[How To] Unlock Bootloader & Root Galaxy Nexus

[metalspring]

Maybe it's only because it's what I know, but I'm much more partial to SPRecovery than Clockwork... any reason why it seems like CWM gets so much more support and attention and it seems like SPR has faded out of use?

More options maybe? Rzrecovery is best but not available on all devices...it basically combines cwm and sprecovery plus more

supercharged modified liquid 3.1 w/turbocharged 3g
Pete's 5 slot lv 1.25GHz w/ kickasskernel tweaks
19.9 linpack score
1856 quadrant score

[racketier]

Assuming you've installed the samsung drivers:

When you are in the bootloader go to device manager and choose the unrecognized device and install the samsung adb composte drivers by browsing for device and choosing Samsung as the manufacturer.

That worked!

Thanks Natolx!! Huge help!

[561427]

I'm trying to unlock the bootloader on my shiny new LTE Galaxy Nexus

I tried the steps in the Droidlife post here: Video: How to Unlock the Bootloader on the Galaxy Nexus [Verizon] – Droid LifeEvery time I get to the bootloader and type "fastboot oem unlock" I just get the message "< waiting for device > in the CMD prompt, and nothing every happens.

Any ideas? I have the update 4.02 already, maybe that's an issue?

I wet though the steps and had a few probs but I got it on the second try. During the install of adb driver for x64 in windows it installed the driver and asked me to plug in the phone to have windows install something. I plugged it in while it was on (not in the BL) and it made me cancel and then it said uninstalling. No big deal I kept going. I then powered off the phone. i already had the folder containing the files i needed downloaded and ready to go. Then I opened command as an Administrator. typed commands and the first time it said waiting for device. I plugged in my phone and windows tried to install a driver automatically but failed. I restarted my phone and tried again and it worked.

Try to restart the PC and the phone. then try again.

EDIT: is there a delete button for posts? lol I am not doing well today on DF lol

[ack41988]

can u relock the boot loader or restore a stock image to get it back to locked.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using DroidForums

[coverton341]

These instructions worked like a charm. Within 4 minutes of having this thing plugged in I was on my way to having it rooted and five minutes later the girlfriend called me a huge nerd because I told her it was unlocked and I had root access. Huge nerd? Yep. Happy as all get out to have this device and have it set up as MINE. Absolutely!

Cheers guys, can't wait for the flood of dev support.

[coverton341]

can u relock the boot loader or restore a stock image to get it back to locked.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using DroidForums

I imagine you would replace "unlock" with "lock" in step 7

[Micro23]

Instructions worked perfect on my Verizon Nexus. Updated to latest os 4.0.2 then used the phone for an hour or so. Followed instructions to the T and it worked. It really does take about 4-5 minutes to boot after the root so just WAIT and be patient! I also want to make sure people remember to make sure your battery is not low before you start! Always have a decent amount of battery before doing these things. Also it wipes your phone! So dont do to much setup/config before you root/unlock it or your wasting your time!

[OneTenderRebel]

anyone try to root from a Mac yet?

[vanvalks]

Assuming you've installed the samsung drivers:

When you are in the bootloader go to device manager and choose the unrecognized device and install the samsung adb composte drivers by browsing for device and choosing Samsung as the manufacturer.

This was the key for me after installing the new samsung drivers (which for some reason took about an hour on my computer) once I rebooted into the bootloader my computer was no longer recognizing the device. I had to go into the device manager and find the driver from the list of samsung drivers as described above. After that I just followed the instructions and was done it about 4 minutes! Thanks to OP an Natolx!

Edit: I had updated to 4.0.2 BEFORE doing all this and everything worked fine.

[BenLand150]

Unlocking of bootloader worked fine, however the rooting did not. I did fastboot boot boot.img and was stuck at the Google logo . I'm guessing this is because I updated prior to the attempt

I updated mine right out the box and no problems with it.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using DroidForums