CafeKampuchia

This tutorial is for rooting the HTC One V which involves unlocking the phone’s bootloader and flashing a file to the phone via USB cable.

Note: It is NOT necessary to gain S-OFF to root the One V.

This guide may also work for rooting the HTC Wind / HTC Desire S (T328w). If you decide to try rooting your Wind / Desire V, make sure you first download the stock HTC RUU (ROM Update Utility) to recover if there are any issues.

Please note that unlocking your phone’s bootloader does involve the possibility of voiding your warranty, so be certain that you are willing to risk that to root your phone. Moreover, you proceed at your own risk. I accept no responsibility for what you do with your phone. Follow the directions closely, and the odds are you will succeed without any trouble.

You will need much patience and time, and you’ll need to know how to use SDK tools for Android (see below). If you are a total noob, I do not recommend this for your first project! If you try anyway and get confused with terminology, try looking here for answers: Terminology - CyanogenMod Wiki.


1. Perform a full backup your phone’s data
Unlocking the bootloader will involve doing a factory reset. This will result in the loss of all accounts, emails, texts and apps installed on the device. However, data on the SD card such as music, photos and videos will be safe. The device will not format the SD card.


2. Update your software version
To update your software after rooting, you will have to go through hassle of re-flashing the stock recovery and re-locking the bootloader. The phone will lose root and you’ll have to go back through steps 3C-5F, so make sure you’ve updated first. To manually check if a software update is available, go to Settings > About > Software updates > Check now.


3. Unlock your bootloader at htcdev.com
The next step is to head over to htcdev.com and follow the procedure there to unlock your bootloader. This is the step that can void your warranty!

3A. Getting started
Create an account at htcdev.com and login. Click the Unlock Bootloader icon and Get Started button. On the next screen, drop down the “Select Your Device” list, choose All Other Supported Models and click the Begin Unlock Bootloader button. Then, fill out the two nasty forms telling HTC that it’s perfectly fine with you to possibly lose your warranty by going through with this process.

3B. Obtaining your unlock token
The first page of instructions shows you how to boot the phone into HBOOT, select FASTBOOT and connect the phone to your computer via USB. But the instructions are not right for the One V since it doesn’t have a removable battery. So here’s the replacement procedure:

Step 1 – No need to shut the phone down.

Step 2 – To enter HBOOT (or “bootloader mode”), the power button for longer than 10 seconds. As soon as the screen turns black, hold down volume and let off the power button. At the top of the screen you will see ***_LOCKED_***.

Step 3 – Use the volume rocker to select FASTBOOT if it’s not selected already. You may have to wait for the device to run through a routine check for zip files to update.

Step 4 – Connect the phone to your computer using the USB cable.

If you followed the directions above regarding SDK tools, Java Runtime and HTC Sync, you can skip page 2 of the instructions (steps 5-7) and move onto page 3.

In Step 8, you open a command prompt in Windows and navigate to the folder where you installed SDK Tools (it should be c:android-sdk-windows or c:Android) and type the command

Step 9 is where most people get hung up. Make sure that you do not select any spaces next to the identifier token, or any lines above or below the Identifier Token Start/End. Do exactly as you see in this pic:

Paste the identifier token copied from the command window above into the box at the bottom of htcdev.com’s page 3 in your browser and click the Submit button. You will receive an email from htcdev.com with the subject “The key to unlocking your HTC Device” that has an attached file named “Unlock_code.bin” and a link to continue the unlock process. Download the attachment into the folder you installed Android SDK tools and click on the link to continue from page 4. You may have to log back in.

3C. Unlock the bootloader
For Step 12, go back to the command prompt and make sure you are in the folder where you installed Android SDK tools and downloaded the file “Unlock_code.bin” above. Now you will flash “Unlock_code.bin” to the phone using the following command:You will see the following warning screen on the phone, again confirming that you are willing to waive your warranty rights to unlock the bootloader:


Use the volume rocker to select Yes (up one click) and press the power button once. The bootloader will proceed to erase all your data, unlock itself and reboot the phone.

After running through the setup wizard, go back into HBOOT (turn the phone off with the long press, hold down volume and press the power button) and confirm that you’ve unlocked your bootloader successfully. You should see ***_UNLOCKED_***. Success!





