Update Google Nexus 5 with Android Nougat via BOKR custom ROM [How to install]

Google stopped software service to Nexus 5 after the smartphone's obligatory support period expired last month. As per Google's new policy, Nexus devices are eligible to receive major updates for only two years and security patches for three years from initial availability or 18 months from last sale of the device via Google Store.

If anybody is still hanging on to the former flagship phone, fret not. Android Nougat-based BOKR custom ROM has been made available to Google Nexus 5.

In addition to Nougat features, it brings performance tweaks, extends battery life and numerous other value-added options to enhance user experience.

Read more: Android 7.0 Nougat released: 16 key upgrades of Google's new mobile OS update over Marshmallow

Prerequisites (things to remember before installing Custom ROM)

• Though installing custom ROM improves the device's performance and UI experiences, it makes the company warranty void. The company will no longer be liable to provide updates [users can restore warranty by flashing the device with stock-ROM].
• Make sure that the device is rooted before going ahead with custom ROM installation.
• This new Android 7.0 Nougat AOSP ROM has to be installed on Google Nexus 5 (aka Hammerhead) LTE only model, if tried on other devices, it might get bricked [to check your device model: Go to Settings >> About phone >> model number].
• AOSP ROM has to be installed through TWRP only
• Installation of custom ROM requires clearing memory in the tablet, so make sure to back all the data by installing TWRP in the smartphone.
• Make sure USB driver is installed in the PC or else your device (Google Nexus 5) will not be recognised by the computer.
• Make sure your device has more than 80 per cent battery, or else there is a chance of the tablet getting temporarily bricked if the installation process is interrupted midway.

Read more: Google reveals Android N and beyond update schedules; check if your Nexus, Android One devices are eligible

[Disclaimer: This procedure is technical and should be performed by a person with sound knowledge of rooting (or manual software installation) Android devices. If the step-by-step installation process is not followed properly, there are chances of the smartphone getting bricked or being permanently irreparable. IBTimes India cannot be held responsible for any damage or claims from readers if the procedure does not yield the required results or if the smartphone is bricked. Hence, users are advised to proceed with caution.]

Tutorial: Step-by-step installation procedure of Android 7.0 Nougat BOKR custom ROM for Nexus 5 via TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project)-

Step 1: Download Android 7.0 Nougat BOKR custom ROM in to your PC.

[Scroll to find the downloadable files]

Step 2: Connect Google Nexus 5 to the computer

Step 3: Place the Android Nougat AOSP ROM into the phone's storage memory.

[Note: Users are advised to paste the .zip file in the storage root folder, not in any other folder.]

Step 4: Turn off device and disconnect it from PC

Step 5: Perform Recovery mode sorties by long pressing Volume (Down) + Power buttons

Step 6: Once entering the TWRP settings menu, clear phone's memory (full) by selecting 'Wipe' option. Once done, select – 'Swipe to Factory Reset' perform factory reset

Step 7: Return to TWRP settings and tap 'Install' by the selecting .Zip file in the phone's memory downloaded from PC

Step 8: Come back to TWRP menu setting to approve the installation by tapping 'Swipe to Confirm Flash'

Step 9: Flashing of the custom ROM begins and after few minutes, a message 'Successful' appears on the screen, thus completing installation.

Step 10: If faced with boot loop problem, navigate back to TWRP settings, and select 'Wipe cache/dalvik'. This procedure will help resolve any issue with regard to custom ROM installation

Downloadable files:

Android 7.0 Nougat BOKR custom ROM: HERE

Google Gapps: HERE

USB driver: HERE

[Credits: Team Android]