Please donate to keep this project alive!
If you find this project useful, please consider donating a small amount to help me cover the costs.
List of Donors
- Jacques Coetzee $50.00
- Florian Çadri $30.00
- Eduardo Alarcón $11.00
- Yannick Langer $10.00
- David Cigan $10.00
- Yannick Langer $10.00
- Arlis Nutter $10.00
- Nicole Schimandl $5.00
- Armand Gueit $5.00
- Paul Carter $5.00
- Sherif Shalaby $5.00
- Bruno A. Brunori $5.00
- Chenchu Murugulla $5.00
- Christopher Lu $5.00
- Laurent Bonfils $2.22
About Project:
This is my new project dedicated to all Nexus 5 users!
It is based on unofficial Unlegacy Android Project 9.0 Beta. I’m not a great programmer, but I know how to achieve my goals.
The goal is to reproduce the Google Pixel 3 system. This ROM also contains some useful tools.
Features:
- One-click Upgrade Process
- Super Smooth Android 9.0
- A mixture of both CAF and AOSP
- Flash Friendly File System (F2FS)
- Google Pixel 3 Experience
- Unlimited Google Drive storage
- Google Lens and Adaptive Icons
- Magisk Manager 18.0 (ROOT)
- Rounded Screen Corner
- CloudFlare DNS
- Built-in AdAway ad blocker
- Google Ad services disabled
Latest Version:
First Ever Android 9.0 14-12-2018
for Google Nexus 5 Hammerhead
What works
- Almost everything
What doesn't work
- Gestures: Double-tap to check phone
Things to improve
- None
Change Log:
Changes to the previous version
Critical
- Android security patch level 5 december 2018
Updates
- Updating Magisk to version 18.0
- Updating Google GApps 9.0 to version 20181214
Other
- None
Disclaimer
This Guide is only for Google Nexus 5 (Hammerhead) D820/D821 16/32GB devices!
I am not responsible for any damage caused to your phone.
You are installing a custom ROM at your own risk.
Make sure to take a complete backup of your data before starting up the processes.
Make sure you follow all the instructions carefully, without skipping any steps!
Step-by-step Installation Guide: PDF File
Step 1 - Before you start
Step 2 - Downloads
If you do not have a TWRP Recovery v3.2.3.0 installed on your Nexus 5, please download all files. Otherwise, you can download only First Ever Android 9.0 for N5 file and go to Step 5.
- Download WinRAR v5.61 – Link (2.1MB)
- Download 15 seconds ADB Installer v1.4.3 – Link / Mirror (9.18MB)
- Download TWRP for Hammerhead v3.2.3.0 – CAF / Non-CAF (13.1MB)
- Download First Ever Android 9.0 for Nexus 5 – 14-12-2018 – Download (1.45GB)
Step 3 - Enable USB debugging
To enable USB debugging on your device, go to: ‘Settings‘ > ‘Developer Options‘ > ‘USB debugging’
If you can’t see the ‘Developer Options‘ in the ‘Settings‘ menu, please follow this steps:
- Launch the ‘Settings‘ app from the app drawer or the notifications shade.
- Swipe all the way down and tap on ‘About phone.’
- Scroll down in this menu as well and you should see an option called ‘Build number.’
- Constantly tap on this option till you see a message: ‘You are now a developer.’
- Go back to ‘Settings‘ and try to enable ‘USB debugging‘ again.
Step 4 - Install TWRP Recovery via ADB
- Install 15 seconds ADB Installer v1.4.3 on your PC – Instructions
- Copy your TWRP Recovery twrp-3.2.3.0-hammerheadcaf.img file to C:\TWRP folder.
- Open a CMD window and type: cd c:\TWRP\
- Connect your Nexus 5 device to the PC.
- Type the following into CMD window: adb reboot bootloader
- If your asks for permission to “Allow USB debugging”, tap OK.
- Your device will boot into bootloader mode.
- Type this into the CMD: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.2.3.0-hammerheadcaf.img
- Now the TWRP Recovery will be installing on your Nexus 5 device.
- Type this final command into the CMD to reboot your device: fastboot reboot
Step 5 - Current ROM Backup
I will prepare a guide in English, but now you can use Google Translate: https://goo.gl/F3EJgM
Step 6 - Installation
I will prepare a guide in English, but now you can use Google Translate: https://goo.gl/F3EJgM
Download First Ever Android 9.0 dla Nexus 5 (Hammerhead) – Version: 14-12-2018 – Size: 1.45 GB
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Using the Direct link may cause website down due to overload, try not to use it. Please report all broken links here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is UBR and why did you use a RAR archive, not ZIP?
