GNet Solutions » Android » Motorola Droid 4

This guide will walk you through the process of taking the Droid 4 from stock to having a custom recovery image and the ability to flash the latest version of CyanogenMod.

DISCLAIMER

Modifying or replacing your device's software may void your device's warranty, lead to data loss, hair loss, financial loss, privacy loss, security breaches, or other damage, and therefore must be done entirely at your own risk. No one affiliated with the CyanogenMod project is responsible for your actions. Good luck.

1. Important Notes
2. Gaining Root Access with RazrBlade
3. Installing CyanogenMod from recovery

Important Notes¶

This is a KEXEC build and must be installed in SafeStrap (builds older than 9/1/2013 must be installed on rom-slot1).

Gaining Root Access with RazrBlade¶

1. You will need ADB on the computer to root the Droid 4.
2. Download the following files:
   • Linux: Razr Blade *NIX: Download
   • Mac: Razr Blade Mac: Download
   • Windows: Razr Blade Windows: Download
3. Windows Only: Install the Motorola device drivers.
4. Motorola 5.9.0 device drivers:
   • 32bit: Download
   • 64bit: Download
5. Unzip Razr Blade to a folder on your computer.
6. Enable USB debugging on the Droid 4: Settings -> Developer Options and check the Android debugging box.
7. Clear Smart Actions Data: Settings -> Apps -> Smart Actions and click the Clear data button.
8. Confirm Droid 4 is using MTP for USB connection: Settings -> Storage -> ≡(Menu) Button -> USB computer connection -> Select Media device (MTP)
9. Connect the Droid 4 to the computer via USB.
10. On the computer, double click the applicable file:
    • Mac: razr_blade.sh
    • Linux: razr_blade.sh
    • Windows: run.bat
11. Allow the exploit to finish, the Droid 4 may reboot several times.
12. When the exploit says "Cleaning up" you may need to look at your phone, unlock the screen if necessary, and press the "Grant" button to grant SuperUser permissions for the exploit to finish.
13. The Droid 4 is now rooted.
14. Install SafeStrap Recovery
    • Download the SafeStrap APK for Droid 4: Download
    • md5: cf0e70a44aecf1643b15e393336292cc
15. Place the downloaded APK alongside adb on your computer.
16. Enable installation from unknown sources on your Droid 4: Settings -> Security and check the Unknown Sources box.
17. Open a terminal on your computer and navigate to the adb executable and run the following:
    

    adb install YOURAPK.apk
    

18. If you see [SUCCESS] in the terminal, continue on.
    • NOTE: If you see [FAILED], please go back and ensure you've followed the instructions above to the letter.
19. Run the SafeStrap app on the Droid 4.
20. Once requested, permanently grant the application Superuser access.
21. Click the button labeled Install Recovery.
22. Once complete, reboot the device.
23. When the SafeStrap splash screen appears, hit the Menu button on your Droid 4.
24. Click the button labeled Boot Options.
25. Activate romslot-1 and follow the instructions on the device.
26. We will be updating SafeStrap to use all ROM slots for Kexec soon.
27. Follow the instructions below for installing CyanogenMod from recovery.

Installing CyanogenMod from recovery¶

1. Download the CyanogenMod package for your device that you'd like to install to your computer.
   • Optional: Download 3rd party applications packages, like Google Apps which are necessary to download apps from Google Play.
2. Place the CyanogenMod .zip package, as well as any optional .zip packages, on the root of /sdcard:
   

   adb push filename.zip /sdcard/
   

   • NOTE: You can copy the .zip packages to your device using any method you are familiar with. The adb method is used here because it is universal across all devices and works in both Android and recovery mode. If you are in recovery mode, you may need to ensure /sdcard (sometimes called Internal Storage) is mounted by checking its status in the Mounts menu. If you have booted regularly, USB debugging must be enabled.
3. If you are not already in recovery, boot to recovery mode now.
   • Power and at SafeStrap splash screen press Menu key within 10 seconds
4. In Team Win Recovery Project, select menu choices by tapping on the appropriately labelled button.
5. Optional (Recommended): Select the Backup button.
6. Select Wipe and then Factory Reset.
7. Select Install.
8. Navigate to /sdcard and select the CyanogenMod .zip package.
9. Follow the on-screen notices to install the package.
10. Optional: Install any additional packages you wish using the same method (if you are installing multiple packages, install CyanogenMod the first and then install any subsequent packages on top of it).
11. Once installation has finished, return to the main menu and select Reboot, then System. The device will now boot into CyanogenMod.