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How to Root an HTC myTouch 4G (Glacier)

A Windows and ADB procedure for obtaining permanent root and S-OFF on an HTC myTouch 4G running Android 2.2.1.

By Reflash Lab Posted Updated

HTC myTouch 4G phone
HTC myTouch 4G, also known as the HTC Glacier
HTC myTouch 4G

CyanogenMod’s FAQ did not work on two T-Mobile myTouch 4G phones running Android 2.2.1. The documented exploit returned an error occurred while running exploit when I ran /data/local/tmp/fre3vo -debug -start FAA90000 -end FFFFFFFF.

After testing several approaches, the following method produced permanent root and S-OFF on both phones.

Requirements

This guide assumes a Windows PC, a working USB data connection, and ADB prepared from this archive.

These historical downloads are retained exactly as supplied with the original guide. Verify the SHA-256 checksum before using either archive:

  • adb.7z — 776ff0144c3bdd3f6d49e709256b59735cde77cec6a2c825bba3d449661783c3
  • gfree.7z — 3d319afa64dbf5792d71a44a3e9354e46e13f7fae378305ba5434dd867022a3f

Root and enable S-OFF

  1. Download the Visionary APK from the Visionary project page and install it on the phone.

  2. Download the archived GFREE bundle, then extract it into the ADB folder.

  3. Install Terminal Emulator on the phone. The original Android Market listing is no longer available; the archived upstream project documents its releases and source.

  4. Install ROM Manager. Its original Android Market listing is no longer available.

  5. Open Visionary and enable Temproot on Boot and Set System r/w After Root.

  6. Select Attempt Temproot Now.

  7. Open Command Prompt and change to the ADB directory.

  8. Push gfree to the phone:

    adb push gfree /data/local

  9. Disconnect the phone from the computer.

  10. Open Terminal Emulator and run su.

  11. Change to the working directory with cd /data/local.

  12. Make the file executable with chmod 777 gfree.

  13. Run ./gfree.

  14. Power off the phone.

  15. Hold Volume Down + Power to enter HBOOT. The status should display S=OFF.

  16. Reboot, open Visionary, and select Attempt Permroot.

  17. Reboot the phone again.

  18. Open ROM Manager and install ClockworkMod Recovery.

  19. Install the compatible ROM you intend to use.

Sources

  • The former CyanogenMod HTC Glacier wiki page is no longer available; its documented method did not work on the two phones tested.
  • The Unlockr guide — the documented method did not work on the two phones tested.
  • BriefMobile