How to Root Google Nexus 5 Running Android 5.0/4.4.4

Android Rooting brings a new realm of possibilities for your Google Nexus 5. Once rooting, you're able to flash a custom ROM, block ads in apps, boost performance and battery life, etc. If you make up your mind to root Google Nexus 5 but have trouble in doing it, you can stop here. This article tells you 2 ways to root your Google Nexus 5, regardless of it running Android 5.0 Lollipop or 4.4 KitKat step by steps.

• Part 1. Things to Do before Rooting Nexus 5
• Part 2. Root Nexus 5 Running Android 5.0/4.4.4 in 1 Click with Wondershare TunesGo
• Part 3. Root Nexus 5 Running Android 4.4.4 with SuperSU

Part 1. Things to Do before Rooting Nexus 5

Before rooting LG Nexus 5, there're some things you must know and do.

• Rooting LG Nexus 5 will erase important data on it. To avoid it, you must make a full backup of your LG Nexus 5.
• Some rooting tools void warranty. If you don't want to lose warranty, you should choose a right rooting tool, like Wondershare TunesGo.
• The battery is at least 70% charged in case your Nexus 5 dies in the rooting process.
• Install the usb driver for your Nexus 5 on computer.

Part 2. Root Nexus 5 Running Android 5.0/4.4 in 1 Click with Wondershare TunesGo

Wondershare TunesGo is a super mobile toolbox. It enables you to root Nexus 5 with a single click. It's safe and risk-free, and not against Google Nexus warranty. In addition, it allows you to backup and restore important data, like contacts, messages, photos, call logs, calendars, app and app data and more before and after rooting. Besides, it gives you one-stop solution to manage your rooted Nexus 5.

Step 1 Download and Run Wondershare TunesGo

To begin with, download and install Wondershare TunesGo Android Root tool on your computer.

Step 2 Connect Your Nexus 5 to Computer via a USB Cable

Simply plug into a USB cable to connect your Nexus 5 to computer. Wondershare TunesGo will detect your Nexus 5 and show it in the primary window.

Step 3 One-Click Root Nexus 5

In the primary window, click Toolbox > One-Click Root. This brings up a dialog, asking you whether you really want to root Nexus 5. Click OK. Then, TunesGo starts to root your Nexus 5. During this process, do not disconnect your Nexus 5.

Part 3. Root Nexus 5 Running Android 4.4.4 with SuperSU

If your Nexus 5 runs Android 4.4.4 KitKat, you can use Android ADB and SuperSU to root it. Below is the detailed step-by-step tutorial. Follow it.

Step 1 Download and install Android SDK. Set it up with downloading platform-tools and USB drivers package in SDK.

Step 2 On your Nexus 5, enable USB Debugging: tap Settings > About phone > Build number (tap 7 times, and Developer options appears > go back to Settings > Developer options > enable USB debug.

Step 3 Download Fastboot according to your computer operating system, and extract it in android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory. Create directory if not already there.

Donwload for Windows OS
Download for Mac OS

Step 4 Download SuperSU v2.00 (UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.00.zip) for Nexus 5 on your computer.

Step 5 Plug into a USB cable to connect your Nexus 5 to computer.Then, your Nexus 5 will be mounted as an external hard drive.

Step 6 Go to Computer and open the SD card of your Nexus 5. And copy SuperSU v2.00 to the SD card (not in any folder).
Note: If you're using a Mac, please install android file transfer and use it to mount your Nexus 5 as an external hard drive on Mac.

Step 7 Turn off your Nexus 5.

Step 8 Download and store CWM 6.0.4.5 to the android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory on your computer.
Note: You can use any of the two custom recoveries – CWM or TWRP. If one doesn't work, try the other one.

Step 9 Now go into Fastboot/Bootloader Mode on your Nexus 5. Just press both Volume Down + Power keys for a few seconds until you see some text on the screen. This is Bootloader Mode.

Step 10 Navigate to the android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory and open Command Prompt (Shift + Right-click > Open Command Prompt).

Step 11 Type the command - fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-touch-6.0.4.5-hammerhead. Then, press Enter.

Step 12 When you finish it, choose RECOVERY from the Fastboot menu and enter Recovery Mode.

Step 13 In ClockworkMod recovery, scroll down to "flash zip from SD card" and press the power button to select it.

Step 14 Press the Power button for the second time and choose "choose zip from sdcard".

Step 15 Now using your volume keys, navigate to UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.00.zip and select it using the Power button. Confirm the installation on the next screen and the installation procedure should start now.

Step 16 When the installation is complete, go to "+++++Go Back" and reboot your Nexus 5 by tapping "reboot system now" from the Recovery menu. Your Nexus 5 will boot and it might take about 5 minutes to boot on your first time. So, please wait.

Great, you're done. You have successfully root Nexus 5 running Android 4.4.4 KitKat. Check SuperSU app in your apps list to verify.

Video Tutorial: How to Root Google Nexus 5