How to root your Google Nexus 4: XDA-Devs member HQRaja ready with the solution
Google's Nexus 4 posterboy for Android 4.2 has already received the root treatment by XDA-Devs member HQRaja, it seems, as we were expecting and rooting for, pun intended. The Nexus line is one of the most heavily modified Android gear, so rooting the LG-made Nexus 4 is just the beginning.
Now the floodgates of custom ROMs, modifications and numerous tweaks will open, squeezing the last breath out of the hardware and interface performance, and the Nexus 4 is no slouch, so we fully expect wonders here.
Moreover, the ROM modding community is able to prolong the usable life of a Nexus device way beyond its hardware prowess usually warrants, and with the latest Android updates coming to it first, you are covered for the foreseeable future with just a little effort on your side to download and install the latest stuff, as the root instructions for novices you can find in the Addictive Tips source link below, or following the steps below for more experienced users:
- Grab the insecure boot image by Harry GT-S5830 from this thread.
- Also download these root files. This package includes the latest SuperSU 0.98 (all credits to Chainfire), latest su binary that comes with it, and working busybox (not sure if latest).
- Extract the contents of the downloaded zip file to your computer.
- Enable Android Debugging from Settings > Developer Options. (If you can't find developer options, go to 'About' and tap 'Build number' seven times.)
- Connect the device to your computer via USB, and install the required drivers (Thanks Stryder5).
- Reboot into fastboot/bootloader:You can also power off the phone and then use power + volume-down key combination to get into bootloader.Code:adb reboot bootloader
- Unlock the bootloader if you haven't done so already:Code:fastboot oem unlock
- Get back into bootloader mode and boot into the downloaded insecure boot image:Don't worry, this will not replace your existing boot image and will only boot from the insecure one once.Code:fastboot boot boot.img
- Once booted into Android successfully using the insecure boot image, simply enter these commands one by one in command prompt (making sure you are in the directory where you downloaded the files):Code:adb shell mount -o remount,rw /system
adb push su /system/bin/
adb push Superuser.apk /system/app/
adb push busybox /system/xbin/
adb shell
chmod 06755 /system/bin/su
chmod 0644 /system/app/Superuser.apk
chmod 04755 /system/xbin/busybox
cd /system/xbin
busybox --install /system/xbin/
exit
exit
source: Addictive Tips via HQRaja (XDA-Devs)
Things that are NOT allowed: