You read that title right! You can now root the Nexus S with very little work! It’s a simple process but we will guide you through it every step of the way so you can gain root access to do whatever you need to do to your Nexus S.

First, we’ll need a few files, which you can download from here: Nexus S Root Files

Once you get these files, the process is pretty painless. To install a custom recovery:

1. Install and configure the Android SDK, if you don’t already have it. Once your computer sees your phone by using the command ‘adb devices’, continue. If not, post your problem on the SDK page!
2. Connect your Nexus S to your computer via USB. Make sure USB debugging is enabled. You do that by going to Menu > Settings > Applications > Development  and placing a check mark in the box next to USB debugging mode.
3. Open a command prompt and change directory to your tools folder: cd C:\Android\tools
4. Reboot your phone into its bootloader mode by first powering off your phone, then type into a command prompt: adb reboot bootloader
5. Now in that command prompt, type: fastboot oem unlock
6. Take the recovery file you downloaded and place it into C:\Android\tools folder.
7. In the command prompt, type: fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-herring.img
8. Once the custom recovery has flashed, reboot your phone using the volume and power buttons to navigate.

To root the Nexus S:

1. Turn your phone on. Mount the internal storage so we can put a file onto your phone.
2. Place the Superuser ZIP file you downloaded onto your SD card.
3. Turn your phone off. Then turn it back on by holding Volume Up and Power.
4. Navigating using the volume buttons and the Power button to select Recovery.
5. Scroll to Mounts and Storage, then select Mount System. Then go back to the main menu.
6. Scroll to Flash ZIP From SD Card, then Choose ZIP From SD Card, select the Superuser ZIP, and select it.
7. Wait for it to flash.
8. Once it is finished, select Reboot System Now.

Congratulations! You now have a custom recovery image and a rooted phone! Depending on the response to this root guide, I may also add articles on custom ROMs for this phone to give you the best experience possible! Happy Rooting!