Video: How to Root the Nexus 6 & Flash a Custom ROM
One of the great benefits of the Nexus 6 (besides being a super fast Android device with no bloatware) is the fact that it’s almost guaranteed to have a ton of custom ROMs, software hacks, etc. thanks to it’s easily unlockable bootloader. Rooting the Nexus 6 is definitely not as hard as most of today’s devices because of that fact, but it might still seem a bit overwhelming to someone new to the amazing world of rooting. Because of this fact, I figured I’d do a quick walkthrough video of the entire process of rooting the Nexus 6, as well as how to flash a custom recovery (the thing that allows you to flash different versions of the operating system as well as perform backups, etc.), and finally how to flash a custom ROM on it as well (which is a pre-packaged customized version of Android created by some talented third-party developers from around the world).
If any of that just got you even mildly excited, then I think we’re ready to continue.
I. Before You Begin
1. This will erase the device so backup anything important before beginning.
2. This tutorial will require Windows.
II. Install WugFresh’s Toolkit
1. We’re going to use WugFresh’s tool kit to help streamline this process so download that from here and save it to your desktop.
2. Right-click the toolkit and select Run as Administrator.
3. Click Install.
4. Select your Nexus device and your build (you can find the build information under Settings > About Phone).
5. Plug the device in via USB to the computer.
6. Pull down the notification shade and tap the gear icon to get to settings.
7. Scroll to the bottom and tap on About Phone.
8. Scroll down and repeatedly tap on Build Number until it says you are a developer.
9. Hit back.
10. Tap on Developer Options.
11. Check Enable OEM Unlock & USB Debugging.
12. On the phone, tap always allow from this computer and tap OK (if this doesn’t appear see the video for troubleshooting the drivers).
13. Click Download and Update All File Dependencies.
III. Unlock the Bootloader
1. In the toolkit, tap Unlock.
2. On the Nexus, use the volume buttons to highlight Yes and push the power button to select it (if this doesn’t appear see the video for troubleshooting the drivers).
3. Go through the normal setup process on the device to get back to the home screen.
4. Pull down the notification shade and tap the gear icon to get to settings.
5. Scroll to the bottom and tap on About Phone.
6. Scroll down and repeatedly tap on Build Number until it says you are a developer.
7. Hit back.
8. Tap on Developer Options.
9. Check Enable OEM Unlock & USB Debugging.
IV. Root the Nexus 6 and Flash a Custom Recovery
1. In the toolkit, check the Custom Recovery box under Root.
2. Click the Root button.
3. Once it boots up, open the SuperSU app in your app drawer and if it asks to update anything, let it.
4. Open BusyBox Free and tap Install for it to install BusyBox and its tools (used for a lot of root-required apps).
5. Tap Grant when it asks for root permissions (if this comes up, it proves we have root access).
6. You can stop here and use root access to remove bloatware etc. BUT I recommend flashing a custom ROM below…
V. Flash a Custom ROM (Optional)
1. Head to our Nexus 6 ROMs section and choose the ROM you want to use.
2. Click the download link there to download the ROM to your desktop.
3. Plug the device in via USB.
4. Copy the ROM to the internal storage of the device (do not unzip it).
5. Turn off the phone and turn it back on by holding down Volume Up and Power.
6. Tap Volume Up to highlight Recovery and Power to select it.
7. Select Backup and swipe to perform the backup (handy for later for sure).
8. Tap Wipe.
9. Tap Install Zip
10. Select the .zip file for the ROM you copied to the Nexus 6.
11. Tap Reboot.
12. Repeat this section to flash a different ROM and continue to do so until you find one you like.
And now you are all set to enjoy the full freedom that only comes with root access on your Nexus 6. Enjoy!
Check out more tips and tricks in our Nexus 6 How To’s section!
If you need help with this tutorial, reach out in the comments below and I’ll try and help!
Say I want to keep my current apps and data but I want to install the latest ROM nightly update. Do I still have to wipe or is there such thing as a dirty install?
You can do that if you’ve already installed one of the nightly ROMs. But if you are coming from stock you’ll have to wipe first. Lollipop at least does automatically prompt you to install your previous apps (but not their data necessarily) so that’s at least a step to skip, but you’ll most likely need to reinstall everything and set it all up. Hope that helps clarify at least!