[LG Optimus L9 P760, P765, P768, P769] queboy89:
WOOO. After 3 days of playing around, I've got a fully rooted P769 running AntonX's CM10.1 with an unlocked bootloader. I got it 8/5/13 from Amazon for $150, and it's a freaking sweet phone for the price. I wanted a backup phone to play around with, and I couldn't have asked for a better device (well... debateable).

*As of 8/19/13, it's priced at $179 from Amazon versus $240 from T-Mobile.

Obviously, it goes without saying that this thread is completely unnecessary. This thread could be completely ignored by everyone else and I wouldn't mind, because it'll be my own one-stop shop for when I have to redo everything in the future.

I'm going to detail my process and experience, and link all the relevant files and images. I had to do the entire process with about 5 to 7 different XDA threads up and it got extremely annoying trying to maintain a semblance of order. I'll be linking to original threads/posts, but I fully intend on putting all the necessary information here in this post so people don't go thread hopping. Of course, credit will be given where credit is due, which is a lot of people.

Finally, it's nice to finally make an XDA post. This is my first! The community here is fantastic. Maybe someday down the road I'll fork a CM build or something, but for now I'm content.

DISCLAIMERS: I did not read all the XDA posts related to this device. Thus, I may have skipped over some super easy methods to doing things. This is just my own experience and interpretations of the posts I did read.

I am not the most experienced person when it comes to Android development. I'm just extremely organized and like clear and precise instructions. Because this post will be written from memory, I can't guarantee that there aren't any mistakes. I will, however, reinstall a stock ROM, unroot, etc, and do it all over again. I can't relock my bootloader, but I should still be able to test the whole 30 minute wait thing.

NOTE THAT I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANYTHING THAT HAPPENS SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO FOLLOW ANY INSTRUCTIONS WITHIN MY POST.

As I mentioned in the disclaimer, I may have missed out on some easier methods of rooting, recovery installing, etc. PLEASE provide different methods or links, simply so I can keep track of it and so other people who may be following my methods can live life easier.

Updates/Timeline:

8/19/13:

Outlined the general process, went into specifics about the introduction/requirements and SIM unlock. Began discussing the bootloader.

8/8/13:

As I am currently at work (taking a break), I won't be fully completing this post out until later this evening (EST) or weekend. I did, however, want to let it be known that I am available to help assist anyone that needs help via PM's or replies to this thread.

Process

Requirements

SIM Unlock

Bootloader Unlock

Rooting

Recovery Installation

ROM Install

Introductions/Requirements

These instructions are for the T-Mobile P769 variant of the LG Optimus L9. If you are not rocking this device, thanks for browsing my post anyways. I wholeheartedly recommend it if you're looking for an entry-level Android device with greater capabilities than standard prepaid smartphones. My device came stock with V20D.

I did everything with a 4GB microSD card installed. This is necessary for when we move apk's, ROMs, zips, and backups.

Make a backup of your ROM. If you aren't using the device as your backup/play-around like I am, please, please, please make a backup (for those of you with rooted and CWM already). For me, I'm fine re-installing stock ROMs and going through the process of unbricking. If you're on the stock ROM, there might be some apps available to back up settings that you can restore later on (someone please suggest something good if you're familiar, I've always used recovery backups).

I use Windows 7 for everything. This may be an absolute requirement, I'll have to check the application compatibility.

There will be programs and files that you need. I will list and link out in the next update. For now, the bootloader has links to required files.

SIM Unlock

SIM unlocking should be the first thing that you do if you anticipate using non-T-Mobile services. SIM unlocking only works on T-Mobile ROMs, though my eBay code worked via a Wind ROM as well.

Obtaining your unlock code:

If you bought your device directly from a T-Mobile store (may need your receipt), then you are entitled to the SIM unlock code directly from T-Mobile. Call customer service and mention going abroad on a trip, etc. Or just demand it. Be nice.

If you purchased it from a store like Walmart, Amazon, or Radioshack, then you will need to purchase your unlock code elsewhere. Please note, there is no "official" seller of such codes. However, codes are determined using algorithms that depend on your device's IMEI, so plenty of people provide them via eBay, websites, etc.

I can CONFIRM that the seller via this link provides working SIM unlock codes. Please note that it is NOT an eBay listing, despite being on eBay. It uses a frame within the eBay posting that redirects you to purchase directly through PayPal. I received both instructions and the code within 24 hours, as advertised.

Using your unlock code

The easiest way to use the code is to pop a spare micro-SIM from another carrier into your phone. When you attempt to use the phone, it'll prompt for a code. Input the code and it will confirm success.

The alternative method for those without a spare SIM card is to pull up the SIM unlock menu. Dial 2945#*769# from the dialer, then select Network Unlock. Input the code and it will confirm success.

Bootloader Unlock

Please note, that there are some details that I am somewhat fuzzy on (the exact version of the V20B ROM that I used, for example). I will go into as much detail (and confirm/edit them when I/others try it again).

The main source of headaches when playing with this device. I'm going to provide a general background and introduction on the process and provide important links. There's a lot of detail to go into this section that I won't be able to fully finish this for a day or so. But I can start pointing people in the right direction.

To learn about the KDZ flashing process until I fully explain it, visit [MENTION=4448971]cmahendra’s[/MENTION] excellent post on it. Please thank him.

The process I originally followed to unlock the bootloader was from this post. Make sure you thank [MENTION=4761954]pinoyto[/MENTION].

My instructions for this will actually combine the both the KDZ and the bootloader posts/instructions into one. In order to provide the simplest and clearest instructions, I will type up the process tomorrow night while performing it on my phone. Again, I don’t want to misdirect people and have them viewing multiple pages in order to perform the process. So if you’d like to get started immediately, by all means follow the original instructions that are excellent.

Appreciations

Some quick thank yous until I can properly finish this thread:

[MENTION=4448971]cmahendra[/MENTION]: For filling my eyes and mind with your words the past 3 days. I think I've read all your threads on this phone now.

[MENTION=4761954]pinoyto[/MENTION]: For your post from March. I'm pretty sure you helped me unlock my bootloader. I need to redo your guide on my phone to confirm it.

[MENTION=4730658]carloswii5[/MENTION]: For your video and files. Obviously, I went at this like a noob first.

[MENTION=2159458]Lelus[/MENTION]: For being a HUGE part of the thanking chain. And your touch screen fix.

[MENTION=360947]AntonX[/MENTION]: For your build of CM10.1. For an unofficial experimental/nightly, this build is FAST and STABLE.

I'll probably keep throwing in names as I finish this thread.