Root Nexus 5 on Android 4.4.1 KitKat and Install CWM Recovery

How to Root LG Nexus 5 on Android 4.4.1 KOT49E KitKat and Install ClockworkMod CWM Recovery on LG Nexus 5. Nexus 5 has just started receiving Android 4.4.1 KOT49E KitKat firmware update. This latest KitKat update comes with several bug fixes and also fixes the faulty camera on Nexus 5. In this post, I will guide you on How to Root Nexus 5 on Android 4.4.1 KOT49E KitKat and Install CWM Recovery. I have written some important tips before the tutorial, make sure to check them out.

Disclaimer: All the custom ROMs and firmwares, official software updates, tools, mods or anything mentioned in the tutorial belong to their respective owners/developers. We or the developers are not to be held responsible if you damage or brick your device. Proceed at your own risk.

Important Tips:

• Rooting will void your Device’s Warranty.
• This Rooting method is only for LG Nexus 5.
• Make sure your phone’s battery is charged upto 70% (minimum).
• Your LG Nexus 5 should be on Android 4.4.1 KOT49E Official KitKat Firmware, not any Custom Firmware.
• Make a backup of your important data, in case something goes wrong.
• USB Drivers should be installed and configured Properly on your computer -> Download USB Drivers for LG Nexus 5
• This is very Important: Set up ADB and Fastboot on Windows -> How to Set Up ADB and Fastboot with Android SDK on Windows

I have written this detailed and easy to understand step-by-step instructions guide on How to Root Nexus 5 on Android 4.4.1 KOT49E KitKat and Install CWM Recovery. If you are used to rooting Nexus devices, then this should not be any different for you. However, for beginners, it is recommended that you read the whole tutorial before rooting your device.

How to Root Nexus 5 on Android 4.4.1 KOT49E KitKat and Install CWM Recovery:

Note: Before proceeding, make sure you have set up ADB and Fastboot on Windows: How to Set Up ADB and Fastboot with Android SDK on Windows

Required File(s):

• Download SuperSU v1.80 (UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.80.zip)
• Download CWM 6.0.4.4 (hammerhead-cwm-6.0.4.4-unofficial.img)

Step 1 – Download the files mentioned above for your Nexus 5 through your computer.

Step 2 – Connect your device to computer and copy/paste the UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.80.zip file that you just downloaded in your Galaxy Nexus. And make sure it is in the root directory “/sdcard/”.

Step 3 – Now save the hammerhead-cwm-6.0.4.4-unofficial.img file to android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory on your computer.

Step 4 – Go into Fastboot/Bootloader Mode on Nexus 5 (Volume Down + Power).

Step 5 – Go to android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory and open Command Prompt (Shift + Right-click > Open Command Prompt).

Step 6 – Now type in the following command and press Enter.

fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-touch-6.0.3.4-maguro.img

Step 7 – Choose RECOVERY from the Fastboot menu and enter into Recovery Mode.

Step 8 – In ClockworkMod recovery, go to “install zip from SD card”, as shown below, and press the Power button to select it.

Step 9 – Now, press the Power button and select “choose zip from sdcard”, as shown in the picture below.

Step 10 – Use your volume keys and navigate to UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.80.zip and press the Power button to select it. Confirm the installation on the next screen.

Step 11 – Once the process is complete, go to “+++++Go Back+++++” and reboot the device by selecting “reboot system now” from the Recovery menu.

Your phone will now reboot. It might take a couple of minutes for the device to start up on first boot. So be patient.

That’s it! You have successfully rooted your LG Nexus 5 on Android 4.4.1 KOT49E KitKat Official Firmware. To verify, check for the SuperSU app in your App Drawer.