Root [HOW-TO] Get full root on a Mac

[EarlyMon]

Please read all the way through once before starting, so you have a picture in your mind of the steps, and so that you can see that you have various options to follow on what might be easiest for you.

This uses the HTCdev unlock, so all of your apps and data will be lost. If that's an issue, consider MyBackup Pro and SMS Backup+ to save what you can.

Added newer backup, October 2013 -

You can back up what you need first, with a Mac, using -

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.koushikdutta.backup

You'll need to install the desktop bits and follow the detailed instructions - but they're pretty good.

Step 1 - Preparations

Download the Mini-SDK -

our forums' mini-sdk
Open two Finder windows -

• Point the first one at your Home area (on left side, you'll see a home icon, named after your login name).
• Point the second one to the same place, then go to Downloads from there.
• Drag sdk-tools.zip from Downloads to your home area.
• Double-click sdk-tools.zip - accept to open app downloaded from internet.
• You'll now have a new folder under home -> sdk-tools
• Move sdk-tools.zip to Trash, you're done with it.
• In a Finder window, go to Applications, Utilities (folder), then double click to open Terminal
• In the Terminal, enter (copy/paste): cd sdk-tools
  • Note these two steps, you'll likely to use them often for your future rooting and rom'ing needs.
    

Setup your phone -

• settings -> Power -> Fast boot -> UNchecked
• settings -> Developer options -> USB debugging -> checked
• plug your phone into your Mac now
  

Step 2 - Unlock your bootloader

The HTCdev process -

Here's the HTC dev unlock site - HTCdev - Unlock Bootloader

Scroll to the bottom of the drop-down and choose All Other Supported Models.

Wherever you see HTC ask you to enter the fastboot command, while in the sdk-tools folder, do: ./fastboot-mac

The "./" must precede the command.


In step 1 of the diagram above, the command is:

./fastboot-mac oem get_identifier_token

In step 3 of the diagram, ok to copy the token from your terminal, paste to HTCdev.

In step 5 of the diagram above, drag and drop the Unlock_code.bin from Mail into your sdk-tools folder in the Finder and then the Terminal command to unlock is:

./fastboot-mac flash unlocktoken Unlock_code.bin

The following info is optional, left here for reference only.

Spoiler

If you have questions about the precise steps, please also see -

Unlock Bootloader on Mac OS X - Rezound - xda-developers

-> but use our Mini-SDK and my instructions here to install and use that, it will make your life easier.

Now your bootloader is unlocked, you need to get the TWRP custom recovery installed.


Step 3 - Install TWRP custom recovery

Get the download and instructions here - TeamWin Projects - TWRP for Evo 4G LTE | TeamWin

Look for the DOWNLOAD of the .img file on the TWRP site linked above.

Get it, move it to your sdk-tools folder.

Getting to fastboot mode, one way - Power the phone off. Then press volume_down + power to get to Fastboot.

Plug your phone into your Mac.

Getting to fastboot mode, another way -As an alternative to pressing buttons to get to Fastboot mode, leave your phone on, plug your phone into your Mac and in the command window, say -

./adb-mac reboot bootloader


Then say this in your terminal window -

./fastboot-mac flash recovery use-the-full-name-of-twrp-download-img-file-here


Step 4 - Rooting

You have two choices - install SuperSU or install a rooted rom.

