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Root LG Spirit 4G MS870: Full Guide

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Root LG Spirit 4G MS870: Full Guide

Yes, the LG Spirit 4G (model MS870) can be rooted, and the most reliable method for most Android versions it runs is using a PC-based tool like Kingo Root or a manual ADB fastboot method. This guide walks you through the safest approaches, what to do before you start, and how to fix common problems.

What Is the LG Spirit 4G MS870?

The LG Spirit 4G is a mid-range Android smartphone released in 2015. It was sold in several regions under different model numbers; MS870 is the US T-Mobile variant. It runs Android 5.0.1 Lollipop out of the box, with a 4.7-inch 720p display, a 1.3GHz quad-core Snapdragon 410 processor, 1GB of RAM, and 8GB of internal storage. The bootloader is locked, which complicates rooting compared to older LG devices.

Why Root This Phone?

Rooting gives you administrative control over the Android system. On the Spirit 4G, common reasons include:

  • Removing bloatware (T-Mobile and LG pre-installed apps that cannot be uninstalled normally).
  • Using root-only apps like Titanium Backup, AdAway, or Greenify.
  • Installing a custom ROM to get a newer Android version (the phone is stuck on 5.0.1 officially).
  • Overclocking or underclocking the CPU for performance or battery life.

Before You Start: Prerequisites and Warnings

Rooting voids your warranty and can brick your phone if done incorrectly. You accept the risk. Before attempting anything:

  • Back up all important data. Rooting often triggers a factory reset or can fail in a way that wipes data.
  • Charge your battery to at least 70%.
  • Enable Developer Options: go to Settings → About phone → tap “Build numberâ€� 7 times.
  • In Developer Options, enable “USB debuggingâ€� and “OEM unlockâ€� (if present).
  • Install the correct USB drivers for the MS870 on your PC. LG USB drivers are available from LG’s support site.

Method 1: Using Kingo Root (PC)

Kingo Root is a Windows program that automates rooting for many devices, including the LG Spirit 4G. It is the easiest method for beginners.

  1. Download and install Kingo Root on your Windows PC.
  2. Connect your phone to the PC via USB. Make sure USB debugging is on.
  3. Kingo Root will detect your device and may install additional drivers automatically.
  4. Click the “Root� button. The process takes 5-10 minutes. The phone may reboot several times.
  5. When done, you’ll see a “Root Succeeded� message. Check with an app like Root Checker.

If Kingo Root fails, try the alternative below.

Method 2: Manual ADB and Fastboot

This method gives you more control and works when one-click tools fail. You need ADB and Fastboot installed on your PC (from the Android SDK platform-tools).

  1. Unlock the bootloader. On the MS870, this may be possible via fastboot oem unlock. With the phone off, hold Volume Down + Power to enter fastboot mode. Connect to PC and run fastboot oem unlock. This wipes data.
  2. Download a TWRP recovery image for the MS870 (from XDA forums). Place it in your ADB folder.
  3. Boot into fastboot again and run fastboot flash recovery twrp.img.
  4. Boot into recovery (Volume Down + Power, then select Recovery).
  5. Download a SuperSU or Magisk ZIP file and place it on your phone’s SD card.
  6. In TWRP, tap Install, select the ZIP, and swipe to flash.
  7. Reboot. You are now rooted.

Common Problems and Fixes

  • Kingo Root stuck at 80%: Disconnect and reconnect USB, restart both devices, and try again. Or switch to the manual method.
  • Bootloop after rooting: Boot into recovery (Volume Down + Power) and wipe cache/dalvik. If that fails, restore a backup or flash the stock firmware via LG UP.
  • USB not recognized: Install the LG USB drivers manually, try a different USB port, or use a different cable.
  • OEM unlock option missing: Some carrier variants hide it. You may need to use a carrier-specific unlock code or use Kingo Root which exploits a vulnerability instead.

Is It Worth Rooting in 2024?

The MS870 is an old device with limited RAM and storage. Even with root, you cannot run modern apps smoothly. However, rooting allows you to install a lightweight custom ROM like LineageOS 14.1 (Android 7.1) which can make the phone usable as a media player, security camera, or dedicated music device. If you just want to remove bloatware, root is worth it. If you expect a speed boost, you may be disappointed—the hardware is the bottleneck.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will rooting delete my data?

Kingo Root usually preserves data, but the manual method with bootloader unlock wipes everything. Always back up first.

Can I unroot later?

Yes. Kingo Root has an “Unroot� button. For manual root, you can flash the stock ROM via LG UP, which removes root and restores the original system.

Is there a one-click root app for Android?

Apps like KingoRoot (Android version) or Framaroot sometimes work, but they are unreliable on Lollipop and often fail. The PC method is more consistent.

What is the best custom ROM for MS870?

LineageOS 14.1 (Android 7.1) is the most stable and widely used. It is available on XDA forums. Be sure to download the correct build for the MS870.

Does rooting improve battery life?

Not by itself. But with root, you can use apps like Greenify to hibernate background apps, or underclock the CPU, which can extend battery life.

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