Root Nexus 4 on New Android 4.4.2 KOT49H KitKat and Install CWM Recovery [GUIDE]

Nexus 4 users recently received the latest bug-fix and maintenance update via Android 4.4.2 KOT49H KitKat firmware from Google. The new update is reportedly more stable and offers better system performance for the phone.

Those who have already updated their device to the latest Android 4.2.2 KOT49H official firmware can now root the same manually via SuperSU app, using this guide. IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held liable for any device damage during or after root installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

Pre-requisites

1. Install USB Drivers for LG Nexus 4 E960 on the computer.

2. Enable USB Debugging Mode on the phone by navigating to Settings >> Developer Options.

3. Back up all your important data before proceeding with root installation.

4. Ensure the phone is factory unlocked with ClockworkMod (CWM) recovery installed on it.

5. Make sure that the phone's bootloader is also unlocked.

6. Verify the phone has at least 80% battery charge to prevent unexpected device shutdown during firmware installation.

How to Root Nexus 4 on Android 4.4.2 KOT49H KitKat Update

Step 1 - Download Android SDK from the Android Developers website and install with USB drivers.

Step 2 - Download Fastboot and extract it to android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory. Create a new directory if it does not exist.

NOTE: Skip Steps 1 and 2 if you already have them.

Step 3 - Download SuperSU v1.80.zip for Nexus 4 on computer.

Step 4 - Connect and mount your Nexus 4 USB mass storage on computer with USB cable.

Step 5 - Now copy/paste the UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.80.zip file to the root folder on your phone's internal storage.

Step 6 - Power off your phone.

Step 7 - Download CWM 6.0.4.3 or TWRP 2.6.3.3 and save it to the android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory on computer.

NOTE: Use any of the two custom recoveries: CWM or TWRP, depending on your requirement.

Step 8 - Now boot the phone into Bootloader Mode. To do so, press Volume Down and Power keys for a few seconds until some text appears on the screen, which confirms entry into Bootloader Mode.

Step 9 - Navigate to android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory and open Command Prompt (press Shift and then right-click on empty space to open Command Prompt).

Step 10 - Type in the following command and press Enter.

fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-touch-6.0.4.3-mako.img

Step 11 - Once the command is executed, choose RECOVERY option from the Fastboot menu and boot the phone into Recovery Mode.

Step 12 - In ClockworkMod recovery, navigate to "flash zip from SD card" option and hit power button to select it.

Step 13 - Tap the Power button again and select "choose zip from sdcard".

Step 14 - Now use volume keys to navigate to UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.80.zip and select it using Power button. Confirm the root installation on next screen and the installation process will begin.

Step 15 - Once the root installation is done, hit "+++++Go Back" and reboot the phone by selecting "reboot system now" from the Recovery menu. The phone will reboot now and it may take about five minutes for first boot. So, please be patient and do not interrupt the process.

Your Nexus 4 is now rooted on Android 4.4.2 KOT49H official firmware. Check for the SuperSU app in your apps list to verify the root installation.

To ensure the root is installed correctly and working as expected, download and install Root Checker app from Google Play Store.

MUST READ: Update Nexus 4 to Official Android 4.4.2 KOT49H KitKat Firmware [How to]

[Source: Team Android]