How to Root the LG Tribute

Rooting your LG Tribute gives you full administrative control over the Android operating system, allowing you to remove bloatware, install custom ROMs, use root-only apps, and tweak system settings that are normally locked. Before you begin, understand that rooting voids your warranty and carries a small risk of bricking the device if steps are not followed carefully. This guide covers the LG Tribute (model LS660) running Android 4.4 KitKat, which is the most common variant. Always back up your data before starting.

What You’ll Need

• LG Tribute (LS660) with at least 50% battery charge
• USB data cable compatible with the phone
• Windows PC (the tools below are Windows-only)
• LG USB drivers installed on the PC – download from LG’s official support site or use the driver package from the LG Bridge software
• KingRoot APK (version 4.1 or later) – download from a trusted source like XDA Developers or the official KingRoot site
• Optionally, a custom recovery like TWRP for future flashing, but not required for basic root

Step-by-Step

1. Enable USB Debugging: On your LG Tribute, go to Settings > About phone and tap Build number seven times until you see a toast saying “You are now a developer.� Then go to Settings > Developer options and enable USB debugging. Also enable Stay awake while charging to avoid screen sleep during the process.
2. Install LG USB Drivers: On your PC, download and install the LG USB drivers. After installation, restart your PC if prompted.
3. Connect the Phone: Plug your LG Tribute into the PC using the USB cable. On the phone, when the “Allow USB debugging?� prompt appears, check “Always allow from this computer� and tap OK. Wait for the PC to recognize the device; you can verify by opening Device Manager and seeing “ADB Interface� or “LG Android Phone� under Portable Devices.
4. Download KingRoot APK: On your PC, download the KingRoot APK file. Transfer it to your phone’s internal storage (e.g., by dragging it to the phone’s drive in File Explorer).
5. Enable Unknown Sources: On the phone, go to Settings > Security and enable Unknown sources to allow installation of non-Play Store apps.
6. Install KingRoot: Using the phone’s file manager, locate the KingRoot APK (usually in the Downloads folder) and tap it to install. Follow the on-screen prompts.
7. Run KingRoot: Open the KingRoot app. It will automatically scan your device and display a “Root� button. Tap it and wait. The process may take a few minutes. The phone may reboot automatically during the process – this is normal.
8. Verify Root: After the app reports success, download a root checker app from the Play Store (e.g., “Root Checker�) and run it to confirm root access. You should see a Superuser or KingRoot permission prompt when the checker requests access.
9. Optional – Install a Custom Recovery (TWRP): If you want to flash custom ROMs later, you can install TWRP using tools like Flashify (requires root) or by using fastboot commands. However, this is not necessary for basic root functionality.

Common Mistakes

• Skipping USB Debugging: Without USB debugging enabled, ADB commands and some root tools will not work properly. Always enable it first.
• Using the Wrong Drivers: Using generic Android drivers instead of LG-specific ones can cause connection issues. Ensure you install the correct LG driver package.
• Interrupting the Root Process: Do not unplug the phone or close KingRoot while it is working. Interruptions can corrupt the system and cause boot loops.
• Ignoring Battery Level: A low battery can cause the phone to power off mid-root, which is risky. Always start with at least 50% charge.
• Not Backing Up: Rooting can occasionally fail and wipe data. Always back up your important files to the cloud or a PC before starting.

Tips

• After rooting, consider installing a root management app like SuperSU or Magisk to manage which apps get root access. KingRoot has its own manager, but some users prefer a more standard solution.
• If you plan to install a custom ROM, make sure to unlock the bootloader first (if applicable) and install a custom recovery like TWRP. The LG Tribute may have an unlockable bootloader via LG’s official unlock site or third-party methods – research carefully.
• Keep a backup of your stock firmware (KDZ file) in case you need to restore the phone to factory state. You can flash it using LG Flash Tool.
• Rooting may trigger a security warning on some apps (e.g., banking apps). You can use Magisk’s MagiskHide feature to hide root from specific apps, but this is not guaranteed to work.

Troubleshooting

• Phone not recognized by PC: Reinstall LG drivers, try a different USB port, and ensure USB debugging is enabled. Also check that the cable supports data transfer (some cables are charge-only).
• KingRoot fails to root: Try a different version of KingRoot (older versions sometimes work better). Alternatively, use a PC-based tool like iRoot or KingoRoot, which may have different success rates. Ensure your device is running Android 4.4.2 – later updates may have patched the exploit.
• Phone stuck in boot loop after rooting: This is rare but can happen. First, try a soft reset by removing the battery (if removable) and reinserting it. If that fails, boot into recovery mode (press and hold Volume Down + Power) and perform a factory reset. If still stuck, you may need to flash the stock firmware using LG Flash Tool – download the appropriate KDZ file for your model.
• Root checker says “No Rootâ€�: Sometimes KingRoot reports success but the root isn’t fully functional. Re-run KingRoot, or try installing SuperSU from the Play Store and update the binary. Alternatively, use a different root method like the one-click script from XDA.
• App crashes after rooting: Some apps are sensitive to root. Use a root manager to temporarily unroot or hide root from those apps. Also ensure you have the latest versions of the apps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will rooting erase my data?

Rooting itself does not wipe data, but the process may trigger a factory reset if something goes wrong. It’s always wise to back up before starting.

Can I unroot my LG Tribute?

Yes, you can unroot by using the “Unroot� option in KingRoot, or by flashing the stock firmware via LG Flash Tool. Unrooting restores the phone to its original state.

Is rooting legal?

In most countries, rooting is legal, but it voids the warranty. Always check local laws and the terms of your carrier.

Will I still get OTA updates after rooting?

OTA updates may fail or cause issues because the system partition is modified. If you want updates, unroot first, then update, then re-root.

What is the risk of bricking my phone?

If you follow the steps correctly, the risk is low. However, using the wrong firmware or interrupting the process can brick the device. Always use the correct tools and files.

Can I root without a PC?

Yes, KingRoot is an APK that works directly on the device, so a PC is not strictly required for rooting. However, a PC is needed for driver installation and for recovery in case of problems.

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