM? You can try flashing the correct CF Auto Root for your phone model and Android version using Odin if it using the latest Lollipop.

lfom said:
What ROM? You can try flashing the correct CF Auto Root for your phone model and Android version using Odin if it using the latest Lollipop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to look, so, for 'CF Auto Root' for G800FXXU1BPC3 Lollipop MR1 and
Odin.
Odin goes on PC and
CF Auto Root goes on device.
Am I right?

Both files go on PC, you used Odin to flash CF Auto Root into mobile. Seek for the files in the official page:
https://autoroot.chainfire.eu/
There are many videos on YouTube about it as most Samsung phones are rooted this way. Just make sure you use the correct file for your phone (G800F).
Backup everything you can first in case something goes wrong you may need to wipe mobile data and reflash stock ROM.
The other option is to use Odin to flash TWRP and then flash SuperSU zip from Chainfire. First, TWRP goes on PC then SuperSU Zip on phone, that you flash using TWRP. I am sure there are tutorials here about it, just pick TWRP for G800F, SuperSU is universal but some version may be needed according to your Android version. Can't help more because I have G800H and not rooted as Marshmallow was released for it and it has all I need. Good luck.

lfom said:
Both files go on PC, you used Odin to flash CF Auto Root into mobile. Seek for the files in the official page:
https://autoroot.chainfire.eu/
There are many videos on YouTube about it as most Samsung phones are rooted this way. Just make sure you use the correct file for your phone (G800F).
Backup everything you can first in case something goes wrong you may need to wipe mobile data and reflash stock ROM.
The other option is to use Odin to flash TWRP and then flash SuperSU zip from Chainfire. First, TWRP goes on PC then SuperSU Zip on phone, that you flash using TWRP. I am sure there are tutorials here about it, just pick TWRP for G800F, SuperSU is universal but some version may be needed according to your Android version. Can't help more because I have G800H and not rooted as Marshmallow was released for it and it has all I need. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
first way, I think, should be more simple.
How silly, I would root to change fonts on device.
And of course to free space, delete junkie and have control of my device.
Marshmallow is going to make me regret rooting?

You can change fonts using atock, no root needed. Also use Debloater to disable junk, no root needed either.
You can't use OTA to upgrade to MM when it arrives as it usually won't install or bootloops, so you will need to flash MM to go back to stock and upgrade then root again. Flashfire from Chainfire would be able to install OTAKU and keep root, but support to S5 mini is unkonwm, and no reports of success as far as I know.
Last but not least, flashing anything other than stock ROM through Odin will trip a Knox security counter and you'll lose warranty.

lfom said:
You can change fonts using atock, no root needed. Also use Debloater to disable junk, no root needed either.
You can't use OTA to upgrade to MM when it arrives as it usually won't install or bootloops, so you will need to flash MM to go back to stock and upgrade then root again. Flashfire from Chainfire would be able to install OTAKU and keep root, but support to S5 mini is unkonwm, and no reports of success as far as I know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don' t uderstand.
I'm stock. If I'll root I'll not be anymore stock.
If I don't root, will MM arrive OTA?
lfom said:
Last but not least, flashing anything other than stock ROM through Odin will trip a Knox security counter and you'll lose warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know

dezuha said:
I don' t uderstand.
I'm stock. If I'll root I'll not be anymore stock.
If I don't root, will MM arrive OTA?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, when it's available for your phone model, as long as you're stock. Sorry, wasn't clear before.

lfom said:
Yes, when it's available for your phone model, as long as you're stock. Sorry, wasn't clear before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you are joking!
You are very nice in answering to my questions.
''fonts using atock'', I think I can't.
I can only use payment monotype fonts

dezuha said:
you are joking!
You are very nice in answering to my questions.
''fonts using atock'', I think I can't.
I can only use payment monotype fonts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is using stock MM on my G800H, I don't remember on Lollipop but I'm almost sure there was a similar option:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5-mini/general/guide-easiest-method-root-g800h-t3340949
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5-mini/general/sm-g800f-rooting-guide-t3164859
I have found these two guides.
Which one do I have to follow?
lfom said:
This is using stock MM on my G800H, I don't remember on Lollipop but I'm almost sure there was a similar option:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have those 5 ones.
But I would like other fonts.

KFFOWI Stuck at Fire boot animation - Which version to restore?

Hello,
I have a KFFOWI which I rooted some months ago with Superjunky tool, and it worked great. Recently I lost root following Supersu messy update. I tried today to restore root with Superjunky tool : King root rooted succesfully, then when it was time to install supersu and delete Supersu something went wrong, script maybe didn't have root access, well I don't know.
My device is now stuck at the Fire boot animation. I'm ready to restore a stock version, but how can I be sure of the one which was installed, as I don't want to restore a different version and hard brick ? Is there a way from recovery or bootloader to identify firmware version ?
Any help will be appreciated.

Displaying logs under recovery, I think I identified version : 5.1.1

madxxcow said:
Hello,
I have a KFFOWI which I rooted some months ago with Superjunky tool, and it worked great. Recently I lost root following Supersu messy update. I tried today to restore root with Superjunky tool : King root rooted succesfully, then when it was time to install supersu and delete Supersu something went wrong, script maybe didn't have root access, well I don't know.
My device is now stuck at the Fire boot animation. I'm ready to restore a stock version, but how can I be sure of the one which was installed, as I don't want to restore a different version and hard brick ? Is there a way from recovery or bootloader to identify firmware version ?
Any help will be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
madxxcow said:
Displaying logs under recovery, I think I identified version : 5.1.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
5.1.1 likely references the underlying version of Android which FireOS and all custom ROMs for this device are built upon.
To be absolutely safe reload FireOS 5.3.1 which is the highest rootable build. Before doing that try a factory reset (clearing cache/data) from the recovery menu. Often does the trick.

Thanks. Installed 5.3.1.
Then several attempts to root it with Supertool/King root, around 6 or 7.
Everything works great now.