WOOO. After 3 days of playing around, I've got a fully rooted P769 running AntonX's CM10.1 with an unlocked bootloader. I got it 8/5/13 from Amazon for $150, and it's a freaking sweet phone for the price. I wanted a backup phone to play around with, and I couldn't have asked for a better device (well... debateable).
*As of 8/19/13, it's priced at $179 from Amazon versus $240 from T-Mobile.
Obviously, it goes without saying that this thread is completely unnecessary. This thread could be completely ignored by everyone else and I wouldn't mind, because it'll be my own one-stop shop for when I have to redo everything in the future.
I'm going to detail my process and experience, and link all the relevant files and images. I had to do the entire process with about 5 to 7 different XDA threads up and it got extremely annoying trying to maintain a semblance of order. I'll be linking to original threads/posts, but I fully intend on putting all the necessary information here in this post so people don't go thread hopping. Of course, credit will be given where credit is due, which is a lot of people.
Finally, it's nice to finally make an XDA post. This is my first! The community here is fantastic. Maybe someday down the road I'll fork a CM build or something, but for now I'm content.
DISCLAIMERS: I did not read all the XDA posts related to this device. Thus, I may have skipped over some super easy methods to doing things. This is just my own experience and interpretations of the posts I did read.
I am not the most experienced person when it comes to Android development. I'm just extremely organized and like clear and precise instructions. Because this post will be written from memory, I can't guarantee that there aren't any mistakes. I will, however, reinstall a stock ROM, unroot, etc, and do it all over again. I can't relock my bootloader, but I should still be able to test the whole 30 minute wait thing.
NOTE THAT I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANYTHING THAT HAPPENS SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO FOLLOW ANY INSTRUCTIONS WITHIN MY POST.
As I mentioned in the disclaimer, I may have missed out on some easier methods of rooting, recovery installing, etc. PLEASE provide different methods or links, simply so I can keep track of it and so other people who may be following my methods can live life easier.
Updates/Timeline:
8/19/13: Outlined the general process, went into specifics about the introduction/requirements and SIM unlock. Began discussing the bootloader.
8/8/13: As I am currently at work (taking a break), I won't be fully completing this post out until later this evening (EST) or weekend. I did, however, want to let it be known that I am available to help assist anyone that needs help via PM's or replies to this thread.
Process
Requirements
SIM Unlock
Bootloader Unlock
Rooting
Recovery Installation
ROM Install
Introductions/Requirements
These instructions are for the T-Mobile P769 variant of the LG Optimus L9. If you are not rocking this device, thanks for browsing my post anyways. I wholeheartedly recommend it if you're looking for an entry-level Android device with greater capabilities than standard prepaid smartphones. My device came stock with V20D.
I did everything with a 4GB microSD card installed. This is necessary for when we move apk's, ROMs, zips, and backups.
Make a backup of your ROM. If you aren't using the device as your backup/play-around like I am, please, please, please make a backup (for those of you with rooted and CWM already). For me, I'm fine re-installing stock ROMs and going through the process of unbricking. If you're on the stock ROM, there might be some apps available to back up settings that you can restore later on (someone please suggest something good if you're familiar, I've always used recovery backups).
I use Windows 7 for everything. This may be an absolute requirement, I'll have to check the application compatibility.
There will be programs and files that you need. I will list and link out in the next update. For now, the bootloader has links to required files.
SIM Unlock
SIM unlocking should be the first thing that you do if you anticipate using non-T-Mobile services. SIM unlocking only works on T-Mobile ROMs, though my eBay code worked via a Wind ROM as well.
Obtaining your unlock code:
If you bought your device directly from a T-Mobile store (may need your receipt), then you are entitled to the SIM unlock code directly from T-Mobile. Call customer service and mention going abroad on a trip, etc. Or just demand it. Be nice.
If you purchased it from a store like Walmart, Amazon, or Radioshack, then you will need to purchase your unlock code elsewhere. Please note, there is no "official" seller of such codes. However, codes are determined using algorithms that depend on your device's IMEI, so plenty of people provide them via eBay, websites, etc.