To install SuperSU go to - http://download.chainfire.eu/supersu

Place on your sd card (internal or external), run Install from TWRP.

~~~~~~~~~~

Other way -

You'll get root by replacing your non-rooted rom with a rooted one. Choose a rooted rom, put it on your sd card, reboot into recovery, and install the rooted rom using TWRP.

To boot into recovery -

Power the phone off. Then press volume_down + power to get to Fastboot. Choose Bootloader and from there, choose Recovery.

In recovery - choose Install and follow prompts to install your rom.

If you are running a phone with hboot 1.12, you're probably done at this point, depending on the rom installer.

If you have a phone with a higher hboot version, you will need to flash the kernel that came with your rom separately.


Step 5 - Kernel installation

(not always required)

Download the rom you've installed or are planning to install to your Mac. You'll find it in your Downloads folder as a zip file.

Double-click, unzip it and say ok if you get a warning that you got it from the internet.

Inside the resulting folder of the same name as the zip file, you're going to find a special file - boot.img

Using the finder, move the boot.img file to your sdk-tools folder.

Plug your phone into the computer via USB and power the phone off. Then press volume_down + power to get to Fastboot.

Go to sdk-tools in your terminal window, see the preparation instructions in Step 1 in red, above, if you need help.

Now in the terminal window, issue this command -

./fastboot-mac flash boot boot.img


Step 6 - Wrap-up

Reboot your phone, test your installation, do basic setups, ensure things seem to work.

Reboot into recovery.

Make a nandroid backup.

Reboot and...

Enjoy your phone!



Below is legacy instructions for hboot 1.12 LTEvos, left here for reference -

Spoiler

Your bootloader is now unlocked, next comes root. Follow the steps here to get the SuperSU and Busybox installer link (hint - you want go to the Mirror download link listed last to get it the quickest) -

How to Root/Unroot HTC Evo 4G LTE! [Windows/Mac/Linux][One-Click] - xda-developers

In a Finder window, go to your home area, then Downloads, then double-click the zip to expand it, and again, accept the dialog warning that it's an internet download.

You already have a Terminal open, so I've modified the change directory command of their instructions to allow for that. Copy/paste the following -

cd $HOME/Downloads/Evo4GLTERoot 
chmod 755 * 
sh runmemac.sh

 

[AARONONE]

Is there a way to root and install custom recovery using a Mac, yet? Or is just the soft root method the only one?

 

[Rxpert83]

Is there a way to root and install custom recovery using a Mac, yet? Or is just the soft root method the only one?

Well, you can always manually do htcdev, but I *think* you need to run it in a virtual linux environment.


Edit: there's adb available for Mac so I guess the manual way would work.

 

[EarlyMon]

I've hijacked the thread and made a how-to.

 

[Rxpert83]

I've hijacked the thread and made a how-to.

Thanks early. I have very limited Mac experience.

 

[EarlyMon]

Thanks early. I have very limited Mac experience.

Linux made sense at first, remember we had to do that at one point for Evo, but I was looking over the Mac instructions and got lucky.

Teamwork.

 

[scudder]

Hello Everyone!!

Currently have an original EVO 4G and will be getting the EVO LTE in the next day or so. I have a Mac and was wondering if the following method yields S-OFF:

Root HTC EVO LTE on Mac

??

Also is this method OK to follow?? Or is there another better-recommended method in the LTE - All Things Root "Rooting for Dummies" Guide that I saw in this form??

Thanks!!

Scott

----------------
Edit:

I wanted to add my LTE phone info in case that influences answers to my questions above...

***LOCKED***
JEWEL PVT SHIP S-ON RL
HBOOT 1.19.0000
RADIO 1.12.11.0809
OpenDSP v29.1.0.45.0622
eMMC-boot
Aug 8, 2012, 15:14:25

Hardware 0003
Software version: 2.13.651.1 710RD

 

[EarlyMon]

That method is the one we link to at XDA.

It won't work on its own with your version of software, you'll have to unlock first. The exploit they used is gone but I recall that once you've unlocked all you're really after is the su install after that.

For that matter you could install a rooted rom.

The download link there no longer works, the mirror does.

The only s-off that works with your hboot requires Linux, not sure, but I think that you can boot it from your Mac via a live cd. I need to test that myself I guess.

Hope this makes sense!

 

[scudder]

That method is the one we link to at XDA.

It won't work on its own with your version of software, you'll have to unlock first. The exploit they used is gone but I recall that once you've unlocked all you're really after is the su install after that.

For that matter you could install a rooted rom.

The download link there no longer works, the mirror does.

The only s-off that works with your hboot requires Linux, not sure, but I think that you can boot it from your Mac via a live cd. I need to test that myself I guess.

Hope this makes sense!

Um...well....makes NO sense!! Just kidding, like I said, I'm rusty and this is definitely more involved...from a how-to standpoint and which-to-do standpoint than unrEVOked.

