Do you want to root your Samsung Galaxy Nexus, install BusyBox, and flash ClockworkMod Recovery using only one tool? You might have been putting it off because you’re intimidated by the long and confusing processes that are involved in the two foundations of customizing your phone. We’ve got good news for you.

Whether this is your first Android phone or you’ve just been holding on to your warranty in fear of bricking your phone, there’s an easy way to root and install custom recovery at the same time. And, you can do it in just one click.

Following guides for rooting or installing custom recovery can be confusing, especially for those phones with a lot of variants. Some guides are not clear on which variants of a device they are referring to, leaving users with the risk of bricking their device because they used the wrong guide. These methods can be complicated and, if you are not very tech-savvy, you might not understand all the terms used in those guides.

There is now a tool for the Samsung Galaxy Nexus that will allow users to gain root access and install ClockworkMod Recovery easily. The tool is in CASUAL (Cross-platform ADB Scripting, Universal Android Loader) format, resulting in a one-click root and recovery method.  The tool was developed by XDA Developers member AdamOutler and it is compatible with both the CDMA and GSM variants of the phone. At this point, rooting is only available for Android 4.0.1 and Android 4.0.2, but the developer has promised to work on rooting methods for Android 4.0.3 and Android 4.0.4.

You can gain root access and install ClockworkMod Recovery without even unlocking the phone’s bootloader so there is no need for data wiping. If you want to try this method, see the requirements and instructions below.

Requirements

• Samsung Galaxy Nexus (either GSM or CDMA/LTE variant) running Android 4.0.1 or Android 4.0.2
• Download and install the appropriate drivers for your phone to your computer from these links:
  • Driver for Galaxy Nexus GSM or Verizon variants (Verizon_Wireless_I515_Galaxy_Nexus_USB_Driver_v1.4.6.0.exe, 24 MB)
  • Driver for Galaxy Nexus Sprint variant (Sprint_L700_Galaxy_Nexus_USB_Driver_v1.4.6.0.exe, 23 MB)
• Ensure your computer has Java installed.
  • Visit the Java installation verification page to check.
  • If your computer doesn’t have Java, download and install it from here.
• Download the CASUAL root tool (GalaxyNexusRoot-Busybox-CWM.jar, 14.34 MB) to your computer.
• Backup all personal data on your phone to make sure you have a copy of your personal data (e.g., contacts, SMS, MMS, Internet settings, Wi-Fi passwords, and the like) in case the procedure in this guide erases such data.
  • For backup tips, check our guides on how to sync your data to the cloud and how to create local backups of your mobile data.
• Make sure that your battery has at least 50% charge to avoid interruption due to power loss.
• Enable USB debugging on your Galaxy Nexus. You can do this through Settings > Developer Options and make sure “Android debugging” is checked.

Disclaimer

• The instructions in this guide are intended for use with the Samsung Galaxy Nexus (GSM and CDMA variants), with model number GT-I9250 (GSM international variant), SCH-I515 (Verizon variant), or SPH-L700 (Sprint variant). Applying these instructions on another device or model may produce undesired outcomes.
• The information in this guide is provided for instructional and educational purposes only. There is no guarantee that these instructions will work under your specific and unique circumstances.
• Use these instructions at your own risk. We shall not hold any responsibility or liability for whatever happens to you or your device arising from your use of the info in this guide.
• Read and understand the whole guide first before actually performing the instructions.

Instructions

1. On your computer, locate the GalaxyNexusRoot-Busybox-CWM.jar file.  Run the CASUAL root program by right-clicking on the file, then select Open from the popup menu.
2. Connect your phone to your computer using a USB cable.
   • Your phone will not be detected if you don’t have the proper drivers installed on your computer.
3. On the CASUAL tool screen, click the drop-down menu and choose if you want to root your device, install BusyBox, or install ClockworkMod Recovery.  Note  that you have to select the GSM or CDMA option depending on which version is your phone.
4. Start the process by clicking the Do It button.

Great! You’ve managed to root your Galaxy Nexus and install BusyBox and ClockworkMod Recovery on it without breaking a sweat. You can now create backups of your ROM and install custom ROMs on your Galaxy Nexus by flashing them through ClockworkMod Recovery.