Rooting Nexus 4 with CF-Auto-Root by Chainfire [Tutorial]

Nexus 4 is among the lucky few devices to get quick and easy rooting capability with CF-Auto-Root by Chainfire. In addition to rooting, the CF-Auto-Root tool also enables quick bootloader unlocking capability on your Nexus 4.

Users must, however, note that although the CF-Auto-Root procedure is absolutely safe, all data on the device will be wiped out during the bootloader unlocking process. So, it is absolutely necessary to backup apps, important data and settings before proceeding with the rooting procedure.

NOTE: If your bootloader is already unlocked, no data will be wiped and you can skip the data backup procedure.

Compatibility

The rooting tool and the instructions provided in this guide are applicable for the LG Nexus 4 model only and will not work with any other device. Verify your device's model name by navigating to Settings > About Phone.

Disclaimer

The instructions provided in this guide are meant for reference purpose only. IBTimes UK will not be held responsible if you damage or brick your device. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

How to Root Nexus 4 with CF-Auto-Root by Chainfire

Step 1: Download and install the Android SDK from here. The package includes the necessary drivers for connecting your Nexus phone to the computer, which is mandatory for the rooting process.

Step 2: Download the CF-Auto-Root package from here.

Step 3: Extract the contents of the CF-Auto-Root file to the desired location on your computer.

Step 4: Switch off your Nexus 4. Now, boot into fastboot mode by pressing and holding the Volume down and Power buttons together. Release the buttons when the screen powers on and displays "Start" message written in large green letters.

Step 5: Now, connect your Nexus 4 to the computer using the original USB cable, and wait until Windows finishes installing the necessary drivers for rooting. It is advisable to use the rear USB port if you are on a desktop computer, as it is more reliable and offers better performance than the front panel ports.

Step 6: Navigate to the folder on the computer, where you extracted the CF-Auto-Root files in step 3. Then double-click on the Root Windows file to initiate the rooting program.

Step 7: Now, hit any key to begin the rooting procedure. After sometime during the rooting process, the phone will reboot and display a red Android logo.

Step 8: Once the rooting procedure completes, the phone will boot into normal mode and grant you Super User access to the device. To verify if the rooting procedure was successful, check if the SuperSU app is installed on your phone, as the app grants access to install third-party root-based apps on your phone. In a rare case, if the app is not listed or installed during the rooting procedure, then just install SuperSU app manually from the Google Play Store to resolve the issue.

Your Nexus 4 phone is now successfully rooted, with due credit to the simple and easy to use CF-Auto-Root tool.

[Source: The Android Soul]