Universal Android Root

In keeping with my intention to transition this blog into bigger and brighter things, I present the Universal Root Kit for Android phones.

The following phones are supported by this rooting method:

• Google Nexus One (2.2)
• Google G1 (1.6)
• HTC Hero (2.1)
• HTC Magic (1.5) (Select Do not install Superuser)
• HTC Tattoo (1.6)
• Dell Streak (2.1)
• Motorola Milestone (2.1)
• Motorola XT701
• Motorola XT800 (2.1)
• Motorola ME511
• Motorola Droid (2.01/2.1/2.2 with FRG01B)
• Sony Ericsson X10 (1.6)
• Sony Ericsson X10 Mini (1.6)
• Sony Ericsson X10 Mini Pro (1.6)
• Acer Liquid (2.1)
• Acer beTouch E400 (2.1)
• Samsung Galaxy Beam
• Vibo A688 (1.6)
• Lenovo Lephone (1.6)
• LG GT540 (1.6)
• Gigabyte GSmart G1305

The following phones are NOT supported by this rooting method:

• Samsung i9000 / i6500U / i7500 / i5700
• Motorola ME600 / ME501 / MB300 / CLIQ XT
• Motorola 2.2 FRG22D
• Archos 5
• HuaWei U8220
• HTC Desire / Legend / Wildfire (Soft Root)
• HTC EVO 4G / Aria
• SonyEricsson X10i R2BA020
• myTouch Slide

NOTE: In upcoming posts, I will attempt to determine how each of the phones that are not supported by the "universal" method can be rooted. For example, I know that the Evo 4G / Aria is rootable.

What you'll need:

1) One of the supported phones listed above
2) The Universal Root Kit: Latest Stable Version or Latest BETA Version. (as of 9/16/2010)

How to:

Step 1: Download the universal android root tool to your supported android phone.

Step 2: Install the downloaded tool.

Step 3: Select the version that you need (this is self explanatory within the tool).

Step 4: Hit "root".

You will get confirmation that the phone has been rooted.

Now, as I've explained in earlier rooting method posts, we still have not made it possible to use Nandroid or Clockwork to make backups, run recoveries, and install custom ROMs. If you want to run a custom ROM, you'll need to be able to use a recovery utility and so, you'll want to read through the rest of this post.

While a rooted phone is good for installing apps that require root status, the real joy is in having the ability to do backups, run recoveries and install custom ROMs. Since you've used the "universal root method", it's pretty easy to get a recovery image flashed to your phone (i.e. make it possible to do all of these nifty things).

Step 1: Download and Install ROM Manager from the Android Market
Step 2: Install ClockworkMod Recovery (an option within ROM Manager)

There, now you have a recovery image flashed to your phone. Not sure what you can do with this recovery image, or what it's even for? Check out these posts: Here and Here

Still not clear? Leave a comment and I'll get back to you...

Enjoy your rooted Android Phone

Rooting Option 2:

If Rooting Option 1 wasn't easy enough for you, it turns out that there is an even easier method... A "One Click" method!

Things you'll need.

1) An HTC Hero for Sprint

The How to's:

Step 1: download and install this apk to your HTC Hero for Sprint

Step 2: once it has successfully installed, run the app, read the disclaimer, and confirm

Step 3: reboot your phone.

Once rebooted your phone should have Darchstar's recovery and you should be able to boot into it using the reboot recovery method of your choice.

Step 4: use the recovery interface to flash custom ROMs, make backups, restores, etc.

Step 5: go into settings, and turn usb debugging on.

The developer of this app asks that after Step 5, you go into your phone's application settings and uninstall the app that you installed in Step 1.