Rooting a Nexus 4 (Android 4.4)

With Nexus 4 users finally able to flash to Android 4.4 KitKat via the KRT16O firmware update, many are no doubt in need of a simple root method. This guide will walk you through the root process for the Nexus 4 (E960 model) and will also install CWM Recovery.

As always, DroidReport assumes no liability for rooting your device. Proceed with caution.

Before Getting Started

This guide is for the Nexus 4 (model E960) only. Flashing any other device through this method may result in a bricked phone.

As always, you want to backup your device since this root method will likely wipe all data. Charge your Nexus 4 to at least 80 percent before proceeding.

Ensure that you have up-to-date USB drivers installed and connect your Nexus 4 to your computer. Finally, enable USB Debugging mode by navigating to Settings -> Developer Options.

Rooting Nexus 4 and Installing CWM Recovery

1) Download and install Android SDK, which can be found here.

2) Download and extract Fastboot into the directory designated “android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools.”

3) Download SuperSU, which can be found here. Copy the zip archive to your root folder without extracting it.

4) Download CWM Recovery, available here.

5) Connect your Nexus 4 to the computer. Put your Nexus 4 into Fastboot/Bootloader mode by powering down your phone, then pressing the Volume Down and Power buttons together until the Fastboot menu appears.

6) Navigate to “android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools” and open a command prompt by holding shift, right-click and selecting “open command prompt.”

7) Type “fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-touch-6.0.4.3-mako.img” into the command prompt and hit enter.

8) Select “Recovery” from the Fastboot menu. Once the phone enters recovery mode, select “flash zip from SD card.” Select the zip file that you copied to the root folder earlier.

9) Press confirm to begin the installation. Once the process is complete, press “Go back” and select “Reboot system now.”

10) Once your phone restarts, you will officially be rooted with CWM recovery installed. Kudos.