Few days ago, Google's software team released the Android v4.4.4 KitKat factory image and via OTA (Over-The-Air) to the 2012 flagship model Google-LG Nexus 4.
Users, who have installed the new Android v4.4.4 KitKat can root the Nexus 4 with SuperSU application tool. Rooting enables users to install custom ROMs or third party apps of their choice and also be able to perform tweaks in the setting to improve the device's performance. Though the user get more control over the smartphone, it makes the company warranty void and will no longer be liable for future updates [warranty can be restored simply by flashing the device with stock-ROM].
Pre-requisites (things to remember before the rooting the smartphone):
- Nexus 4 Bootloader must be unlocked.
- Rooting of devices leads to complete data wipe out, so make sure to back all the data. [Install Clockwork Mod (CWM) Recovery/ TWRP in the smartphone to save the data]
- Nexus 4 users must have installed ADB and Fastboot on PC.
- Nexus 4 must be runnning on the latest Adnroid v4.4.4 KitKat OS
- Users make sure you have installed USB drivers on the PC to connect your Google-LG Nexus 4.
- Make sure your smartphone has more than 80 percent battery.
[Disclaimer: This procedure is very technical and should be performed by a person with sound knowledge of rooting (or manual software installation) of Android devices. If the step-by-step installation process is not followed properly, there are chances of the smartphone getting bricked or may even lead to the device being permanently irreparable. International Business Times, India Edition cannot be held responsible for any damage or claims from readers if the procedure does not yield the required results or if smartphones get bricked. Hence users are advised to proceed with caution.]
Step-by-step installation procedure of Android v4.4.4 KitKat firmware rooting for Google Nexus 4 via SuperSU:
Step 1: Download Android SDK (Software Development Kit) from Google's Android developers' page and install the software in to your PC (for more information, click here).
Step 2: Enable USB Debugging mode on the phone.
[Go to Settings >> Developer options >> tap USB debugging]
[Note: Before plugging the phone to the computer, make sure you have installed USB driver software, if not, click here to download the firmware]
Step 3: Download Fastboot and put the .zip file in to android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory. [Note: if there is no such directory in the PC, create one]
To download Fastboot for Windows OS, click here;
To download Fastboot for Linux OS, click here;
To download Fastboot for Mac OS, click here;
Step 4: Now, download SuperSU (here) application tool in to your PC to be installed later in Google-LG Nexus 4 phone.
Step 5: Then connect the Google-LG Nexus 4 to the PC via USB cable, then place the UPDATE-SUPERSU-v1.99, .zip file to the phone's SD card. [Note: Users are advised to paste the .zip file in SD card root, not in any other folder]
Step 6: Switch-off the phone.
[Note: Before performing the rooting process, make sure to download- CWM (v6.0.4.7)/TWRP (v2.7.1.0) and store in android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory of the PC]
Step 7: Now, initiate Fastboot/Bootloader mode sortie on the phone by press holding 'volume down' + 'power' buttons, until we see the fastboot menu and start button on the screen.
Step 8: Then head to the downloaded file android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools and initiate Command Prompt procedure (shift key + Right-click >> open Command Prompt)
Step 9: After opening the Command Prompt mode, type in the following command –
'fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-touch-6.0.4.7-mako.img' and press enter.
Step 10: Once the above process is finished, go back to Fastboot menu >> RECOVERY and enter the recovery mode.
Step 11: Once inside the ClockworkMod recovery mode, find and select- 'flash zip from SD card.' [Note: Use Volume keys to navigate and power button to select options, while operating under Recovery Mode]
Step 12: Press the Power button again and tap 'choose zip from sdcard.'
Step 13: Then find and select 'UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.99.zip' file and initiate installation.
Step 14: Once the installation is complete, go to "+++++Go Back" and re-start the device choosing 'reboot system now' seen in the recovery menu.
Now, your device (Google Nexus 4) will take minimum of five minutes to complete booting process.
Users then head to Settings >> select About phone to verify the installation of Android 4.4.4 KitKat or use SuperSU app to confirm the installation.
[Credits: Team Android]
