If it is done improperly, either by the developer or the user, it can cause problems (some massive) with your phone. But if you stick to trusted sources, find the best rooting resources for your model and carrier, and follow directions, you shouldn’t encounter any problems. And if for some reason something does go wrong, you can tell us about it in the comments and we will do our best to help you overcome. Then you can enjoy your phone without restrictions, responsibly.
Before We Begin:
Verify your device model number.Realize that rooting voids your warranty.Download and install USB drivers on your computer.A full backup of your LG G4 should take place before you ever start the rooting process.
Method 1: How to Root LG G4 Using Low Effort Root
The name can be a little misleading, as this isn’t the simplest of methods. This method of rooting is brought to you by a member of XDA, a developer who goes by the name of thecubed. It is said to root any LG G4, but really, your phone model and carrier needs to be one of the following: T-Mobile H811 10H, VZW VS986 11A, International H815 10C, AT&T H810 10G, or Sprint LS 991 ZV5. Your G4 should also be unencrypted.
Step 1: Unlock Bootloader
Rooting may not even be possible with a locked bootloader.
Step 2: Enable Unknown Sources
This is necessary so that you can download apps outside of Google Play. Another term for this is sideloading. Go to Settings > Security > Unknown Sources.
Step 3: Check Charge
Ensure your phone has 50% charge or greater.
Step 4: Download Send_Command Tools to PC
This step is required regardless of what model you have. Unzip the file. Download: Send_Command Tools
Step 5: Download Carrier-Specific Link
Download: T-Mobile Download: Verizon Download: International H815 10c Version Download: AT&T Download: Sprint
Step 6: Enable USB Debugging
From your Home screen, go to Apps > Settings > Developer Options. Enable Developer Options and turn on USB Debugging.
Step 7: Extract Tar.gz File
Click on the download and from the drop-down menu, select Show in Folder. Right-click the folder to extract.
Step 8: Transfer Img File
Move the system.rooted.phonemodel.img file you should have just extracted to the root of your SD card via MTP mode (requires USB connection).
Step 9: Go to LG_Root Folder
Step 10: Open Command Window
Executing this step does vary depending on the version of Windows you are using. If you are using Windows 10, you can go to the Start button > All Apps > Windows System > Command Prompt.
Step 11: Go into Download Mode
Turn off your phone, press Volume Up, and connect your G4 to your computer.
Step 12: Determine Diag Port
After any driver installations have finished, open the ports.bat file in LG_Root to see the COM port that your LG is connected to.
Step 13: Run Send_Command.exe
Within your command prompt, type the following: Send_Command.exe ＼＼.＼.COM(insert port number you found in previous step here, immediately after COM, and with no parentheses)
Step 14: Type id
Use the command: id and press Enter.
Step 15: Check Result
If you do not receive a response starting with uid=(0)root gid=(0)root press Control + C and repeat Step 13.
Step 16: Run Carrier-Specific Command
T-Mobile H811 10H:
dd if=/data/media/0/system.rooted.H81110h.img bs=8192 seek=65536 count=548352 of=/dev/block/mmcblk0
VZW VS986 11A:
dd if=/data/media/0/system.rooted.vs98611a.img bs=8192 seek=65536 count=548352 of=/dev/block/mmcblk0
International H815 10C (Only!):
dd if=/data/media/0/system.rooted.H81510c-EU.img bs=8192 seek=55296 count=529920 of=/dev/block/mmcblk0
AT&T H810 10G:
dd if=/data/media/0/system.rooted.h81010g.img bs=8192 seek=65536 count=579584 of=/dev/block/mmcblk0
Sprint LS 991 ZV5:
dd if=/data/media/0/system.rooted.LS991ZV5.img bs=8192 seek=65536 count=557312 of=/dev/block/mmcblk0 Warning: Don’t see your phone listed here? Don’t use these commands.
Step 17: Confirm Completion
You will know the process has finished if you receive a # prompt. Sometimes it takes a few minutes though.
Step 18: Reboot
You can reboot by typing: LEAVE and pressing Enter.
Step 19: Disable OTA Updates
One way is to open the Dialer app and enter this code: 277634#*# Go to Wi-Fi Testing. Tap on OTA Setting and select Disable. Reboot.
