How to root Nexus 5 on Android 6.0 Marshmallow Developer Preview 3 (MPA44G) [Guide]

Install-Android-6.0-Marshmallow-Developer-Preview-3-for-Google-Nexus-5-600x340Over the past couple of days, we’ve found out the new Android M software update will be named Marshmallow. We had a strong belief it would be marshmallow since many of the other suggestions weren’t as popular internationally. Marshmallows are known in most countries, although the branding and overall taste will vary.

The guide below teaches you how to root the Google Nexus 5 on Android 6.0 marshmallow with build number MPA44G developer preview 3.

REQUIREMENTS

  • The guide is only made for the Google Nexus 5. Don’t use this guide for any of the other Nexus devices.
  • Check you are running the build number MPA44G. The guide isn’t for the official Android 6.0 release destined for later this year.

BEFORE WE BEGIN

  • Download the Google USB Drivers. Most of you developers would have that covered already, but if you don’t, make sure to reboot the PC after installing the drivers if you are having difficulties getting the guide working for you.
  • You are voiding the warranty. Following through with the guide will see the warranty revoked. That means you cannot send it away for free repairs.
  • You may need to unlock the hidden Developer Options menu if you forgot to do that already. After you turn on the Nexus 5, head to the Settings, followed by the About Device menu and tap the build number seven times. It should count you down with the required amount of taps on the display to go when you get closer to the total, so you don’t need to keep count.
  • Now it’s time to make use of that Developer Options menu you just unlocked. Go back to the Settings and tap to enter the Developer Options. Enable the USB Debugging Mode from inside the Settings.
  • The following guide is made for experienced Android users only. Do not follow this guide if you aren’t confident with the Android OS and getting out of potential soft-brick scenarios.

HOW TO ROOT THE GOOGLE NEXUS 5 RUNNING ANDROID 6.0 MARSHMALLOW MPA44G DEVELOPER PREVIEW 3

  1. Download the Android SDK package from here.
  2. Learn how to setup ADB and fastboot on Windows if you don’t have it already. You don’t need to install it a second time.
  3. Download the ADB and fastboot drivers from this page.
  4. Download the Despair kernel from here.
  5. Download ClockworkMod recovery so you can have a custom recovery installed. Transfer the ClockworkMod recovery over to the same folder where you have ADB and Fastboot.
  6. Download the SuperSU package here.
  7. Transfer the Despair kernel and the SuperSU files from the computer (still zipped) over to the root of the SD card. Do not have them hidden in any sub-folder.
  8. Turn off the Nexus 5 and reboot it to Bootloader Mode by holding the Volume Down + Power keys together.
  9. Open the folder where you have ADB, fastboot and the CWM recovery and right-click the mouse over an empty area in the folder and press the Shift key. You’ll get a new menu presenting itself. Choose to open the command windows from the menu.
  10. Now you are for it to type some commands.
  11. Type the command: “fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-touch-6.0.4.5-hammerhead.img”.
  12. Look at the Nexus 5 display and choose to enter the recovery from the menu.
  13. Navigate to “flash zip from SD card” and choose the zip from the SD card.
  14. Load the Despair kernel first and confirm the installation.
  15. After the kernel is finished loading, do the same thing and browse the SD card for the SuperSU file.
  16. Go back to the main recovery menu and choose to reboot the system.

You should now have root access with the custom recovery installed after the device reboots. Now you can start checking our custom ROMs and root-only apps.

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