Root ROOTING For Dummies

[Matlock]

Rooting HTC EVO 4G For Dummies​

ROM Compatible Versions:
3.70.XX.XXX.X

HBoot Compatible Versions:
2.10

UPDATE​

Update #1
For those of you who have Gingerbread 2.3.3 on your phone stop now. this guide is for those who have Froyo 2.2 on their phone still. please read this
Guide to Rooting Gingerbread with Revolutionary if you want to root your Gingerbread phone.

Update#2
ok there has been another update that has changed the bootloader again. the latest 4.67 software update which is gingerbread 2.3.5 has now locked the bootloader. this guide will not work. however, there are several methods that can be used to downgrade the bootloader so that you can either use unrevoked (info found in this guide) or use revolutionary(http://androidforums.com/evo-4g-all...ooting-dummies-guide-gingerbread-edition.html). you can get more info about the various methods found here:http://androidforums.com/evo-4g-all...-rooting-gingerbread-2-3-5-dummies-guide.html

Update#3
ok hopefully this is the last ota our beloved evo will ever get. but there is a new software version that comes with the latest ota. the new software version is now 5.07.651.1. fortunately the revised gingerbread 2.3.5 guide will still work. htc did not add or close any exploits found previously so the guide will still work.


Those of you who ROOTed with unrevoked 3.3 may be having trouble FLASHing custom ROMs to your device. This is why ([NOTICE] ClockworkMod Recovery 3.0+ and update-script - xda-developers).

So sum it up, Google REMOVED Amend support in Donut and beyond (which is a type of coding language). Most Developer ROMs are designed around Amend. ClockworkMod and Amon_RA still have support for the ROMs still using Amend. But soon will be phased out by Edify (a new Binary).

To releave this, FLASH ClockworkMOD 2.6.0.1 or Amon_RA's Latest Version, then reFLASH your desired ROM.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW. BEFORE ROOTING​

• http://androidforums.com/evo-4g-all-things-root/129648-quick-intro-rooting-those-new-rooting.html
• Rooting VOIDS your warranty. (HTC: 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty SPRINT: Insurance Coverage)
• This ROOT Method can be used without requiring you to install a custom ROM.
• ALL of your personal information, APPs and Setting will NOT be effected by this ROOT Method.
• Phone activation/internet is not required for Rooting.
• There is a very SLIM chance you could lose 4G permanently.
• Factory Reseting your device will not UN-ROOT you phone.
• There is no need to downgrade to 2.1 to gain 2.2 back. This method will ROOT your 2.2 without causing any conflicts. (It will also ROOT your 2.1 if you have not already upgraded, or do not want to upgrade)

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE: TUTORIAL
Press the "Show" button below.

Spoiler

You have the ability to READ..
You have the ability to FOLLOW directions..
You have mastered the tutorial!
Now go and ROOT your phone already!!!!!

ROOTING & BACKUP
SECTION 1: PRE-ROOTING - Estimated Time 5 -30 Minutes

PRE-ROOTING​

Spoiler

These should be done before you actually begin the ROOT process.​

STEP 1: Factory Data Reset (optional, but recommended)
You may feel more comfortable completely wiping your phone and starting from scratch. This will help with the NAND backup later if you choose to have a fresh safe IMAGE (copy) of your phone in case something happens when you FLASH a ROM.
Menu > Setting > SD & Phone Storage > Factory Data Reset > Reset Phone > Erase Everything
STEP 2: Format SD Card (optional, but recommended)
There is always a possibility of some random errors with changing the internals of your device, and there are times when the SD Card plays a roll in some of the hiccups. So Formatting the SD Card is recommended.. REMEMBER do save any Pictures or Important Files!
Menu > Setting > SD & Phone Storage > Unmount SD Card (then) Format SD card > Format SD Card
(NOTE: If you do not choose to format your SD Card, then you can simply Unmount It instead.)


STEP 3: App List Backup (optional)
Download an application called App List Backup from the Market.
It will save a list the currently installed applications from the Downloads section of the Market and save them to your SD Card.
After you reinstall the application from a Factory Reset or a Wipe, you can load the file and the Market will have all of your previously installed applications ready for you to download back onto your phone. Saves you a lot of time from writing them all down, then finding them, and re-downloading them all over again.

