Update Google Nexus 4 with Android Nougat via Nitrogen Project custom ROM [How to install]

Popular custom ROM developer community Nitrogen Project has released Google's latest Android Nougat-based software to the former flagship smartphone Nexus 4 series.

It is around 270MB in size and brings the much needed night mode for reading, multi-window options, bundled notification, improved battery optimisation, performance tweaks, and numerous other value-added features to enhance users' experience.

Also read: Android 7.0 Nougat released: 16 key upgrades of Google's new mobile OS update over Marshmallow

Be advised, this NitrogenOS ROM is an experimental version and has some bugs in it. Users are advised to read all the instructions provided below, before going ahead with the installation.

Prerequisites (things to remember before installing Custom ROM):

• This new Android Nougat NitrogenOS 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 forward for 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 percent battery, or else there is chance of smartphone getting temporarily bricked if the installation process is interrupted mid-way.
• Though installing custom ROM improve 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.]

Tutorial: Step-by-step installation procedure of Android Nougat NitrogenOS custom ROM on Google Nexus 4 via TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project)-

Step 1: Download Android Nougat NitrogenOS custom ROM and Google Apps in to your PC.

[Scroll to find the downloadable files]

Step 2: Connect Google Nexus 4 to the computer

Step 3: Place the Android Nougat NitrogenOS custom ROM into the phone's storage memory.

[Note: Users are advised to paste the .zip file in the storage root folder, not in any other folder.]

Step 4: Turn off device and disconnect it from PC

Step 5: Perform Recovery mode sorties by long pressing Volume (Down) + Power buttons

Step 6: After entering the TWRP settings menu, clear phone's memory (full) by selecting 'Wipe' option. Once done, select – 'Swipe to Factory Reset' perform factory reset

Step 7: Return to TWRP settings and tap 'Install' by the selecting .Zip file in the phone's memory downloaded from PC

Step 8: Come back to TWRP menu setting to approve the installation by tapping 'Swipe to Confirm Flash'

Step 9: Flashing of the custom ROM begins and after few minutes, a message 'Successful' appears on the screen, thus completing installation.

Step 10: If faced with boot loop problem, navigate back to TWRP settings, and select 'Wipe cache/dalvik'. This procedure will help resolve any issue with regard to custom ROM installation

Downloadable files:

Google Nexus 4 Android Nougat NitrogenOS custom ROM: HERE (build date: November 2^nd, 2016)

Google Apps: HERE (recommended: v7.1 pico)

USB Driver: HERE

For more information, go to XDA Developer Forum

[Credits: @xyyx, @Mr.MEX and nitin.chobhe]