I can CONFIRM that the seller via this link provides working SIM unlock codes. Please note that it is NOT an eBay listing, despite being on eBay. It uses a frame within the eBay posting that redirects you to purchase directly through PayPal. I received both instructions and the code within 24 hours, as advertised.
Using your unlock code
The easiest way to use the code is to pop a spare micro-SIM from another carrier into your phone. When you attempt to use the phone, it'll prompt for a code. Input the code and it will confirm success.
The alternative method for those without a spare SIM card is to pull up the SIM unlock menu. Dial 2945#*769# from the dialer, then select Network Unlock. Input the code and it will confirm success.
Bootloader Unlock
Please note, that there are some details that I am somewhat fuzzy on (the exact version of the V20B ROM that I used, for example). I will go into as much detail (and confirm/edit them when I/others try it again).
The main source of headaches when playing with this device. I'm going to provide a general background and introduction on the process and provide important links. There's a lot of detail to go into this section that I won't be able to fully finish this for a day or so. But I can start pointing people in the right direction.
To learn about the KDZ flashing process until I fully explain it, visit @cmahendra’s excellent post on it. Please thank him.
The process I originally followed to unlock the bootloader was from this post. Make sure you thank @pinoyto.
My instructions for this will actually combine the both the KDZ and the bootloader posts/instructions into one. In order to provide the simplest and clearest instructions, I will type up the process tomorrow night while performing it on my phone. Again, I don’t want to misdirect people and have them viewing multiple pages in order to perform the process. So if you’d like to get started immediately, by all means follow the original instructions that are excellent.
Appreciations
Some quick thank yous until I can properly finish this thread:
@cmahendra: For filling my eyes and mind with your words the past 3 days. I think I've read all your threads on this phone now.
@pinoyto: For your post from March. I'm pretty sure you helped me unlock my bootloader. I need to redo your guide on my phone to confirm it.
@carloswii5: For your video and files. Obviously, I went at this like a noob first.
@Lelus: For being a HUGE part of the thanking chain. And your touch screen fix.
@AntonX: For your build of CM10.1. For an unofficial experimental/nightly, this build is FAST and STABLE.
I'll probably keep throwing in names as I finish this thread.
This isn't a bad phone to have if one has taken the plunge and root/unlock bootloader, or don't install many apps. Things don't get bad until space runs out lol.
Sent from my LG-P769 using Tapatalk 4
Sounds great! How's the battery life btw?
AntonX's CM10.1 makes a huge difference all around.
Sent from my Pokédex
Mensarius said:
Sounds great! How's the battery life btw?
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I'm in the process of restoring a stock ROM on it so I can carrier unlock the device and use my AT&T sim to test it. Unfortunately, until I get that wrapped up, I won't be able to comment on the battery life. It's been great so far, but the extent to which I'm using it is simply WiFi and the screen. I can say this though: I leave it on overnight uncharged, wifi on, with all my apps downloaded and syncing if necessary, and it drops about 5%. So idling for about 6-8 hours, those numbers aren't so bad.
Looking forward for your guide!
T-Mobile just tried to sell me this phone. I found your thread and went to Amazon. Thanks guy, you saved me 70 bucks and I'm sure the wife will love her new phone. I'm looking forward to your guide & for her to stop nagging about her old (first generation Samsung galaxy) phone (I'm sure there will be other things for her to move on to now.. lol).
Just so you know AntonX's CM10.1 doesn't have the space issue!! he found the solution so our phones see the sd card seamlessly as storage space on the phone and also with app2sd enabled so give it a try.
Very interested in your guide, hope you post it soon.
Sent from my LG-P769 using xda app-developers app
queboy89 said:
I'm in the process of restoring a stock ROM on it so I can carrier unlock the device and use my AT&T sim to test it. Unfortunately, until I get that wrapped up, I won't be able to comment on the battery life. It's been great so far, but the extent to which I'm using it is simply WiFi and the screen. I can say this though: I leave it on overnight uncharged, wifi on, with all my apps downloaded and syncing if necessary, and it drops about 5%. So idling for about 6-8 hours, those numbers aren't so bad.
