The Nexus 5X comes with the latest Android 6.0 Marshmallow software out of the box. The sales have begun and we already have a guide to root the device. So if you happen to own a Nexus 5X device codename bullhead, then you can now gain root access and modify the system as you wish.
Nexus devices like the 5, 6, 7, 9 and Nexus Player have already received the Marshmallow OTA updates and we have posted successful rooting process for the same. With Chainfire’s new SuperSU v2.52 build the Android 6.0 Marshmallow firmware can now be rooted on Nexus 5X.
For a bootloader locked device with stock firmware, this may be a bit prolix process, but we have simplified it for those who may find it complex. For a summary, first you need to unlock the bootloader of your device in order to install a custom recovery like TWRP as well as custom boot image using adb and fastboot. Once done, you may proceed to flash the SuperSU file using TWRP. Many Android users have reported this procedure to be running with no complications on other Nexus devices.
However, it still remains an unofficial process and you may come across a glitch during the process as it involves issuing commands through adb and fastboot. If you have any prior experience in this, then you may just find it simple. Moreover, you may not receive further OTA updates from Google or the manufacturer as it would require an unmodified system and stock recovery.
To disable encryption, first read the note at the very end of this guide. Now let’s begin with the tutorial!
Warning: Warranty may be void if you root your device. We at DroidViews won’t be liable for any damage to your device whatsoever. We won’t be held responsible if you brick your device. Reader’s discretion is advised.
Backup Apps and Data
While this process may not wipe all of your data, a backup is highly recommended. Once you install a custom recovery like TWRP, make sure you backup your system, data, etc. from the recovery. It will be helpful in case anything goes wrong.
Download Section
Download the modified boot image
- Nexus 5X | File: bullhead-mdb08i-boot.zip
You need a custom recovery like TWRP in order to flash the SuperSU file following the modified boot image. That way, you will enjoy full root access on your latest firmware. Find the download attachments at the very end once you go to the download page.
Download TWRP recovery:
- Nexus 5X TWRP | File: twrp-2.8.7.0-bullhead.img (15.9 MB)
Download SuperSU
SuperSU v2.52 | File: BETA-SuperSU-v2.52.zip (3.8 MB)
Root Nexus 5X and Install TWRP
This procedure will unlock the bootloader, flash a modified boot image, install TWRP recovery and then root your device. Unlocked bootloader is required to install a modified boot image and set up a custom recovery. However, through a custom recovery, you can flash custom packages, for instance, the SuperSU file, to root your device. For disabling encryption, read the note at the end.
Prerequisites
- Unlocked bootloader is required to install a custom recovery like TWRP on your device. We will go through the process in the following tutorial.
- Set up ADB and Fastboot on your computer.
- Install Nexus USB Drivers on your computer.
- Open Settings> Developer options and enable USB Debugging on your device.
- Go to Developer options and enable Allow OEM unlock. This is important.
Installation Instructions
- Make sure you have downloaded the boot image, recovery, and suitable SuperSU zip files. Now transfer them to your PC. Also, place the SuperSU package file into your device’s internal storage.
- Make sure you have setup ADB and fastboot on your PC. Also, accept Always allow from this computer when you plug in the device for the first time to enable USB Debugging.
- Now power off your device and unplug it from your PC.
- Boot into the bootloader or fastboot mode. To do so, press and hold volume down and the power button simultaneously for 5-6 seconds. When you see the bootloader screen, connect your device to the PC using a USB cable. (Choose the fasboot option if available) You can also issue the following code, while connected to the PC, to boot into the bootloader.
adb reboot bootloader
- Navigate to the location where you have placed the boot image and recovery files and extract them to get files with .img file. Rename the boot and recovery file to a simple one, like m-boot.img and twrp.img respectively just for your convenience.
- While the folder with boot and recovery file is open, hold the shift key on your keyboard and right-click on an empty space and select “Open command window here” option to launch a command prompt window.
- Now type the following in the command prompt to check if fastboot is working correctly. It should provide the serial number of your device.
fastboot devices
- Now, this is important. Make sure your device has unlocked bootloader. If not, then you first need to unlock it and then flash the boot and recovery image to your system. To do this issue the following command. Choose yes on the device screen if prompted.
fastboot oem unlock
- Flash the modified boot image by issuing the following command where “m-boot” is the name of the boot image.
fastboot flash boot m-boot.img
- Now flash the custom recovery. Issue the following command for that. “twrp.img” being the name of the recovery file.
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
- The custom recovery will now be installed on your device. Now boot your phone into recovery mode. You can do this by turning your device off and then press and hold volume down and power keys at the same time.
- Once into the recovery, you can backup or nandroid backup your current ROM.
- Now return to the recovery home screen and tap Install and navigate to the SuperSU file in your device’s storage and select it.
- Confirm the swipe operation at the bottom to install the SuperSU package.
- Once the installation is complete, reboot to system.
Now you will have root access on your Nexus device. If the device doesn’t boot or gets into bootloop, try a factory reset from the recovery or you can always restore the ROM from the backup. Verify root using a root checker app that supports Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
Note for disabling encryption: To disable encryption, skip through all the setup when asked for wiping after unlocking bootloader. Also, allow modifications when you boot into TWRP recovery for the first time and later format data. Now, just before you flash SuperSU, reboot to the system first and skip through all the setup to verify encryption is disabled. If you check the encryption status of your phone (Settings -> Security – Encrypt phone), it won’t be encrypted anymore as it’ll give you the option of encrypting it. This means it currently isn’t encrypted. Then reboot back to recovery and flash SuperSU.
Also See:
Android 6.0 Marshmallow Root for Nexus 5,6,7,9 and Player with SuperSU
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