Ever since the release of KitKat 4.4, users have been scrounging for the updates to reach their Nexus devices. Weeks later factory images labeled KRT16O were released followed by an updated build KRT 16S. While some prefer to Install and update their firmware from fresh, by flashing the factory images, while others desire to preserve their complete data and update. Yet, there is a problem, the update might have started to roll out, but it hasn’t reached all the regions of the world. To overcome such situation, you can manually update your Nexus 4 to KitKat 4.4.

For those who are interested in updating via flashing the factory image, follow the guides below according to your device:

Warning!

  • DroidViews or any of its community members is not at all responsible for any damage to your device
  • Perform all actions on your own risk
  • This guide is meant only and only for Nexus 4, do not attempt to try this on any other device
  • Read and understand the instructions carefully before proceeding below

OTA Update can be used to update your Nexus 4 either from JellyBean 4.3 (JWR66Y) or from KitKat 4.4 (KRT16O). Download the apt OTA update file according to your current Android version.

  • OTA update for Jelly Bean 4.3 (JWR66Y) (~239MB): Download
  • OTA update for KitKat 4.4 (KRT16S) (~9MB): Download

Early Preparations

  • Install Android SDK: Download
  • Backup device storage, SMS, contacts, calendars and other stuff (This procedure won’t wipe any of your present data on the phone, but we prefer to be at a safe side, always)

Note: In case you already have your bootloader unlocked and a Custom Recovery Installed, you might just push the appropriate OTA update file to your device’s storage. Then, reboot into custom recovery mode, flash the very same zip and reboot your device. Kindly make sure not to wipe anything.

If you don’t have it the above way, follow below.

Instructions To Update

  • Reboot your device into official recovery mode: Power off your device, press volume down and power button, the device will reboot into bootloader mode. Use the volume keys to highlight Recovery Mode and press the power button to select it. You will see an Android bot with an exclamation mark, press volume up and power button for a second to boot your Nexus 4 into official recovery mode. Booting into stock recovery could be tricky sometimes and may require 2-3 tries.
  • Once the device enters stock recovery mode, connect it to the PC via USB cable
  • Use the volume keys to highlight apply update from ADB and select it using the power button
  • Open the folder location where the OTA update file was downloaded. Press shift key and right-click on an empty space inside the  folder and select Open Command Prompt Here
  • Type the following command, if you’re updating from Jelly Bean 4.3 (JWR66Y)
    adb sideload c7d8660af65b878835d5248252f51dcbf53c2001.signed-two-step.signed-occam-KRT16S-from-JWR66Y.d1b99704.zip
  • Type the following command, if you’re updating from KitKat 4.4 (KRT16O) 
    adb sideload 70f3bd408ca3d142509cd4bace2f2c7e3aa486c6.signed-occam-KRT16S-from-KRT16O.70f3bd40.zip
  • The process will begin. Once its done, you’ll be prompted. Now select reboot system now to finally boot your Nexus 4 into the latest updated KitKat 4.4 KRT16S build.

For those, you aren’t comfortable with the stock feel, can definitely root their Nexus 4 using the below instructions and blow off all the restrictions, right away.

Rooting

Rooting requires your Nexus 4 to have an unlocked bootloader and a Custom Recovery installed. You can do so by following this guide.

  1. Download the latest SuperSU flashable package: Download
  2. Connect your device to the PC via USB cable and transfer the UPDATE-SuperSU-vXXX.zip (here XXX resembles the latest version) to an apt location on your device’s storage
  3. Disconnect your device
  4. Power off. Now press Volume down and power button altogether until you see the bootloader screen. Use the volume (+ or -) keys to highlight Recovery Mode and select it using the power button. The device will boot itself into CWM recovery.
  5. Tap on Install zip from sdcard > choose zip from sdcard and select the UPDATE-SuperSU-vXXX.zip (here XXX resembles the latest version). Tap on Yes, when prompted to initiate the flashing process.
  6. Once done, tap on Reboot System Now to reboot your device.

You can also check if your Nexus is rooted or not using the following App.

Taste it now! The latest version of Android viz KitKat 4.4 is now installed on your Nexus 4. Enjoy and lets us know with your feedback. You can also comment below if you have any issues while updating.

 

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