[Complete Guide] How to Root and Unroot Your Nexus 5: An Easy Guide
It's time. You've experimented with apps from the Play Store, you've switched your lock screen, and maybe you've taken different launchers out for a spin. If, throughout your tinkering, you've found yourself chanting, "More. More. Give me more!" then now is the time. It's time to root.
Rooting opens up a new realm of possibilities for your device. With a rooted device, you can install apps from Google Play that allow for even deeper customization. For example, apps like Hola let you unlock Netflix's full video catalog, and Rec. lets you record video of your screen.
You can also flash custom ROMs (operating systems) like AOKP and Firefox OS that can completely change your Android experience, as well as install two totally different systems, and even mods like the LG G2 home launcher.
If you've ever wondered how you can change the GPS icon in your status bar or add swipe gestures to the home screen, this is how you do it.
The big 'R' word can be intimidating for first timers, but don't let it be! Rooting can be easy, and on a Nexus, it's even easier. Stick around and I'll show you how you can root your N5 with a quick download that does all the hard work for you.
And don't worry, if you ever find out you don't like having a rooted device, unrooting your Nexus 5 is fairly easy.
Step 1: Enable USB Debugging
On your Nexus head to Settings -> Developer options, then check the box marked USB debugging, which will allow your Windows PC to issue commands to your device.
If you don't see the Developer Options section, you're going to have to go to the About phone section in the Settings menu, scroll to the bottom, and tap on Build number repeatedly until you unlock it.
Step 2: Download CF-Auto-Root to Your Windows PC
We're going to use Android developer Chainfire's rooting tool CF-Auto-Root, which will do most of the heavy lifting for us. Take your computer's web browser to this link and download the .zip file from the bottom of the page.
Step 3: Boot Device into Bootloader Mode
Power down your N5 then boot into bootloader/fastboot mode by holding in the Volume Down and Power key at the same time. You should see a black screen with a picture of the Android mascot on his back.
Step 4: Launch CF-Auto-Root
Connect your device to your PC with a micro USB cable. Now navigate to the folder where you unzipped the CF-Auto-Root file. While within the the folder, hold down the Shift key, right-click, then select Open command window here.
In the command window type: root-windows.bat
Step 5: Follow the Given Instructions
The command window will guide you the rest of the way. It will first attempt to unlock your bootloader, a necessary step for rooting.
Be warned: if your bootloader is not already unlocked, this process will erase all the data on your device, essentially leaving you with the original factory settings.
If you're not sure if your bootloader is locked or unlocked, simply take a look at your device. At the bottom it will either read: Lock State - Unlockedor Lock State - Locked.
Once you issue the command, all that's left to do is sit and watch the magic happen.
Your phone will reboot with a red Android logo. Congratulations and welcome aboard. You are now rooted.
You can now download root-only apps as well as custom recoveries that you can use to customize your device beyond your wildest dreams. Check back soon for easy tutorials and for the fun to really begin.
Troubleshooting
The most common issue folks have is that the root-windows.bat command fails. If you run into this, it's most likely the result of not having the proper fastboot drivers for your N5. You could try installing the Universal Naked Driver; the latest one being Universal_Naked_Driver_0.73.zip.
How to Unroot & Relock Your Modded Nexus 5 Back to Factory Condition
Okay, so you're rooted and need to return your Nexus 5 to its stock firmware. Whether it's because you need to send your phone in to the manufacturer to fix a defect or you just want to use the device's over-the-air updating feature, unrooting and returning your Nexus 5 back to its fresh-out-of-the-box state is a fairly simple process with the right tools.
Step 1: Connect Your Nexus 5 to a PC
Plug your Nexus 5 into your Windows PC using any USB cable. Make sure the cable you're using has no visible damage to either connector and that it plugs in firmly to your phone, as an accidental disconnect during this procedure could lead to a bricked device.
Step 2: Enable USB Debugging
In order to get access to this setting, we'll need to unlock the Developer Options menu. To do that, head to Settings, then About Phone. Scroll down to the bottom of this list and tap Build Number 7 times in rapid succession.
Note: Take this opportunity to jot down your Build Number, it will come in handy later.
From here, back out to the main Settings page and tap Developer Options. Tick the box next to USB Debugging, then select OK from the dialog that appears next.
Step 3: Install Nexus Root Toolkit on Your PC
From your Windows PC, click on this link to download the install file for the Wugs Nexus Root Toolkit app. This is version 1.8.2, but you can always get the latest version on the WugFresh website.
Once the download has finished, install by double-clicking the file in your browser's download folder. Click Run on the following window.
Follow the prompts for installation, allowing the toolkit to download additional files when it asks.
Step 4: Allow USB Debugging
As the installation process finishes on your PC, a dialog will appear on your Nexus 5 asking you to allow USB debugging access from the computer you're connected to. Tick the box next to Always allow from this computerand press OK.
Step 5: Set Up the Root Toolkit
When the installation is complete on your PC, you will be prompted to enter your phone's Model and Android Build. Enter Nexus 5 as the model, and refer to the build number you jotted down in Step 2 for the Android Build.
Next, click the button labeled Full Driver Installation Guide - Automatic + Manual near the top-right of the toolkit's main screen.
Follow the instructions provided by the toolkit to install the proper device drivers. On the "Step 3" tab in the dialog box that appears, take note of the Recommended Solution it provides and install the corresponding set of drivers.
Step 6: Back Up Your Data and Apps (Optional)
As you probably remember, the process of unlocking your Nexus 5 deletes all of your phone's apps and data. The same applies when re-locking and returning to stock.
There are several methods available to back up your data, but most won't be able to restore anything without root or a custom recovery. The best option to back up your music, photos, videos, and other data is to copy them to your PC temporarily using Windows Explorer. When you have returned to stock, you can then copy these files back to your phone.
For backing up apps, however, there is an automated option provided by the Nexus Root Toolkit. Simply click Backup from the toolkit's main menu, then select Create Android Backup File on the following screen.
Follow the toolkit's instructions through the backup process. Be sure to note the save location of the backup file so that you can find it when it comes time to restore.
Step 7: Flash the Stock Firmware
Before proceeding, remember that THIS PROCEDURE WILL DELETE ALL APPS AND DATA FROM YOUR PHONE.
From the main menu of the toolkit, select Flash Stock + Unroot.
Press OK to continue, and on the following screen, make sureAutomatically download + extract the factory image selected above for me is selected.
Click OK, then follow the instructions to flash the factory images. DO NOT DISCONNECT THE USB CABLE DURING THIS PROCESS.
Step 8: Enable USB Debugging Again
Now that you've flashed the stock firmware, all of your previous settings have been reset. This includes the USB Debugging option we enabled earlier, so refer back to Step 2 of this guide to enable it once again.
The dialog on your Nexus 5 asking to allow your computer to connect should appear right away this time. Tick Always allow from this computerand select OK again.
Step 9: Lock the Bootloader & Reset the Tamper Flag
Not only will this part of the process put the bootloader back into its original state, but it will also destroy any evidence of the phone having been modified in the first place. This is important if you are returning your phone to the manufacturer or your wireless carrier for warranty purposes.
From the main menu of the toolkit, select OEM Lock, then OK from the following prompt.
This process will automatically reboot your phone several times, so be patient.
Step 10: Restore Your Backups (Optional)
At this point, it's safe to go ahead and restore any backups you've made. If you copied any data to your PC, you can now copy that back to your Nexus 5.
To restore any apps you backed up with the toolkit, click Restore from the main menu, then Restore Android Backup file from the next screen.
Follow the toolkit's instruction to complete the Process.
Comments
Post a Comment