How to manually install Android 4.4.3 on your Nexus 5
The wait is over and Google has finally begun the roll-out of Android 4.4.3. The update itself brings mostly just bug fixes to various devices but also boasts a visually redesigned phone app. If you’re just chomping at the bit to get the update and don’t want to wait for the OTA update to hit your phone, we’ll show you how you can do it manually.
Preparations
Before starting, you’ll need to download two files:
By doing this update, you’ll be updating your Nexus 5 to build number KTU84M and as such, you’ll need to have a Nexus 5 with a build number of KOT49H prior to doing this. To check what version you have installed currently, go to Settings > About Phone > Build Number.
Installation
On your computer
Extract the ADB Tools file that you downloaded above, head to the directory that you unzipped it to, and hold the shift key on your keyboard while you right click on a free space in your explorer. From there, select Open Command Window Here and then click it with the left button.
Once you’ve done that and your Command Prompt has opened up, extract the Nexus 5 update files to the same directory. For the sake of simplicity, rename it to something easy such as nexus5-443-ota.zip.
On Nexus 5
- Turn on your Nexus 5
- While it is booting, hold down the power button and volume down key. This will open the fastboot menu.
- Use the volume keys to select Recovery Mode and select with the power button.
- Once you see the Android Robot with the belly open, hold down the power buttyon and briefly press volume up button.
- This will open the recovery menu. Select apply update from ADB with the volume buttons and then confirm again with your power button.
Back on your computer
Connect your Nexus 5 via USB to your computer and open up the Command Prompt that you enabled during the first section. As long as you named your OTA update to what we suggested, enter the following into your command prompt.
adb sideload nexus5-443-ota.zip
The update will now be installed on your Nexus 5. The whole process will take about 5 minutes. When everything is ready, you will have the option to reboot the system, which you should do.
When you reboot, you will have the latest version of Android running on your system.
Frequently Asked Questions
My Nexus 5 is not recognized by the computer, what can I do?
Disconnect your Nexus 5 from your PC, install the ADB driver from the folder adb driver in the ADB Tools folder that you extracted. Reconnect your Nexus 5.
Does the boot loader need to be unlocked?
No, because this is the same method that Google uses to install OTA updates.
Will my data be deleted during the update?
No, all data and settings are preserved in the process. But is always a good idea to do a backup of all your data regardless, just in case.
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