How to Root the HTC One M8 (Verizon)

Rooting is the process of gaining administrative rights on your Android device.  Once we root our Android device, we can then make changes to it to customize it well beyond what it normally can do.

Once you have root access on your HTC One M8 (Verizon variant), you’ll be able to:

• Remove apps that were preinstalled by your carrier/manufacturer from your device.
• Free up storage space (because of the above benefit).
• Increase battery life (apps that might have been running constantly can be removed).
• Increase performance (after removing apps that are always running, the device will be less bogged down and run smoother).
• Update to a new version of Android (by flashing a custom recovery/ROM, see the end of this procedure for more info on that).
• Tons of other customizations when you use your new found administrative rights to flash a custom ROM (again, see the end of this procedure for more info on that).

Interested? Here’s how to root your HTC One M8:

 I.  Before You Begin

1.  Although not necessary, it’s always a good idea to back up everything you feel is important from your device.

2.  Charge your device to 75% or more before you begin.

II.  Necessary Downloads

WeakSauce-1.0.1.zip (or latest version available attached to this post)

III.  Rooting the HTC One M8

1. Extract WeakSauce-1.0.1.zip to a folder on your desktop.  You should now have a file named WeakSauce-1.0.1.apk in this extracted folder.

2.  Connect your device to your PC and copy WeakSauce-1.0.1.apk to your device’s sdcard (internal or external).

3.  Disconnect your device from your PC.

4.  Install a file explorer if don’t have it already (we recommend ES File Explorer) and open it up.

5.  Navigate to the location of WeakSauce-1.0.1.apk and install the app.

6.  Tap on Agree when prompted.

7.  Once done, go to the Play Store and install the SuperSu app.

8.  Reboot your device.

IV.  Unrooting the Verizon HTC One M8

This guide should help you if you want unroot your One M8.

By the way, don’t be scared, you can always put your device back to stock by heading to our Rooting How To’s section, finding your device, and doing the How to Unroot listed for it there.