How to Root Nexus 5 on Android 4.4.1 KOT49E KitKat and Install CWM Recovery [Guide]

Nexus 5 handsets have now started receiving Android 4.4.1 KOT49E, which happens to be the latest KitKat software update.

Even though it brings in quite a few changes, the most important one happens to be that it fixes the faulty camera on the Nexus 5. According to Google, the update "improves the camera with faster focusing, especially in low light, (allows) for faster white balancing, for truer colors, (brings in) the ability to pinch-zoom the viewfinder in HDR+ mode and also (allows for) less shutter lag." Owing to this, it happens to be very important for Nexus 5 users.

The guide below will help users to root Android 4.4.1 KOT49E on Nexus 5 with complete steps and how to flash ClockworkMod recovery on your phone. Super SU will be used as the rooting package and ClockworkMod recovery as the custom recovery.

IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held responsible for any damage to their device. Users are advised to ensure their devices meet the following requirements.

Pre-requisites

1) The method followed in this guide will work only on Android 4.4.1 (KOT49E) installed on a Nexus 5. It might not work on other variants of the Nexus 5 on other carriers.

2) The Nexus 5 handset should be on Android 4.4.1 KOT49E software version.

3) Your handset's battery should have at least 80 percent of charge before you proceed any further.

4) It is highly recommended that users make a proper backup of their phone's data. This will prove useful in the event of something going wrong.

5) It is important to note that rooting the phone will void its manufacturer's warranty.

6) Your Nexus 5 bootloader should be unlocked.

Step By Step Instruction

Step 1: Download Android SDK from the Android Developers website and install.

Step 2: Enable USB Debugging mode in your Nexus 5. This can be done by navigating to Settings > About Phone. Scroll down to the bottom and find "Build Number". Tap "Build Number" seven times. After the third tap, a dialogue box will appear, saying that you are only four taps away from being a developer. Tap it four more times and the 'Developer Options' in the 'Settings' menu will now appear. Now check "USB debugging" from there. USB debugging is now enabled on your Android phone.

Step 3: You must now Download Fastboot. After doing so, extract it to the android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory.

Step 4: Proceed to Download SuperSU v1.80 (UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.80.zip) for your Nexus 5. Download it onto your PC.

Step 5: Connect and mount your Nexus 5 USB memory on your computer. This can be done using the USB cable.

Step 6: Copy and paste the UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.80.zip file onto your SD card. It is very important to ensure that the files are copied into you root folder and not in any other folder.

Step 7: Turn off your phone.

Step 8: Download CWM 6.0.4.4.1. Please save it to the android-sdk-windowsplatform-toolsdirectory on your PC.

NOTE: You can choose either of these two custom recoveries - CWM or TWRP. If one of them fail, it is recommended that you try installing the other one.

Step 9: The objective of this step is to go into Fastboot/Bootloader Mode on the Nexus 5 handset. This can be done by pressing the Volume Down + Power Keys for a few seconds until text can be seen on the screen. You have now entered Bootloader mode.

Step 10: Now go to the android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory. Open Command Prompt (Shift + Right-click > Open Command Prompt).

Step 11: You have to type in the following command. After doing so, press Enter.

fastboot flash recovery hammerhead-cwm-6.0.4.4.1-unofficial.img

Sep 12: Now users must enter Recovery Mode. This can be done by choosing 'Recovery' from the Fastboot menu.

Step 13: Once in ClockworkMod recovery, you have to scroll down to "flash zip from SD card". Press the power button to select it.

Step 14: Press the power button again and select "choose zip from sdcard".

Step 15: By using the volume keys, you must now move to UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.80.zip. Select it using the power button. Once you confirm the installation process on the next screen, the process should start.

Step 16: Once the installation has completed, select "+++++Go Back". You must now reboot the phone. This can be done by selecting "reboot system now" from the Recovery menu. The phone will boot now.

Note: The phone might take about five minutes to boot the first time. Please be patient and wait.

Your Nexus 5 is now rooted on Android 4.4.1 KitKat firmware on your phone. You can verify the same by checking on the SuperSU app.

[Source: Team Android]