Last Updated on July 19, 2022 by Mathew Diekhake

You probably already know at least 101 reasons why you should root the Google Nexus 5 since the Nexus device are often bought because they are highly customization. However, I’m going to try to give you a reason you might not yet know about: the Screen Standby application.

The Screen Standby application works wonders for stopping you device losing a connection when your screen times out. Those of you who need to retain a connection when the screen is on stand by should enjoy the Screen Standby app. This app is exclusive to rooted Android users.

Google Nexus 5

Files You Need

  1. Open your web browser app on the Google nexus 5 and point to this web address: http://towelroot.com.
  2. These are the steps to root Google Nexus 5 with the model number D821 running Android 4.4.3 KitKat. You can check your model number by navigating to the Menu > Settings > About Device > Model Number.

Rooting the Google Nexus 5 D821 running Android 4.4.3 KitKat

  1. Check you have the Unknown Sources option enabled on your Google Nexus 5 smartphone by pointing to the Menu > Settings > Security > Unknown Sources. Now you can install third-party apps on the Nexus 5 from outside the Google Play Store.
  2. Open any web browser on your Google Nexus 5 device and enter the Towelroot URL you can see from the files section above.
  3. Tap your finger on the red Lambda symbol you can see about half way down the homepage.
  4. Save the tr.apk file to your D821 device.
  5. Swipe down from the top of the display and pull down the notification shade.
  6. Tap on the ‘download complete‘ notification.
  7. Tap the ‘Install‘ option.
  8. Swipe from the top of the Nexus 5 once again and pull down the notification shade.
  9. Tap on the ‘Installation Complete‘ button and the Towelroot application will open on your smartphone.
  10. Tap on the Make it Ra1n button you can see and the app will now attempt to root your device. It should work as long as you are running Android 4.4.3 KitKat for your Android operating system. You can downgrade to that 4.4.3 version if you need.
  11. Wait until you get the success message. You can also see the app is telling you that you do not need to reboot the device.
  12. Open the Google Play Store application on your Nexus 5 device and search for the SuperSU app. Follow the prompts to install that SuperSU app on your device.
  13. Agree to update the SU Binary if the SuperSU app asks you to get that done. You can trust the app and agree to anything it asks. Agree to update the binary the normal way and not using a custom recovery when you get to that part.
  14. Now you have root access and the SuperSU app installed on your Google Nexus 5 handset. Open the Google Play Store one last time and install the root checker app.

That’s all.