Root Nexus 5 on Official Android 4.4.3 KTU84M KitKat Firmware

Google has just started rolling out its new KitKat OTA update with firmware build number, Android 4.4.3 KTU84M, for its flagship Nexus 5 and discerning Android developers have already released the rooting tool for the same.

Interested users who have already updated their device to the latest KitKat stock firmware (Android 4.4.3 KTU84M) can now root the same via CF-Auto-Root, using our step-by-step guide below. Click here to see our step-by-step guide to install the new Android 4.4.3 KitKat firmware via factory image.

Note: Rooting is essential to install third-party root apps, latest custom ROMs and system tweaks for optimum performance of the device.

IBTimes UK reminds its 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 LG Nexus 5 on the computer.

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

3. Backup 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 and extract its contents to android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory. Create a new directory if it does not exist.

7. Ensure the phone's battery has at least 80% charge.

8. The Android 4.4.3 KTU84M KitKat firmware is compatible only with the LG Nexus 5 model. Do not attempt installing this firmware on incorrect variants as it may damage or brick the device. Verify the model number of the Nexus 5 by navigating to Settings >> About phone.

Steps to Root Nexus 5 on Official Android 4.4.3 KTU84M KitKat Firmware

Step 1: Download CF-Auto-Root (CF-Auto-Root-hammerhead-hammerhead-nexus5.zip) for Nexus 5 on your computer.

Step 2: Connect the phone to your computer via USB cable.

Step 3: Power off the phone and boot it into Fastboot/Bootloader Mode. To do so, switch on the phone while pressing and holding Volume Up, Volume Down and Power buttons together until the Fastboot menu and START appear on screen.

Step 4: Extract the downloaded CF-Auto-Root zip file to a desired location (preferably the desktop) on computer.

Step 5: Browse and locate the CF-Auto-Root files under Fastboot directory (platform-tools folder) and execute the following commands:

On Windows: Run root-windows.bat

On Mac OS X:

- Chmod +x root-mac.sh

- Run root-mac.sh

On Linux:

- chmod +x root-linux.sh

- Run root-linux.sh

Step 6: Wait until the root process completes or follow the onscreen instructions to unlock the phone's bootloader.

Step 7: Once the root installation is done, your phone will reboot and it may take about five minutes for first boot to complete. So, please do not interrupt the process.

Your Nexus 5 is now successfully rooted on Android 4.4.3 stock firmware. Check for the SuperSU app in the phone's app list to verify if root is installed correctly.

[Source: Team Android]