How to Root Nexus 4 on Android 4.2.2 JDQ39 Jelly Bean and Install CWM Recovery [Tutorial]

The Android 4.2.2 JDQ39 Jelly Bean OTA software update has been rolling out for the Nexus 4. The update fixes bug issues found in the previous build. The latest official build also removes the unofficial support for LTE on Nexus 4. It adds several small changes including enhanced quick toggles that can be long pressed to toggle Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth.

Nexus 4 users who have already upgraded their devices with the Android 4.2.2 JDQ39 Jelly Bean may follow our step-by-step instruction guide below to root the same. The procedure not only roots the device but also installs ClockworkMod (CWM) recovery. The root method uses CWM recovery as the custom recovery and SuperSU as the rooting package.

IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it shall not be held liable for any damage to the device. Before following the guide, users are advised to ensure that their device meets requirements mentioned below.

Pre-requisites

1) Install USB Driver for Nexus 4 on the computer.

2) Back up all the data of the phone including APN Settings. If the phone has custom recovery such as CWM/TWRP, then create backup for the same.

3) Verify the battery of Nexus 4 carries more than 80 per cent of charge.

4) The phone should be factory unlocked.

5) The Bootloader of Nexus 4 should be unlocked.

6) Make a Nandroid backup of the previous phone set up before proceeding.

Steps to root Nexus 4 on Android 4.2.2 JDQ39 Jelly Bean

1) Download and install Android SDK from the Android Developers site. Set it up with downloading platform-tools and USB drivers package in SDK

2) Enable USB Debugging Mode [Press Menu>> Settings>> Applications. From there navigate and click on Development option and ensure the USB Debugging Mode is turned on.]

3) Download Fastboot and extract it in android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory [Alternative link]

4) Download SuperSU v1.04 (UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.04.zip) for Nexus 4 on the computer

5) Connect the phone to the computer using USB cable and copy the UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.04.zip file to the SD card of the phone

6) Switch off the phone

7) Download CWM 6.0.2.3 (recovery-clockwork-touch-6.0.2.3.-mako.img) and save it to the android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory on the computer

8) Enter Fastboot/Bootloader Mode on the phone by pressing and holding the Volume Down and Power buttons together for a few seconds until some texts appear on the screen. This is Bootloader Mode

9) Navigate to android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory and open the command prompt (Shift + Right Click>> Open Command Prompt)

10) Type the below mentioned command and then press Enter

fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-touch-6.0.2.3-mako

11) Choose RECOVERY from the Fastboot menu and enter Recovery Mode

12) In CWM recovery, browse to 'flash zip from SD card' then select it using Power button. Press the Power button again to select 'Choose zip from SD card'

13) Using the Volume buttons navigate to Update-SuperSU-v1.04.zip file and select it using the Power button and confirm installation on the next screen. The installation should start.

14) Once the installation process is completed, return to the main recovery menu and select 'Reboot System Now' to reboot the phone. The device will take about five minutes to boot for the first time.

The Nexus 4 is now successfully rooted on Android 4.2.2 JDQ39 Jelly Bean firmware. Check for the SuperSU app in the app list. To ensure the root method is installed and working correctly, verify with the Root Checker app from Google Play Store.

[Source: Team Android]