How To Flash Stock Roms On Nexus Devices

Labels: Bootloader, Flashing, Unlocking

Posted by Unknown at 3:24 AM

To flash a system image:

1. Download the appropriate system image for your device below, then unzip it to a safe directory.
2. Connect your device to your computer over USB.
3. Start the device in fastboot mode with one of the following methods:
    
   • Using the adb tool: With the device powered on, execute:

     adb reboot bootloader

   • Using a key combo: Turn the device off, then turn it on and immediately hold down the relevant key combination for your device. For example, to put a Nexus 5 ("hammerhead") into fastboot mode, press and hold Volume Up + Volume Down + Power as the device begins booting up. 
   
   
4. If necessary, unlock the device's bootloader by running:

   fastboot oem unlock

   The target device will show you a confirmation screen. (This erases all data on the target device.)
5. Open a terminal and navigate to the unzipped system image directory.
6. Execute the flash-all script. This script installs the necessary bootloader, baseband firmware(s), and operating system.

Once the script finishes, your device reboots. You should now lock the bootloader for security:

1. Start the device in fastboot mode again, as described above.
2. Execute:

   fastboot oem lock

Locking the bootloader does not wipe any data, but when you want to flash it again, you must run fastboot oem unlock again, which will wipe the data.

Caution: Flashing a new system image deletes all user data. Be certain to first backup any personal data such as photos.