How to root the LG Optimus 4G LTE

The word “root” definitely brings a smile to Android users' faces, but what does this actually mean? A veteran Android user might tell you that it means only the beginning and that really isn't too far from the truth. We've already covered what rooting actually means in detail in our rooting guide for dummies and in our layperson’s dictionary of rooting terms, but what it basically means is that you can regain administrative rights to your phone.

What you get out of the box isn't the device's full potential but you can set it free by rooting it. Back in ye olde days, rooting was a tricky process that scared newbies away. Though it might still prove to be scary for some particularly hard-to-root phones, the rooting process nowadays has been simplified so that even newbies can get started on enjoying their device's true power.

In this guide, learn how to root the LG Optimus 4G LTE after updating to Android 4.0.4 ICS firmware version V20e.

Warning

The instructions in this guide are intended for use with the LG Optimus 4G LTE (LG Nitro HD on Bell Mobility), model number P930. 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.

Requirements

Bell LG Optimus 4G LTE P930 running Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich firmware update V20e
A Windows PC
Handset USB drivers installed on your computer. Get them from LG's support page for the P930.
P930 v20e root package (P930_v20e_ROOT.zip, 2.59 MB)
File extraction software such as WinRAR or 7-Zip installed on your computer.
Enable Unknown Sources on your device. Go to Settings > Security and tick Unknown Sources.
Enable USB Debugging on your device. Go to Settings > Developer options and tick USB Debugging.
Download and install a file manager app such as ES File Explorer.
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.

Instructions

Extract the P930 v20e root package to your computer's C:\ drive to get a folder called P930_v20e_ROOT.
Copy the LG_SystemBackupTest.apk file that you obtained to your phone's SD card.
On your phone, launch the file manager app.
Using the file manager app, browse to the LG_SystemBackupTest.apk file and select it. This will install an app called SystemBackupTest.
Run the SystemBackupTest app but don't do anything.
Press and hold down the Power button and select Power off and restart option. If that option is not present, simply keep holding down the Power button until the device reboots.
When the phone reboots, it will become very slow. Don't panic, this is expected.
Connect your phone to your computer via the USB cable and wait for the drivers to be installed again.
Open the P930_v20e_ROOT folder and right click on the root_P880.bat file. Click on Run as administrator.
During the rooting procedure, the phone will reboot a few times.
Once the rooting process is done, the window that showed up during the rooting process will close automatically. If it does not, you can close it manually.
Search for SuperSU on the Google Play Store and install it on your device. This will allow you to grant root access to apps.
Launch the SuperSU app.
Press OK when you're prompted to update the SU binary.
After the binary has been updated, close the app.
Uninstall the SystemBackupTest app from your phone.