Install The Android 4.4.2 KitKat Update On Your Rooted Nexus 5, Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 [How-To]

Nexus-5-Android-4-4-1

Earlier this week, Google released the Android 4.4.2 OTA update for all the Nexus devices it currently supports. Unlike the Android 4.4.1 update that was rolled out last week, the latest update to KitKat only fixed a few under-the-hood bugs and patched a major security loophole.

The roll-out of the Android 4.4.2 OTA update has been pretty quick from Google’s side and chances are you must have already received the OTA update notification on your device. However, if you are rooted, the OTA update will fail to install on your Nexus device.

Fear not though, as you can install the Android 4.4.2 update while still preserving root access pretty easily. While the steps below will not wipe the data on your Nexus device, it is always recommended to make backups just in case things go wrong.

Also, the below steps are only for Nexus users who have unlocked the boot loader and rooted their device, and have been unable to install the Android 4.4.2 OTA update.

Files You’ll Need

1. Depending on your device and Android version, download the OTA update from below. Transfer the file to the internal storage of your Nexus device.

2. In all probability, you must have a custom recovery like CWM or TWRP installed on your Nexus device as well. If not, use the TWRP Manager app from the Play Store to install the latest version of TWRP recovery for your Android device.

Start the TWRP Manager app, grant it root access and then tap on Advanced -> Install Recovery to install the latest version of TWRP recovery on your device.

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If you are using CWM, I strongly recommend you to switch to TWRP recovery as well.

3. If you want to keep root access after updating to Android 4.4.2, open SuperSu and enable the ‘OTA Survival mode’ option. Keep in mind that this option is only available in the paid version of app.

supersu

If you don’t want to purchase the app, you will have to re-root the device manually after it has updated to Android 4.4.2.

4. If you are using Xposed framework, make sure to uninstall it via the companion app and reboot your device.

Installation

5. If you have received the Android 4.4.2 update notification on your Android device, you can tap on it and the update will automatically install itself.

If you have not received the update notification, open the TWRP Manager app, and tap on the ‘Install’ option. Then select the OTA update file that you had transferred to your Android device in Step 1.

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Select no when prompted to add another ZIP file, and then swipe the arrow to the right for the installation to begin.