EVO 4G owning ladies and gentlemen, if you've been waiting for a simpler full root that, unlike the first version of unrevoked, offers full write access to /system from within Android, you are in luck.
Simple Root
Thanks to Mast3rpyr0 and jiqqaman from xda forums, we now have a single GUI application with a friendly 3-button interface that gives you full root on your EVO (I lied about the 1 click - it's… 3 clicks!).
Mast3rpyr0 started the job by automating the previously complicated 2-step root process (courtesy of toastcfh), and jiqqaman finished the job by wrapping the scripts into a simple application.
Check it out:
Couldn't look any simpler, could it?
I've been watching the creation of both the scripts and the app for a while, and within the last day it finally reached a stable version, ready for public consumption.
Installation
After finishing with step 3, running programs requiring root still doesn't work - you have to install a custom ROM like DamageControl or Fresh by downloading the ROM image, rebooting into recovery by powering up the phone while holding the up or down volume button and installing from there.
If you ever have odd problems, boot loops, or anything wrong, reboot into recovery and flush the cache.
- First, make sure you are running Windows.
- Then download and install the Microsoft .NET 4.0 framework - you can get it from here.
- Install HTC Sync, although I couldn't confirm this requirement, because I'd already installed it before. You can get it from here.
- Now head over here for the latest Simple Root download link. Be warned: it's 340MB+ because it contains 2 full OS images.
The rest of the information below is directly from the author - be sure to read it:
What exactly does this do?
Exactly what it say, Root your EVO in 3 Steps.
How do you use it?
Make sure your phone is on USB Debug mode. (MENU > Settings > Applications > Developement > USB debugging = Checked ) Click the buttons starting from Step 1.
Why the large file size?
This includes all the .img and .zip files that are needed to root. (2 PC36IMG.zip @ ~ 170MB = 340mb) and a couple of other smaller files. I decided to add them to make things more simple and avoid having to explain where to get these files.Youtube Example
sorry for all the video splits...not my fault, blame youtube.
Video quality might be bad, give them a few to process 720p version
Part 1-1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAqTEAWxh7U
Part 1-2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=578jDEJ6M_c
Part 2-1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-FbYqPOrpg
Part 2-2+3 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qk7lBDpSp-ADownload:
Official Page (or mirror) | Full (Download this if you never used this program before)
If you have download this program before, please read this
Simple Root In Action - My Root Attempt
Once you start the application, you are presented with 3 buttons, which you are supposed to press in order (follow directions that come with each button!!!).
I connected my phone and did all the steps. They were all very straightforward and happened exactly as described.
After step 1, I had a properly rooted phone, capable of running android-wifi-tether.
After step 2, I could remove Sprint apps. Note that even though I had full root, I still couldn't flash recovery via ROM Manager for some reason. Thankfully, successful recover was flashed in step 3.
After step 3, I could install custom ROMs, though still not via ROM Manager - I had to install DamageControl - the ROM of my choice - by manually booting into recovery (hold the down or up key while powering the phone on).
I'm currently running DamageControl 3.2, removed all the annoying Sprint apps, installed the latest Wireless Tether For Root Users (albeit, after uninstalling the one that came with DamageControl), and made a full phone backup using Nandroid. My phone is really close to perfect now - I just wish the battery would last longer (this ROM is supposed to optimize for battery life, btw).
Radio Baseband Update
After flashing and reflashing all of the above, you may want to make sure you end up with the latest radio image. If you need more information about what the radio is all about and why you should keep it up-to-date, head over here and here.
You can download the current latest radio update by going here.
Share your success stories in the comments and happy rooting!
![[Complete Guide] How To Flash A Custom ROM To Your Android Phone With ROM Manager + Full Backup & Restore](http://cdn.androidpolice.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/image_thumb48.png "[Complete Guide] How To Flash A Custom ROM To Your Android Phone With ROM Manager + Full Backup & Restore")
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63 Comments
Thanks for the well written article! Also be sure to check that you have the latest version by simply clicking on Help > Check for Updates
This assures that you have the latest version downloaded, and all bugs worked out! Enjoy!
