Nexus is a smartphone with Google’s software support, this means the Android that is installed on the Nexus devices is developed and maintained by Google. HTC Nexus One is the first series, and the latest is the LG Nexus 5. Nexus is very popular all over the world, so many Android developers create tools to help Nexus users to install a custom ROM.
So far, it looks like Nexus has the best community support for custom ROMs availability. All popular custom ROM developers release build for the Nexus series, plus many independent developers out there. Even the Samsung Google Nexus S still get Android KitKat updates from some custom ROM developers, though this device was released 4 years ago. 🙂
Here is the complete list of the Nexus series.
Smartphones
- HTC Nexus One
- Samsung Google Nexus S
- Samsung Galaxy Nexus
- LG Nexus 4
- LG Nexus 5
Tablets
- ASUS Nexus 7 Wifi 2012
- ASUS Nexus 7 Wifi/cellular 2012
- ASUS Nexus 7 Wifi 2013
- ASUS Nexus 7 Wifi/cellular 2013
- Samsung Nexus 10 Wifi
Not only the software updates support, the Nexus users also have the easiness of installing custom ROMs. If you are a Nexus user, now you can root, install a custom recovery, and install a custom ROM without a computer. You only need a stable internet connection and a full charged battery.
Do you want to try it? Follow the steps below to install a custom ROM on the Nexus devices without a computer.
1 . Rooting Nexus Without Computer
There are two apps available to root your Android without a computer, you can try Framaroot or Root Master. But I recommend using Framaroot since been verified in the XDA Developers Forum that this tool is safe to use. Previously, I’ve posted an article about Framaroot.
2 . Installing Custom Recovery Without Computer
Actually, it was quite difficult to do before there are some awesome tools such as ROM Installer and ROM Manager. You can try one of them, they are good and many Android users also use them. ROM Manager, Goo Manager, and ROM Installer will detect the type of your device automatically.
Three popular custom recoveries available, select the latest version that works great with KitKat :
- TWRP
- ClockworkMod (CWM)
- ClockworkMod Touch Recovery
Play Store links: ROM Installer | ROM Manager
3 . Installing Custom ROM Without Computer
After the custom recovery software is installed, the last thing you have to do is install the custom ROM. To do this, you can use the previously mentioned tools, ROM Installer, GooManager, or ROM Manager. These applications allow you to install custom ROMs over the air (OTA) or install from files stored in phone storage.
Some good choices of popular custom ROMs:
- CyanogenMod
- Android Open Kang Project (AOKP)
- Paranoid Android (PA)
- OmniROM
- Carbon
- SlimROMS
- PAC-Man
Play Store links: ROM Installer | ROM Manager | GooManager
You will need Google Applications or GApps, this package includes Google’s official apps such as Gmail, Google Maps, Google Drive, Play Store, and many more.
In addition, you can find a lot of custom ROMs on XDA Developers Forum.