QR Code:

​

STEP 4: Removing Previous unrevoked Files
If you have any of the Original unrEVOked .apk files on your device or software installed on your Windows/MAC computer, it is high recommend you uninstall them from your Device/Computer.
Menu > Setting > Applications > Manage Applications

 

[Matlock]

F.A.Q.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS​

This post will be reserved for all the Freequently Asked Questions that I have been asked, and many of the members have been asked about root.

PLEASE, if you have a question, never hesitate to ask. There are no NOOB/NEWB/DUMB questions here. If you have a question, ask in the thread. Or send a Message to me or any one of the members who are frequent posters here. We'll be happy to help you out in any way possible!

Can't find what you are looking for here? Try:
http://androidforums.com/evo-4g-all-things-root/243613-f-q-s.html

-------------------------------------------​

GENERAL

Spoiler

Can I only apply ROOT when installing a Custom ROM?
No. You can ROOT the device prior to installing a ROM with the unrevoked Method. Some ROOT methods do have a ROM you download that has ROOT already applied to the ROM.


Will I still have all of my Apps and Contacts in my phone after I ROOT?
Yes. All of you Contacts and Applications will still be installed on your Device. This ROOT Method only ROOTs your device. It will not Wipe it (Factory Reset).

If you choose to do a Factory Reset prior to ROOTing your device (which is highly recommended so you can make a clean backup of your phone), you will lose all of your Apps and any Contacts saved to the phone it's self. But not to the Contacts saved to your Google Account(s).

GMail: Simply sign into your device with your Google Account.
Menu > Settings > Accounts & Sync


Will I be able to install custom ROMs with this ROOT Method?
Yes. You will be fully able to install Custom ROMs with the unrEVOked method.


Should I Downgrade to 2.1 before I ROOT?
NO. You do not need to downgrade with this ROOT Method.


I am running Android 2.1; should I upgrade to 2.2 before I ROOT?
You are not required to upgrade your device to the current 2.2 Version for this ROOT Method.
If you plan on using custom ROMs on your device, you do not need to upgrade.
If you do not plan on ever using custom ROMS, and just want to keep the Stock HTC Sense on your device, and use all of the ROOT-ONLY apps, then it is recommended to upgrade to the latest 2.2 before ROOTING.


Will this BRICK my phone?
No. I have yet to hear ANYONE use my tutorial or even unrEVOked for that matter, ever BRICK their device. You would have to not follow a single instruction and do it with a blindfold on to really do damage to your device. And I highly doubt you want to do that.


Will I lose my 4G if I ROOT?
No. You will not lose your 4G service with this ROOT Method.
You may however, lose it when installing ROMs. Some Mods have not completely got 4G working with their Custom ROMs. This is especially so with the STOCK ASOP Roms (Actual Android Rom with no Carrier Specific or Device Manufacture changed to the ROM.)


Will ROOTING Void my Warranty?
Yes. Technically.
If you ROOT your device and take it to Sprint for any reason, and the Representative notices the phone is ROOTED, they have the authority to revoke your Insurance Coverage. They also have the ability to contact HTC and have the Manufacturer Warranty removed.


I just ROOTED my phone and now I am getting a notification to Update my SPRINT Voicemail.. Should I?
Yes.
Go ahead and update it. It will not hurt anything.


Will ROOTING erase all the information on my SD Card?
No.
unrevoked only goes into your devices' recovery.

UNREVOKED

Spoiler

"Backup CID is Missing"
Refer to ROOTING & BACKUP: SECTION 2 Rooting Procedure under Troubleshooting.


While using unrevoked, when it says "Waiting for Device".. I have it connected, but nothing happens.
Reinstall the from ROOTING & BACKUP: Section 2 Step 2.


After I used unrevoked to ROOT my device, my Security is still listed as S-ON. How do I get to to say S-OFF so I can FLASH ROMs?
Refer to ROOTING & BACKUP: Section 4: unrEVOked Forever of the guide.


After I ran unrevoked I got "Internal Error: Failed to unlock NAND flash"
Install HTC Sync with the most current Drivers. Uninstall HTC Sync but leave the Drivers installed. Reinstall the Drivers for unrevoked and Re-ROOT your device.


After I ran unrevoked, it booted to a Phone with a Red Triangle and an Exclamation Point!
Perform a Battery Pull.
Remove the batter and wait for about 10 seconds. Replace the battery and boot up the device.