4. Install ClockworkMod Recovery
A custom recovery allows you to backup and restore ROMs including all user apps, data and cache to the SD card. It is also used to flash scripts, custom kernel and custom ROMs, which will come in handy at step 5 below where we root the phone.

1) There are two types of One V - the international GSM version (uses a sim card) and the U.S. Sprint/Virgin Mobile CDMA version (no sim card), and there are custom recoveries for both types that aren't interchangeable.

If your phone uses a sim card, download recovery-clockwork-5.8.4.5-primou.img from ClockworkMod's index of recoveries.

If you have a U.S. Cellular/Sprint/Virgin Mobile (U.S.) device that doesn't require a sim card, download cwmrecovery.img. Be sure to click the thanks button for Android Forums member jmz for his handy work.

As an alternate, PrimoC/CDMA users (no SIM) can download and install jmz's TWRP2 Recovery. See the directions in his thread: [VM/PRIMOC][RECOVERY] TWRP2 Recovery 7-10-2012

2) Reboot the phone into bootloader, select Fastboot and connect the USB cable.

3) Open a command prompt and navigate to the folder where you saved the recovery image in step 1 above. Type the following command: or
4) Reboot the phone back into bootloader using the following command: You should see the new Recovery.


5. Now on to root the phone!

5A. Head over to XDA Developers and download the SuperSU access management tool. You'll want to grab the attached file at the bottom of the OP called CWM-SuperSU-v0.9x.zip. This will root your phone and install the SuperSU app in one smooth motion. Much thanks, credit and kudos go out to XDA user Chainfire. Login over at XDA and hit the thanks button for him somewhere or donate to his Paypal account and buy him a Coke.

5B. Copy CWM-SuperSU-v0.9x.zip to your SD card.

5C. Restart the phone into HBOOT again and select Recovery. After Recovery has launched, choose install zip from sdcard > choose zip from sdcard and select CWM-SuperSU-v0.9x.zip.

5D. Reboot the phone. It is now rooted!

5E. Go to the app drawer and click on SuperSU. Update the binary when prompted. It’s icon looks like this:

5F. Install and open any app requiring root access to confirm that the phone is rooted.



Credits:

• Chainfire at xda-developers.com for SuperSU and the rooted binaries.
• XDA member Lloir for producing the first official ClockworkMod Recovery for the One V GSM.
• Android Forums member JMZ for producing the first ClockworkMod Recovery for the One V CDMA.
• Agent13 here at Android Forums for help smoothing out the process.

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Last edited by CafeKampuchia; July 24th, 2012 at 12:31 AM.

CafeKampuchia

6. I’m finally rooted! Now what?

6A. Backup your stock HTC ROM in CWM5 Recovery!! Before you make changes to your stock ROM or decide to install a custom ROM, this is a must! Reverting back to a stock HTC ROM after installing a custom ROM can cause massive headaches. Restoring from a backup is MUCH easier. It will also help if you've ruined your ROM causing a softbrick. You just boot into CWM5 Recovery, do a factory reset and clear cache (including Dalvik) and do a restore from your previously backed-up ROM.

So, reboot the phone into bootloader, use volume down to select Recovery and press power to select. When Recovery comes up, select Backup/Restore > Backup. Then find the backup you just made on the SD card (under sdcard/clockworkmod/backup) and copy that to your computer for safekeeping in case you loose or format your SD card.

6B. Install custom ROMs Now we play the waiting game and wait for overclockable kernel and custom ROMs. I’ll be updating this section as things happen so come back and see what’s new.

The procedure for flashing a custom ROM is as follows:
1) Boot into Recovery and backup your stock ROM if you haven't already. If you don't and something goes wrong, you'll have a major headache on your hands. *DO NOT* skip this step.

2) Download the ROM and copy it to the root directory of your SD card.

3) From Recovery, o a factory reset, wipe the cache partition and wipe dalvik cache (under Advanced).

4) Install the update from the SD card.

5) Reboot the device.

Last edited by CafeKampuchia; June 15th, 2012 at 03:58 AM.

iamlegend19

Hi CafeKampuchia,

I have read your post on rooting the HTC ONE V and I find it really awesome but I have been having trouble rooting mine since it is my first time. I have a few super newbie questions if you don't mind.