I will soon translate this page into English, but now you can use Google Translate: https://goo.gl/F3EJgM
Where can I copy the unpacked UBR folder?
I will soon translate this page into English, but now you can use Google Translate: https://goo.gl/F3EJgM
Why does the TWRP Recovery not see UBR?
I will soon translate this page into English, but now you can use Google Translate: https://goo.gl/F3EJgM
Why do I get an error when installing UBR in TWRP Recovery?
I will soon translate this page into English, but now you can use Google Translate: https://goo.gl/F3EJgM
Will I lose all my files after upgrading to Android 9.0?
I will soon translate this page into English, but now you can use Google Translate: https://goo.gl/F3EJgM
Can I restore my previous system?
I will soon translate this page into English, but now you can use Google Translate: https://goo.gl/F3EJgM
Instead of Stereo sound I prefer Mono, how can I change it?
I will soon translate this page into English, but now you can use Google Translate: https://goo.gl/F3EJgM
It seems that the phone is too quiet, how can I increase the volume?
I will soon translate this page into English, but now you can use Google Translate: https://goo.gl/F3EJgM
The battery discharges very quickly, is it normal?
I will soon translate this page into English, but now you can use Google Translate: https://goo.gl/F3EJgM
Why does my phone display an incorrect time?
I will soon translate this page into English, but now you can use Google Translate: https://goo.gl/F3EJgM
Why does my phone not pass the SafetyNet check?
I will soon translate this page into English, but now you can use Google Translate: https://goo.gl/F3EJgM
Can I change the Bootloader Logo?
I will soon translate this page into English, but now you can use Google Translate: https://goo.gl/F3EJgM
Is it possible to update UBR and keep apps and settings?
I will soon translate this page into English, but now you can use Google Translate: https://goo.gl/F3EJgM
Can I upgrade the official Android 6.0.1 OTA?
I will soon translate this page into English, but now you can use Google Translate: https://goo.gl/F3EJgM
Summary
The project was created to prolong the life of the Nexus 5 smartphone. Over 4-year-old flagship from Google is still a very efficient device and allows you to launch the latest games from 2018 years. After upgrading to Android 8.1, Nexus 5 is one of the more interesting phone on the aftermarket, and in the price range from £90 for a 16GB model is unmatched among other devices.
Completing this project and building a site absorbed a lot of my time. I plan to share updates on a regular basis until August 2019, then Google will end support for ARM apps and force the transition to ARM64, which Nexus 5 doesn’t support. In this way, after almost 6 years on the market, the Nexus 5 will go into well-deserved retirement.
Support
Support this project by sending a donation to the PayPal account below – thank you!
“The First Ever Android ROM gets the crown for the best custom ROM for the Nexus 5 so far in 2018.” – KDCloudy
Please read the FAQ section before you ask a question in the comments below.
Repeated questions will be deleted!
how disable pixel round icon shape to back default original aosp icon shape??
http://oi68.tinypic.com/2z7pqhg.jpg
This ROM helped me very much because lineageOS 16 has no disk space to install gapps pico.
But as one mentioned above, notification won’t show up.
I tried restoring the ROM except data partition, it made notification work.
However many other things such as wifi seem to be corrupt without data restoring.
I hope anyone find a way to revive notification.
thanks for making android 9 available for nexus5.
android backup is not working in 14-12-2018 version.
hotspot is not working.
unexcepted restarts happening.
sensor like accelerometer, gyroscope or any not working
Even I am having issues with hotspot not turning on. Did any one found solution to the issue?
Since 2 days ago, my phone has started to close apps without a reason… any tentative date for an update? just to know if im going to wait or change the Rom for a new one… I like this one a lot, however, we need an update.. please… Thank you, waiting for a tentative date… thanks for ur work…
Hi Marcin n Hi friends. My Nexus 5 is running flawless with this new update. The only major problem is that, there’s a huge network drop. If anyone has any solution plz post. Thank you.
I am also facing the same issue. Earlier I thought the issue is with my service provider. I tried changing the provider but the issue is still the same. Network drop is due to some issue in the current update.
Hi Marcin, My Nexus 5 Savior, Please fix this issue.
I’m very Disappointed , I waist my time two hours of installing this Rom and my app , but no NOTIFICATION push at all !!! For all app .
Please First ever reply
Just go back to old Rom.
This is MAJOR PROBLEM IN THIS ROM ! please First Ever reply
I got Notification push problem in all app. