How to Unlock Root and LG V60: We typically don’t provide root guides for LG devices due to bootloader unlocking restrictions, but today’s different! I’m going to show you how to root the LG V60 ThinQ. Yes, the LG V60 now officially supports bootloader unlocking, which means rooting it is finally possible. Despite being an underrated flagship, if you own this phone, you can easily compare it to the likes of the Galaxy S20 series and OnePlus 8 Pro. In this guide, I’ll walk you through both the bootloader unlocking process and rooting your LG V60 ThinQ.
The LG V60 ThinQ is a powerhouse, featuring a dual-screen setup that offers a distinct advantage over other flagship Android devices. With a massive 6.8-inch FHD+ display and support for a secondary screen, it’s a unique offering in the market. Powered by the Snapdragon 865 processor, it stands toe-to-toe with top-tier competitors. Additionally, the LG V60 boasts an impressive camera system, as LG is renowned for producing high-quality smartphone cameras.
Running LG’s own UI, the V60 delivers a performance close to stock Android while offering some added customization options. However, nothing beats the freedom that comes with a rooted phone. Since rooting requires an unlocked bootloader, this guide will also explain how to unlock the bootloader on your LG V60 ThinQ.
How to Unlock Root and LG V60 ThinQ
If you’re wondering about the benefits of rooting an Android phone in 2020 or beyond, here’s a quick overview of what rooting can offer:
Rooting opens up a world of advanced features like custom fonts, custom boot animations, third-party themes, and much more. For those who love deep customization, rooting also allows you to use Xposed Modules, which take your phone’s personalization to the next level.
Rooting LG devices, including the LG V60 ThinQ, is relatively easy compared to other Android phones, but it does require an unlocked bootloader, which is a standard requirement for all devices. There are a couple of methods to root the LG V60, such as flashing Magisk using a custom recovery or flashing a patched boot image via the fastboot method. Since a custom recovery isn’t available at the moment, we’ll use the fastboot method to flash the patched boot image. Before we proceed with rooting, we need to unlock the bootloader on the LG V60 ThinQ. Let’s first go over how to unlock the bootloader, then we’ll dive into the rooting process.
Unlock Bootloader on LG V60 ThinQ
By default, all Android phones come with a locked bootloader, which prevents any modifications to the system. Some phones come with unlocked bootloaders by default, but these are typically region-specific and usually come at a lower price point. LG only allows bootloader unlocking on select devices, and recently, they added three new phones to the list, including the LG V60 ThinQ.
However, it’s important to note that the bootloader unlocking feature is currently only available for the European variant of the LG V60 ThinQ (model number LMV600EA). While this is a step forward, LG may eventually expand this to include other variants, so stay tuned for updates.
Unlike many other smartphone brands, LG restricts modifications on most of its phones, preventing users from flashing files or installing custom recoveries. But with the recent addition of the LG V60 to the list of bootloader-unlockable devices, you now have the option to unlock your bootloader and make modifications.
Prerequisites
- Unlock the Bootloader of LG V60 ThinQ
- Backup your phone’s data to prevent data loss
- Charge your phone to at least 50%
- Download and Install Magisk Manager on your phone
- Install ADB & Fastboot drivers on your PC
- Download the LG V60 ThinQ firmware (ensure it’s the same version you are using)
Steps to Boot into Download Mode
- Open Settings on your phone and go to the General section.
- Navigate to About Phone > Software Information.
- Find the Build Number and tap on it 7 times until you see the message “You are now a developer.”
- Go back to Settings > General, then scroll down and open Developer Options.
- In Developer Options, enable USB Debugging and make sure Enable OEM Unlock is turned on.
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB cable.
- Open a Command window or PowerShell window on your PC.
- Enter the following command and grant USB Debugging access on your phone
- Next, enter the command to boot your phone into bootloader mode:
Steps to Root LG V60 ThinQ with Magisk
- Extract the boot image file from the LG V60 ThinQ firmware and copy it to your phone’s storage.
- Open the Magisk Manager app on your phone.
- In the app, tap on Install > Install, then select Select and Patch a File. Choose the boot image file from your phone’s storage. Magisk will begin patching the file, and the patched version will be saved in the Download folder, usually named magisk_patched.img.
- Copy the patched boot image file to your PC, specifically into the C:\adb folder, and rename it to boot.img.
- In the C:\adb folder, hold Shift + Right-click in an empty space and select Open PowerShell window here or Open Command window here.
- Boot your phone into Download/Bootloader Mode and connect it to your PC using the USB cable.
- Enter the following command to flash the patched boot image:Copy code
fastboot flash boot boot.img - After the Magisk installation is complete, reboot your phone to the system.
Root Complete
Your LG V60 ThinQ is now rooted! With root access, you gain full control over your device. You can now:
- Uninstall system apps
- Block ads
- Flash custom ROMs and recoveries
- Install ZIP files
- Use various Magisk Modules for fixes and customizations
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to unlock the bootloader on the LG V60 ThinQ?
Unlocking the bootloader is generally safe, but it comes with some risks. It will void your warranty, and if done incorrectly, it could potentially brick your device. Be sure to follow the steps carefully and back up all your important data before proceeding.
What are the benefits of unlocking the bootloader on the LG V60 ThinQ?
Unlocking the bootloader allows you to gain full control over your device, enabling you to install custom ROMs, flash recovery images, uninstall bloatware, and make other advanced modifications to your phone’s software.
Can I root my LG V60 ThinQ after unlocking the bootloader?
Yes, once you unlock the bootloader on the LG V60 ThinQ, you can proceed to root your phone. Rooting provides access to advanced features such as custom themes, Xposed modules, and the ability to remove system apps or block ads.
Will unlocking the bootloader erase my data?
Yes, unlocking the bootloader typically wipes all data on the device. It’s essential to perform a full backup of your phone before unlocking the bootloader to avoid losing any important information.
Can I relock the bootloader after unlocking it on the LG V60 ThinQ?
Yes, it is possible to relock the bootloader after unlocking it, but it is not recommended unless necessary. Relocking may cause issues if you’ve modified the system software (such as rooting or installing custom ROMs). If you plan to relock, ensure your device is restored to its original state first.
Conclusion
Unlocking the bootloader and rooting your LG V60 ThinQ opens up a world of customization and control over your device. With an unlocked bootloader, you can install custom ROMs, gain root access to remove bloatware, and enjoy advanced features like Xposed modules and ad-blocking. However, it’s important to proceed with caution, as unlocking the bootloader can void your warranty and erase all your data.
Always back up your data before starting the process, and follow the steps carefully to avoid any issues. Once you’ve unlocked the bootloader, rooting the device will give you even more freedom, allowing you to tailor your LG V60 ThinQ to suit your personal preferences.
If you’re comfortable with these risks and eager to dive deeper into the customization potential of your phone, unlocking and rooting your LG V60 ThinQ is a rewarding experience. Just remember to stay informed and proceed with care for a smooth and successful rooting journey.
