[Guide] How to root and install custom recovery on the Google Nexus 4 running Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean

The Google Nexus 4 is one of the top Android smartphones in the market. As a Nexus device it also has access to all the latest versions of Android and recently received the Android 4.2.2 software update. The Nexus 4 features a 4.7 inch HD touch display, up to 16GB of internal storage an 8 megapixel camera capable of 1080p HD video capture, NFC and will be powered by a quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM.

Rooting allows several benefits for your Android device including the ability to backup and restore your device, flashing custom ROMs and run special applications.

The following guide will show you how to root your Google Nexus 4 on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean and install a custom recovery

[NOTE] You will have you unlock your Nexus 4 bootloader before you proceed. You can find a guide on how to unlock your Nexus 4 bootloader here.

[DISCLAIMER] We do not recommend modifying your device unless you are well aware of the consequences. We will not be responsible for any loss of data or device malfunction which may occur through improper use of this guide. Please proceed at your own risk. Requirements

• Download and install the required USB Drivers for your Nexus 4. These USB drivers are required for Windows computer users.
• Download and install the Android SDK
• Backup the data from your device.
• Enable USB Debugging Mode on your device
• Settings > About Phone  and press Build number 7 times
• Go back to Settings > Developer options and enable the USB debugging checkbox.
• Have your Nexus 4 bootloader unlocked.
• Ensure that your battery is (near) fully charged.

    How to root Nexus 4 on Android 4.2.2 JDQ39 Jelly Bean

1. Download SuperSU-v1.04-Nexus4-Update.zip to root your Nexus 4.
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2. Connect your device to your computer and make sure you have USB Debugging enabled.
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3. Copy the downloaded file to the SD card (or root) of your device.
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4. Now switch your device off.
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5. Download CWM 6.0.23 and save it to the ..android-sdk\platform-tools folder. (source)
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6. Turn your device back on using Volume Down + Power button to enter Fastboot Mode.
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7. On your computer navigate to ..android-sdk\platform-tools and open a command prompt by holding Shift + right click and selecting Open Command Prompt.
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8. Type the following command in the command prompt window fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-touch-6.0.2.3-mako
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9. Now use the Volume keys to scroll to Recovery mode and select it using the Power button.
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10. CWM Recovery will now open.
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11. Scroll down to Flash zip from SD card and select it using the Power button
    • Select Choose zip from SD card using the Power button.
    • Navigate to the SuperSU-v1.04-Nexus4-Update.zip file you copied to your device in step 1 and select it using the Power button.
    • Confirm the installation in the next screen and wait for the setup to complete.
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12. Once completed return to the main screen and select Reboot System Now to reboot your device back into Android.
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13. If you are asked to retain the CWM and avoid allowing Stock Recovery to overwrite it, choose Yes.

Once your device is rebooted you have successfully rooted your Google Nexus 4 on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. You can also reboot back into your custom Recovery to install any custom ROMs of your choice. You can check if your root has worked by downloading the Root Checker for Android app from the Google Play Store.