How to root your ZTE Android device

This method doesn't rely on any root exploits & will work with any Android version on the ZTE Blade (and all variants). It should work on any phone with an unlocked bootloader (all zte android devices are sold with unlocked bootloaders).

Software needed:

adb (windows/linux/mac versions available as part of the android sdk - Download Android Studio and SDK Tools | Android Developers You will find adb in the tools directory.)
fastboot (windows/linux/mac versions available here: http://koushikdutta.blurryfox.com/G1/ )
windows drivers for the phone (if you use windows:Service Bulletins Detail )
ClockworkMod (ClockworkMod ROM Manager - Recoveries - download zte blade clockwork recovery image)
SuperUser ( Superuser Download Eclair/Froyo/Gingerbread/Honeycomb (2.1 – 3.2) version) - Alternatively you can use any rooted custom rom
If your phone is running Android 2.1, then it is probably a 'gen1' device, search for "Mr Pigfish" on Android market if you're unsure. Gen1 blades will need an older version of clockworkmod, 3.0.1.4 -http://download.clockworkmod.com/rec....1.4-blade.img

Method:

Download/install adb & fastboot. Install drivers for the phone if needed (on Windows).

Plug your phone into your pc using the usb cable, mount usb storage, then copy the Superuser or custom rom zip onto it & unmount usb storage.

Make sure that usb debugging is enabled on your phone, there should be an icon in the status bar, you can enable it in settings (settings -> applications -> development -> usb debugging).

Open a command terminal window & change to the directory that you downloaded recovery-clockwork-[version]-blade.img to. Type...

Code:

adb reboot bootloader

This will make the phone reboot, wait for the android logo (or custom splash screen) on the phone then type...

Code:

fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-5.0.2.0-blade.img
fastboot reboot

You have just installed ClockworkMod recovery. Your phone will reboot back into android, when it has done that turn it off, then turn it on with the vol- button held to start clockworkmod. Use vol+/- to navigate, home button to select an option, back button to go back. You should create a backup now before you flash anything, when that backup is complete use 'install zip from sdcard' to either install superuser to root your stock rom, or install a custom rom. If you're installing a custom rom then you'll need to wipe data/factory reset too (you will lose all data). reboot, you're done.

Orignal Source...
XDA-Devlopers