Google Nexus 4 gets Android 6.0 Marshmallow update via AOSP custom ROM [How to Install]

Earlier this month, Google rolled out the latest Android 6.0 Marshmallow to previous generation Nexus series devices, but sadly 2012 model Nexus 4 was left out of the list, as it was well past the obligatory software support quota.

Google's obligation of providing OS updates for any Nexus devices is limited to a maximum of two years and to be fair, the Nexus 4 enjoyed three years of software support. Now, time has finally caught up with it.

However, if anybody is still using Nexus 4, fret not; a fully functional and stable AOSP (Android Open Source Project) v6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM has been made available to the 2012 flagship smartphone.

For the uninitiated, Android 6.0 Marshmallow comes with native support for fingerprint sensor input, leaner and faster Chrome browser, more intuitive Now on Tap feature, new security feature verified boot system, support for more international dialects, new contextual assistance feature, Google photos and auto back-up from where all apps user data (less than 25MB) will automatically be stored in Google Drive.

Also read: Google Android 6.0 Marshmallow: 7 key features you need to know

The key aspect of Marshmallow is the Doze power saving feature, which has been incorporated to extend battery life by at least 30%, depending on the device's internal hardware.

Prerequisites (things to remember before installing Custom ROM):

• This new AOSP 6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM has to be installed on the LG-Google Nexus 4 (aka Mako) only; if tried on other devices, it might get bricked [To check your device model: Go to Settings >> About phone >> model number]
• Make sure the device is rooted before going ahead with the custom ROM installation
• Installation of custom ROM requires clearing of memory in the smartphone, so make sure to back all the data by installing Clockwork Mod (CWM) Recovery/ TWRP in the smartphone.
• Make sure you have installed USB drivers in the PC, or else your phone (Google Nexus 4) will not be recognised by the computer.
• Make sure your device has more than 80% battery, or else there is chance of smartphone getting temporarily bricked if the installation process is interrupted in the mid-way.
• Though installing custom ROM improves the device's performance and UI experiences, it makes the company warranty void and they will no longer be liable to provide updates in future [users can restore warranty by flashing the device with stock-ROM].

[Disclaimer: This procedure is very technical and should be performed by a person with sound knowledge of rooting (or manual software installation) Android devices. If the step-by-step installation process is not followed properly, there are chances of the smartphone getting bricked or being permanently irreparable. IBTimes India cannot be held responsible for any damage or claims from readers if the procedure does not yield the required results or if the smartphone is bricked. Hence, users are advised to proceed with caution.]

AOSP 6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM Downloadable files:

Google Nexus 4 AOSP 6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM: HERE 

Google Apps: HERE/ (Alternate links) HERE/HERE

Tutorial: Step-by-step Installation Procedure of AOSP 6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM on LG-Google Nexus 4-

Step 1: After downloading AOSP 6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM and Google Apps (Gapps) in to the PC, connect LG-Google Nexus 4 (aka Mako) to PC via USB chord.

[Note: Before plugging the phone to the computer, make sure you have installed USB driver software, if not, click HERE to download the firmware]

Step 2: Place AOSP 6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM zip file and Google Apps .zip file into the phone's memory.

[Note: Before users begin installing the custom software, make sure the device is already rooted and must have installed ClockworkMod Recovery/TWRP].

Step 3: Turn-off the device and disconnect from the PC.

Step 4: Perform the regular 'Bootloader Mode' sortie by press holding 'Volume up', 'Volume down' and 'Power' buttons.

Step 5: Once entering the 'Bootloader mode,' go to the ClockworkMod Recovery mode, then clear phone memory, by choosing 'wipe data/factory reset' [Note: Use 'Volume' keys to navigate and 'Power' button to select options, while operating under Recovery Mode].

Step 6: Clear the cache memory by selecting 'wipe cache partition.'

Step 7: Navigate back to the ClockworkMod recovery, and select 'advanced' and tap 'wipe dalvik cache' [Note: This step is optional, but many recommend this procedure so that users will not face boot loops or any other errors in the middle of custom ROM installation]

Step 8: Return to the main recovery screen and then tap 'install zip from SD card.'

Step 9: Tap 'choose zip from sdcard' and go to Android 6.0 Marshmallow ROM .zip file in the SD card and enter the installation process. Repeat the same procedure for installing Google Apps. [Note: use 'Volume' keys to navigate and 'Power' button to select options]

Step 10: Once done with the installation process, navigate to '+++++Go Back+++++' and re-start the device by opting 'reboot system now' seen in the recovery menu.

Now, your device (LG-Google Nexus 4) will take a few minutes to complete the booting process.

Users then head to Settings >> select 'About phone' to confirm the installation of AOSP 6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM.

[Credits: Team Android]