How to Root Nexus 5 on Android 4.4 KitKat Firmware

The Google Nexus 5 is finally official. Manufactured by LG, it features a host of improvements over last year's Nexus 4, including a 1080p 5-inch display, LTE support, and Android 4.4 KitKat.

Nexus 5 users who wish to root their devices running on Android 4.4 KitKat, may follow the tutorial below.

This tutorial uses CF-Auto-Root file released by Elite Recognized XDA Developers, Chainfire. The CF-Auto-Root file allowing Nexus 5 users to root their devices easily without depending on the firmware. It completely supports Android 4.4 KitKat and future firmware as well. Head over to the CF-Auto-Root main thread to learn more about the root method.

Disclaimer: Rooting voids the warranty of your device. We and the developer of this rooting procedures shall not be held responsible if any undesirable outcomes may happen to your device. use of this root guide is solely at your own risk!

Pre-requisites
1. Make a backup of all your important data before following the guide.
2. Enable USB Debugging Mode on the phone.
3. The Nexus 5 should be factory unlocked.
4. Ensure the battery of the phone is charged more than 80 per cent.
5. The CF-Auto-Root file works only on Nexus 5. Applying this on any incorrect variant will brick the device. Verify the model number of the Nexus 5 by navigating to Settings >> About Phone.

File Required
1. Android SDK
2. CF-Auto-Root for Nexus 5 (CF-Auto-Root-hammerhead-hammerhead-nexus5.zip)

Steps to Root Nexus 5 Running on Android 4.4 KitKat Firmware
Step 1: Install the Android SDK. The package includes the necessary drivers for connecting your Nexus phone to the computer, which is mandatory for the rooting process.
Step 2: Extract CF-Auto-Root file using WinRAR/7-Zip/WinZip or any other extracting tool.
Step 3: Switch off the Nexus 5. Then boot the device into fastboot mode by pressing and holding Volume Up, Volume Down, and Power buttons together.
Step 4: Connect the Nexus 5 to the computer using USB cable.
Step 5: Navigate to the folder where you extracted the CF-Auto-Root files, then run the following command:

• Windows: Run root-windows.bat
• Linux: chmod +x root-linux.sh, Run root-linux.sh
• Mac OS X: chmod +x root-mac.sh, Run root-mac.sh

Step 6: Follow the on-screen instructions. Once the rooting procedure completes, the phone will boot into normal mode. You can now unplug the USB cable to disconnect your device from computer.

Nexus 5 running on Android 4.4 KitKat firmware is now rooted successfully. Open the app drawer of the Nexus 5 and look for an app called SuperSU. Verify the root status of the device by downloading Root Checker app from Google Play Store.

Note: If SuperSU does not appear after Step-6, then you can install it manually from the Google Play Store.

Thank's to all fellas at XDA who first tried out this rooting technique. This method was originally posted via XDA-Developer original thread.