Error: failed to get root. Is your firmware too new?
Factory Reset your device.
If that doesn't solve your problem, perform the Factory Reset again.

ROM MANAGER

Spoiler

In ROM Manager, when I flash Clockwork Recovery "An error occurred while flashing your recovery" pops up.
Enable WiFI and that may correct your problem.


Nandroid Backup not working with Alternate Recovery??
If you used one Recovery like ClockworkMod to make a Nandroid Backup, then FLASHed an Alternate recovery, like Amon_RA, then tried to FLASH your Nandroid Backup that you made with ClockworkMod with Amon_RA, it will not work. Only the Recovery used to Nandroid Backup can recover the Backup.


Downloaded a ROM and now my apps won't update.
Clear the Market Cache.
Setting > Applications > Manage Applications > Market > Clear Cache

UN-ROOT

Spoiler

How do I UN-ROOT my device?
See AFTER ROOTING: Section 5 of the Rooting Guide.


Can I still UN-ROOT my phone if I install a custom ROM or KERNEL?
Yes. You will still be able to UN-ROOT even after installing a custom ROM or KERNEL.

OVER THE AIR UPDATES

Spoiler

Do I need to UN-ROOT to apply the OTA Sprint/HTC Updates?
Yes. But only if you plan on staying Un-ROOTed.
If you want to stay ROOTed; refer to AFTER ROOTING - SECTION 6.

ROMS AND KERNELS

Spoiler

When FLASHING a new ROM and KERNEL, do I need to install one before the other?
Yes. FLASH the ROM First, the KERNEL Second.


Just FLASHED a ROM and now I can't download anything from the Market.
Your data may have not been wiped properly. Refer to AFTER ROOTING: Section 3 and flash either the ROM once more, or flash a NAND backup of your original ROM, then try and flash ROM your wanting.

TERMINAL EMULATOR

Spoiler

Grep: Not Fount
Search in the Market and download the latest version of BusyBox by Stephen (Stericson)

More Q&A to follow!


.

 

[slugbug]

Tagged

Thank you

 

[Matlock]

Tagged

Thank you

No problem!

 

[myriam]

Can you only root the phone without installing a rom?

 

[wake69]

yes, unrevoked will root your phone and leave current rom

 

[bluelt1ss]

can you post up the QR for adfree android? I couldnt find it on the market

btw BIG thanks Ive already been rooted but I see this being very helpful for people new to this

 

[fivebass52]

Great thread. Getting my Evo Monday, and can't wait to root it and get better battery life etc....

Currently have an HTC Hero, rooted with Fresh 2.0x... so know the drills.... always looking for easy instructions to make rooting easy. Thanks for taking the time to spell it all out!

 

[myriam]

yes, unrevoked will root your phone and leave current rom

Sorry my silly querstions. I neved did anything with my EVO but I'm sick and tired of all the bloatware. How do you unroot the phone after it is rooted? Thanks in advance.

 

[Matlock]

can you post up the QR for adfree android? I couldnt find it on the market

btw BIG thanks Ive already been rooted but I see this being very helpful for people new to this

As soon as I can I will post the QR for all the rooted apps. Also, appbrain does not have Adfree listed for obvious reasons. Check the Android market for "adfree Android".

Sorry my silly querstions. I neved did anything with my EVO but I'm sick and tired of all the bloatware. How do you unroot the phone after it is rooted? Thanks in advance.

I am checking into it and will give a dummied down how to on un-rooting ASAP.

 

[ncfastls1]

So if I root following this guide, but keep the stock ROM for now since I'm nowhere near advanced enough to venture into that, will I keep all my apps and data? Do I need to use some app to back up everything before doing this?

 

[AndroidSPCS]

If you root with Unrevoked 3.21, and stop after rooting (don't load new ROM0, your data is kept safe and nothing is wiped.

 

[AndroidSPCS]

This guide is good but unclear about a couple of steps:

1. you can download the Unrevoked HBOOT drivers, and after you set the phone to "charge only - always remember this" + "USB Debugging mode", you can follow the guide here to install the drivers: public:windows_hboot_driver_install [RootWiki]

Note: after you install and unplug the phone, let the phone boot into normal state.

Then plug the phone back into the computer, you may have to go through and reinstall the HBOOT drivers again (I did), but don't unplug the second time.

