How to Unlock Bootloader and Root or Jailbreak Google Nexus One

Rooting, is another term similar to jailbreaking in iPhone for Android-based smartphone device. Rooting the phone will allow user full access to the file system on the phone. Rooting a phone enables user to change and modify the phone operating system, or firmware, to install custom apps, themes, personalization or perform hacks such as enable multi-touch.

The engineering bootloader which was shipped on pre-release Google Nexus One devices in fact enable the device to be rooted even before it was officially launched by Google, with the help of custom ROM for Next One called Superboot, developed by Paul at Modaco forums.

For retail Google Nexus One, the phone device may have a locked bootloader, which has to be unlocked prior to root the device for full file system access on Android 2.1 OS. Owner with Google Nexus One smartphone can unlock the bootloader of N1 with a command issued via fastbook, as found by Paul on Modaco forums.

How to Unlock Google Nexus One Bootloader

1. Download and extract fastboot: fastboot.zip (Windows, Linux and Mac included)
2. Run a command prompt or terminal at the directory which the fastboot was extracted.
3. Type and run one of the following command according to system platform:

   fastboot-windows oem unlock
./fastboot-mac oem unlock
./fastboot-linux oem unlock

4. Select “Yes” to unlock bootloader (and void your warranty).

How to Root (Jailbreak) the Google Nexus One

1. Download the Superboot.zip file and extract to a directory.
2. Turn off the phone, and then press and hold the trackball to enter the bootloader mode.

   Alternatively, turn off the phone, remove the battery, and then plug in a powered USB cable. When battery icon appears on the phone screen, replace battery, and tap the power button while holding the “Camera” key.

3. On Windows: Double click on install-superboot-windows.bat in the extracted Superboot folder.

   On Mac OS X: Open a terminal window to the directory containing the Superboot files, and run the following commands:

   chmod +x install-superboot-mac.sh
./install-superboot-mac.sh

   On Linux – Open a terminal window to the directory containing the files, and run the following commands:

   chmod +x install-superboot-linux.sh
./install-superboot-linux.sh