Home
News
You are here

How to root your Google Nexus 4: XDA-Devs member HQRaja ready with the solution

14comments

By Daniel Petrov

Updated: Nov 19, 2012, 7:51 AM

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:
Code:
adb reboot bootloader
You can also power off the phone and then use power + volume-down key combination to get into 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:
Code:
fastboot boot boot.img
Don't worry, this will not replace your existing boot image and will only boot from the insecure one once.
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

You will now have root access. Tested and confirmed working by Stryder5 and many others.

source: Addictive Tips via HQRaja (XDA-Devs)

$349

$799

$450 off (56%)

Mint Mobile now sells the Google Pixel 10 with a massive $450 discount. The promo is available on select color variants with 128GB of storage. You also get a 12-month unlimited data plan for $180 instead of $360.

Buy at Mint Mobile

$524

$999

$475 off (48%)

Grab the pro-grade, compact Pixel 10 Pro at Mint Mobile with a 12-month unlimited plan, and you can save a huge $475. The data plan comes with a discount, too: 50% off, to be exact.

Buy at Mint Mobile

$499

$1199

$700 off (58%)

The high-end Gemini AI-enhanced Pixel 10 Pro XL is now available with a mind-blowing discount. You can now save $700 on the phone, plus 50% off unlimited 12-month plans.

Buy at Mint Mobile

$1399

$1799

$400 off (22%)

The foldable Pixel 10 Pro Fold is another standout holiday offer. Right now, you can get the device for $400 off at Mint Mobile. On top of that, you save $180 on 12-month unlimited data plans.

Buy at Mint Mobile

View Full Bio

Daniel, a devoted tech writer at PhoneArena from 2010 to 2025, has been engrossed in mobile technology since the Windows Mobile era. His expertise spans mobile hardware, software, and carrier networks, and he's keenly interested in the future of digital health, car connectivity, and 5G. Beyond his professional pursuits, Daniel finds balance in travel, reading, and exploring new tech innovations, while contemplating the ethical and privacy implications of our digital future.