Install CWM Recovery on Nexus 4 running Android 5.0 Lollipop

Now that Chainfire is done with rooting all the Nexus devices running Android 5.0 Lollipop, it is time that Nexus owners should get the CWM Recovery back on their devices. Although we have seen TWRP recovery arriving at flagship devices first, but we are talking about a new OS here. Since the Android 5.0 Factory Images were leaked, all those who updated their device to Android 5.0 Lollipop have been gone to stock side of their device, from firmware to Recovery, everything is stock and those who can’t live a single day without customizations, must have been looking for the Custom Recovery. Since the Rooting method is already available for all the updated Nexus devices, all there is left is the Custom Recovery and we are here to solve that for you.

CWM Recovery is my Favourite Recovery, although I prefer to use the PhilZ Touch, but still I prefer this one over the TWRP recovery, simply because I love it. The interface is quite easy, the working is quite fast. Since it is always released after quite a time, it is free of bugs and other stuff, not recommended by a lot of developers, yet I never had any type of bad experience with it. Even those ROMs which are not supported by this recovery were still flashed by CWM recovery and they worked flawles. If you have a Nexus 4 and updated it to Android 5.0 Lollipop, keep reading the guide to flash this Recovery. Below are given some pre-requisites.

Early Preparations:

1. This is only for Nexus 4!

This custom ROM is only for the device mentioned above. Make sure that your model number matches the one listed above. To do so, go to Settings > About Device on your device and see your model number. Flashing this ROM on any other device will result in bricking it so make sure that you meet this requirement first of all.

2. Battery should be charged at least over 60%

Make sure that your battery is charged enough to complete the flashing process. In case your battery is low and your device goes dead during the flashing process, you may end up soft bricking your device as it won’t complete the flashing process.

3. Backup everything!

Just to be on the safe side, you may consider backing up each and everything from your Android device. This is highly recommended so that in case anything goes wrong, you still have the access to all of your data and you can restore it immediately. You may backup everything as listed below.

• Backup SMS Messages
• Backup Call Logs
• Backup Contacts
• Backup Media – Copy your files manually to your PC or Laptop.

4. Update your device to Android 5.0 Lollipop!

Since this rooting method ia only for Android 5.0 Lollipop, you’ll need to update your device to Android 5.0 Lollipop, follow the link to do so: Link

5. Disclaimer

The methods involved in flashing custom recoveries, roms and rooting your phone are highly custom and may result in bricking your device, and has nothing to do with Google or the device manufacturer that is Google in our case. Also rooting your device will void its warranty and you will be no longer eligible for any kind of free device services by the manufacturers/warranty providers. In case of any mishap we may not be held responsible. Follow these instructions to the letter to avoid any mishap or bricking. Make sure that whatever you do, you are doing it at your own responsibility.

Downloads Required:

CWM Recovery.img: Link

How To Flash CWM Recovery:

1. Download the CWM Recovery Image
2. Rename it to recovery and paste it in the Fastboot folder
3. Turn Off your Device
4. Now go to Bootloader/Fastboot mode, Press and hold Power + Volume Down Buttons till you see some text on-screen
5. Now Open Command prompt in Fastboot Folder.  How? Hold Shift Key and Right Click anywhere in the Fastboot folder.
6. Connect your Device with PC.
7. Now Type fastboot flash recovery recovery.img to flash the CWM Recovery on your device
8. Type fastboot reboot, to reboot your device
9. After a proper reboot, your device will be running CWM Recovery