Step 20: Delete IMG File (optional)
Delete system.rooted.phonemodel.img from your phone’s SD card to save space.
Method 2: Root LG G4 Using One Click Root
Naturally, after making the decision to root your phone for the first time, your next order of business is most likely finding the method that will allow you to get through this process with the most ease. Or perhaps you are pressed for time, and want one of the fastest methods. Either way, you can get your needs met by using a program like One Click Root.
Step 1: Check Root Availability
Go to One Click Root’s website Support section, scroll down, and click on the Check Root Availability button. Select or enter your particular model number.
Step 2: Unlock Bootloader
If you bought an unlocked version of the LG G4, this step is unnecessary.
Step 3: Charge Your Phone
Ensure the battery life on your phone is 50% or greater.
Step 4: Enable USB Debugging
Go to Settings > General > Developers options and turn on USB Debugging. If unavailable, go to Apps > Settings > About Phone > Software info, then tap Build Number about seven times.
Step 5: Download One Click Root
Install One Click Root on your computer. Download: One Click Root
Step 6: Connect Device
Use a USB data cable.
Step 7: Run One Click Root
Launch One Click Root on your PC or Mac. The program will guide you through the rest of the process.
Method 3: How to Root LG G4 Using MyRootSolution
This method is quick. The company advertises that root will require less than five minutes, and I might expand that a bit, but definitely no more than ten minutes. If you are wanting access to great customer service, and are willing to pay for it, this is a great site to use. As a complementary part of their rooting service, MyRootSolution will unlock your G4 for you as well.
Step 1: Purchase
This is not a free service. It does require payment. In return, you get a money-back guarantee. Download: MyRootSolution
Step 2: Locate Model
Within the Member’s Area of MyRootSolution, find your LG G4.
Step 3: Download
Select your LG and install all associated files.
Step 4: Download Custom Recovery
It’s really helpful to have a custom recovery like TWRP or CWM after you root, and a convenient time to install is during the root process itself. Download: TWRP
Step 5: Apply Settings
When you have downloaded the rooting files, notice that it came with both an Installation and Settings Guide. Follow the Settings Guide’s directions.
Step 6: Check Charge
Ensure that your phone has at least 50% battery life before you root. 80% or greater is preferred.
Step 7: Root
MyRootSolution provides on-screen instructions to guide you through.
Step 8: Confirm
You can use an app like Root Checker to determine whether rooting was successful. A new SuperUser icon should also appear amongst your apps. Download: Root Checker
Method 4: How to Root Using CF-Auto Root
The SuperSU rooting file developed by Chainfire provides support for the LG G4 running 5.1 Lollipop. Many users attest that this is the easiest and most reliable method of rooting. Let’s see what you think.
Step 1: Unlock Bootloader
If you cannot complete this step, you will likely be unable to proceed much further. You will probably find it helpful to create an account on the LG Developer site to get started.
Step 2: Download Custom Recovery
Both TWRP and CWM are examples. Along with the root file, you can use this handy opportunity to install a recovery file that you will likely use again and again afterward. Download: CWM Root Manager
Step 3: Charge Phone
No less than 50%, but 80% or greater is recommended so that you don’t lose power while rooting.
Step 4: Download Latest SuperSU
The software will complete the process for you. When complete, remove the USB cable from the phone and PC if necessary. Download: SuperSU
Step 5: Connect Phone
Connect your LG to your PC using a USB cable.
Step 6: Transfer File
Save the file from Step 4 to your G4’s internal memory.
Step 7: Enter Recovery Mode
Disconnect and power down your G4. Then, simultaneously, press Power and Volume Down until you see the LG logo. Release all buttons, but immediately press down on the Power and Volume Down keys again. Now you should be able to navigate to Recovery with the volume keys and make selections using Power.
Step 8: Install
Choose Install or Install Zip and point to where you saved the SuperSU file.
Step 9: Select File
Tap on the root file and swipe on Swipe to Confirm Flash.
Step 10: Reboot
A Reboot option is available from the Main Menu of recovery.
Conclusion
So, there you have it—several of many ways how to root LG G4. Some may work better than others for your particular device. Once you have root, you have the capacity to get the most out of your device. However, if you find that you don’t like the root, you can unroot your phone. Tell us how you like your new rooted LG G4 in the comments section below. Or tell us about your troubles. Featured Image Credit