So back before I rooted my original EVO I read a bit about S-ON and S-OFF but it was a moot point because I was able to get S-OFF and that was that. But now in the guide here and other threads I've read that one can STILL flash ROMs even with S-ON.

So if I choose a method that keeps me with S-ON what are my limits?? I can still flash ROMs? ALL ROMs or only some?? Can I still use Titanium as with my original EVO and remove bloatware, install, uninstall and archive apps and data??

And if I root with a method that keeps S-ON, can I later "re-root" to S-OFF?? Or is that a process of un-rooted and then re-rooting??

Just trying to map out my method at the forefront and get a bit more confortable before I jump in to this again...uke:

Thanks!!

 

[EarlyMon]

Saw your other thread so I'll only answer some of this.

The bootloader is locked with encrypted signature security (s-on).

You can now unlock it with s-on still in place.

When you do that with later versions of hboot you can flash all roms in recovery, but you have to go back and fastboot flash the kernel. The root guide has a link to the thread that explains how.
To update radios, you have to relock your bootloader, apply an ruu, and do the whole thing all over again.

None of that rigamaroll is needed when you're s-off.

 

[EarlyMon]

Almost a complete re-write to update to latest bootloaders and rom installations.

 

[EarlyMon]

Ok, complete re-write is here - http://androidforums.com/evo-4g-lte-all-things-root/572162-how-get-full-root-mac.html

Let me know if that makes more sense now.

 

[nobegging]

Thanks early, I've been reading all the other posts and the help you've given a couple folks on this, really great work! Think I may tackle this on another phone I picked up to learn more Linux on. Great work!

 

[scudder]

Ok, complete re-write is here - http://androidforums.com/evo-4g-lte-all-things-root/572162-how-get-full-root-mac.html

Let me know if that makes more sense now.

Looks FANTASTIC!!! Thanks so much!! Would TRIPLE-THANK if I could!!

Questions/little confusion...

In Step 4...Rooting...needing to replace the non-rooted ROM with a rooted one...any suggestions for a ROM?? When is MikG coming out with a ROM??

Is this where SU is installed or is that finished already prior to Step 4??

Also, if I don't flash a rooted ROM at this point, can I still use Titanium Backup, remove/freeze apps I don't want, etc but just staying "rooted by stock"??

Looking forward to trying tonight...THANKS!!

 

[ocnbrze]

Looks FANTASTIC!!! Thanks so much!! Would TRIPLE-THANK if I could!!

Questions/little confusion...

In Step 4...Rooting...needing to replace the non-rooted ROM with a rooted one...any suggestions for a ROM?? When is MikG coming out with a ROM??

Is this where SU is installed or is that finished already prior to Step 4??

Also, if I don't flash a rooted ROM at this point, can I still use Titanium Backup, remove/freeze apps I don't want, etc but just staying "rooted by stock"??

Looking forward to trying tonight...THANKS!!

roms will always have su cooked in........so all you need to do is flash a rom.
i would go here: http://androidforums.com/evo-4g-lte-all-things-root/614073-list-utilities-roms-kernels.html. there is a staff picks section that has some great suggestion of roms to try.

i think most peeps here like mean or viper roms.

edit:why would you want to stay on stock? LOL

 

[scudder]

roms will always have su cooked in........so all you need to do is flash a rom.
i would go here: http://androidforums.com/evo-4g-lte-all-things-root/614073-list-utilities-roms-kernels.html. there is a staff picks section that has some great suggestion of roms to try.

i think most peeps here like mean or viper roms.

Super! I'm off to get my SDK-tools!

edit:why would you want to stay on stock? LOL

Actually, my time I think you remember a while back when I was a GREEN GUY and had a tonnnnnn more free time. I know since this LTE was my wife's phone that this is a SOLID, consistent, quality phone and, at the moment, with work, I just want the security of being able to backup my stuff with a nandroid, remove some apps and stay with what I know works. To be honest, I haven't looked at the ROMs available for the LTE (hence my question above) so not sure how solid or non-problematic the ROMs are for the LTE.

And, you know me, I'm SURE I'll try a ROM or two or five I'll just nand stock as a backup and play from there...when I have some time!

Well I'm off to the HOW-TO. See you on the other side....

 

[Rxpert83]

So much fastboot

 

[EarlyMon]

In Step 4...Rooting...needing to replace the non-rooted ROM with a rooted one...any suggestions for a ROM?? When is MikG coming out with a ROM??

I like Viper4G, but there are many fine alternatives, as ocn mentioned, linked in our guide.

Once you're in this flashable state, the world is your oyster!

Is this where SU is installed or is that finished already prior to Step 4??

Ocn totally answered this - I'm going to answer it again. Not because his explanation was wrong, it was perfect. Just to give a validation.

scudder, you got your head on right, but HTC turned things. So, I want you to turn your head to one side and then you'll align with what they did.

In one of the before-times, we got root first, then tinkered.

I remember you from the cabbie advice in the og Evo days, so I know that's what you're relating.

But - HTCdev changes that, so we shift on that.

