How to Root the LG Optimus G Pro (E98x)

If you own an LG Optimus G Pro (any variant of the E98x model), chances are that you are extremely satisfied with the device.  After all, anything with a quad-core 1.7GHz processor, 2GB RAM and a 5.5 inch full HD display should keep us satisfied for another year at least right?  What could make it better than it is right now though is rooting it and if you are up for it, we’ll show you how to do it in the guide below!

I.  Before You Begin

1.  Charge your device to 75% or more before you start to prevent unwanted shutdowns during the procedure.

2.  Make sure you have the necessary drivers in place before you go ahead with the procedure.  This is extremely important as your device needs to be properly recognized by your Windows PC for this procedure to work.

3.  Although data loss is unlikely, back up everything important just in case.

4.  This procedure will work with all variants of the E98x model (E980, E985, E988 and E989) except for the AT&T E980 version with the recent 10P firmware update.

II.  Necessary Downloads

E980-UniversalRoot.zip [File attached to this post]

III.  Rooting the Optimus G Pro

1.  Enable USB debugging your device.  To do this, go to Settings > Development options and tick the USB debugging checkbox.  If you don’t find the Development options section, go to Settings > About phone and keep tapping on the build number until you see the ‘you are now a developer‘ message.  You should now find the development options listed under Settings.

2.  Make sure that your device is Charge mode and connect it to your Windows PC.  If there are any drivers being installed at this point, let them do so before continuing.

3.  Extract E980-UniversalRoot.zip to a folder on your desktop for easier access.

4.  From the extracted folder, double-click on CurrentRoot.bat to begin the rooting procedure.

5.  Follow the on-screen instructions and when prompted to change your device mode to MTP, do it.  If there are any drivers being installed at this point, let them do so before continuing.  Hit any key on your keyboard to continue after this.

6.  Once your device reboots, disconnect your device from your PC.

Your Optimus G Pro is now completely rooted!

IV.  Installing Custom Recovery

You are interested in flashing custom ROMs, having a custom recovery is a good idea and you’ll find how to get that here.