Don’t want to wait for the official Android 4.4 KitKat update for your Nexus 4? Not a problem, as you can manually install the latest and greatest version of Android yourself, and we’re going to show you how!
To achieve the sweetness that is Android 4.4, your Nexus 4 will need to be rooted. If you’re phone isn’t rooted, go check out one of the easy rootkit tools and come back here.
*NOTE: It looks like the 4.4 ROM won’t install with the stock TWRP custom recovery, so be sure to have either the modified TWRP recovery or Clockwork Mod (CWM) recovery installed before you continue. We’re using Clockwork Mod, so the installation process will be based off of this recovery.
Keep in mind that this ROM may not be perfect and is likely best used just to try KitKat out and not a daily driver. You are to assume responsibility if something goes wrong in the process of the installation. Don’t shoot the messenger.
Let’s get started, shall we?
- Download the ROM from this XDA thread here. Try the old version if you can’t download the latest.
- Connect your Nexus 4 to your computer with a microUSB cord, go to File Explorer, and open up the internal storage folder of your Nexus 4.
- Drag the Android 4.4 KitKat ROM you just downloaded into the root of the storage (inside no folders)
- Power down the Nexus 4.
- Boot into recovery mode by holding the Power and Volume down buttons at the same time.
- When in recovery, use the volume up and volume down buttons to move and the power button to execute.
- You should see an Android laying down, with the word START above it. Press the Volume Down button until it says Recovery Mode and press the Power Button. You’ll then be booted into the recovery.
- First we’re going to backup your device. You will lose everything on your phone when you wipe the device later, so backup your phone in the Backup and Restore section of the recovery first.
- After the backup is completed, go to wipe data/factory reset and follow the prompts until the phone has been reset.
- Go to wipe cache partition and follow the prompts.
- Go to advanced and select wipe Dalvik cache and follow the prompts.
Now let’s install your ROM.
- Go down to Install Zip > Install Zip From /sdcard > 0/ and then select the ROM. (4.4_mako_odexed.zip or something similar)
- Wait until the installation is completed and reboot your device. The initial boot will take some time, so be patient.
Congratulations, you’re now on Android 4.4 KitKat. Enjoy playing around.
Check out the screenshot gallery below!