[GUIDE] Bootloader unlock and root without TWRP - ZE554KL, Z01KD* - Asus Zenfone 4 (2017) Guides, News, & Discussion

Hello,
As I had a somehow hard time to find a comprehensive guide on how to unlock the bootloader and root the Zenfone 4, here is a quick guide on how to do so. The method below was successfully used on a Z01KDA.
As usual: this guide will be used at your own risk. I won't accept any responsibility in any way if it results in a damage of any sort on your device.
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PREREQUISITES
Zenfone 4 (that... should be obvious, but who am I to judge)
A computer with:
Windows (at least Windows 7, I guess)
Fastboot ready to use (I recommend using the file from this link as it is the most straightforward, but if you prefer the SDK tools, well, you do you) and being able to use it (though on a basic level)
A USB-C cable capable of transferring data
Time to read all the annoying stuff below, and patience.
1. Bootloader unlock (from this thread // thanks to OP @shakalaca)​
Whichever method you use to unlock your bootloader, all your personal data and settings will be erased and your phone will be restored to factory default. So, backup everything before going forward.
As this method was used on a rather old version of the Zenfone 4 firmware, I suggest that you use the official downgrade method from Android P to Android O. To do so :
Download the file here on your computer (the main page is located here, under Drivers & Tools), and put it at the root of the phone, do not change the name of the file
After unplugging your phone, it will prompt a software update, proceed with it
If it doesn't work for any reason, use this method instead:
Put the file on a SD card (...inside the phone)
Reboot the phone to recovery (via ADB, or Power button + Volume down)
Install the update from recovery
Wait for the phone to reboot.
After the downgrade, you can proceed to the bootloader unlock:
Download the method of @shakalaca located here
Unzip all the files to the same folder
Get into fastboot on the phone (reboot with Power button + Volume up)
Make sure that your phone is detected with
Code:
fastboot devices
Run the file "ze554kl_unlock.bat" as administrator
Let it do its magic
Your phone will reboot, congrats, the bootloader is unlocked.
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2. Install the latest firmware available on your Zenfone 4​
Follow the same steps as in the previous guide (1.), but with this file (the main page is located here, under BIOS & FIRMWARE ==> you have to click on EXPAND ALL to see all files)
3. Root​
On your phone:
Download the Magisk Manager apk from this link on your phone
Install it
On your computer:
Download the file from step 2. above
Extract it to any location
Locate the file boot.img and put it your phone.
On your phone:
Open Magisk
Click on Install
On the next screen, select
Preserve AVB 2.0/dm-verity
Preserve force encryption
Click NEXT
Under Method, click Select and Patch a File
Select the boot.img file
Let Magisk patch the file
Locate and put the modified boot.img file on your computer (in the same folder as the one with fastboot if you did not install it system wide)
Get into fastboot mode (reboot with Power button + Volume up)
On your computer
Open a cmd window
cd to the folder where the modified boot.img is located
Check if your phone is detected with the following command:
Code:
fastboot devices
Input the following command and press Enter:
Code:
fastboot flash boot name_of_the_modified_boot.img
Reboot your phone with the following command:
Code:
fastboot reboot
Your phone will reboot, congrats, it is rooted.
Feel free to ask any question if this guide is not clear, but it should be easy to follow!

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I'm not getting past step 1 because my computer doesn't recognize the cell phone when it's in csc mode, it doesn't appear even when I do the fastboot devices command, could you help me?

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JãoFrango said:
I'm not getting past step 1 because my computer doesn't recognize the cell phone when it's in csc mode, it doesn't appear even when I do the fastboot devices command, could you help me?
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install adb drivers