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I'm looking forward to your instructions. I am fed up with all the bloody forums and threads and out-dated and contradictory information, not to mention the appalling English, which often makes things very ambiguous and difficult to understand.
My USA T-Mobile LG Optimus L9 P769 is rooted (I used the very simple LGpwn.apk method) and I have also installed the ClockWorkMod (CWM) using the L9RecoveryInstaller APK (v1.5.0). My bootloader is still locked, though, so I am limited with what I can do. I have already SIM-unlocked it (that was the first thing I did, since I travel internationally).
What I really bought the phone for was to use as a portable hotspot. I live in Australia where, like most of the world, wireless tethering is FREE and a simple matter of ticking the ON box. I have used my jailbroken iPhone 5 as a portable hotspot on my USA T-Mobile SIM card before and if worked fine. But this Optimus L9 just won't let me tether successfully. Any of the apps in the play store that successfully set up a mobile hotspot are useless, because I simply get redirected to T-Mobile's info page telling me I need to pay for tethering.
So I am hoping a new ROM might be faster and also help me get around my tethering issues.
Once again, I'm looking forward to your guide
Really sorry about the delay in getting the guide up. My girlfriend just left for a 10 month teaching trip in Macau, so I've been spending time with her and handling some other things.
I'll be working on the guide tomorrow night, I have some free time.
I think I'll be doing a couple different things. From browsing around on the newer posts, there have been a few newer methods with regards to rooting and installing CWM/recoveries. I'll list out the exact steps I took (which honestly consisted of slightly more manual methods). In any case, it seems like unlocking the bootloader is the most difficult part at the moment. I will definitely elaborate on that part.
queboy89 said:
Really sorry about the delay in getting the guide up. My girlfriend just left for a 10 month teaching trip in Macau, so I've been spending time with her and handling some other things.
I'll be working on the guide tomorrow night, I have some free time.
I think I'll be doing a couple different things. From browsing around on the newer posts, there have been a few newer methods with regards to rooting and installing CWM/recoveries. I'll list out the exact steps I took (which honestly consisted of slightly more manual methods). In any case, it seems like unlocking the bootloader is the most difficult part at the moment. I will definitely elaborate on that part.
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Thanks for the quick reply! 10 months is a long time - I hope you get the chance to go and visit her in Macau/Hong Kong
Yeah, some of the older methods for gaining root access were pretty time consuming and dangerous. Using the method of installing LGpwn.apk was soooo simple - any novice could do it. Same with getting CWM v6.? installed. Main issue for me is he locked bootloader. I'm looking forward to reading about that Cheers :good:
Finally someone is compiling a complete guide on getting CM on a p769 :good:.
I love my phone from a hardware perspective but don't like the T-Mobile stock rom. I tried getting CM 10.1 (or really any custom rom) onto the phone, but most threads I have read either are incomplete, outdated, and/or simply wrong. I ended up settling with rooting the phone, but I still am dying to get CM 10.1 on the phone.
Can't wait to see your guide . Best of luck!
SomeGuyInOz said:
Thanks for the quick reply! 10 months is a long time - I hope you get the chance to go and visit her in Macau/Hong Kong
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Thanks! I'm planning on a trip during the Christmas holidays and at the end of her trip. It'll be tough, but there's so many ways to keep in touch today that we can actually have some fun with it.
I managed to get started on the post. My real life tendencies to blab on and on are starting to show. Heh.
Started talking about the bootloader. It'll be easiest to detail/list/number the process when I sit down with my phone some night and do it. For the time being, I've linked the original instructions I followed so people can get an idea of what's to come.
@queboy89 you really have your hands full with this one. Please include all of the things that can go wrong while flashing with R&D Tool and how to correct them.
Sent from my LG-P769 using xda app-developers app
My how things have changed. After having fun with many iterations of droids (Eris, D2G, Bionic), I had a rude awakening with my recent Razr M purchase. It was already on an OTA which apparently won't allow for the bootloader to be unlocked. I WAS rooted and doing alright with that, but I took the KK update and just like that, no more root. I was mislead into thinking I could root after the OTA, but that was apparently wrong.