1. Should I root my HTC ONE V now since there are still no custom ROMs or overclocking etc. available for my type of phone?

2. Do you have a link of a video rooting HTC one V since im really a noob at doing this as well as scared of destroying my own phone.

If you do mind me asking these questions please disregard this message

Thank you very much ^_^

CafeKampuchia

Thanks, and welcome to androidforums.

I can't answer that for you, but I thinks it's worth it for nothing else than getting rid of the system bloat and adds. A CWM Recovery is in the works and ROMs are being developed.

I really dislike video tuts because they aren't specific enough and can't help get you out of trouble or answer your questions. But a forum can. Follow the guide and you'll be fine. Ask questions if you need to. In the unlikely event that you brick the phone it will be a soft brick which is recoverable by flashing a stock HTC RUU which is available.

Enjoy!

Last edited by CafeKampuchia; May 11th, 2012 at 12:48 PM. Reason: coreect spelin

iamlegend19

Thanks for the swift reply! Okay i guess ill have to try it out right now. Please pray for my kind soul lol

iamlegend19

I have a problem entering bootloader mode. In the instructions you indicated that I hold the volume down button along with the power button for longer than 10 seconds. I did that but mine only restarts the phone. Am I missing something?

CafeKampuchia

No, I did and corrected guide already. Sorry for the confusion.

Last edited by CafeKampuchia; May 12th, 2012 at 04:43 AM.

iamlegend19

I have successfully rooted my phone Thank you very much CafeKampuchia!

Now that I have my phone rooted there are more questions from a noob like me. Sorry but here goes:

1. Since there are no CWM recovery and custom ROMs available yet all I can do at this point in time is to just remove all the system bloats right? How do I do this? Do I need an app to do this?

2. Regarding the ongoing development of custom ROMs, is it okay to download apps at this point using only the stock ROM and just back it up using ROM Manager? Will all my settings and all apps be backed up as well? Then when I install a custom ROM and fails ill just have to restore my backed up stock ROM and restore all the settings and apps?


Sorry Im really a supernoob. I just learned how to open command prompt on my windows from your tutorials.

Thanks very much!

Last edited by iamlegend19; May 12th, 2012 at 01:10 PM. Reason: added questions

CafeKampuchia

Congrats

Actually, there is a mostly functional Recovery here:
[Recovery]CWM v5 Touch Recovery for HTC One V[Build 6]
I'll be updating the OP soon. Before you do anything to the ROM, install this Recovery per the instructions in that thread, run the Recover from bootloader/Recovery and do a backup of your ROM.

Then go to Google Play and install Titanium Backup. Use it to backup and uninstall apps. It's OK to get rid of stuff like Dropbox, Twitter, Plurk, Facebook, etc. Don't remove system-related stuff.

If the ROM becomes unstable, you can restore individual apps from Titanium Backup or the whole ROM from Recovery.


If you backup from Recovery it stores everything including the ROM, settings, apps, cache, etc. When you restore, it will be in the exact state as when you ran the backup.

Last edited by CafeKampuchia; May 14th, 2012 at 12:16 AM.

iamlegend19

So after I downloaded and installed recovery, Im going to need ROM manager to back it up right?

CafeKampuchia

No. The best way is to go into hboot, select Recovery and run the backup from there.

iamlegend19

Alright, Im going to try this now! Thank you for all your help! Ive learned a lot about your tutorials thanks

Jimmyboy

@CafeKampuchia: Sorry for this stupid question, but could you tell me what's the purpose of rooting the device and what way it helps??

CafeKampuchia

Google that question. "Why root Android" You'll get more answers than you need. For me personally, the biggies are: remove bloat, block ads, install custom ROMs, overclocking, backup/restore of ROMs and apps+data.

iamlegend19

@CafeKampuchia,

Unlocking HBOOT successful
Rooting HTC ONE V successful
Installation of CWM recovery successful
Removal of System Bloat successful

What else do you think I need? I have read something about BusyBox but i cant quite understand what it does. I understand that some apps needs it but is it really essential that i have it installed? I mean, do you have it installed?

