How to Root Verizon HTC One

If you are the owner of a Verizon HTC One and you are looking to get the most out of this powerful smart phone, you may want to root the device in order to unlock the system and allow for more flexible customization options. Root access is the first step towards removing HTC’s built-in software restrictions and opening the door towards a more personalized user experience. Thanks to the hard work of the developers who have provided the tools referred to later in this article, this is now not only possible, but easy to do. Be warned that this method only applies to the HTC One, and trying it with any other Android device will break it.

Rooting your HTC One is straightforward and simple to do. Until very recently, it was not possible, but a flaw in the OS of the device has been exploited which allows for sweeping changes to be made to the operating system. This particular method is a one-click solution, making the procedure wonderfully uncomplicated. It is important, however, to know a few things beforehand in order to minimize risk.

The first thing to recognize is that this will void your warranty with the mobile phone company. If the phone misbehaves and is in need of repair, they won’t do it. While this may seem like a downer, the many potential benefits of rooting the system generally outweigh this risk, especially when new versions of Android get released.

Root Verizon HTC One

It’s also important to back up your data before attempting to root your HTC One. Your personal data and applications will not survive the process, and you’ll want to have them saved somewhere safe before you start. The best option for backing up your data is through Google Play’s dedicated service. After the root is finished and you’ve customized the phone’s operating system to your liking, you can get it all back.

It’s very important to be careful during this process, as well. Although it is simple, there is still a risk of breaking your HTC One if the power goes out during the upgrade. Make sure you have at least 60% of the phone’s battery life left, though it would be preferable to begin with a full charge. A phone with half-upgraded firmware, caused most commonly by a power shortage in the middle of the upgrade, becomes an expensive brick.

If the computer you’re using to root the phone has firewall protection, anti-virus or anti-malware programs running, you will want to shut those off while the intallation is taking place. They don’t like rooted phones and could interfere with the procedure. Also, make sure the phone’s drivers are installed on the computer, if they are not, install them now and you should be good to go.

Ready? Let’s get down to business:

How to root Verizon HTC One

1. Enable USB Debugging on your HTC One. (This option is accessible through Settings -> Applications -> Development -> USB Debugging).
2. Download the root package using this link.
3. Connect your HTC One to the computer via USB cable.
4. Copy/paste the root package from your computer to the HTC One.
5. Turn off the phone.
6. Turn the phone back on while holding the Volume Down and Power buttons at the same time. This is bootloader mode.
7. Select Reboot Recovery.
8. From the options present, choose Wipe Data Factory Reset and Wipe Cache Partition.
9. Return to the Recovery Menu and select Install ZIP From SD Card.
10. Select Choose ZIP From SD Card and then pick the root package.
11. Install the package, return to the recovery screen and choose Reboot System Now.

Okay, so there were a few more clicks involved than just one, but you did avoid having to type in any commands in code so we can let this one slide. Your newly rooted device can now enjoy newer versions of the Android operating system, or custom ROMS. In fact, from this point the world is wide open to you and your rooted HTC One; there is very little that you can’t do, and you’re largely encouraged (by everyone except HTC) to experiment further and customize your phone exactly to your liking from here. Enjoy!