Help Questions about rooting Nexus 4 to enable LTE

[tman2damax11]

So I'm getting a Nexus 4 for a price I can't refuse, but one thing that never satisfied me about the nexus 4 was the lack of LTE. I have found a way to enable LTE with lollipop but it requires a rooted nexus 4, and I've never rooted any device ever. So my questions: It it safe? Any chance of bricking the device? Will I still receive updates from google? After rooting will my device stay rooted after an official update? So those are my questions. Sorry if they're stupid but this is my first android device and I'm going to be rooting it out right out of the box, so I want to make sure its a good idea.

Also here's the root tool I'll be using (is it safe?): http://download.chainfire.eu/297/CF-Root/CF-Auto-Root/CF-Auto-Root-mako-occam-nexus4.zip

And the LTE enabler I'll be using: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=56762318&postcount=1401

Also I'll be on t-mobile with a GSM model, so this will work right?

 

[lion7718]

There is always a chance when rooting that something will go wrong, but if you use Wug's Nexus Root Toolkit you have a better chance of doing it right & fixing any problems if it doesn't. http://forum.xda-developers.com/nex...olkit-wugs-nexus-root-toolkit-v1-8-2-t2015469

99% of all Android updates will break root, but once it's been rooted the 1st time, it's very easy to do it again.
Usually all you have to do is re-flash SuperSU.

I'm also on T-Mobile & have flashed LTE since it has been available.

 

[codesplice]

Hi @tman2damax11, and welcome to Android Forums

It sounds like you've already done quite a bit of research, which is awesome!

I've not personally used that CF Auto Root tool, but I do know that Chainfire (its developer) is a pretty prominent member of the Android root scene. I wouldn't be afraid to use it. As @lion7718 mentioned, Wug's toolkit may be another option.

I'm a big fan of doing things like this manually via fastboot. You'll have a better understanding of what's actually going on, and as a result be significantly more capable of fixing any issues that do arise. As long as you get the USB ADB drivers sorted (which I do believe is required by both Wug's and the Auto Root tool), rooting is as easy as fastboot oem unlock, fastboot flash recovery openrecovery.img, adb push SuperSU.zip /sdcard/, and then flashing SuperSU in your shiny new recovery. Once rooted (regardless of the method), you won't be able to automatically install future Android updates. You'll have to re-root each time, though that's super easy on a Nexus since we don't have to take advantage of any crazy exploits.

These may be useful threads if you opt to go that route:

• ADB Guide
• How to Flash a Nexus Factory Image Manually
• [ROOT][CWM] Root Nexus 4 & Install Official ClockworkMod Recovery

As always, we're here if you run into issues or need more info!

BTW, I'm also using T-Mobile's LTE on my Nexus 4, courtesy of this all-in-one flashable zip: [5.0.1][12/11][v2.1-pre] Nexus 4 LTE Enabler. That includes the latest hybrid radio (from 5.0.1) as well as the other mods you need in order to enable LTE. Super-easy.