HTCdev bootloader unlock => it cleans and wipes your phone.

And by Step 4, you have an unlocked bootloader and the custom recovery.

So - you don't root like before, through an exploit, to get the su binary and the Superuser app on your phone.

And rather than just have you flash the su goods only - you're ready, so a flash is a flash.

If you want what you have going into step 4, stock+rooted, instead of flashing su - just flash the stock rooted rom - same exact result as just flashing su on the stock unlocked rom.

So - as ocn is saying, I'm saying and you're saying - yeah, from here you can leap right to whatever rom you like.

I use Viper4G - I'm partial. It's like stock plus. But as mentioned - MeanRom, SuperLTE, MIUI, CM10, AOKP, flex's, OMJ's, freeza's (remember freeza?? he's still with us, just at XDA now), CleanRom (two choices) and many others (no disrespect if not mentioned) - or just stock rooted - are all open as your first rooted rom.

After all, a rooted rom is just -

ROM + (su apk + su binary) + busybox

And the whole thing is there with any rom installer.

Also, if I don't flash a rooted ROM at this point, can I still use Titanium Backup, remove/freeze apps I don't want, etc but just staying "rooted by stock"??

Nope.

Titanium Backup (TiBu) and other utils need to run on a rooted rom.

_____________

Before:

Root. (optionally, do TiBu stuff, etc etc)
Unlock bootloader.
Install recovery.


Now:

Unlock bootloader. (lose everything, phone is wiped)
Install recovery.
Install rooted rom.

PS to others who stayed active in og Evo root and know those before steps aren't right - they were in scudder's day.

Hope this helps!!!!

 

[EarlyMon]

PS - here is the stock rooted rom by our pal (ok - everyone's pal!), xHausx -

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1766628

If you want to start slow with stock and try others from there, there you go!

 

[EarlyMon]

So much fastboot

There's no school like old school compadre.

 

[scudder]

[removed to save quote space from above...]

_____________

Before:

Root. (optionally, do TiBu stuff, etc etc)
Unlock bootloader.
Install recovery.


Now:

Unlock bootloader. (lose everything, phone is wiped)
Install recovery.
Install rooted rom.

PS to others who stayed active in og Evo root and know those before steps aren't right - they were in scudder's day.

Hope this helps!!!!

This was WONDERFUL this writeup in post #37 above!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

 

[scudder]

Hi...

Started with the HOW-TO and having trouble while logged into the HTC dev site. I'm at
Step 5

On your computer create a new folder (For Example: C:\Android) where we will be putting the following 3 files in this new folder:

• adb.exe
• AdbWinApi.dll
• fastboot.exe

Note: for Mac OS X and Linux you will only need adb and fastboot.

etc....


And I'm tooooootally confused what to do with the reference to the Windows stuff and commands, even with following the diagram at the [HOW-TO]...

Should we continue this conversation here or do you want to move this to the [HOW-TO] thread??

 

[EarlyMon]

Here is fine.

I'll respond in the next post.

 

[scudder]

And I cannot tell a lie...I "proceeded to Step 8" and saw that that is where I retrieve and paste my token so...I'll await assistance

 

[EarlyMon]

Ok - so here's the thing.

The HTCdev instructions are written to be generic, for people without other support and for Windows.

Less is more - that's the key to my guide. And because Android, Mac and Linux are all unix-based - a firm reality.


Rescue 1 -

So - your prime directive - forget anything on Windows command or advice they're handing out.

Let's do a big-picture overview of HTC's whole trip -

• use your pc (from now on - Mac ok) to get a token id from the phone
• use your Mac to copy that and send it to HTC
• HTC dorks around with your token id and sends you magic beans in email
• you use your Mac to send the magic beans to your phone.

Now for using my diagram and instructions in the [HOW-TO] thread...




Once you install our mini-sdk and unzip it as I suggest, you have 100% of all the sofware you need in a folder named sdk-tools in your Home area.


Don't worry about other installs, tools, USB drivers, Android stuffs, etc etc. You're going to talk to unix to Linux (Android) so you're all 100% set with our mini-sdk on your Mac.




Rescue 2 -


The incremental instructions on the HTC site may change as they get feedback.


We don't care.


The actual steps are in my original diagram from HTC and the whole trip is explained in my bullet points above.




Rescue 3 -


If you follow my instructions and copy/paste the Mac instructions, you'll be fine.


In Step 5 of the diagram (whatever step they're calling it in text today), I wrote -

In step 5 of the diagram above, drag and drop the Unlock_code.bin from Mail into your sdk-tools folder in the Finder and then the Terminal command to unlock is:

./fastboot-mac flash unlocktoken Unlock_code.bin

Ok.


You get the magic beans (referring to my bullets) back in your email. You save the magic beans (Unlock_code.bin) to your home/sdk-tools folder.


You then hop over to the Terminal window I've had you make open all along, and you copy/paste the line in italics above (./fastboot blah blah Unlock_code.bin) into that Terminal window and press return.


And your bootloader is unlocked.