Nexus 5X is attracted more customers towards the Nexus line. In Android History, It has a Pride Stage for it. In Both Hardware and Software, it is still a great device. The problem is Google stopped security patch updates. But, You know, How much Google supported this device. When Bootloader issues happened, Google helped users with claims. So, If you are a one who has Nexus 5X, It should be your daily device or Secondary phone. It received Two Major Upgrades and One Feature update version (Oreo 8.1). Yes, It received Oreo 8.0 and Oreo 8.1. I Will not say Oreo is terrible. Because of the Stock ROM, you can still use this as a Basic tasks mobile for two more years without Root. But, When we flash the Custom ROMs, we can expect much better performance and features. We can also modify the mobile to reach Its real strength.
If you are a regular user, It is your choice to root your mobile or not. Compare with other rooting methods; We try to simplify this method. So, It will be a simple task for you. You can install Pixel Experience ROM, Which is based on Pie 9.0 version. So, Root and Flash ROM will not make your mobile Unusable. But, Don’t mess with Kernel files and Other System Root files. If you are a Developer or regular root apps user, follow below guide to achieve root on your mobile.
Why should you Root Google Nexus 5X?
We thank for the Hard work of TWRP team and XDA Developer- Dees_Troy and flar2 (Kernel File) Without this Developers, this rooting method is not possible. Google is Already stopped regular patch updates for your device. Ya, There are no Major upgrades like Pie. Also, the security patch is finished at the end of 2018. The Stock Android OS has already optimized for your Mobile. Considering Hardware, You have enough 2 GB RAM and Qualcomm MSM8992 Snapdragon 808 Processor. Oreo is not an old version. But you know, compare with other devices, Nexus 5X is limited in features. So, With the help of Root and Custom ROM, we can use Pie and Later versions.
How to Root Google Nexus 5X Oreo 8.1
Google Nexus 5X International Variants comes with a flexible bootloader other than Regular Motorola devices. Mostly all Moto devices come with locked Bootloader. This means that different smartphone variants can be easily rooted. Also, the device can accept to install TWRP recovery or any other custom recovery file/app alike.
TWRP recovery is a custom recovery file which must be installed on your devices because you can root them successfully. In this article, we explained the easiest method to follow and install TWRP recovery on Google Nexus 5X. However, the tool required for rooting this device is the Magisk App.
With the help of TWRP Recovery, you can quickly flash the latest version of Magisk into your Google Nexus 5X to gain root access. Before sharing the tutorial, you may want to know that, with the TWRP recovery present on your device, you can easily install any custom ROM or firmware. Does it seem complicated? Relax, everything will be explained succinctly in bullets.
Things to check out for;
Make sure your device battery is charged above 50%
Backup your current files and data, full data loss process (save them on external storage).
Pre-Requirement Steps
Enable USB Debugging Mode and OEM Unlock on your mobile. To do this; go to settings >>> about >>> Tap on the “Build Number” 7-10 times consistently to enable “Developer Options,” then go to the “Developer Options” and enable USB Debugging Mode, OEM Unlock. There is no complicated process in Google Nexus 5X.
Also, download the ADB drivers. Install it in your PC.
- Download Magisk.Zip (Latest Version), Kernel (Optional Installation), and Copy it to Your Phone Memory.
Download and save the TWRP File in your Internal Memory and rename it to recovery.img.
- twrp-3.3.1-0-bullhead.img (Google Nexus 5X)
Unlock Bootloader using ADB and Fastboot
- Switch off your device. Then, enter into Fastboot mode. To do this Press and hold down the Volume Down + Power buttons at the same time for some time.
Press the Volume Up button to continue when you see the warning message.
Now, connect the Google Nexus 5X mobile to the computer via USB cable.
Launch the fastboot on your computer. Open a Command prompt on your PC and type below command.
- fastboot devices
- It should display the connected devices. If you didn’t get the device, restart the command prompt and Disconnect and Connect your Google Nexus 5X. If you are detected type below commands.
- fastboot oem unlock
- Hit enter, you will prompt to select an option in your mobile, Select Unlock Bootloader.
After the process complete, It will boot into the regular operation. Now you have Unlocked Bootloader.
Check again enable “Developer Options,” then go to the “Developer Options” and enable USB Debugging Mode, OEM Unlock. Sometimes they disabled them self after the boot.
Flash TWRP
- Switch off your device. Then, enter into Fastboot mode. To do this; press and hold down the Volume Down+ Power buttons at the same time for some time.
Press the Volume Up button to continue when you see the warning message.
Now, connect the Google Nexus 5X mobile to the computer via USB cable.
Launch the fastboot on your computer. Open a Command prompt on your PC and type below command.
- fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
- After the process complete, It will boot into the temporary TWRP. Don’t Boot into standard OS until we flash magisk.
Install Kernel and Magisk in your Google Nexus 5X using TWRP
- You should go to TWRP recovery. If you accidentally boot into OS, you should flash the TWRP again. in TWRP, Select Wipe->Advance Wipe->Select Cache Data.
- Return to Home of TWRP select Install.
- Select Kernel.Zip.
- After the Installation of Kernel, Return to Home of TWRP select Install.
- Select Magisk.Zip.
- After the Installation Reboot Your Mobile. The kernel is Helpful in Many works like Encryption errors.
- You can also install Magisk Manager in your Mobile Applications. Install Root Checker to check your root status.
What More?
Google Nexus 5X has a minimum of 2 GB RAM. It is a High-end phone When it is released; But the problem is There are no Major regular updates and monthly updates, from Google. So, you know what you are doing and the real purpose, you can root your device. In MY Opinion, Stock ROM is better; No Custom ROM can beat Google’s OS. But, If you root your mobile, you can use Pixel Experience ROM, which is based on Android Pie 9.0. It is way better than Oreo 8.1.
Selva Kumar is an Android Devices Enthusiast, Who Can Talk and Write About Anything If You Give a Hint About the respective devices. He is a Computer Science Graduate and Certified Android Developer, Making His Career towards this Technology. He is always eager to try new Android devices — not only Software level but Hardware-level Also. Beyond this, He is a Good Swimmer, Guitarist.
