Super user icon but no root access...

[ouch1976]

Is it possible to have SU permissions without having root access? I bought a used Galaxy Nexus and discovered that it's unlocked and has the SU icon in the app drawer. Yet, when I run Root Check, it says "Sorry, this device does not have proper root access." Any thoughts?

 

[Metroid Prime]

That's odd...Where did you buy this? The only way to have that app is to have root access to the phone as far as I know.

EDIT: I believe you can download that SU app or other root apps from that market but they would not be able to work do to the phone not having the root access.

 

[ouch1976]

I got it on Craigslist. The seller didn't mention that it was unlocked nor rooted. I'm actually happy about it, but I thought it was weird when I booted it up the first time. Everything functions on the phone. It has a clean ESN and it's in pristine condition. I guess I'm gonna have to learn how to root earlier than I anticipated.

 

[Metroid Prime]

Well, if you can't access the SU app then it's probably not rooted or it was un-rooted perhaps. If you wish to learn how to root it, then go here.
Galaxy Nexus - All Things Root This is the best place to learn how to root your device and you can gain a lot of knowledge on it and ask questions there.

 

[jerofld]

It was very likely rooted, then unrooted, and not unrooted properly.

To fix it, you'll have to either restore it with a factory image (Does the Galaxy Nexus use Odin files?). Or re-root it and probably flash a proper ROM. I've had problems with improperly unrooted devices not showing root properly until a ROM was flashed.