I am bound and determined to keep my unlimited data with VZW, but also want a phone that can be rooted and preferably allow for custom ROMs as I have enjoyed in the past. I would like to stay in the mid-2012 and forward range. Does anyone have recommendations on a phone that is conducive to root/bootloader unlock? Apparently VZW has been keeping up with the exploits found by the dev community (thus my razr m frustrations) and fixing them with OTA updates. Does have any recommendations?
I have done my own research and not found a ton. I've been looking for dev edition phones but they are spares and/or expensive. I have heard the HTC One is still quite open, any other suggestions?
Thanks in advance!
Also, if this is not the most appropriate forum for this post, please advise with my apologies.
Sorry for the reply on own post. Is this the wrong board for this post? If so can someone direct me to the proper board?
Sent from my XT907 using XDA Free mobile app
Hello everyone.
I was recommended to check these forums so I decided to create an account.
I have had my LG V10 for almost three weeks now and I love it. I have the T-Mobile version. I came from iPhone and I always had my phone jailbroken. I wish to root my LG V10 for more freedom and to get rid of those pesky ads.
Can someone link me to a guide that will assist me in rooting my T-Mobile LG V10? I haven't been able to find anything anywhere else. Also, I would love to know what can I do or what are the things that people recommend to do after the phone is rooted.
Again, it is my first time on Android so help me out, please.
Thanks!
Sincerely,
Mrs Ana.
Start here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3239740
Double0EK said:
Start here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3239740
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Thanks for that.
I apologize for being new. I clearly do not understand what is being said there lol. I know what rooting is but I don't know how to follow the directions and in what order.
Can you please tell me what I have to do first? If there is a step-by-step guide, that would be awesome. I am trying to root my T-Mobile LG V10.
Thanks and again, sorry. I just do not want to mess it up.
I think you're going to have to do some googling and reading about adb first if you aren't already familiar with it.
I'm no expert. Still running stock here and havent rooted a phone since my original HTC g1 and HTC g2.
Sent from my pretty nifty brand new LG V10
Not sure if you have seen it yet but at the bottom of the LG-V10 posts there is a T-Mobile LG-V10 link you might look in there that may help you out also good luck and keep asking questions no question is to dumb.
Mrsana said:
Hello everyone.
I was recommended to check these forums so I decided to create an account.
I have had my LG V10 for almost three weeks now and I love it. I have the T-Mobile version. I came from iPhone and I always had my phone jailbroken. I wish to root my LG V10 for more freedom and to get rid of those pesky ads.
Can someone link me to a guide that will assist me in rooting my T-Mobile LG V10? I haven't been able to find anything anywhere else. Also, I would love to know what can I do or what are the things that people recommend to do after the phone is rooted.
Again, it is my first time on Android so help me out, please.
Thanks!
Sincerely,
Mrs Ana.
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Click to collapse
Here is a video tutorial made from the guides
https://youtu.be/PPLwFGxLQA4
Hey guys.
I am new to your group, and while i did search around - I could not find talks of people updating the Z3v on Straight Talk network.
It is currently running (Android 4.4.4 Soft: 23.0.E.1.44)
I was wondering if someone could point me in that direction?
I dig this device!
I've been an Android fan since the original Moto Droid (still have one in like new condition) but because of work, have swapped back and forth with eHphone over the past 10 years. I'm a little rusty.
Thanks for any help!!
It'll have to be manually done. At least from the experience I have, but I just found it easier to stay rooted and follow that path. I believe the update network j looks for vzw Sims for the update server to accept the request.
gunz.jones said:
It'll have to be manually done. At least from the experience I have, but I just found it easier to stay rooted and follow that path. I believe the update network j looks for vzw Sims for the update server to accept the request.
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Gotcha. Looks like I am heading over to the root page. I may be back for some tips. I havent seen many Z3v's on Straight Talk.