Root Nexus 4 on Android 4.4 KRT16S KitKat and Install CWM/TWRP Recovery [GUIDE]
Root Nexus 4 on Android 4.4 KRT16S KitKat and Install CWM/TWRP Recovery

Nexus 4 E960 recently received its first bug-fix update via Android 4.4 KRT16S KitKat official firmware. The new official firmware is now available for installation as an Over-The-Air (OTA) update.

Those who have already updated their Nexus 4 to the latest Android 4.4 KRT16S OTA firmware can now root the same using SuperSU rooting tool with CWM or TWRP recovery. IBTimes UK will not be held liable for any device damage during or after root installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

NOTE: Rooting is essential to secure full system access for installing third-party root apps, custom ROMs and latest system tweaks.

Pre-requisites

    • The SuperSU rooting tool and instructions provided in this guide are meant for LG Nexus 4E960 only. Do not attempt installing the firmware on any other model, as you might end up bricking the device.
    • Ensure the device is factory unlocked (carrier SIM unlocked) with CWM or TWRP recovery installed on it.
    • Verify that the phone's bootloader is also unlocked.
    • Back up important data and settings on the tablet via one of the custom recovery tools such as CWM or TWRP to prevent data loss during firmware installation.
    • Ensure the device has at least 80% battery charge to prevent unexpected device shutdown (due to battery drain) during firmware installation.
    • Enable USB Debugging mode by navigating to Settings > Developer Options.

How to Root Nexus 4 on Android 4.4 KRT16S KitKat with CWM Recovery

Step 1 - Download Android SDK from the Android Developers website and install with USB drivers.

Step 2 - Download Fastboot and extract it to android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory. Create a new directory if it does not exist.

NOTE: Skip Steps 1 and 2 if they are already installed.

Step 3 - Download SuperSU v1.69.zip and copy it to the root folder of your phone.

Step 4 - Then Power off the phone.

Step 5 - Download CWM Recovery 6.0.4.3 and copy it to the android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory on your computer.

NOTE: You may root the device by using either CWM or TWRP. If one fails to work, try installing the other one.

Step 6 - Boot the Nexus 4 into Fastboot Mode. To do so, press and hold Volume Up, Volume Down and Power keys together for a few seconds until some text appears on the screen, which indicates the device has entered Bootloader Mode.

Step 7 - Browse to android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory and launch Command Prompt (hold Shift with Right-click and then choose Open Command Prompt).

Step 8 - Type in the following command and hit Enter.

fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-touch-6.0.4.3-mako.img

Step 9 - After the command is executed, choose RECOVERY option from the Fastboot menu to boot into Recovery Mode.

Step 10 - Scroll down and select "install zip from SD card" option by tapping Power button.

Step 11 - Hit Power button again and click "choose zip from sdcard".

Step 12 - Use volume keys to browse to UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.69.zip file that you copied earlier to your phone and select it by pressing Power button. Confirm the installation on next screen and the root installation process should begin.

Step 13 - Once the root installation completes, hit "+++++Go Back" and reboot the phone by choosing "Reboot System Now" from the recovery menu. The phone will automatically reboot.

Your Nexus 4 E960 is now rooted on Android 4.4 KRT16S KitKat firmware with CWM recovery installed. Check for the SuperSU app in your apps list to verify root access is working.

How to Root Nexus 4 on Android 4.4 KRT16S KitKat with TWRP Recovery

Step 1 - Download Android SDK from the Android Developers website and install with USB drivers.

Step 2 - Download Fastboot and extract it to android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory. Create a new directory if it does not exist.

NOTE: Skip Steps 1 and 2 if they are already installed.

Step 3 - Download SuperSU v1.69.zip and copy it to platform-tools folder.

Step 4 - Then Power off the phone.

Step 5 - Download TWRP 2.6.3.3 and copy it to the android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory on your computer.

Step 6 - Connect the phone to computer via USB cable.

Step 7 - Reboot Nexus 4 in Fastboot Mode. To do so, browse to platform-tools folder under SDK and launch Command Prompt (hold Shift with Right-click and then choose Open Command Prompt). Now type: 'adb reboot bootloader' and press enter.

Step 8 - Then enter the following command to flash TWRP recovery via Command Prompt: fastboot flash recovery openrecovery-twrp-2.6.3.3-mako.img

Step 9 - Wait until TWRP recovery is completely flashed and then enter the following command to reboot the phone in recovery mode:

adb reboot recovery

Step 10 - Go to Advanced option in TWRP recovery and ensure the device is still connected to the computer.

Step 11 - Choose ADB Sideload option and then enter the command line:adb sideload UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.69.zip

Step 12 - Wait until the installation process completes and then reboot the phone in Normal mode.

Step 13 - Disconnect the phone from computer. Launch Google Play Store on the phone and update SuperSU.

Your Nexus 4 E960 is now successfully rooted on Android 4.4 KRT16S KitKat with TWRP recovery installed. Check for the SuperSU app in your apps list to verify root access is working.

Also Read: Nexus 4 Gets Official Android 4.4.1 KOT49E Bug-Fix Update [How to Install and Root]

[Source: Honai of Android]