HTC One Google Play Edition: How to Unlock Bootloader/Root/Install TWRP

Google recently released Android 4.4.2 KitKat software update with build number KOT49H for the HTC One Google Play Edition device. Those who have already updated their devices to the latest iteration of Android software and are currently looking for a root method may follow our guide. The tutorial also unlocks the bootloader and installs TWRP custom recovery.

IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held responsible for any damage to the device. Users are also advised to verify that their devices meet following requirements.

Pre-requisites

1) Download and install Android SDK.

2) Download fastboot binary and transfer it into /tools.

3) Install HTC Sync Manager.

2) Enable USB Debugging Mode on the phone to connect it with the computer and use Android SDK with it. [Navigate to Settings>> Developer Options to enable USB Debugging Mode.]

3) As the tutorial might wipe out all data of the phone, create a backup. If the device is having any custom recoveries such as CWM/TWRP installed then back up data using recovery.

4) If the Android device powers off due to lack of battery while the installation process, it could damage the device. Therefore, the HTC One should have above 80% battery charge.

6) The unlocking method, TWRP file and the SuperSU root file work only with HTC One Google Play Edition. As applying this on any incorrect variant is likely to brick the device, verify the model number of HTC One by navigating to Settings>> About phone>> Model number.

7) Rooting the device will void manufacturer's warranty.

How to unlock bootloader of HTC One Google Play Edition

Step-1: Reboot the HTC One into fastboot mode. To do this, first switch off the phone. Press Volume Down and Power buttons together, the device will reboot into bootloader mode. Use the Volume keys to highlight Bootloader and press the Power button to select it. When the device enters bootloader mode, connect it to the computer using USB cable

Step-2: Or, just connect the device to the computer, open a command prompt window and enter the following

adb reboot bootloader

Step-3: Open a command prompt window and enter the following command to start the process for unlocking bootloader

fastboot oem unlock

Step-4: You will be prompted with a warning message, read it. If you agree and want to unlock, use the Volume keys to highlight Yes and select it using the Power button

Step-5: This will take just a few seconds to unlock the bootloader

The bootloader of HTC One should now be unlocked.

How to install TWRP recovery on HTC One Google Play Edition

Step-1: Download the latest TWRP flashable image file

Step-2: Open the folder location where the flashable image is downloaded, on an empty space inside the folder press SHIFT key and Right-click, select Open Command Prompt Here

Step-3: Connect the device to the computer using USB cable and enter the following command

adb reboot bootloader

Step-4: The device shall now reboot itself into fastboot mode. Enter the following commands and press ENTER

fastboot flash recovery <filename.img>

[For example: fastboot flash recovery openrecovery-twrp-2.6.3.3-m7.img]

Step-5: The flashing process will complete in a few seconds. After it is done, type in the following command

fastboot reboot

You may now boot the device by using Volume keys to highlight RECOVERY and select it using the Power button. This will boot the device into recovery mode. You can now flash custom builds on the Google Play Edition unit using TWRP recovery.

How to root HTC One Google Play Edition

Step-1: Download the SuperSU root package

File name: UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.69.zip

Step-2: Connect the phone to the computer using USB cable and copy the downloaded SuperSU root package to an apt location on the phone's storage

Step-3: Disconnect the phone from the computer

Step-4: Power off the phone. Now press the Volume Down and Power buttons together until you see the bootloader screen. Use the Volume keys to highlight RECOVERY and select it using the Power button. The device will boot itself into TWRP recovery mode

Step-5: Tap on Install and select the SuperSU root file. Swipe the on-screen button to start the flashing process

Step-6: Once the process is done, tap on Reboot and then System to reboot the device

The HTC One Google Play Edition should now be rooted successfully with the TWRP recovery installed. To check the root status of the phone, install and run Root Checker app, available at Google Play Store.

[Source: Droid Views]