How to root Nexus 5 and 4 on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop and install CWM recovery

With the new Lollipop versions available for Nexus 5 and 4 with builds LMY48B (LMY47B) and LMY47V respectively, users can now root their devices.

Thanks to Chainfire's SuperSU root package you can enable root on the aforementioned handsets. Following is our guide to help you with that. Additionally, the guide explains how to install the CWM recovery. Interested users can directly head over to our step-by-step guide.

Points to remember

• The following root method is applicable for Nexus 4/5 running latest Android 5.1.1 Lollipop build versions.

• Unlock the bootloader of your Nexus smartphone.

• Ensure that you have created a back of all the data of your phone, as the root method is likely to wipe out everything.

• Note that rooting the device will void the manufacturer's warranty.

• IBTimes UK will not be held liable for any damage to the device occurred during the process. Proceed at your own risk.

Steps to root Nexus 4 and 5 on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop and install CWM recovery

Step-1: Download Android SDK from Android Developer site, install it and set it up with downloading platform-tools and USB drivers package in SDK

Step-2: Enable USB debugging mode if you have not

Step-3: Download Fastboot depending on your OS and extract it in android-sdk-windows /platform-tools directory

Download links:

Mac

Windows

Linux

Step-4: Download SuperSU v2.46 on your PC

Step-5: Connect your Nexus phone to the computer through USB cable. Move the SuperSU root package to your phone's storage. Ensure that the downloaded package is in the SD card root

Step-6: Switch of your phone

Step-7: Download CWM and save it in the android-sdk-windows/platform-tools directory on your PC

Download links: Nexus 5/ Nexus 4

Note: You can use CWM/TWRP recovery. The following guide uses CWM.

Step-8: Enter Fastboot/Bootloader mode on your Nexus phone. Press Volume Down and Power keys together for a few seconds until some text appears on the phone's screen. This is the botoloader mode

Step-9: Navigate to android-sdk-windows/platform-tools directory and open Command Prompt (Shift + Right Click >> Open Command Prompt)

Step-10: Execute the following command and press Enter

fastboot flash recovery recovery – clockwork – touch -6.0.4.5 – hammerhead.img (for Nexus 5)

fastboot flash recovery recovery – clockwork – touch -6.0.4.7 – mako.img (for Nexus 4)

Step-11: Choose RECOVERY from the Fastboot menu and enter recovery mode

Step-12: In the main recovery menu, select flash zip from sdcard>> choose zip from sdcard, then navigate to the UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.46.zip, select it using the Power button and confirm installation on the next screen

Step-13: When the installation is completed, reboot the phone by selecting reboot system now. Just give about five minutes to your phone until it boots up successfully

That's it. Yous Nexus phone should now be rooted with the latest CWM pre-installed.

[Source: Team Android]