How to Root and Install CWM Recovery on Nexus 5

The newly released Google Nexus 5 runs Android 4.4 KitKat, with build version KRT16M, out of box.

Nexus 5 users looking for a root method may follow our step-by-step guide below. Along with rooting, this method installs ClockworkMod (CWM) recovery on the phone. The tutorial uses CWM recovery as custom recovery and SuperSU, released by recognised XDA developer Chainfire, as rooting package.

IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held responsible for any damage to the device. Users are also advised to verify that their devices meet the following requirements.

Pre-requisites

1) Install USB Driver for Nexus 5 to transfer files between the Android device and the computer.

2) Enable USB Debugging Mode on the phone to connect the Android device with computer and use the Android SDK with it. [Press Menu>> Settings>> Applications. From there navigate and click on Development option and check USB Debugging Mode.]

3) As the tutorial might wipe out all data of the phone, create a backup. If the device is having any custom recoveries such as CWM/TWRP already installed, then back up data using the recovery.

4) The Nexus 5 should have above 80% of battery charge. Due to low battery if the phone goes off suddenly while installing a custom ROM, flashing an official firmware or installing mode, the device might get bricked or go dead permanently.

5) The bootloader of the phone should be unlocked. Click here for our step-by-step guide to unlock the bootloader of Nexus 5.

6) The Nexus 5 should be running on Android 4.4 KitKat (KRT16M).

7) The root and CWM recovery files work only on Nexus 5. Applying these to any incorrect variant is likely to brick the device.

8) Rooting the phone will void it of its manufacturer's warranty.

Steps to root and install CWM recovery on Google Nexus 5

Step-1: Download Android SDK from Android Developers site and install it. Set it up with downloading platform-tools and USB drivers package in SDK (Click here for a guide)

Step-2: Download Fastboot and extract it in android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory

Step-3: Download SuperSU v1.65 for Nexus 5 on the computer

File name: UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.65.zip

Step-4: Connect the Nexus 5 to the computer using USB cable. Then copy the UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.65.zip file to the SD card of the phone. Ensure that the file is in the SD card root, not in any folder

Step-5: Download CWM 6.0.4.4 and save it in the android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory on the computer

Step-6: Turn off the phone and enter into Fastboot/Bootloader Mode. Press and hold Volume Down and Power buttons together for a few seconds until some texts appears on the screen. This is Bootloader Mode

Step-7: Navigate to android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory and open Command Prompt (Shift + Right Click to open Command Prompt)

Step-8: Type the following command and press Enter

fastboot flash recovery hammerhead-cwm-6.0.4.4-unofficial.img

Step-9: Choose RECOVERY from the Fastboot menu and enter Recovery Mode

Step-10: In CWM recovery, scroll down to flash zip from sdcard and press the Power button to select it. Then select choose zip from sdcard by pressing the Power button. Now navigate to the UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.65.zip file and select it using the Power button. Confirm installation on the next screen. The installation procedure should now start

Step-11: When the installation is completed, go to '+++++Go Back' and reboot the phone by selecting reboot system now from Recovery menu. The phone will boot now and it would take about five minutes to boot up for the first time

The Nexus 5 should now be rooted successfully on Android 4.4 KitKat with CWM recovery installed. Open the app drawer of the phone and look for SuperSU app. Also, to verify the root status, download Root Checker app from Google play Store.

Also read: Root Galaxy Note 2 N7100 Running Android 4.3 Jelly Bean [How to]

[Source: Team Android]