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Nexus 4 Android 4.4 KitKat Ready for Brave Users

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The Nexus 4 Android 4.4 KitKat update isn’t coming for a few weeks and the old tricks to force an update aren’t going to work, but there is another option for Nexus 4 owners who can’t wait to get Android 4.4 KitKat.

Google did not put the Nexus 4 Android 4.4 KitKat factory images up for download, and won’t do this for a few weeks, but the source code for Android 4.4 is available which means developers with the know how and time can build an Android 4.4 flashable ROM that will deliver Android 4.4 for the Nexus 4 today.

This isn’t as easy as performing an Android 4.4 OTA update, and it is not perfect, but for users who want to get the Nexus 4 Android 4.4 experience right now, this is the method to use.

The Nexus 4 Android 4.4 KitKat update is still weeks out, just like the factory images, but here aretwo options to get Android 4.4 for the Nexus 4 today. Image via boykioy on XDA.

The Nexus 4 Android 4.4 KitKat update is still weeks out, just like the factory images, but here aretwo options to get Android 4.4 for the Nexus 4 today. Image via boykioy on XDA.

Many Android users are already familiar with rooting and installing a custom ROM, which is exactly what this Android 4.4 ROM for the Nexus 4 is. Paranoid Android built this Nexus 4 Android 4.4 build from the AOSP code that Google released. It is still a very early build, which means some things may not work right.

Specifically Android Police report that the Calendar and Search apps are crashing and there is an issue flashing the ROM with TWRP, so users should instead use Clockwork Recovery to flash the Nexus 4 Android 4.4 update.

Download the Nexus 4 Paranoid Android 4.4 ROM from the source, or from an Android Police mirror if that is down.

Another option is to use this port of the Nexus 5 image to get Android 4.4 KitKat on the Nexus 4. Some users report this one is working better than the Paranoid Android app. Here are the install steps for this ROM.

1. Use latest CWM Recovery
2. Make a Nandroid Backup
3. Wipe Data/Factory Reset + Dalvik Cache
4. Install the Rom
5.Reboot
6. Install Super User v1.65 ( https://download.chainfire.eu/351/Sup…erSU-v1.65.zip )
7. Reboot

Users who can’t bear to experience any downtime should wait for the official Nexus 4 KitKat update to arrive this month. We may even see an official Nexus 4 Android 4.4 factory image leak before then.

If you need to root the Nexus 4 and install Clockwork recovery in order to get this process rolling, you may need to start using the Nexus Root Toolkit to unlock and root the Nexus 4.

The video above highlights how to root the Nexus 4 and install a new recovery. Make sure you choose the CWM recovery option.

Have you found an easier way to get Android 4.4 for the Nexus 4? Leave a comment with the best way you know below.

4 Comments

4 Comments

  1. Zeaks

    11/02/2013 at 1:13 am

    I’m using the Nexus 5 port and it’s been working great so far. The new launcher is really nice, no need for Nova anymore. The only issue I’ve had is Skype was acting a bit wonky signing in but Skype never works right anyways.

  2. swami

    11/02/2013 at 3:18 am

    while flashing it shows error no file_context on nexus 4

  3. hrasdah

    11/02/2013 at 12:26 pm

    here is a guide on how to install Android Kit Kat on a nexus 4 device https://www.amongtech.com/how-to-install-android-kit-kat-4-4-on-nexus-4/

  4. Ray mills

    11/03/2013 at 7:25 am

    I have flash kit-kat on my nexus 4 working perfectly ! only issue is won’t stay when flash other ROM , changes back 4.2.

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