[HOW-TO] The Nexus 6 All-In-One Beginner's Guide

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xBeerdroiDx

Senior Member
Nov 10, 2012
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Lol yeah, I've been on quite a few phones since the S3: HTC m7 -> Nexus 5 -> Nokia Lumia Windows Phone (this got returned within 2 days lol!) -> Galaxy S5 -> LG G3 and now on the Nexus 6. I'm loving the 6, I swore I'd never get a phablet, but here I am and I'm loving it! Mostly loving pure android and the ability to flash away without insane hacks to get around locked bootloaders.

I phone hopped for awhile too. Happy on all of them, just REALLY impressed with this one so far. I went from the S3 to the S4, Nexus 5, Find 7, Moto X, Moto G and G3. Grabbed this N6 on launch day. One of the lucky few.
 
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RPelham

Senior Member
Dec 19, 2012
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Tampa
I phone hopped for awhile too. Happy on all of them, just REALLY impressed with this one so far. I went from the S3 to the S4, Nexus 5, Find 7, Moto X, Moto G and G3. Grabbed this N6 on launch day. One of the lucky few.
Glad you got it. I feel like I'll stick with this for a while, tired of carrier/mfg bloat and non-stock experience. I was trying to get this device since launch but moto and google kept saying it was sold out. Then I got an advertisement from Sprint saying they'd cut my bill in half and pay off my ETF if I turned in my Verizon equipment so I jumped since I knew they had the n6 in stock. =D
 
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MrElmy

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Oct 3, 2012
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TWRP Password

I keep getting a password prompt when trying to enter TWRP. Google says I missed a reboot into the OS somewhere along the way but I can't seem to figure out where. I installed 5.0.1 Lollipop today by flashing the entire ROM, running a Factory Restore from stock recovery and booting into the OS. I restored all of my apps from Titanium Backup and then went back and installed TWRP, following the instructions in the first post of this thread under "Installing A Custom Recovery" and I still get a password prompt. The only place I can see that I could have booted into the OS was between flashing TWRP and entering recovery. It is not listed that a reboot is needed at that point but should there be one? That seems to be the only place I haven't done a reboot and let the phone enter the OS.

Thanks for any assistance.

Not sure if you've gotten an answer to your question yet, but if you are using a password to encrypt your device, this is where you have to enter it. I use a pattern to lock my phone, so it requires you to enter that. Found this on [RECOVERY][shamu] TWRP 2.8.3.0 touch recovery [2014-12-22] post by Dees_Troy

Note: At this time we do not have a GUI representation for pattern unlock. You can still decrypt patterns though by translating the pattern dots to numbers. The pattern dots correspond to numbers in the following pattern:
1 2 3
4 5 6
7 8 9

So an upper-case L would translate to a password of 14789 entered on the keyboard. Eventually we plan to add a proper pattern unlock to TWRP but it is a relatively low priority at this point.
 

kushmanek

Senior Member
Dec 20, 2010
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Guys i just got my nexus 6..its on lrx22 build....how to root and unlock and all please give me link? newbie to nexus 6
 

xBeerdroiDx

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Google nexus root toolkit that's what I used. You download it to your computer. It is cool you can unlock your bootloader root and recovery.

And then if his phone f*cks up he has no idea what exactly is f*cked up, how it got f*cked up and no clue how to unf*ck it. Toolkits, especially for beginners, are a lazy and dangerous way to play around with your $700 device.
 
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RPelham

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Dec 19, 2012
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And then if his phone f*cks up he has no idea what exactly is f*cked up, how it got f*cked up and no clue how to unf*ck it. Toolkits, especially for beginners, are a lazy and dangerous way to play around with your $700 device.
Agreed. Toolkits, especially for Nexus devices, are unnecessary in my opinion. It's only a few quick commands to unlock BL and root the device. Honestly it probably takes just as much time to download and figure out the program as it does to just execute the commands yourself. Lol.
 

Takuapina

Member
Jan 9, 2015
17
1
Hi! Just to say that this is a wonderful tutorial! It has everything to start with.

Unfortunately, I haven't got my Nexus 6 yet, but I know everything I have to do once I have it is thanks to this thread:D

However I've got two questions:

-The backup that I've made through TWRP is going to be saved in the Nexus 6, but can I pass this backup from the phone to the computer? Where is this backup saved in the nexus?
-Where can I download Gapps?

Thank you!
 

GreeleyXda

Senior Member
Dec 12, 2014
471
31
Hi! Just to say that this is a wonderful tutorial! It has everything to start with.

Unfortunately, I haven't got my Nexus 6 yet, but I know everything I have to do once I have it is thanks to this thread:D

However I've got two questions:

-The backup that I've made through TWRP is going to be saved in the Nexus 6, but can I pass this backup from the phone to the computer? Where is this backup saved in the nexus?
-Where can I download Gapps?