Also, i have beel looking for a good Font Changer for HTC ONE V and came up with Font Installer *Root* but it kinda bricked my phone and hung up on boot mode. Good thing you taught me how to install CWM recovery. Anyway, Im looking for an alternative app with this function (changing the system font), have any suggestions?

Thanks ^_^

CafeKampuchia

Outstanding! Sounds like you're having fun already!

Here's my list of must-have root apps:

• Adfree Android - Like Adblock Plus for Firefox. It blocks ads in all apps including browsers.
• Titanium Backup - As mentioned in my post above.
• ES File Explorer - Much more than a root file explorer. Also backs up and uninstalls apps including system.
• No Frills CPU Control, although we're still waiting for a good o/c kernel.

You probably won't ever need Busybox.

Last edited by CafeKampuchia; May 14th, 2012 at 12:23 AM.

iamlegend19

Thanks! Im using CPU tuner now but is still learning how to. How about a good font changing app? Do you have any suggestions?

CafeKampuchia

No I don't. BTW, you can't o/c your phone until you flash an overclockable kernel. The stock kernel will not overclock.

iamlegend19

Yup i noticed that, but still I can underclock it right? For longer battery life.

CafeKampuchia

No, you can't change the frequency at all.

iamlegend19

Really? Why is that when i used Antutu Benchmark while playing with CPU tuner it changes frequencies with different profiles when i test it? I thought it was working though

CafeKampuchia

Yes, I see that you can underclock, but you can't go above 1024mhz.

iamlegend19

I erased CPU tuner thinking that it doesnt work and was planning to put it back when there comes a custom ROM for ONE V. Haha, ill have to install it again if you say it works since i havent been able to monitor it myself. ^_^ Thanks a bunch!

iamlegend19

@CafeKampuchia

My friend told me he knows a lot about rooting and accidentally formatted everything including the SD card which contained my CWM recovery backups! Please please how do I install the stock ROM and Kernel and everything that came with my phone? Darn it.. T_T

CafeKampuchia

Here you go:
[ROM]Primo Shipped ROM Collection - xda-developers

Find the correct RUU for your region and download it. Assuming that the phone still boots, connect it to your PC via USB and make sure USB Debugging is enabled. Then run the RUU.

If the phone doesn't boot, do it from HBOOT. Select Fastboot, connect the USB cable (changes to Fastboot USB) and run the RUU.

iamlegend19

Thanks!

I am currently downloading the RUU and it takes quite a while. Will update you of the progress. Thanks again

iamlegend19

I cant stress this enough but you have saved my me,my phone and my friends life!! both you and ckpv5 on xda dev forums saved me!

now my SU app is gone, can I just download it again on google play? I assume im still rooted and still have CWM recovery right? I can make a backup again right?

CafeKampuchia

Run the revised steps 4 & 5 above and you'll be done in 10 minutes. Glad it worked out for you

iamlegend19

I did this and it said on cmd prompt that sending failed. I forgot to tell you but when I got soft bricked the **UNLOCKED** statement above became **RELOCKED**

what should i do to unlock it again?

Last edited by iamlegend19; May 17th, 2012 at 03:52 AM.

CafeKampuchia

Sending what failed, the command to unlock the bootloader or flashing the Recovery?

kssshhh

Guys, I hope someone can help me.

I did all the steps above and after I unlocked the bootloader the phone went off.

So I turned it one, but I forget to turn it one by the volume down and power button so it was booting normally.. Then it asked me for my pincode so I pressed the power button to turn it off. Thinking it was off I then pressed the volume down and power button, but it was still on and was going to reboot in 3 second..

After that : NOTHING.. now I cant turn it on anymore.. so I thought maybe the battery is low, and plugged it in the charger but even the led light isn't burning right now. What can I do? I can't acces the bootloader aswell..

iamlegend19

Oh do i have to unlock the bootloader again? I thought you said steps 4 and 5 which is referring to installing the recovery and rooting the phone. So i have to unlock bootloader again? Which step should i resume from?

Thanks

iamlegend19

Successfully rooted but i cant download anything..it only says *downloading* but no exact percentage like before. Ill have to test it more and see if it is a problem.

