The Google Nexus 4 is certainly one of the top phones in the market today. With its razor-sharp display and great battery performance, I’m sure Nexus 4 users are happy with this phone's features. For veteran Android users, however, the out-of-the-box experience just isn't enough. To get the most out of Android devices, gaining root access and installing custom recovery is the way to go.

Though ClockworkMod Recovery might be one of the first custom recovery names that come to mind, Team Win's touch-based TWRP Recovery is also quite stable and popular. Nexus 4 users will be able to enjoy TWRP Recovery's features on their devices, such as fast restore and backups, being able to support themes, and the ability to install ROMs even if the phone was encrypted.

This guide shows you how to flash TWRP Recovery for the Nexus 4 E960.

Warning

• The instructions in this guide are intended for use with the Google Nexus 4, model number E960. Applying these instructions on another device or model may produce undesired outcomes.
• The information in this guide is provided for instructional and educational purposes only. There is no guarantee that these instructions will work under your specific and unique circumstances.
• Use these instructions at your own risk. We shall not hold any responsibility or liability for whatever happens to you or your device arising from your use of the info in this guide.
• Read and understand the whole guide first before actually performing the instructions.

Requirements

• Google Nexus 4 E960 with unlocked bootloader
  • Check out our guide on how to unlock or relock the Nexus 4 bootloader.
• If you’re using the Goo Manager Method:
• Root your phone. See our guide on how to root the Nexus 4 E960.
• After rooting, download and install Goo Manager from the Google Play Store.
• If you’re using the Fastboot Method, you'll need the following:
  • A Windows PC
  • Fastboot package (Fastboot.zip, 404.46 kB)
  • TWRP Recovery 2.4.1.0 (openrecovery-twrp-2.4.1.0-mako.img, md5sum: e4eadaeca655e8a1b572d1e199ebcba2)
  • Download link 1
  • Download link 2
• Make sure your device's battery still has at least 70% power. You don't want the device to shut down in the middle of the procedure.
• Backup all personal data on your phone to make sure you have a copy of your personal data (e.g., contacts, SMS, MMS, Internet settings, Wi-Fi passwords, and the like) in case the procedure in this guide erases such data.
  • For backup tips, check our guides on how to sync your data to the cloud and how to create local backups of your mobile data.

Instructions

Fastboot Method

1. Extract Fastboot.zip to your computer and place the extraction folder somewhere convenient, such as the C:\ directory.
2. Rename the custom recovery image file (the one ending in *.img) into recovery.img for easier handling later.
3. Copy recovery.img into the Fastboot folder.
4. Switch off your Nexus 4.
5. Boot your Nexus 4 into Fastboot Mode. To do this, hold down the Volume Up, Volume Down, and the Power buttons until the screen turns on.
6. Connect your Nexus 4 to your PC using the USB cable.
7. Open the command prompt.
8. Change directory into the folder where you placed the Fastboot package. Example: cd c:\fastboot
9. Enter fastboot devices at the command prompt. You should see your device serial ID.
10. Enter fastboot flash recovery recovery.img at the command prompt to flash TWRP Recovery.
11. Once it's done, you'll get a “finished/okay” message.
12. Reboot your Nexus 4.

Goo Manager Method

1. Launch the Goo Manager app on your Nexus 4.
2. Tap the Menu button.
3. Select Install OpenRecoveryScript > Yes.
4. If SuperSU or Superuser asks for root permission, grant it.
5. Goo Manager will download the TWRP Recovery image and automatically install TWRP on your Nexus 4.

Video Tutorial

You might want to watch our video tutorial about bootloader unlocking, rooting, and flashing TWRP Recovery on the Google Nexus 4 E960:

Congratulations! You have successfully installed TWRP Recovery on your Google Nexus 4 E960. Enjoy flashing custom ROMs to your Nexus 4 using TWRP Recovery.