Thank you!

they will be in your TWRP/Backup folder

---------------------------------------
I used the NRT to disable encryption. Can i use it to do custom recovery and install a ROM?

If yes, do i still follow the directions on page 1 here?

Ive rootee/unlocked bootloader/disabled encryption so far. Via NRT and CF auto Root
 
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wtherrell

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Dec 30, 2008
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Some folks still work with MSDOS and prefer it. Others use Windows and prefer it. Same with command level vs. ToolKits. Each has its own advantages.
The experienced, advanced user usually prefers command level. The novices will normally use a tool kit at first and if curious and wise enough advance to learn the basic simple command level.
I think both have a valid place.
 

xBeerdroiDx

Senior Member
Nov 10, 2012
2,351
1,744
Fort Worth
Some folks still work with MSDOS and prefer it. Others use Windows and prefer it. Same with command level vs. ToolKits. Each has its own advantages.
The experienced, advanced user usually prefers command level. The novices will normally use a tool kit at first and if curious and wise enough advance to learn the basic simple command level.
I think both have a valid place.

I couldn't disagree more. We're not talking about navigating operating systems here and preferences between Windows and DOS. We're talking about software modifications on system partitions. The last thing a novice needs to be doing is pressing a button that is performing tasks that he has no comprehension of. When things flip upside-down, that's the same dude in the Q&A section that's wondering how he can get his phone out of a bootloop...or worse.
 

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    Welcome to the Nexus 6 All-In-One Guide. If you are a new user that is looking for the opportunity to take advantage of your device and do it right the first time, this guide is here to point the way. This thread exists to keep all the necessary methods and material in one common place just for you. As always: Do your homework first.

    If followed correctly, this guide can be a useful tool. These steps are listed in the order in which they should be completed. The intent is to seamlessly unlock, root, backup and/or flash, leaving as little room for error as possible. This process will erase and/or reset everything on your device. All steps are assuming you have backed up your contacts, texts, pictures, videos, etc. I do not take credit for any of this material or information.
    This guide is a compilation of work from across XDA, most specifically users like @Chainfire and @Chromium, that I have simply brought together.


    icon-checkmark-small.png
    Step 1: Read. Read. Succeed.


    Your journey down the Android path of rooting and modifying can be smooth, fun and educational, based on your attempt at learning everything you can before you begin. This is entirely up to you, the user. There is some excellent material here on XDA that I highly recommend reading over as part of step 1. Even though these 2 informational links were written for the Nexus 5, the knowledge still applies so don't skip this information!

    A message from the moderators - All users please read
    Yep, read it. It's for your own good. Included with some very useful general forum information, it also contains the forum rules which should also be read and understood.

    [FAQ][REF]★All you need to know about Android | Read this before you post/root★
    This awesome thread by @abaaaabbbb63 is a *noob friendly* collection of information every user that wants to root their phone should know. Many people blindly follow guides without even knowing what "Rooting" means. Hopefully, this will help new users (and old ones, why not?) understand what is happening with their phone, and what they will put up with. Get on over there and read it.

    Be sure to checkout Post #2 below for additional information regarding your Nexus 6


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    Step 2: Installing The Necessary Desktop Tools


    ADB and Fastboot Installation
    1. Download the full Android SDK here (scroll to the bottom of the page>DOWNLOAD FOR OTHER PLATFORMS>SDK Tools Only).
    2. Extract the zip and place the android-sdk-windows folder on your desktop.
      **If you chose to download the slimmed sdk skip to step 5**
    3. Only if you downloaded the full sdk: Go into the android-sdk-windows folder and run SDK Manager.exe. Install the following packages (there are a total of 4 packages):
      - Tools > Android SDK Tools, Android SDK Platform-tools
      - Extras > Android Support Library, Google USB Driver

    4. Only if you downloaded the full sdk: Go back into the android-sdk-windows directory, and you should see a new folder named platform-tools. If you don't see this new folder, repeat the step above.
    5. To confirm that it is indeed working, open a command prompt window and enter the following commands:
      Code:
      cd Desktop/android-sdk-windows/platform-tools
      adb version
      If it displays "Android Debug Bridge version x.x.xx" it is working. If it is gives an error saying that adb is not a recognized command, it has not been successful. Carefully repeat the steps above if this is the case. Close the command prompt window when you are done.

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    Step 3: Unlock, Root & Custom Recovery


    For those of you who want to get most out of your Nexus 6, you will certainly want to root it. Rooting your device provides you as the user many, many benefits. That's why you're here right now reading this. You want it all. Please note that there is always the chance of error during these processes. Bad or faulty USB cables, USB ports, bad/old device drivers on the computer, an active virus scanner. These are a few of the issues that can cause your device to fail to connect or prohibit a successful root/flash. Use good and original OEM USB cables. Uninstall any drivers you may have installed for previous mobile devices and disable your virus scanner.

