• After 15+ years, we've made a big change: Android Forums is now Early Bird Club. Learn more here.

Root [GUIDE] Brick Recovery

The links are down temporarily to fix a minor glitch in the Wi-Fi Mac address. Should be up soon, or by tomorrow. I would strongly recommend updating once the links are restored. Go ahead and install TWRP to prepare for updating. Yes, you will need to reflash the zv5 radio, so go ahead and download that as well. As for the space issue, try wiping dalvik and cache. Also clear data for Google play services, framework, and the play store.

Thanks very much for the reply. I've tried everything and think I just made things worse. I think I know why I can't install any apps. I had changed the setting in Link2SD to SD card instead of Automatic, and read where this can cause problems on Kitkat. I reflashed ZV4 and now can't get play store to connect for some reason. Anyway, I definitely want to flash the new rom. I've always used CWM but TWRP looks interesting. Do you boot into it like CWM?

Edit: Finally got my phone working. I changed SD cards and edited the Hosts file as well. I think I will probably still flash to Zv5.
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0
What is the MSL used for btw?

Also, what the heck does TWRP stand for? xD

TWRP = Team Win Recovery Project.

Your MSL is a 6 digit number that allows you to access service menus built into the phone accessible via a code on the dial pad i.e. go to your phones dialer and type in ##TEST# (##8378#). Some menus it is not needed (but you may not be able to edit anything), some you can't access without it. You type in your MSL when (if) it prompts you for your service code.
 
Upvote 0
I'm having trouble getting a phone rooted using this guide.

Whenever I select BOARD DL mode, it gives me a "check phone or dll" error. If I select UPGRADE DL mode, it goes through, but then gives me a Factory Reset Status 2 error on boot.

What should I try next?

(Also I'm not sure what info you need from me to troubleshoot, so please ask and I'll try to get back to you ASAP with it!)

Thanks!

EDIT: Tried again after recopying files a third time, looks like it might be working this time? Not sure what is different. Here's hoping!

EDIT 2: I have literally no idea what I did differently. I tried 3 guides yesterday (including this one) then this one three times today. It's finally working though! :D
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0
Thanks very much for the reply. I've tried everything and think I just made things worse. I think I know why I can't install any apps. I had changed the setting in Link2SD to SD card instead of Automatic, and read where this can cause problems on Kitkat. I reflashed ZV4 and now can't get play store to connect for some reason. Anyway, I definitely want to flash the new rom. I've always used CWM but TWRP looks interesting. Do you boot into it like CWM?

Edit: Finally got my phone working. I changed SD cards and edited the Hosts file as well. I think I will probably still flash to Zv5.
There's absolutely no reason to stay on zv4. You should definitely switch to TWRP before flashing zv5. Yes, you access it the same as cwm... It's still a recovery. TWRP has better options to, like compressing your backups, and only backing up certain parts. There's also Philz, which should work fine, but hasn't been tested as much.
 
  • Like
Reactions: m4p
Upvote 0
Random question. Wasn't there someone who had trouble with link2sd linked apps when they were updating to zv5? Do I need to go ahead and remove all those links and just redo them after updating, or should they be fine?
I had issues... I would unlink. I don't know for certain it was l2sd, I had several other mods in place too via Xposed. I just uninstalled the framework and reinstalled it after.
 
Upvote 0
What is xposed.... Is it worth playing with??
It's an application framework for applying tweaks and mods to a system on the fly (without permanently modifying anything). Quick and easy way to customize stuff with much less risk. I'd say most of us are using at least a couple modules.
http://repo.xposed.info/
 
  • Like
Reactions: CrimsonToker
Upvote 0
It's an application framework for applying tweaks and mods to a system on the fly (without permanently modifying anything). Quick and easy way to customize stuff with much less risk. I'd say most of us are using at least a couple modules.
http://repo.xposed.info/
After getting into xposed theming, i can't NOT have a rooted phone
 
Upvote 0
Quick question. I haven't rooted yet. In fact my phone is completely stock. Came with the v4 and keeps prompting me to update to v5. Is there any reason I *shouldn't* update to v5 and get rid of this annoying prompt? Just making sure it's not going to present issues updating before I root. I was holding off as long as possible in hopes towel root would update to work with v4 but I'm starting to crave root and can't wait much longer.
 
Upvote 0
Quick question. I haven't rooted yet. In fact my phone is completely stock. Came with the v4 and keeps prompting me to update to v5. Is there any reason I *shouldn't* update to v5 and get rid of this annoying prompt? Just making sure it's not going to present issues updating before I root. I was holding off as long as possible in hopes towel root would update to work with v4 but I'm starting to crave root and can't wait much longer.
I wouldn't hold out for towelroot, just saying. Don't bother updating...it's all going to get wiped out.
 
Upvote 0
So basically, just perform the current root method, no reason to a) wait for a tool like towel root to become update to v4 or b) update to v5 before rooting, correct?
You are correct sir. I don't anticipate any update for towelroot as long as it works for whatever phone they made it for in the first place, which wasn't the Volt...it just happened to work.
 
Upvote 0
There's absolutely no reason to stay on zv4. You should definitely switch to TWRP before flashing zv5. Yes, you access it the same as cwm... It's still a recovery. TWRP has better options to, like compressing your backups, and only backing up certain parts. There's also Philz, which should work fine, but hasn't been tested as much.

Thanks. I downloaded TWRP but haven't done anything with it yet. Wouldn't you know when I finally get rid of the annoying v5 update nag, a rooted rom becomes available. I'll probably wait for the weekend to flash to v5 and hopefully won't have to bug you guys too much with questions.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bg4m3r
Upvote 0
Never see a mirror for MD5 it just goes to google play and installs on the phone. So MD5 is on the phone (no way I caouls see etting around that. when LS740ZV3_17.33030_Secure.zip finishes downloading I will restart the laptop and reinstall the drivers then reboot again



SOMETHING (I dont know what) says it wont download due to it being a virus
 
Upvote 0
I decided to write up a new rooting guide since we have some new/simpler methods available and everyone else is busy working on custom ROMs (cause you all rock!), so here is my form of contribution around here. :)

This guide will cover all the possible conditions:

Stock zv3 (probably about to be obsolete) - start at Step 4 (you lucky dog!)

Stock, or OTA updated zv4 or zv5 - start at Step 1.

ROM updated zv4 or zv5, but root wasn't retained for some reason - use Towelroot and install SuperSU, otherwise start at Step 1.

Several of the files have an MD5 listed below them. You can use this to verify that the file downloaded correctly. Install this hash checker and compare the MD5 of your file to the one listed.
Android MD5 Checker

Step 1 - Gather materials for zv3 downgrade
WARNING: You will lose data in the downgrade process. Prepare your phone accordingly.
What you will need:
zv3 stock tot file (Mirror) - DL to computer
MD5 = 0D7AAAFB6742CEAB7BCAEECBAE3C1F39
LG Flash Tool 1.8, Megalock, and LS740 DLL - DL to computer
MD5= C1825BA208611B23B9B0D4aBDD0C5731
LG Universal Drivers v3.13 - DL to computer
MD5 = 5B42B87660CC30168DA629BFD75A105D


Step 2 - Setup your computer
Install the driver package.
Install the LG Flash Tool to the root of your drive.
Place the DLLs (megalock and ls740) and tot file in the folder with the flash tool.
With the phone off, and USB cable plugged into your computer, hold Vol + and plug the cable into the phone. (Some drivers may install, allow this to happen.)
Continue holding Vol + until download mode loads. See screenshot.
View attachment 79991
In Device Manager on your computer, find LGE AndroidNet USB Serial Port (under Ports) and set it to port 41 (COM41).
Leave your phone connected and set it aside for now.

Step 3 - Flashing zv3
Open the LG Flash Tool. On the config window, make it look like the picture below
(note the DLL, S/W, and Action Mode) and hit OK:
View attachment 79797
On the main window, hit the yellow arrow at the far left.
Once it finishes, unplug the cable from the computer, and plug it back in to start the flashing process.
When the phone reboots, it will boot into the MiniOS setup screen.
(You can now disconnect the phone and close the Flash Tool.
Don't worry about any fail messages from the flash tool.)
On the MiniOS screen, hold power and tap Normal Boot.
Rebooting will take several minutes, DON'T PANIC! :)
If you don't have service, just use ##72786# dialer code to reactivate.

Step 4 - Rooting zv3 and installing TWRP
Download these:
Towelroot - DL to phone
Flashify
SuperSU - DL to phone (extSD)
TWRP (Mirror) - DL to phone (extSD)
MD5= E8B53F5E82A969006255FDA04B838872

Install and run Towelroot.
Install and use Flashify to install the TWRP image as Recovery Image.
Boot into recovery and use TWRP to install SuperSU.
For safety's sake, you may want to make a backup while you're here.

Info break - Dalvik, ART, Odex, Deodex
Here's a couple articles to help you decide if you want Dalvik or ART, or Odex or Deodex.
Odex vs Deodex
Dalvik vs ART
It has been reported that ART does not work with the deodexed zv5 ROM.

Step 5 - Upgrading to zv5
Download the ROM - DL to phone (extSD)
Odexed ROM MD5 = 6EA37F6F78AF33D823DCC7E0C86657BF
Deodexed ROM MD5 = 611108A5BD785952BB38A8C97B8503FB
Download radio - DL to phone (extSD)
radio MD5 = F3F42DD1DF5C04F77CFD914CF042A01E

Boot into recovery and install the ROM and radio.
Install SuperSU again, just to be safe.
If you don't have service, just use ##72786# dialer code to reactivate.
This would be another good time to make a backup in TWRP.
(You can delete the one you made earlier)

Step 6 - Debloating

I'm leaving this up to you.
Here is a list of safe to remove/freeze apps.
Just be careful and make backups of anything you aren't absolutely sure to want to be rid of.

Disclaimer
As always, the responsibility for the results of this information is at your own risk.
We'll happily help you fix any problems, just don't blame us for breaking your phone.

Credits
Huge credit to asmugone for getting the stock zv3 tot file!
He had to pay for this, so please send him a donation!
Thanks to Team Codefire for creating bump.
Thanks to whoshotjr2006 for TWRP
Thanks to kwknott for the zv5 ROM.

T
I decided to write up a new rooting guide since we have some new/simpler methods available and everyone else is busy working on custom ROMs (cause you all rock!), so here is my form of contribution around here. :)

This guide will cover all the possible conditions:

Stock zv3 (probably about to be obsolete) - start at Step 4 (you lucky dog!)

Stock, or OTA updated zv4 or zv5 - start at Step 1.

ROM updated zv4 or zv5, but root wasn't retained for some reason - use Towelroot and install SuperSU, otherwise start at Step 1.

Several of the files have an MD5 listed below them. You can use this to verify that the file downloaded correctly. Install this hash checker and compare the MD5 of your file to the one listed.
Android MD5 Checker

Step 1 - Gather materials for zv3 downgrade
WARNING: You will lose data in the downgrade process. Prepare your phone accordingly.
What you will need:
zv3 stock tot file (Mirror) - DL to computer
MD5 = 0D7AAAFB6742CEAB7BCAEECBAE3C1F39
LG Flash Tool 1.8, Megalock, and LS740 DLL - DL to computer
MD5= C1825BA208611B23B9B0D4aBDD0C5731
LG Universal Drivers v3.13 - DL to computer
MD5 = 5B42B87660CC30168DA629BFD75A105D


Step 2 - Setup your computer
Install the driver package.
Install the LG Flash Tool to the root of your drive.
Place the DLLs (megalock and ls740) and tot file in the folder with the flash tool.
With the phone off, and USB cable plugged into your computer, hold Vol + and plug the cable into the phone. (Some drivers may install, allow this to happen.)
Continue holding Vol + until download mode loads. See screenshot.
View attachment 79991
In Device Manager on your computer, find LGE AndroidNet USB Serial Port (under Ports) and set it to port 41 (COM41).
Leave your phone connected and set it aside for now.

Step 3 - Flashing zv3
Open the LG Flash Tool. On the config window, make it look like the picture below
(note the DLL, S/W, and Action Mode) and hit OK:
View attachment 79797
On the main window, hit the yellow arrow at the far left.
Once it finishes, unplug the cable from the computer, and plug it back in to start the flashing process.
When the phone reboots, it will boot into the MiniOS setup screen.
(You can now disconnect the phone and close the Flash Tool.
Don't worry about any fail messages from the flash tool.)
On the MiniOS screen, hold power and tap Normal Boot.
Rebooting will take several minutes, DON'T PANIC! :)
If you don't have service, just use ##72786# dialer code to reactivate.

Step 4 - Rooting zv3 and installing TWRP
Download these:
Towelroot - DL to phone
Flashify
SuperSU - DL to phone (extSD)
TWRP (Mirror) - DL to phone (extSD)
MD5= E8B53F5E82A969006255FDA04B838872

Install and run Towelroot.
Install and use Flashify to install the TWRP image as Recovery Image.
Boot into recovery and use TWRP to install SuperSU.
For safety's sake, you may want to make a backup while you're here.

Info break - Dalvik, ART, Odex, Deodex
Here's a couple articles to help you decide if you want Dalvik or ART, or Odex or Deodex.
Odex vs Deodex
Dalvik vs ART
It has been reported that ART does not work with the deodexed zv5 ROM.

Step 5 - Upgrading to zv5
Download the ROM - DL to phone (extSD)
Odexed ROM MD5 = 6EA37F6F78AF33D823DCC7E0C86657BF
Deodexed ROM MD5 = 611108A5BD785952BB38A8C97B8503FB
Download radio - DL to phone (extSD)
radio MD5 = F3F42DD1DF5C04F77CFD914CF042A01E

Boot into recovery and install the ROM and radio.
Install SuperSU again, just to be safe.
If you don't have service, just use ##72786# dialer code to reactivate.
This would be another good time to make a backup in TWRP.
(You can delete the one you made earlier)

Step 6 - Debloating

I'm leaving this up to you.
Here is a list of safe to remove/freeze apps.
Just be careful and make backups of anything you aren't absolutely sure to want to be rid of.

Disclaimer
As always, the responsibility for the results of this information is at your own risk.
We'll happily help you fix any problems, just don't blame us for breaking your phone.

Credits
Huge credit to asmugone for getting the stock zv3 tot file!
He had to pay for this, so please send him a donation!
Thanks to Team Codefire for creating bump.
Thanks to whoshotjr2006 for TWRP
Thanks to kwknott for the zv5 ROM.

Thanks to everyone else who contributed time and knowledge to getting this stuff working!
Every time I go into device manager to try and change port to 41 its telling me that I dont have write privillages in the registry for this device even though my phone is set to developer rights and I have usb debugging checked, using windows 7 getting frustrated please help.
hanks to everyone else who contributed time and knowledge to getting this stuff worI
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0

BEST TECH IN 2023

We've been tracking upcoming products and ranking the best tech since 2007. Thanks for trusting our opinion: we get rewarded through affiliate links that earn us a commission and we invite you to learn more about us.

Smartphones