These instructions are for people who want to know EXACTLY what they are doing when they
root their device and dont want to use quicker methods such as superboot or any ToolKits.
Download the GNex Manual Root file
*HERE* and unzip to your PC.
NOTE: If you have already installed adb/fastboot drivers and Unlocked your Bootloader
then you can skip straight to Step 9.
1. First thing is to make sure you have installed the fastboot/adb drivers.
2. Browse to the 'GNex Manual Root' folder on your PC in Windows Explorer, then hold the
shift button and right click in a blank area of the folder. Select 'Open command window
here'. With the phone booted in Android and the usb cable attached go into your settings,
Developer options and tick 'USB debugging'. The USB debugging icon should appear at the
top.
3. Check your Android build version (this is needed for later) by going to settings,
About phone and writing down your Android version.
4. In the Command Window type:
adb devices [return] and you should see a serial number.
5. Type:
adb reboot fastboot [return] to reboot into fastboot mode.
6. Once in fastboot mode type:
fastboot devices [return] to check for a serial number.
If you dont see a serial number in either adb or fastboot when typing the commands then
read through the drivers installation section to make sure they are installed correctly.
7. IF you havent done so already then type:
fastboot oem unlock [return] to unlock the
bootloader and enable images to be booted/flashed. THIS WILL ERASE ALL INFORMATION ON
YOUR PHONE INCLUDING YOUR VIRTUAL SD CARD SO MAKE ANY BACKUPS BEFORE DOING THIS!!
8. If you only just Unlocked your Bootloader then reboot your phone into Android by
typing:
fastboot reboot [return]. The phone will reboot half way through and then
continue to the setup wizard. Go through this and then reenable your USB debugging from
settings, Developer options.
STEP 8 IS NOT NEEDED IF YOU HAVE ALREADY UNLOCKED YOUR BOOTLOADER PRIOR TO STARTING THIS!
9. Reboot into fastboot mode by typing:
adb reboot fastboot [return].
NOTE: When in fastboot mode you need to reboot back into Android using an Insecure boot
image which is included. Once booted the insecure boot image will grant you temporary
root access via adb to allow you to push the superboot.apk and su binary files and change
their files permissions. This only lasts until you reboot your phone.
10. Find the right Insecure Boot Image (in the folder) for your build version and model
(GSM OR LTE) and type:
fastboot boot YourInsecureBootImage.img [return].
11. When booted into Android (you dont have to unlock from the lockscreen) you can now
Mount the device, Push the files and set their permissions to complete the procedure.
Type:
adb root [return] to gain root access.
Type:
adb remount [return] to mount the device.
Type:
adb push su /system/bin [return] to push the su binary to /system/bin.
Type:
adb push superuser.apk /system/app [return] to push superuser.apk to /system/app.
Type:
adb shell chmod 06755 /system/bin/su [return] to set file permissions.
Type:
adb shell chmod 06755 /system/app/Superuser.apk [return] to set file permissions.
Job done. You have now completed the root procedure. Reboot the phone and install any
root app such as AdAway, SetCPU, Root Checker or Root Explorer to check it.
Enjoy your rooted device
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*DISCLAIMER*
I take no responsibility for any fault or damage caused by any procedures within this guide. No warranties of any kind are given.