*No I just had to reboot it again* it works fine now! Thank you very much! the rooting process was much easier than before


another question, if i make a backup now UNROOTED and then ROOT it later and then RESTORE it to the UNROOTED backup, will it be UNROOTED? (sorry if its confusing cant think of another way to explain it)

also, is it possible to change the name of the backup using ES explorer and open ClockWorkMod folders and rename the file? So that i could easily remember what kind of backup it is. If i change the name, will it cause unusual effects on my system?

What custom ROM are you using on your phone right now? Im sure ur using the best one so i want to use that too.
Thanks!

Last edited by iamlegend19; May 17th, 2012 at 01:13 PM. Reason: Successfully rooted

iamlegend19

I dont know how to help you on your problem but i think the instructions said that after UNLOCKING BOOTLOADER it will automatically reboot. So you dont have to turn it on yourself.

CafeKampuchia

This should be true. I don't have to restart mine; it does so itself.

Kssshhh, try holding the power button down for 10 seconds and see if it comes on or at least goes into bootloader. If it does, plug it in immediately. The phone is savable and you can flash the stock ROM through an RUU.

If not, you'll probably have to take it to an HTC service center.

Last edited by CafeKampuchia; May 18th, 2012 at 02:25 AM.

iamlegend19

Bump

CafeKampuchia

Yes, I was confused about this. If you restore an unrooted nandroid backup the phone will be unrooted again.

Just rename the folders inside clockworkmod/backup. That's what I do.

I'm not using a custom ROM because there is nothing but Sense 4.0 with minor tweaks. When CM9 is out, I'll surely be trying it out. But I think Sense 4.0 is so good, I'll probably stick with until I'm bored.

What I really want is a full Sense 4.0 port from the One X/S and I've already asked the devs at XDA for that. So far nobody's bit.

Last edited by CafeKampuchia; May 18th, 2012 at 10:06 PM.

xinweittm

I keep having to re-login on htcdev.com, anyone else has this problem? Can someone help me please?

CafeKampuchia

I've heard of others having that issue. Try clearing your browser's cache and cookies. If that doesn't work try a different browser.

Hope that helps!

rhotic

Would the Chinese version of the HTC One V be the international version? Also would rooting my Chinese HTC One V allow me to install the google play market on it and get me access to the uncensored and complete version of the market? Sorry for being another noob here.

CafeKampuchia

Rhotic, welcome to Android Forums

If it uses a sim card, then it is the international version. And yes, after rooting you will be able to install Google apps including Play. But app availability in Play varies by region so I can't guarantee what you'll have access to. I would think you should have access to most things, especially if free. Hope that helps!

quikmcmuffins

got a bit of trouble /: ive unlocked my bootloader but when i try to flash the cwm recovery via comand prompt it says this:
sending 'recovery' (5628 KB)...
OKAY [ 3.682s]
writing 'recovery'...
OKAY [ 1.716s]
finished. total time: 5.398s

aterward i try to reboot the recovery via comand prompt but to no avail and when i do reboot into recovery its the same as befor /: p;ease help .....
NEVER MIND I FIGURED IT OUT LOL

Last edited by quikmcmuffins; July 10th, 2012 at 09:34 PM. Reason: im a tard.....

CafeKampuchia

I know that feeling all too well

Last edited by CafeKampuchia; July 10th, 2012 at 11:36 PM.

chefleon

Thanks for the guide; it's been incredibly clear and easy to use, which is especially nice for a first time Android owner and rooter.

I'm stuck at step 5C however: I get to the recovery, and I can use my volume up/down buttons to get to the "install zip from sdcard" option, but when I press the power button to select that option it only clears the screen of everything besides the Clockworkmod logo.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

CafeKampuchia

Chefleon, welcome to Android Forums

I'd first like to confirm that you installed the correct recovery for your device as they are not interchangeable. If your phone uses a sim card (international version) you should have flashed recovery-clockwork-5.8.4.5-primou.img. If it doesn't (US Cellular/Sprint/Virgin Mobile US) then cwmrecovery.img.

If you have the correct recovery on the device, try reflashing recovery.

Hope that helps!

