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How to Root the LG G3 Verizon (VS985)

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How to Root the LG G3 Verizon (VS985)

Rooting your Verizon LG G3 (model VS985) gives you full administrative control over the Android operating system, allowing you to remove bloatware, install root-only apps, flash custom ROMs, and tweak system settings that are otherwise locked. This guide covers the most reliable method for the VS985 on Android 5.0.1 Lollipop and earlier, using the LG One Click Root tool. Before you begin, back up all important data, ensure your phone has at least 70% battery, and understand that rooting voids your warranty and carries a small risk of bricking your device.

What You’ll Need

  • A Verizon LG G3 (model VS985) with Android 5.0.1 Lollipop or earlier. This method does not work on Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
  • A Windows PC (Windows 7, 8, or 10) with at least 500 MB free space.
  • The original USB cable that came with your phone (or a high-quality data cable).
  • LG USB drivers installed on your PC. Download them from LG’s official website or use the ones that came with your phone’s software.
  • The LG One Click Root tool (search for “LG One Click Root VS985” on reputable Android forums like XDA-Developers).
  • An internet connection on your PC for driver downloads, if needed.

Step-by-Step

  1. Enable Developer Options and USB Debugging: On your phone, go to Settings > About phone and tap Software information. Tap Build number seven times until you see “You are now a developer!” Then go back to Settings > Developer options and turn on USB debugging.
  2. Install LG USB Drivers: On your PC, download and install the LG USB drivers. Restart your PC after installation to ensure the drivers are properly loaded.
  3. Connect Your Phone to the PC: Use the USB cable to connect your LG G3 to your PC. When prompted on your phone, select Media device (MTP) mode. If a driver installation prompt appears on your PC, wait for it to complete.
  4. Verify ADB Connection (Optional but Recommended): Download the Minimal ADB and Fastboot tool or use the one bundled with the root tool. Open a command prompt in the folder where ADB is located and type adb devices. You should see your device listed with “unauthorized” or “device” status. If it says “unauthorized,” check your phone and accept the RSA fingerprint prompt.
  5. Run LG One Click Root: Extract the downloaded LG One Click Root ZIP file to a folder on your PC. Right-click on OneClickRoot.exe and select Run as administrator.
  6. Follow the On-Screen Instructions: The tool will detect your device. It will ask you to confirm your phone model and Android version. Select the correct options (VS985 and Android 5.0.1) if prompted. The tool will then push a temporary root script to your phone and execute it.
  7. Wait for the Process to Complete: The tool will display progress messages. Your phone may reboot automatically during the process. Do not disconnect the USB cable or touch the phone until the tool says “Root successful” or similar.
  8. Verify Root Access: After the process finishes, disconnect your phone and install a root checker app (e.g., Root Checker) from the Play Store. Open the app and tap Verify Root. You should see a message confirming that root access is properly installed.
  9. Install a Root Manager (Optional but Recommended): The tool may install SuperSU automatically. If not, download SuperSU from the Play Store and open it. It will prompt you to update the SU binary; choose Normal and follow the prompts. This ensures apps can request root access.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the wrong model: The Verizon LG G3 is VS985. Using a tool meant for other variants (like AT&T D850 or T-Mobile D851) can brick your phone.
  • Not enabling USB debugging: Without it, the tool cannot communicate with your phone. Double-check that it is enabled in Developer Options.
  • Outdated or missing LG drivers: If your PC doesn’t recognize your phone, the root tool will fail. Reinstall the drivers and try a different USB port.
  • Interrupting the process: Pulling the USB cable or closing the tool during rooting can corrupt your system. Be patient.
  • Attempting on Android 6.0 Marshmallow: This method only works on Lollipop (5.0.1) and earlier. If you’ve updated to Marshmallow, you need a different method (like using TWRP and flashing SuperSU).

Tips

  • Before rooting, enable OEM unlock in Developer Options if you plan to flash custom ROMs later. This is a separate toggle that prevents bootloader issues.
  • After rooting, install a good backup app (like Titanium Backup) to create a full system backup before removing any system apps.
  • Keep your phone’s bootloader locked if you only want root access – this method does not unlock the bootloader, which is safer for warranty purposes.
  • If you ever need to unroot, you can use the same tool’s “Unroot” option or flash the stock firmware via LG Flash Tool.
  • Always download root tools from reputable sources like XDA-Developers to avoid malware.

Troubleshooting

  • Device not detected: Reinstall LG drivers, try a different USB port (preferably USB 2.0), and ensure the cable is not charge-only. Also, try disabling and re-enabling USB debugging.
  • Tool stuck at “Waiting for device”: Close the tool, unplug your phone, restart both the PC and phone, and try again. Make sure your phone is in MTP mode, not charging-only.
  • Root checker says “Not rooted”: Run the tool again. Some antivirus software may interfere – temporarily disable it during the process. Also, check if SuperSU is installed; if not, install it manually from the Play Store and update the binary.
  • Phone bootloops (stuck on LG logo): This is rare but possible. Remove the battery for 30 seconds, reinsert, and try booting into recovery mode (hold Volume Down + Power). If it boots, you can restore a backup. If not, you may need to flash stock firmware using LG Flash Tool – search for “LG G3 VS985 KDZ” online.
  • Root access lost after reboot: Some versions of the tool provide temporary root. Re-run the tool to re-root, or install a permanent root solution like SuperSU from TWRP recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will rooting my LG G3 Verizon void its warranty?

Yes, rooting typically voids the manufacturer’s warranty. However, you can unroot later, and if you restore the phone to stock firmware, most carriers won’t detect it unless you’ve unlocked the bootloader.

Can I receive OTA updates after rooting?

Usually no. Rooting modifies system files, so OTA updates will fail. You’ll need to unroot and restore stock to receive updates, or manually flash updated firmware.

What is the difference between rooting and unlocking the bootloader?

Rooting gives you superuser access within Android, while unlocking the bootloader allows you to flash custom recoveries and ROMs. This method roots without unlocking the bootloader, which is safer but limits some customizations.

Will rooting erase my data?

This method does not wipe data, but it’s always wise to back up before any root attempt. Some root tools may require a factory reset if they fail mid-process.

Can I use this method on Android 6.0 Marshmallow?

No, this specific tool works only on Android 5.0.1 and earlier. For Marshmallow, you’ll need to use a different approach, such as flashing TWRP and then installing SuperSU.

Is it safe to remove bloatware after rooting?

Yes, but be careful. Only remove apps you recognize. Removing critical system apps can cause crashes or bootloops. Use a package disabler or Titanium Backup to freeze apps first.

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