User Paulobrien at XDA has published a thread on how to root the Galaxy Nexus using Superboot r2. What this will do is root your Galaxy Nexus without needing to flash any partitions. Its a boot.img file that will run on bootup and install su and superuser apk without the need of ADB.
Instructions to Root the Galaxy Nexus (Method 1):
- Download and unzip Superboot.zip (Download Link)
- Reboot phone into bootloader mode “vol up + vol down”
- Double Click “install-superboot-windows.bat”
- Congrats your Galaxy Nexus is Rooted!
If you are using a Mac replace step 3 with:
- Open Terminal and navigate to the folder with Superboot
- Type “chmod +x install-superboot-mac.sh” press enter
- Type “./install-superboot-mac.sh” press enter
If you are using Linux replace step 3 with the following:
- Open Terminal and navigate to the folder with Superboot
- Type “chmod +x install-superboot-linux.sh” press enter
- Type “./install-superboot-linux.sh” press enter
Let us know how it goes and remember to head on over to XDA and give paulobrien his due props for the method. As always place any questions you have here in the comments.
If you are looking for an alternative root method there was one that was available a few weeks ago for the Galaxy Nexus. Full credit for this root method goes to MoDaCo and if your feeling supportive you should consider supporting them by signing up for MoDaCo Ad Free.
Superboot is the boot.img that roots the device on boot up without anything having to be done on the users end and automatically installs the su and Superuser APK. You will not need to flash any partitions or mess with ADB at all.
Galaxy Nexus Root Instructions (Method 2):
- No longer viable, please use option 1
NOTE: if you have a retail Galaxy Nexus make sure the bootloader is unlocked. You can do this by using “./fastboot-windows oem unlock”. Also note that this will wipe all data from your Nexus.