[INFO] Nexus 4 OTA Help-Desk

You want the latest OTA? You don’t want to wait? You received the OTA but it fails? You need help with the installation process? If any of those questions are yes, then this thread is for you.

First, let's talk about what an OTA is:

An OTA (Over the Air) update is the method of updating your phone's software. When the OTA is downloaded to your phone it will prompt you to reboot and install. It is not a complete image, but a series of patches to the OS. Patches in the OTA can include: bootloader, radio, system, recovery and kernel. While it's installing, the script checks the files it is patching to make sure the original files are correct. If everything is correct, the update will finish successfully. If it's not, the process will stop. That's why it is critical to make sure everything is in its "out of the box" state. Don't worry though. It is easy to get your phone back to a state where you will have your phone up and running, with the latest software.

We are also able to manually flash this file. When the URL of the OTA is discovered, you can download it and use adb or a custom recovery to apply it.


Now that you have read the important info above, Let's update your Nexus 4!



In order for the OTA to apply successfully, without intervention, you must be completely stock:

If you meet the criteria above the OTA will complete.
If you don’t meet the criteria or don’t want to wait for the OTA to hit your device then see below.

Current OTA's

4.4.4-KTU84P-from-4.4.3-KTU844L: http://android.clients.google.com/p....signed-occam-KTU84P-from-KTU84L.50b64331.zip Thanks @oldblue910

Legacy OTA's

All legacy OTA links can be found here: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=33631631&postcount=1 Thanks @oldblue910


These are the 4 most popular scenarios. If you aren't sure where you fit, feel free to ask.


Scenario #1
You are completely stock. Unlocked/locked bootloader. No root
Continue to Section A

Scenario #2
You are stock, with root. Custom Recovery without any modifications or deletions.
Continue to Section B

Scenario #3
You are stock, with custom kernel, any modifications or removed system apk(s)
Continue to Section C

Scenario #4
You are running a Custom ROM
Continue to Section C


Section A: adb sideload

NOTE:Make sure you have the latest version of adb. It's attached at the bottom.

1) Download the OTA.zip on your PC, rename the file update.zip, then place file in the same directory as adb.
2) Make sure you have USB Debugging checking in the Developer Options, then connect your phone.
3) Open the command prompt from the directory above on your PC and type the command: 'adb reboot recovery'
4) When in recovery, you’ll see an android laying down. Press power then immediately press volume up and release. The menu will appear. Select “apply update from adb”
5) Using the command prompt type: 'adb sideload update.zip' The file will load and the update will begin.
6) When completed, select reboot.


Section B: Flashing in a custom recovery

1) Download the OTA.zip and copy to your phone.
2) Boot into recovery.
3) Flash the OTA just like you would a ROM.
4) Reboot.


Section C: Let’s get back to stock

There are a few ways to do this:

Option #1) Flash the complete KTU84L image. Follow efrant’s guide: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=34552123&postcount=1


OR

Option #2) Replace the stock images or .apk(s) you removed or modified.


After completing the steps needed to return to “stock” make sure you meet all the criteria at the top of the page then revert to:

Section A if you are running stock recovery.
Section B if you are running a custom recovery.


OR

Option #3) Forgo the OTA entirely and flash the KTU84P Factory Image in fastboot. https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images#occam

If you need help with this follow efrant's guide


Feel free to ask any questions you may have. I’ll do my best to answer them as quickly as possible. Perhaps others may answer them as well. Please read to see if your question has been answered before asking.


Q&A Section:

Q #1: I'm seeing a kernel related status 7 error when trying to apply the OTA
A: Flash the system image along with the boot image. Some kernels (like franco for example) change a file or two in /system. So easiest way would be to re-flash the system. -Thanks efrant

Q #2: The ota applied successfully but I lost my custom recovery and I want to re-root. How do I get root back?
A: Flash the custom recovery of your choice in fastboot, then flash the SU.zip in recovery linked in Section B4.

Q #3: I've tried everything but I'm still getting status 7 errors.
A: Unfortunately you may have to start from scratch. Follow Section C1.


Thanks to these members for adding additional info and helping add things I forgot.
TheManii
zim2dive
davdigs
eskeyy
daverup
xaueious
Spaceman860
efrant

Updated: 4/17/14

Re: [INFO] Nexus OTA Help-Desk

ijustzeke said:

I'm currently on stock and rooted. but I deleted a couple of system apps like Google wallet, play books and other 2. will I get the OTA update?

Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

Click to expand...

Click to collapse

No you'll have to add those apps back to /system/app/



Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD

JanusDC said:

I am using the Brainmaster's Stock ROM (which is not stock really), so I guess I must follow Section C.

Is there any advice on how to not loose all the configurations, the home screen, widgets, etc? I love testing ROMs, but I hate that each time I have to download all my apps again (including some couple of Gb on games), configure them, put the widgets with the proper configuration, etc.

Click to expand...

Click to collapse

For the home screen layout with the stock launcher I'm not sure. There might be a few apps out there but, I not sure how well they work. I do know some custom launchers have that ability.

As far as your apps and data there are may backup apps out there. A new one and my favorite is Carbon: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.koushikdutta.backup

Re: [INFO] Nexus OTA Help-Desk

rickykemp said:

So if I am on Stock ROM with CWM, and customer kernal, can't I just flash Stock kernal and then flash the OTA through CWM?

I cannot be arsed with doing a full reflash.

Click to expand...

Click to collapse

Yes you can. Section C,a.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

Re: [INFO] Nexus OTA Help-Desk

davidgs said:

Great post, this is what I will be looking for!

I think it would be helpful to add a link to the SU.zip (to regain root) in the OP, I think it's http://download.chainfire.eu/282/SuperSU/ but please confirm.


Thanks!

Click to expand...

Click to collapse

Thanks! I'll add it to the op when I get back to a computer.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

Re: [INFO] Nexus OTA Help-Desk

zim2dive said:

Might want to warn folks that they'll need the latest SDK for the ADB security

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2144709

Click to expand...

Click to collapse

Thanks. I don't think they'll need it going from 4.2.1 to 4.2.2. At least I didn't with my nexus 7. But definitely in the future. I'll add links to the op later today.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

Re: [INFO] Nexus OTA Help-Desk

danfalcas said:

Where can I get stock recovery IMG!? Thanks

Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Click to expand...

Click to collapse

I uploaded it last night. I'll add the link to the op in a bit. For now, here's the link http://d-h.st/Bbp

Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium