1.0 Introduction
This is a series of guides that will cover the basics of ROMs, kernels, recoveries, installation and so on. Questions asked in here will be answered as fast as possible. This is not a thread for unbricking your device, but rather to avoid getting into a situation where you end up with a bricked device. I do realise that the LG G2 is a year old, but since its price has dropped, it offers A LOT of value for money and while some people leave for newer devices, other people grab the G2.
1.1 Rooting
Let's cover the basics steps of rooting, installing a custom recovery and making your first backup.
If you do not know what root is, a brief explanation would be getting access to the root of your device. What that means is that you get access to parts of your device that are otherwise hidden - because the average Joe would not know what to do with root access and could possibly end up with a device that is unusable. As implied, there is a risk involved in rooting your device, although with the LG G2 the action is most often reversable.
Disclaimer: I cannot be held responsible for any damage you do to your device. Following this guide should be safe, but there is a risk involved
So how do you root your LG G2?
The absolute easiest way is to download towelroot. If your software version is 20G or newer, (or if towelroot doesn't work for you) try stump root. Link further below.
towelroot can be downloaded from towelroot.com
Click the lambda, download the apk file and install it.
If you get a pop up message claiming that the apk is dangerous, agree to it and continue installing. As previously mentioned, rooting IS not risk free, and this application abuses an exploit in the kernel.
After installing and opening, press "make it ra1n". That will root your device.
When finished, reboot. Then go to Play Store and download SuperSU. SuperSU is an application that will allow apps to gain superuser access and it is vital for any root user.
Now you have root and the ability to give SuperUser access to apps.
EDIT: For Software versions 20G and up, towelroot doesn't work anymore, use stump root instead.
Link is here: Stump Root for LG Devices
1.2 Installing a Custom Recovery
Why is a custom recovery necessary? It is, because it’s the easiest way (and often the only way) to get your device back and working in case you get stuck in a bootloop. It’s also vital for flashing custom ROMS and custom kernels.
How do I get one? Well, there’s an app for that!
Check out this thread to get AutoRec, an application that’ll automatically install a custom recovery to your G2! Credits go to @Cloudyfa and @bender_007 CLICK HERE
IMPORTANT!
MAKE SURE YOU DOWNLOAD THE CORRECT VERSION FOR YOUR DEVICE!!!!!!
After downloading, install the application, allow it superuser access and install a custom recovery.
When finished, reboot to recovery. You’ll need to take a backup of your working ROM.
2.0 Making a backup of your working ROM and vital partitions
Now you should be in recovery:
Tap “Backup”, and backup the following partitions:
Boot
System
Data
EFS
The backup will take roughly 3 minutes to finish, be patient. When it’s done, reboot system.
Make a few copies of the backup. ALWAYS have a backup on your device , keep one on your computer and one on a microSD somewhere.
This is a series of guides that will cover the basics of ROMs, kernels, recoveries, installation and so on. Questions asked in here will be answered as fast as possible. This is not a thread for unbricking your device, but rather to avoid getting into a situation where you end up with a bricked device. I do realise that the LG G2 is a year old, but since its price has dropped, it offers A LOT of value for money and while some people leave for newer devices, other people grab the G2.
1.1 Rooting
Let's cover the basics steps of rooting, installing a custom recovery and making your first backup.
If you do not know what root is, a brief explanation would be getting access to the root of your device. What that means is that you get access to parts of your device that are otherwise hidden - because the average Joe would not know what to do with root access and could possibly end up with a device that is unusable. As implied, there is a risk involved in rooting your device, although with the LG G2 the action is most often reversable.
Disclaimer: I cannot be held responsible for any damage you do to your device. Following this guide should be safe, but there is a risk involved
So how do you root your LG G2?
The absolute easiest way is to download towelroot. If your software version is 20G or newer, (or if towelroot doesn't work for you) try stump root. Link further below.
towelroot can be downloaded from towelroot.com
Click the lambda, download the apk file and install it.
If you get a pop up message claiming that the apk is dangerous, agree to it and continue installing. As previously mentioned, rooting IS not risk free, and this application abuses an exploit in the kernel.
After installing and opening, press "make it ra1n". That will root your device.
When finished, reboot. Then go to Play Store and download SuperSU. SuperSU is an application that will allow apps to gain superuser access and it is vital for any root user.
Now you have root and the ability to give SuperUser access to apps.
EDIT: For Software versions 20G and up, towelroot doesn't work anymore, use stump root instead.
Link is here: Stump Root for LG Devices
1.2 Installing a Custom Recovery
Why is a custom recovery necessary? It is, because it’s the easiest way (and often the only way) to get your device back and working in case you get stuck in a bootloop. It’s also vital for flashing custom ROMS and custom kernels.
How do I get one? Well, there’s an app for that!
Check out this thread to get AutoRec, an application that’ll automatically install a custom recovery to your G2! Credits go to @Cloudyfa and @bender_007 CLICK HERE
IMPORTANT!
MAKE SURE YOU DOWNLOAD THE CORRECT VERSION FOR YOUR DEVICE!!!!!!
After downloading, install the application, allow it superuser access and install a custom recovery.
When finished, reboot to recovery. You’ll need to take a backup of your working ROM.
2.0 Making a backup of your working ROM and vital partitions
Now you should be in recovery:
Tap “Backup”, and backup the following partitions:
Boot
System
Data
EFS
The backup will take roughly 3 minutes to finish, be patient. When it’s done, reboot system.
Make a few copies of the backup. ALWAYS have a backup on your device , keep one on your computer and one on a microSD somewhere.
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