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Root HTC EVO 4G in 4 Minutes: Quick Guide

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Root HTC EVO 4G in 4 Minutes: Quick Guide

This guide shows you how to root the original HTC EVO 4G (model PC36100, Sprint) in under four minutes using a one-click method. Rooting gives you superuser access, allowing custom ROMs, system app removal, and advanced tweaks. Before starting, back up your data, enable USB debugging, and ensure the battery is above 70%.

What You’ll Need

  • HTC EVO 4G with Android 2.1 or 2.2 (Froyo) – this method does not work on later OTA updates.
  • Windows PC (XP, Vista, 7, or 8) – the tool is Windows-only.
  • USB cable that supports data transfer.
  • Download the Unrevoked3 tool (version 3.32 or similar) – search for it on trusted forums like XDA Developers.
  • HTC Sync drivers installed (or the standalone HTC USB driver) so your PC recognizes the phone.
  • Enable USB debugging: Settings > Applications > Development > USB debugging (check the box).
  • Set the phone to Charge only mode when connecting to PC (via the notification bar).
  • Ensure the phone is not in Fast Boot mode: Settings > Power > uncheck Fast boot.

Step-by-Step

  1. Install drivers: Install HTC Sync or the standalone USB driver on your PC. Reboot your PC if prompted.
  2. Enable USB debugging on the EVO 4G as described above. Also, keep the screen on (set screen timeout to 10 minutes or keep touching it).
  3. Connect the EVO to your PC using the USB cable. Select “Charge only� on the phone when the USB connection dialog appears.
  4. Run Unrevoked3 as Administrator (right-click > Run as administrator). The program window shows “Device connected� once it detects your phone.
  5. Click the “Unroot� button (ironically, this is the button that starts the rooting process). Do not touch the phone or unplug the cable while it runs.
  6. Wait for the tool to push a custom recovery (ClockworkMod) and then reboot the phone automatically. The whole process takes 2–4 minutes.
  7. Verify root: After reboot, look for the “Superuser� app in your app drawer. If present, root is successful. You can also use a root checker app.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the wrong firmware: Unrevoked3 only works on Android 2.1/2.2. If you have Android 2.3+ (Gingerbread), this method will fail – you’ll need a different exploit (like HTC SuperTool).
  • USB debugging not enabled: The tool won’t detect the phone. Double-check the checkbox.
  • Fast Boot enabled: This can interfere with the adb connection. Disable it in Settings > Power.
  • Interrupting the process: Unplugging or touching the phone during rooting can brick it. Let it finish.
  • Running as non-admin: On Windows Vista/7/8, the tool may fail without admin rights. Always right-click and run as administrator.

Tips

  • Back up your data before starting – rooting wipes nothing, but a power failure could cause issues.
  • Use a different USB port (preferably on the motherboard, not a hub) to avoid connection drops.
  • After rooting, install a custom ROM like CyanogenMod to improve performance, but make a nandroid backup first.
  • Keep the phone plugged in during the entire process to avoid battery drain.
  • If you’re on a 64-bit Windows, ensure you have the 64-bit HTC drivers installed.

Troubleshooting

  • “Device not foundâ€� in Unrevoked: Reinstall HTC drivers, try a different USB port, and make sure USB debugging is on. Also, check that the phone is in “Charge onlyâ€� mode, not “HTC Syncâ€� mode.
  • Process hangs at “Waiting for deviceâ€�: Disconnect and reconnect the USB cable, then click “Unrootâ€� again. If it still hangs, reboot both phone and PC.
  • Phone boots to a black screen with a phone and triangle: That’s the stock recovery. Unrevoked didn’t install ClockworkMod. Re-run the tool, ensuring you don’t have any antivirus blocking it.
  • Superuser app missing after reboot: This can happen if the process was interrupted. Re-run Unrevoked3. If it fails, manually install a recovery via fastboot (requires unlocking the bootloader, which is more complex).
  • Phone stuck in boot loop after rooting: This is rare with Unrevoked, but if it happens, pull the battery, reboot into recovery (hold Volume Down + Power), and do a factory reset (data wipe). This will not unroot, but it will restore your system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will rooting void my warranty?

Yes, rooting typically voids the manufacturer warranty. However, you can unroot by running the RUU (ROM Update Utility) to restore stock firmware, which may restore warranty.

Does this method work on the HTC EVO 4G LTE?

No, the EVO 4G LTE (2012) has a different bootloader and requires a different method (like HTCDev unlock). This guide is only for the original EVO 4G (2010).

Can I get OTA updates after rooting?

Usually not, because the system partition is modified. You may need to unroot and restore stock to receive OTA updates, or flash a custom ROM that includes the latest security patches.

What if I have Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) on my EVO 4G?

Unrevoked3 won’t work. You need to use a different exploit, such as the HTC SuperTool, which uses a different vulnerability. Search for “EVO 4G Gingerbread root� on XDA.

Is it safe to root? Can I brick my phone?

There is always a small risk of bricking if you interrupt the process or use the wrong tool. Following this guide exactly minimizes that risk. If you brick it, you can often recover using a RUU or fastboot.

Will rooting erase my data?

No, the rooting process itself does not wipe data. However, if you later flash a custom ROM, that will usually wipe the data partition.

Related

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