Are you by chance working on a similar simple root for the Incredible? I would gladly donate for a similar process...
No . It's for an evo. Do u know what that is and why it happens
Somebody help. I really don't know much but I'm following the steps. After step 1 it says it fails. To reboot into old version.
During step 1it says update fails reboot to old version. Why does this happen. Help
Sorry--newbie question...I get my first android phone Monday (EVO) and my question concerns whether I need to write down any account specific information before wiping. I haven't seen it mentioned, but if all data is wiped, how is the account specific information preserved? If that is a problem, what do I need to write down before wiping?
You get your contacts back when you log in to your Google account on the phone. It's a thing of beauty.
The Sprint info is not lost - it knows its own phone number after reflash. Not sure how exactly but it does.
Here's to hoping it gets expanded to other HTC phones too. Specifically the slide
And the Aria. Yikes, I still can't get that process to work on mine yet!
You don't need to back up your account info, it will connect to sprints network after root and flashing rom.
what about mac?! why cant people have this same exact thing on a mac?! its always for windows!
Mac's are cool but they still account for <10% of the market. Tell me, if you were to develop an app that you earned $1.00 for each unit sold, would you develop it initially for Windows or for Mac?
I think it's great that this is available! Thanks to those who took the time to make it available!!!!!
You own a PC already. Bootcamp dude.
Another noob question here: If I root the phone will that affect how I upgrade to 2.2 when it comes out later?
You can always go back to the stock in case you need to but if you root, might as well go to a custom ROM, which is pretty much guaranteed to go to Froyo and be pre-rooted and more optimized.
Will I lose Sense UI with this method? If so, is there any way to root whilst keeping it? Or maybe a custom rom that has Sense?
You will have a working stock version of Android that came with the EVO after any of the steps above, including Sense.
I recommend you flash a custom ROM right away after step 3 though.
I followed the steps and I am unable to do WiFi tethering. I get a message saying that the phone is in an unknow state. Try to reboot. Help.
I got that message too - apparently Step 2 doesn't include the SU Permissions app. I ended up installing a custom ROM (DamageControl) by downloading it into the SD card and then booting into recovery.
I'll try to confirm why the 2nd step doesn't contain the SU app and clarify it here.
Remember, guys, if you ever get lost or something isn't working, you will have the best luck posting over at the original xda thread, linked in the article.
And most problems are usually settled by clearing cache from within recovery.
Happy flashing!
thanks, Artem.
Interesting that despite a complete wipe, the phone retains its network identity. That is a thing of beauty...
I am trying to install damage control and i must be missing something bcause i go into a loop and have to remove my battery. Now im lost big time.
I hit a boot loop while installing DC too - you have to go to recovery and clear all cache you see there. That fixed it for me.
Pull the battery to get to recovery. I also updated some notes above.
Hope the next message you will be writing from DC!
Well, I decided to go to sleep on it. I went ahead and cleared the cache, as you recommended, loaded the DC zip and today I am now officially running DC. Currently downloading 3.2. That was tough, but for a noobie to this Android world, I think I did ok. Thank you for the help. Good looking out!
p.s. - Will I have to go through the same process everytime that I do an update to DC?
Yaaay, glad it worked!
You shouldn't need to do this when updating - at least I never had to on the Hero. It was only because you were switching ROMs that you needed to clear cache.
I tried clearing the cache but it didn't seem to help any. Other ideas?
So if one is interested only in free wi-fi tethering on Evo, it is only necessary to complete step one?
If you just want tethering, you may as well use http://unrevoked.com It doesn't require OS reinstall or any kind of flashing - just run the app and you have enough to run tethering.
the unrevoked site has pulled this app (evo version) for awhile, do you know of any alternatives?
or you can go with what he ^^ said ... lol
@jiqqaman, who are you replying to?
Your help was great. Awesome article and support. Keep it up.
for some reason i can't install microsoft .net framework 4 on my comp. It'll download fine but it it gets stuck on install. I currently have 3.5 so if i try to root my evo on my windows vista sp2 32 bit home premium laptop, will i get any trouble??? someone please help me
You need 4.0 for the GUI to run. Perhaps try to Google why yours is not installing or try a different computer.
ok i now have .net 4, but when i run simpleroot right away it says i need the .net framweok 4.0.30319. but i have confirmed that this is on my comp so what is my problem here
I'm confused... If I don't want custom roms can I just do step 1 and 2 and then delete annoying sprint apps and do wifi tethering? Could I apply the OTA updates then without breaking root?
What exacly is the flash recovery?
I'm so lost maybe i should stick without rooting.
@Tom
Yeah Tom take it from me, this process looked way too simple to be true. And it was, because I ended up bricking my evo and then i had to get a new one from best buy. In the author's comment he says it is impossible to brick your phone, but it is. and if you are new to this stuff then i wouldn't try it because these custom roms from these sites are full of bugs and the people on the xda-developers site are not helpful at all. In fact they did the opposite and just made my problem worse.
Will this work after the latest ota update?
I don't think it matters - after step 3, the phone should be updated to an unlocked rooted stock version, from where you'd install a custom ROM which is updated regularly.
Does anyone know where I can DL the "first time never used the program?" I just got my Evo and I want to root it. I apologize in advance because I'm a newbie.
Is it possible to do just Step 1. Or do i have to do all three steps
Does anyone know a mirror where I can DL the full version for first time users? I link isn't working. Thanks.
I have been trying to root step 1, but it won't load the image or zip. I have the entire program on my desktop in a folder called Simple Root. Should the files be in a specific directory or is the problem in the SD card (which is brand new)? It tells me no image during the fastboot step on my phone.
Yo Phil, can I get a copy of the DL?
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=47VAEWXH
i just tried this and it said older version and wouldn't let me do it am i doing something wrong?
Can I use T-Mobile sim card after I unlock it??
WHAT VERSION OS DOES THIS WORK ON? I HAVE 1.47.651.1
This article is a little dated. Use the OTA version:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=720565
Official Website for SimpleRoot:
http://myevo4g.net/simple/
Indeed, we had an updated article for that version: http://www.androidpolice.com/2010/07/14/simpleroot-ota-1-47-651-1-edition-now-unlocking-root-and-nand-on-post-ota-evo-4g-phones/
Edit: I've updated the article on this page to make note of this.
If I just wanted to change my clock could I use unrevoked or do I have to use this... Thank you for any info you may share on this
I did all 3 steps and all seemed OK. Except I don't seem to have root. I had to run unrevoked to get teather to work. Also HDMI output no longer works on phone. I had no errors during the whole process of step 1 thru 3. Any ideas??
Dose it work on froyo; i have not root my phone yet and i and using froyo...
i did this simple root crap and it didnt work and its messing up my evo. i hate it, how do i delete it. it has slowed down my phone and it interupts my sd card all the time. how the hell do i delete it. it doesnt give me permission. this thing is a rip off...
There is an app on the android market called Root Uninstaller Pro.
Does this rooting feature compromise any warranty or contract agreements between HTC and Sprint?
How can I root my EVO from a MAC computer?
Please Help,
I have a problem - when I click root icon on the "simple root" interface, and I get the red section telling me to "press power" I press it and it says "Main Version is older ! , Update Fail !", AND then is says "Do you want to reboot device ?"
What is this message and how can i fix it ?
Hello, every time i click on the root link it takes me to a window where there is no such thing. Like i can't download it or anything...it doesn't exist...what do i do?
How do I back up all of my files before attempting to re-root my phone? Are they meaning just syncing my contacts and such onto gmail before I re-root it?
Will this work for htc sensation 4g I'm looking for a method just like this I know I can use revaluationary but I'm trying to avoid it
there is no downloadable verson of simple root. the link segested on another web site takes my to something unrelated.
can you unlock evo 4 g with no service as in disconnected