    >>>>>>Before you begin, make sure your N6 has USB Debugging Mode switched on<<<<<<
    Before continuing, users must enable Developer Options in the devices settings and select the OEM Unlock option. To do so:

    - Go into Settings
    - Under About Phone, you'll be able to locate your Build Number
    - Tap Build Number until you are notified that you have activated Developer options
    - Go into Developer Options, ensure it is enabled and check the Enable OEM Unlock box
    - While in Developer Options, ensure the USB Debugging box is checked

    Unlock The Bootloader
    • Turn the phone off. Then boot it into the bootloader/fastboot mode by holding volume down + power.

    • Plug the phone into your PC, then open a command prompt window window and type:
      Code:
      cd Desktop/android-sdk-windows/platform-tools
      Code:
      fastboot devices
      This command will list the connected devices. If your phones serial number shows up you are good to go and may continue. If the phone is NOT listed this indicates that your drivers are not installed correctly. In order for you to continue you must fix your drivers so that your phone is listed under fastboot devices.

    • If the phone has been recognized by the command above, proceed to unlocking the bootloader with the following command:
      Remember that this step will wipe EVERYTHING off the phone
      Code:
      fastboot oem unlock
      On the phone a screen should pop up asking whether or not you would like to unlock the bootloader. Use the volume rockers to highlight "Yes" then press power to confirm the action.

    • After the above command has finished executing, run the following (DO NOT skip this step, it is more important than you think):
      Code:
      fastboot reboot
      The phone will reboot. Next you will be presented with a screen containing an android logo and a progress bar (this may take up to ten minutes to complete). Wait until the phone has fully booted up into android, then proceed onto the next section of the guide.

    • Close the command prompt window.

    Obtain Root
    The instructions below and the zip file are the work of our beloved @Chainfire. CF-Root is the root for "rooting beginners" and those who want to keep as close to stock as possible. CF-Root is meant to be used in combination with stock firmware and be the quickest and easiest way for your first root.

    - Download the ZIP file
    - Extract the ZIP file
    - Boot your device in bootloader/fastboot mode. Usually this can be done by turning your device off, then holding VolUp+VolDown+Power to turn it on.
    - Connect your device to your computer using USB

    - Windows:
    --- Run root-windows.bat

    - Linux
    --- chmod +x root-linux.sh
    --- Run root-linux.sh

    - Mac OS X
    --- chmod +x root-mac.sh
    --- Run root-mac.sh

    Follow the on-screen instructions - watch both the computer and the device!

    **If you want to have root access only you can stop here.**​


    A word on custom recoveries: A recovery image is the system level software for your Android that lets you perform several maintenance and recovery tasks. The stock recovery image is quite limited in what it allows you to do and therefore, flashing a custom recovery image is required to gain full control of your device’s administration. A custom recovery image allows you to perform the following tasks:

    - Wipe your phone’s data (Factory reset) and cache
    - Make, restore and manage backups of your phone’s operating system and software
    - Mount, unmount and format your phone’s internal as well as external storage partitions
    - Install a custom ROM or application from a zip file to your phone
    - Wipe Dalvik cache and battery statistics
    - Make logs for error reporting and debugging


    Additionally, you can download the Goo Manager app to install TWRP updates.
    *NOTE: I do not recommend Rom Manager as a tool to do anything but just install and/or update your recovery Do not flash ROMs from this application.

    Installing A Custom Recovery

    Go HERE to download the latest TWRP recovery for the Nexus 6.

    • Turn the phone off. Then boot it into the bootloader/fastboot mode by holding volume down + power.

    • Rename the recovery file that you downloaded above to recovery.img. *Make sure that you rename it to recovery.img NOT recovery.img.img* Remember that you should place the file in the platform-tools folder inside of the android-sdk-windows folder on your desktop.

    • Open command prompt and run the following commands:
      Code:
      cd Desktop/android-sdk-windows/platform-tools
      Code:
      fastboot flash recovery recovery.img

    • On the phone, use the volume buttons to scroll onto "Restart Bootloader" and hit power to select it. After the bootloader reloads, use the volume buttons to scroll onto "Recovery Mode" and power to select it. You should then be greeted with your newly installed custom recovery.
    • Close the command prompt window.


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    STEP 4: Making A Backup

    Making a Nandroid will allow you to try out new ROMs while still keeping a safe backup in the event you experience issues during or after a custom OS or kernel installation. Be sure your device is fully charged before proceeding to the backup and flashing procedures.

    If you are not already booted into recovery then do so now.

    1. Boot into fastboot mode (Volume Down + Power)
    2. Browse with the volume keys to Recovery Mode and press the power button
    3. You are now in custom recovery.
    4. In CWM go to Backup and Restore and select Backup. In TWRP select Backup. Name and select the options you want. Swipe to backup.
    5. In TWRP, go to Backup and proceed to the next step(s).
    6. After backup is finished, select reboot system now or stay in recovery to continue with this guide.


    *NOTE: Be sure to save a copy of these backups to your computer and/or micro sd card. Having a recent backup saved to your computer and micro SD card can be useful if something happens to your phones internal memory.


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    Step 5A: Wiping Your Device


    When flashing any ROM, it is always important to follow the proper wipe procedures in order for everything to function properly. There are various levels of wiping based on what sort of transition you may be making. In this guide, I will list the procedures for a full wipe, presuming that you are coming from the stock firmware and changing your OS completely. This is all assuming you have made the appropriate backups. ALWAYS perform the appropriate wipe before flashing a new ROM or update!

    1. If you are not already in recovery, boot in now.

    In CWM:
    2. Select Wipe data/factory reset
    3. Select Wipe Cache
    4. Select Advanced and Wipe Dalvik Cache
    5. Select Mounts and Storage and format /system
    6. If you are transitioning from Android versions (4.4 to 4.x, etc) you must also format /data. You will lose all personal data so back it up first.

    In TWRP:
    2. Select Wipe
    3. Select Factory Reset and wipe
    4. Select System and wipe
    5. If you are transitioning from Android versions (5.0 to 5.x, etc) you must also select Wipe Data and wipe. You will lose all personal data so back it up first.


    icon-checkmark-small.png
    Step 5B: Flashing a Custom ROM


    Once you have selected a ROM for your Nexus 6:

    1. Download the ROM. Be sure to download the appropriate Gapps as well.
    2. From your PC, place the ROM/Gapps on your internal storage. Remember where they are.
    3. Boot into custom recovery.
    4. Perform the wipe listed above if you have not already.
    5. From the main recovery screen:
    >>CWM - Choose the "install .zip from SD Card" and confirm.
    >>TWRP - Choose Install and locate the desired ROM on your internal storage.
    6. Repeat step 5 and select the Gapps package.
    7. Reboot system. It will take several minutes to load so be patient and don't worry. Once the phone is booted, let it sit for 5 minutes, reboot and enjoy!
    40
    >>Additional Information

    Want the performance boost available with disabling forced encryption? Check out @bbedward's guide linked below for more information and instructions.
    [How-To] Disable Forced Encryption

    Running Windows 8.x and having device detection issues? Be sure to grab the Google USB drivers and follow the instructions from the link below.
    Nexus 6 Driver (ADB, Fastboot and MTP) for Windows and MAC

    Need to return your Nexus 6 to stock for resale, OTA or warranty purposes?
    Checkout @Mr hOaX's excellent guide. The procedures require the use of the fastboot tool from the Android SDK. See post #1 above for information on installing this if you have not done so already. In his guide, you have the option of returning completely to stock or select specific portions to flash (radio, recovery, etc).
    [Guide][How To] Flash Factory Images For Nexus 6

    Looking for stock recovery? If you need to revert to stock to receive an OTA, here's the LRX22C Android recovery:
    Unzip the image and flash per the norm in fastboot.
    View attachment recovery.zip
    7
    Great guide for noobs and people who are rusty with adb because they've had Samsung Galaxy devices for the last 4 years. Lol

    Thanks xBeerdroiDx. :highfive:
    5
    No need for toolkit or drivers on Mac/Linux

    Here's Mac/Linux way.

    First create a file on your home folder named something like nexus 6. (This is where your going to save your files.)

    Download su(I'll let op point to zip)

    Download recovery (same as above from op)

    Put them both in that file you created. (Make sure it is in home or you'll have to cd to wherever you put it)

    OK make sure you back up your data(this will wipe everything.)

    Boot into fastboot.
    (Hold power and up/down button)
    (Ensure you have adb and fastboot installed on your comp)

    cd RootNexus (or whatever you named that folder you created)

    *First things first...

    ./fastboot devices

    Should see your device.(if not double check adb and fastboot are installed properly. Follow link. http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1917237(make sure to click thanks button over there for easy setup.)

    .



    ./fastboot oem unlock

    (Follow on screen instructions, this will wipe data. )

    ./Fastboot restart bootloader.

    (Linux users remove ./ in front of fastboot.)

    Start up phone and sign in and let it completely boot. Then put SuperSU on device.

    On your Mac/Linux
    (Ensure you are still in root nexus folder)

    ./fastboot flash recovery recovery.img where recovery.img is the name of your recovery image file

    Once that is done on your phone press the volume up (twice) until you see "Recovery". Then press the power button.*

    Once inside recovery go to back up and back up your device.

    Flash SuperSU after. Then restart and applaud yourself. Your now rooted. I've been doing it this way since forever
    5
    Added. Thanks for catching that, @Kusanagi Fire :good: