[Complete guide with Images] Unlock Bootloader and Root Google Nexus One [Mac, Windows, Linux]

Kiran — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 04:54:37 +0000

There are 2 types of Google Nexus One devices : Retail and Google’s holiday gift to its’ employees. The retail version bought from http://google.com/phone has its bootloader locked but Google lets you unlock your bootloader unlike Apple! Google warns that the warranty will be void if you unlock the bootloader but seriously, unless you install some really dumb applications, you cannot damage the device.

Rooting your Google Nexus One is a 2 step process. One, Fastboot and the other Superboot (courtesy Paul from Modaco).

Download this file (Rapidshare). or you can also download them from here(modaco). Extract them to your desktop. You will see two .zip files, extract them both.

Fastboot [Google's warning and Unlocking the bootloader]

CAUTION : All your data will be erased.

Connect your Nexus One to your PC/Mac and turn it off.
Hold the trackball and hit the power button (while holding the trackball). You should see the following bootloader screen.
Now from the files you downloaded previously, you will see a folder called ‘fastboot‘ (if you extracted fastboot.zip that is!).
On a Windows machine – launch Command Prompt and CD to fastboot folder. (Type in ‘cd ‘ (without the quotes and drag and drop the fastboot folder to the command prompt). Type in ‘cd fastboot‘ again and now type the following command ‘fastboot-windows oem unlock‘ (without quotes) and hit enter.
On a Mac or Linux machine – launch the Terminal and CD to fastboot folder (type in ‘cd ‘ and drag and drop the folder. Now hit enter.). Now CD to the other fastboot folder and type the following (without quotes): ‘./fastboot-mac oem unlock‘ (for Mac) or ’./fastboot-linux oem unlock’ (for Linux) and hit enter. You will see the following. Ignore the error.
This is the screen that you will see now. Use the volume button (on the side) to select ‘Yes’. (Please read the full message displayed on the screen thoroughly). Now push the Power button to select this option (weird, I know. Trackball would have been a better choice to select!).
Great! You have successfully unlocked the bootloader! You will see the unlock image while your phone boots up.

Superboot [To actually root your Nexus One]

Connect your Nexus One to your PC/Mac and turn it off.
Hold the trackball and hit the power button (while holding the trackball). You should see the following bootloader screen.
Now from the files you downloaded previously, you will see a folder called ’1.1-nexusone-superboot’ (if you extracted1.1-nexusone-superboot.exe that is!).
On a Windows machine – Just double click the ‘install-superboot-windows.bat’ file , pretty simple ain’t it?!
On a Mac or Linux machine – launch the Terminal and CD to1.1-nexusone-superboot folder (type in ‘cd ‘ and drag and drop the folder. Now hit enter.). Now CD to the other 1.1-nexusone-superboot folder and type the following (without quotes):
MAC - ’chmod +x install-superboot-mac.sh‘ and hit enter. Now type ‘./install-superboot-mac.sh‘ and hit enter.
LINUX – type ‘chmod +x install-superboot-linux.sh‘ and hit enter and then ’./install-superboot-linux.sh‘ and hit enter.
You have successfully rooted your Google nexus One! You can now use all those applications (launch ‘Market’ app and search for ‘ShootMe’ or ‘Quick Recovery’ or any app that requires root privileges and install it. Now launch the installed app and you shall see the following image requesting your permission. )that require root access!
Now head over to this post to quickly install the most famous recovery tool.

p.s : These programs were written by Paul from Modaco.com. I just made an easy to understand guide, thats it! Feel free to post a comment if you are having any issues.

iLikeMyGooglePhone » Root

[Complete guide with Images] Unlock Bootloader and Root Google Nexus One [Mac, Windows, Linux]