2. There is no install of the reflash.exe - you just run it. Make sure "charge only + always remember" is set, or Unrevoked will not succeed. I tried it the first time by setting it to "Charge only" and "always ask me" and it didn't go all the way through. Once I removed "always ask me" it worked just fine.

Once Unrevoked says "done" then you can remove the phone from the USB cable / PC, and it's all set. To confirm it worked, go to HBOOT screen: turn off phone, then press VOL DOWN + POWER, and when it gets to the HBOOT screen, it should show "S-OFF".

You can stop here, and your phone is unrooted, you can install wifi tethering, etc. Or you can proceed and install new custom Roms / recoveries if you like.

 

[22engine]

Nice job wish I had this awhile ago. Anyway you can only freeze apps in the donate version of titanium backup . The free on won't let you . Atleast the most current one in the market

 

[ncfastls1]

Thank you so much guys, really. I just followed all the steps and I am now rooted Everything worked flawlessly...I really have to give it to the unrevoked team for making such a kickass simple way to root your phone. I didn't think it would be this easy.

Now I'm going to start reading up on ROMs and kernels even though I don't even really know what a kernel is. I would like to know how to install customs roms and themes. But do any of them have working 4G? I live near Cary/Raleigh which has 4G and even though I don't use it all the time (I live in Fuquay which doesn't get 4G, but I work in Cary and spend most of my time out there) it is very important to me that it works. I never use HDMI out, although I may sometime in the future.

I'll go ahead and download those programs you listed. Does the Titanium backup just hide the bloatware programs or does it completely get rid of them?

 

[06yfzduner]

can you install custom roms with this root? if so how?

 

[Deleted User]

can you install custom roms with this root? if so how?

Yes. You can install custom ROMs with any root method. There are multiple places with instructions on installing custom ROMs but my suggestion would be to do a little reading before you plunge in.

Try the Android Development forum over on xda: EVO 4G Android Development - xda-developers

Any thread title that begins with [ROM] will have a custom ROM with descriptions, screenshots, instructions, etc. For your first time out you can stick with well tested ROMs like Fresh, BakedSnacks or DamageControl.

 

[06yfzduner]

Yes. You can install custom ROMs with any root method. There are multiple places with instructions on installing custom ROMs but my suggestion would be to do a little reading before you plunge in.

Try the Android Development forum over on xda: EVO 4G Android Development - xda-developers

Any thread title that begins with [ROM] will have a custom ROM with descriptions, screenshots, instructions, etc. For your first time out you can stick with well tested ROMs like Fresh, BakedSnacks or DamageControl.

thanks for the help !

 

[myriam]

ROOTING​

Unrevoked 3.21
HTC EVO 4G (Supersonic)
WINDOWS O.S.
(last updated 10/9/2010)​

I forgot to ask another silly question. Should I downgrade to 2.1? Is this method good for Froyo?

 

[AndroidSPCS]

I forgot to ask another silly question. Should I downgrade to 2.1? Is this method good for Froyo?

Can you edit your post so that it doesn't quote the entire first huge post?

And this is for all versions of Android, 2.1, 2.2, etc. No downgrade needed.

 

[mti22]

This is great.. we need a FLASHING for dummies....

 

[myriam]

Well. I may be a dummy for rooting, but I want to make sure I dont brick my phone. I love it too much to ruin it. I never did anything to my phone before.

 

[HoldFastHope]

I rooted last night using these steps along with one other thread, making sure everything meshed. It all came out nicely and can't wait to see what a rooted Evo is capable of compared to my older rooted G1. Thanks!

 

[SDM912]

I'm a complete newbie to this rooting ; I followed these steps you provided to root my HTC EVO, it showed that it's rooted as you stated about the SD-OFF. It also show the icon Superuser Permission. I tried tethering with my phone, it comes on, but my computer connects but only shows a local connection. Why don't I have internet access. What am I missing. Thanks in advance for any advice/help.

 

[Matlock]

I'm a complete newbie to this rooting ; I followed these steps you provided to root my HTC EVO, it showed that it's rooted as you stated about the SD-OFF. It also show the icon Superuser Permission. I tried tethering with my phone, it comes on, but my computer connects but only shows a local connection. Why don't I have internet access. What am I missing. Thanks in advance for any advice/help.

Are you using Wireless Tether?
If so, make sure you allow Superuser to let Wireless Tether use rooting capabilities. I was able to connect the first time using it. I'll look into it and see if there is any reason why it shound't have worked.