Google’s Nexus devices have always remained developer-friendly devices. Modders and Android app developers frequently find themselves experimenting with the Nexus smartphones and tablets. One of the reason why Nexus phones are loved by the Android community is because they come without any restrictions by carriers or device manufacturers, unlike other phones.
Like always, whenever a new device is released, developers rush to root that device. This time, the Nexus 5 was successfully rooted by Chainfire, a member of the XDA Developer Forum.
So if you’ve managed to get your hands at the shiny new Nexus 5 running on Android 4.4 KitKat, here’s how you can root the device.
Note that this process involves unlocking your device’s bootloader. This means that everything on the device will get wiped out, unless you’ve unlocked the bootloader before attempting to root.
Disclaimer: Follow this guide at your own risk. ValueWalk will not be held responsible if your device is damaged during this process.
What you need
- Nexus 5 running on Android 4.4 KitKat
- Fastboot drivers (can be installed from Android SDK)
- CF-Auto-Root for Nexus 5
How to Root Nexus 5
- Download the CF-Auto-Root package and extract it on your computer.
- Boot your Nexus 5 in fastboot mode. Usually this can be done by turning your device off, then holding VolUp+VolDown+Power to turn it on.
- Connect your Nexus 5 to your computer via the USB cable and install drivers if prompted.
- Run the CF-Auto-Root package as per your respective operating system:
Windows: Simply double-click on root-windows.bat
Linux: Open Terminal and navigate to where you’ve extracted the CF-Auto-Root package. Once there, enter the below commands:
chmod +x root-linux.sh
Run root-linux.sh
Mac: Open Terminal and type the below command:
chmod +x root-mac.sh
Next, run root-mac.sh
Once this is done, simply follow any on-screen instructions from there.
Enjoy root access on your new Nexus 5! Should you have any queries or doubts, you can always visit the XDA Developer Forum thread.
