Finally, the Android 4.4 – KitKat update is available for those with the Nexus 4. Yeah, it’s a bit later than we thought it would be, and we’ve heard all kinds of things about the Nexus program being dead, although I’m not sure I agree just yet. Now we’ve found the OTA links so you can go ahead and download the 240MB update now and sideload it via ADB, if you don’t want to wait for the update to hit your device. It’s actually quite simple to ADB sideload the update. Here’s how to do it:
Download
If you’re on Android 4.3 JWR66Y
If you’re on Android 4.4 KRT16O
Install
This does not wipe your data. And it does work with a custom recovery installed. All you need to do is adb sideload <update.zip name here> through a command prompt window in the android sdk/sdk/platform-tools directory of your computer. After you do that command, you’ll have to wait a few minutes, then you’ll be all set and updated to Android 4.4 with the build being KRT16S.
Rooting
After updating to Android 4.4 you will no longer be rooted. But before you get worried or anything, remember this is a Nexus which means rooting is a piece of cake.
- Download TWRP
- Flash TWRP through fastboot
- Reboot into recovery
- Flash the latest SuperSU app
- Reboot
- You’re Rooted!
It’s literally just that easy. Don’t you love having a Nexus device? Yeah me too. It’s still sad to see the Nexus 4 getting KitKat at about the same time as the Moto X, which isn’t a Nexus. But hey, we’ve got Android 4.4 – KitKat available for it now, so it’s all good. Hopefully there’s no heard feelings towards Moto X users out there.
How many of you are going to sideload the update? Or are you going to wait for the factory image?