Nexus 4 Receives Android 4.3 JWR66N Jelly Bean Leaked Firmware [How to Install]

Google Nexus 4 users are in for a pleasant surprise, as a leaked Android 4.3 Jelly Bean firmware for the device has surfaced online. The leaked firmware with build number JWR66N is reportedly available for download via TWRP backup file that has been uploaded on XDA forums by its member ManOnTheMoon.

Furthermore, it is ascertained that the leaked dump is part of Team Win Recovery Project backup for Nexus 4, and the legitimacy of the leaked firmware file has been confirmed by Android Police, according to a recent XDA Developers report.

The dump file purportedly originated through a phone bought from Craiglist and seemed to belong to a Google employee. The most interesting aspect of the leak is that the build number of the leaked firmware (JWR66N) is same as the earlier leak for Galaxy S4 GPE.

In related news, speculation is rife that Google's upcoming event on 24 July could witness the official launch of Android 4.3 OTA update and Nexus 4 could be among the first few devices to run the latest Jelly Bean firmware.

Nevertheless, curious Android users who want to get a glimpse of the new Jelly Bean update can download and install the leaked Android 4.3 firmware by following our step-by-step guide.

Android 4.3 JWR66N Leaked Firmware Features

• Bluetooth Smart (BT 4.0 LTE) is now enabled

• AVRCP 1.3 is ON

• Introduces new camera software and gallery

• Google Play Store v4.2.3 update available

• Enhanced Wi-Fi firmware and several other minor tweaks

• Google Keep now functions as a system app

Key Points to Note

• The JWR66N Jelly Bean firmware and these instructions are meant for the Google Nexus 4 model only. Do not attempt installing this firmware on another variant or device, as it may inadvertently hard-brick or damage the device. Verify the device model number by navigating to Settings > About Phone.

• Back-up data and settings via a recommended custom recovery tool such as ClockworkMod (CWM) or TWRP

• Verify appropriate USB drivers are installed for the phone on computer (download Nexus 4 USB drivers)

• Ensure USB debugging mode is enabled on phone by navigating to Settings > Developer Options (if device is running Android 4.0 or later) or Settings > Applications > Development (if device is running Android 2.3 or earlier). If device is running Android 4.2, perform the following steps:

• Go to Settings > About Phone

• Scroll to bottom of screen and select Build Number

• Tap phone's Build Number seven times to unlock or reveal hidden developer options under Settings. Then select checkbox to enable USB debugging mode under Settings > Developer Options.

• Ensure phone has at least 80% battery charge to prevent unexpected device shutdown (due to battery drain) while installing ROM.

• Ensure both device and its bootloader is unlocked.

• Verify the phone is rooted with ClockworkMod Recovery (CWM) installed.

• If device is stuck at booting or experiences boot loop issues,Wipe Cache Partition and Wipe Dalvik Cache a few more times before rebooting.

• Allow newly installed ROM to stabilise for five minutes before using the device.

• If a Status 7 error message flashes while installing firmware, it could be due to an incompatible device or absence of a necessary kernel (for instance, a Jelly Bean Kernel must be installed before installing any Jelly Bean ROM)

• Instructions provided in this guide are meant for reference purpose only. IBTimes UK reminds readers it will not be held liable if device is damaged or bricked during or after firmware installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

How to Install Android 4.3 JWR66N Jelly Bean Leaked firmware on Google Nexus 4

1. Install TWRP recovery via Nexus 4 root toolkit.

2. Download Android 4.3 JWR66N firmware for Nexus 4 and copy the zip file to the root folder on the phone's SD card.

3. Connect the phone to computer via USB cable and ensure that Android SDK is installed with ADB enabled.

4. Take Nandroid backup of current ROM, so that it can be restored if new ROM fails to work or you want to return to original ROM. To do a backup, choose Backup and Restore and then click Backup on next screen. Return to main recovery menu once backup is complete.

5. Perform a full data wipe task as follows: choose Wipe Data/Factory Reset and then click Yes on next screen to confirm. Wait for a few minutes until data wipe process completes. Return to TWRP recovery main menu and click Wipe Cache Partition. Wait until wiping process completes and then choose Wipe Dalvik Cache under Advance options.

6. Return to main recovery screen and select Install zip from SD card. Then click Choose zip from SD card. Browse to Android 4.3 JWR66N leaked ROM zip file that you copied to phone in Step 2 and select it by tapping Power. Confirm ROM installation by choosing Yes on next screen and the installation will begin.

7. Return to main recovery menu and tap reboot system now to reboot into newly installed Android 4.3 JWR66N leaked firmware. The first boot may take some time (about 5 to 15 minutes), so please be patient.

Restoring Previous ROM

To restore previous ROM: boot into recovery, choose Backup and Restore and restore original ROM by selecting it from list.

Your Google Nexus 4 is now successfully updated to Android 4.3 JWR66N leaked Jelly Bean firmware. Go to Settings > About Phone to verify firmware version installed.

[Source: Redmond Pie]