Having a new Nexus smartphone means that you'll never have to wait for too long before you get the latest software updates. However, custom ROMs have their appeal, and while the Nexus 5 already runs on the official Android 4.4.2 OS, you can still experiment with various custom ROMs that bring further improvements and extra features to the table.

This guide allows you to apply the Android 4.4.2-based Carbon ROM on the LG Nexus 5 (codename Hammerhead). Keep in mind that this Carbon ROM is created by 3rd party developers, and it's an unofficial release.

IMPORTANT – READ BEFORE PROCEEDING:

  • This ROM works only on the LG Nexus 5 codenamed Hammerhead. If you attempt to apply this guide to any other smartphone, it won't work and you risk damaging your device
  • To apply this ROM, you need root access on your Nexus 5. You also need to run the latest version of CWM or TWRP recovery
  • During the installation process you are required to perform a full factory reset and cache wipe. It's recommended that you create backups before proceeding
  • You can sync your contacts to your Google account as a method of backup. You can also use applications like "Helium", "SMS backup & restore" and "APN Settings Backup & Restore" in order to backup app data, text messages and APN Internet settings
  • During the installation process, you will create a NANDROID backup of your current ROM
  • Since you are required to connect your smartphone to a computer, you are also required to enable USB Debugging. To do this, go to the app drawer, open "Settings" > "About phone" and tap "Build number" several times until you gain access to the developer options. Then, return to "Settings", tap "Developer options" and mark the check box associated with "USB Debugging"
  • It's important for your smartphone to remain powered on during the flashing process. Make sure the battery is at least 70% full
  • This guide includes unofficial operations and is aimed at advanced users. If you brick your device, or lose important data, you cannot hold anyone responsible. Proceed at your own risk.

LG Nexus 5: Install Android 4.4.2-Based Carbon ROM via CWM Recovery:

  1. On your computer, visit this link and download the most recent Carbon ROM zip file
  2. Visit this link and download the Android 4.4.2 Google apps package
  3. Connect your LG Nexus 5 to your computer using the USB cable
  4. Copy the downloaded files onto your phone's root storage. Don't unzip the files
  5. Once the files have been copied, disconnect your smartphone and power it off completely
  6. Reboot the N5 in CWM Recovery. To do this, press and hold "Volume Up", "Volume Down" and the "Power" button at the same time. Then, when in the fastboot menu, navigate to "Recovery" and select the option
  7. Once in CWM recovery, create a NANDROID backup of your ongoing ROM. To do this, select "backup & restore" and then follow any additional steps in order to create the file
  8. With the backup in place, go back to the recovery screen and select "data wipeout / factory reset". You also need to select "wipe cache" and "dalvik cache" from the "advanced" menu
  9. Return to the recovery menu and select "Install zip from SD card". Browse for the Carbon ROM zip file and load it
  10. Select "Install zip from SD card" again, and load the Google apps package as well
  11. With both files flashed, select "+++Go Back+++" and then "Reboot system now"

NOTE: as you will notice, the first time you reboot your smartphone after installing a new ROM, the process will take longer than usual. Be patient and don't press any buttons. Nonetheless, if the process does not end in 10 minutes, or if the device is stuck in a boot loop, then the ROM has not been successfully applied. Try repeating the guide while making sure you haven't missed any steps

NOTE: if you want or need to, you can return to your previous ROM with the help of the NANDROID backup. To do this, reboot your device in CWM recovery, select "backup & restore" and load the backup file

LG Nexus 5: Install Android 4.4.2-Based Carbon ROM via TWRP Recovery:

  1. Visit this link to download the most recent Carbon ROM zip file
  2. You also need to download the Android 4.4.2 Google apps zip from this link
  3. Using the USB cable, establish a connection between your smartphone and your computer
  4. Copy the files to your phone's storage, and once the transfer is done, disconnect it from your PC
  5. Turn off your Nexus 5 and reboot it in TWRP recovery. First, press and hold "Volume Up", "Volume Down" and the "Power" button at the same time. Then, from the fastboot menu, navigate to "Recovery" and choose the option
  6. Now that you're in the main TWRP recovery menu, create a NANDROID backup. Tap "Backup", mark the type of data that you want to save, give the file a name and then swipe the "Swipe to Backup" button
  7. With the backup in place, you can now factory reset your smartphone. You also need to select "Data wipeout", and "wipe cache" as well as "dalvik cache" from the "Advanced options" menu
  8. Now, return to the TWRP menu and tap "Install". Then, load the Carbon ROM file
  9. Tap "Install" again and load the Google apps zip package as well
  10. Once the files have been added, return to the recovery menu and tap "Reboot"

NOTE: it will take a while for your Nexus 5 to reboot after a fresh ROM installation. In case the process does not end in 10 minutes, or if your smartphone keeps restarting, then the installation process has not been successful. Redo the guide and make sure that you've properly factory reset your smartphone, and that you haven't missed any steps.

NOTE: the NANDROID backup can be used to return to your previous ROM. To achieve this, reboot your smartphone in TWRP recovery, tap "Restore" and load the backup file

› See More: LG Nexus 5 (Hammerhead): Install Android 4.4.2-based Carbon ROM via CWM or TWRP