Last edited by CafeKampuchia; July 15th, 2012 at 08:36 AM. Reason: fiks spelin

Ssscrudddy

Hi, I'm a total newbie, never used android before. But for what it's worth I've been building & installing PC's since Windows 3.1, written a few Access databases in my time, & once wrote a spreadhseet that reduced a job from 80 hours to 4 hours per week.

I'm ok up to & including step 3, unlocking the bootloader

I was getting confused at 4. Install ClockworkMod Recovery
What is this? Is it a program? If it is, where do I install it, on my phone or PC?

Anyway, I eventually worked it out that I just needed to put the image file in the same place on my PC as the flashboot.exe (instead of trying to install a program anywhere)

Regarding the SDK Tools for Android, I let it put itself where it wanted to, but then when using CMD I couldnt find the correct place...

I got the message something along the lines of "fastboot is not a command"

where you say "c:android-sdk-windows or c:Android", I had to go to

\Android\android-sdk\platform-tools
(full path for me on Vista c:\Program Files\Android\android-sdk\platform-tools)

Step 4.4) Reboot the phone back into bootloader using the following command: Code:
fastboot reboot recovery

This didnt appear to work for me, the phone did nothing, & CMD came up with

usage: fastboot [ <option> ] <command>

commands:
update <filename> reflash device from update.zip
flashall flash boot + recovery + system
flash <partition> [ <filename> ] write a file to a flash partition
erase <partition> erase a flash partition
format <partition> format a flash partition
getvar <variable> display a bootloader variable
boot <kernel> [ <ramdisk> ] download and boot kernel
flash:raw boot <kernel> [ <ramdisk> ] create bootimage and flash it
devices list all connected devices
continue continue with autoboot
reboot reboot device normally
reboot-bootloader reboot device into bootloader
help show this help message

options:
-w erase userdata and cache
-s <serial number> specify device serial number
-p <product> specify product name
-c <cmdline> override kernel commandline
-i <vendor id> specify a custom USB vendor id
-b <base_addr> specify a custom kernel base address
-n <page size> specify the nand page size. default:
2048

Anyway I rebooted the phone by doing power & volume down instead.

1 final thing, where you say to get the file CWM-SuperSU-v0.92.zip

it was actually CWM-SuperSU-v0.93.zip - I guess it's been updated since you wrote this guide.

Anyway with all that ^^ said, it did actually work for me after all... So,

Boot loader - UNLOCKED
Phone - ROOTED

Backup - I got the message "Could not mount sd-ext... skipping backup of sd-ext"

does this ^^ mean it didnt back up my SD card? If so not a problem as its backed up on my PC anyway, or is it more serious?

Thanks

chefleon

I've got the correct recovery and reflashed it. I'm getting the same thing in CMD as Ssscrudddy at 4.4 where the command "fastboot reboot recovery" brings up that help list. Maybe that's where my issue is?

CafeKampuchia

Chefleon, yes, in his case it seems that he didn't set the environmental variables as part of the SDK tools guide step 10 so cmd wasn't able to find fastboot. My guide assumes that you've done this.

Welcome to Android Forums and Congrats on rooting your phone

Thanks for the heads-up on the version number. I've changed it 3 times already so I'll just get rid of it.

The sd-ext error isn't a big deal. You can ignore it.

Last edited by CafeKampuchia; July 15th, 2012 at 10:25 AM.

chefleon

I had to modify the location in the same way he did when setting the new environmental variables, such that it looks like this:

...;C:\Program Files\Android\android-sdk\platform-tools\;C:\Program Files\Android\android-sdk\tools\

Still no dice. I followed the SDK tools guide, so that should all be in line. Any suggestions?

Ssscrudddy

@ Chefleon, once the 4.4 thing didnt do anything, I took the phone off the usb & rebooted it & then powered the phone down.

I turned the phone on normally (as if I was going to use it). I had to use the "back" key to get out of setting it up (it was like a new phone wanting email accounts & passwords etc) & plugged it back in to the USB, & put it into "Mount as disk drive" mode (as oppose to charge only)

I then moved the CWM-SuperSU-v0.9x.zip from my PC to the memory card on the phone. Unplugged the USB again (properly, I put it back into charge mode & then ejected the drive on my PC)

Then I followed the instructions again from & including 5c