G1 Root

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Contents

G1 Root FAQ

What is Root and why do I need it?

There are some strong reasons why you need access to Root: Some of the apps in the Android Market ask for Root Access on the G1, custom ROMs require root access first and most, if not all, of the G1 themes require you to have root access as well.

Doesn't Google do this?

Well, Google used to, but not any more. As you know, Google uses OTA (Over The Air) updates to update the Android OS on the G1. Any version before RC30 has root access. Any update since and including RC30 blocks root access to the G1. In order to get root access, which allows you to install a custom theme, certain apps, auto rotate browser etc... you need to downgrade to RC29. That's why you're reading this tutorial.

What Google update do I have?

To check what version you have go to Menu button > Settings > About Phone > and check the build number. It should say something similar to rc29, rc30, or rc33. Remember, that if it is before RC30 you have access to root. If it is after, you will need to follow this guide to get that access.

Do I have to use JF 1.51 CRB43 Cupcake?

No- after you have done the process of "unlocking ur phone" (steps 7-13) you can load any custom firmware not necesarily JF 1.51 CRB43 Cupcake

What if I want to go back to be receiving O.T.A. updates from T-mobile?

All you would do is follow steps 2-6 (kinda like loading the 6.0 rom on the shadow)

Before We Begin

Please don't attempt this if you don't understand any of the words in the tutorial. No one but yourself is to blame if you screw up your phone.

Getting Root: Step by Step Instructions

  • Note: IF YOU HAVE RC29 Follow Step 1, and then SKIP TO Step 7
  • Step 1: Formatting your SD Card to FAT32
    • Hook your phone up to your computer using a USB cable and then wait for the notification to show up in your title bar of your phone.
    • Click the notification, and then click "Mount".
    • A new removable disk should show up on your computer. Right click it and select Format, and select FAT32 as the file system type.
  • Step 3: Turn the device power off
  • Step 4: Bootloader
    • Hold the Camera button, and press the Power button to enter Bootloader mode.
    • You should see a gray/white screen with instructions to flash your phone with the update on your SD card.
    • If you don't see that, make sure you followed the instructions properly.
    • Note: When it says press action button it means the trackball


  • Step 5: Starting the upgrade
    • As per the on-screen instructions, press the Power button to start the upgrade procedure.
    • DO NOT DO ANYTHING TO INTERRUPT THIS PROCESS.
  • Step 6: Restarting your phone
    • After it is finished, restart your phone.
    • Then go to your memory card and remove the files you placed there.
    • Note: You now have RC29!!!!


Note: Steps 7-13 will allow you to basically "unlock" your phone to allow a custom firmware to be installed. (for those of you with a Shadow this is like running the CID unlocker or the jump-spl to allow you to load a custom rom)

  • Step 8: Extract AndroidMod.zip, copy 'recovery_testkeys.img' from that zip to your SD card.
  • Step 10: Extract install.zip and copy the 'install' file from that zip to your SD card.
  • Step 11: Put the SD card in the phone and disconnect the phone if it is attached by USB.
  • Step 12: Reboot the phone (switch it off and then on again).
  • Step 13
    • When it has finished booting type the following at the home screen. It will start searching your contacts, but don't worry about that. Also, you won't see any visible sign that the first command worked.
    • Just go ahead and type the second command straight afterwards:
      • cd sdcard<press enter>
      • sh install<press enter>
    • After a moment your phone should reboot itself
  • Step 14: Did it work?
    • To check that the flashing worked:
      • Turn off the phone and then hold down the home key while you turn it on again.
      • Keep the home key held down until you see the recovery screen (with the "!" triangle and the picture of the phone).
      • Then press Alt+L on the keyboard and if you see "Using test keys" on the second line of text then the modified recovery image is installed and you can now install a modified firmware.
  • Step 15: Clean-up
    • Once you confirmed it worked, remove the files you just placed on the memory card.
    • Continue on to install JF RC33 v1.42

Installing JF1.51 CRB43 US Cupcake: Step by Step Instructions

  • Now, to install JF 1.51 CRB43 Cupcake. For a more in depth look at the different features that are in the different ROM builds take a look at JF Updates Defined for the Average User by Octoberriot
  • Step 1
  • Step 2
    • Restart your phone by holding home + power, then press alt + s to update from the memory card and wait for it to finish the update and reboot by holding home + back.
    • You now have JF RC33 V1.421

Installing themes for JF1.51 CRB43

  • You can install any theme made for that firmware (JF1.51 CRB43)
  • Just rename it to 'update', place it in your memory card, turn off your phone, then turn it back on holding home + power then press alt + s and wait for it to finish the update and re boot by holding home + back

A Huge Thanks

A huge thanks to dom2684 for rounding up the bits and pieces into this thread. Most of this tutorial is built from that thread.

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