Root Nexus 4, Nexus 7 (2012) and Nexus 10 on Android 4.4.4 KTU84P KitKat and Install CWM Recovery

Google recently rolled out its latest KitKat update with firmware build number Android 4.4.4 KTU84P for a bunch of Nexus devices including Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7 (2012 and 2013) as well as Nexus 10.

The new update brings a host of security fixes including the OpenSSL bug-fix for Android and improves the overall stability and performance of the device.

Nexus users who have already updated their device to the latest firmware can now follow the step-by-step guide below to root the same using SuperSU (courtesy of XDA Developers) and install ClockworkMod (CWM) recovery.

Note: Rooting is essential for installing third-party root apps, the latest custom ROMs and system tweaks for optimum performance of the device. The warranty of the device will be void once the root is installed. However, you can reclaim the warranty status by reinstalling the latest official firmware.

IBTimes UK reminds readers that it will not be held liable for any damage to device during or after root installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

Pre-requisites

1. Install USB Drivers for Nexus device 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 you proceed with installation process.

4. Ensure the phone's bootloader and SIM are unlocked before you proceed.

5. Download Android SDK and setup ADB and Fastboot on Windows.

6. Download Fastboot from the following links (based on your OS) and extract its contents to android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory. Create a new directory if it does not exist.

• Windows: Download here
• Mac: Download here
• Linux: Download here

7. Ensure the phone's battery has at least 80% charge and running Android 4.4 KitKat stock firmware before you proceed.

Other Downloads Required

CWM recovery 6.0.4.7 or TWRP 2.7.1.0 for Nexus 4

CWM recovery 6.0.4.3 or TWRP 2.7.1.1 for Nexus 7 (2012)

CWM recovery 6.0.4.3 or TWRP 2.6.3.1 for Nexus 10

Steps to Root Nexus 4, Nexus 7 (2012) and Nexus 10 on Official Android 4.4.4 KTU84P KitKat Firmware

Step 1: Download SuperSU v2.00 (UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.00.zip) for Nexus device on your computer.

Step 2: Connect and mount the devices's USB mass storage on computer via USB cable.

Step 3: Copy the downloaded SuperSU root package to the root folder on your phone or tablet's internal memory.

Step 4: Power off your device.

Step 5: Download CWM 6.0.4.7 or TWRP 2.7.1.0 and save it to the android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory on your computer.

Note: You may use either of the two custom recoveries based on your preference and convenience. Try using the other, if one fails to work.

Step 6: Boot the Nexus device into Fastboot/Bootloader mode by pressing and holding Volume Down and Power keys for a few seconds until some text pops up on screen. This confirms entry into Bootloader mode.

Step 7 - Browse to android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory and launch Command Prompt (hold Shift + Right-click and select Open Command Prompt).

Step 8 – Type the following command based on model name of your device and press Enter:

For Nexus 4: fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-touch-6.0.4.7-mako.img

For Nexus 7 (2012): fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-touch-6.0.4.3-grouper.img

For Nexus 10: fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-touch-6.0.4.3-manta.img

Step 9 – After executing the command, choose RECOVERY from the Fastboot menu and enter Recovery Mode.

Step 10 - In CWM recovery, navigate to install zip from SD card option and hit power button to select it.

Step 11 -Tap the Power button again and select choose zip from sdcard.

Step 12 - Now use volume keys to navigate to UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.00.zip fileand select it by tapping Power button. Confirm the root installation on next screen and let the install procedure begin.

Step 13 - Once the installation is done, choose "+++++Go Back" and reboot the device by selecting "reboot system now" from the Recovery menu. The device will restart now and it may take about 5 minutes for first boot to complete. So, please wait.

Your Nexus device is now rooted on official Android 4.4.4 KTU84P KitKat firmware. Check for SuperSU app in your apps list to verify if root installation is successful.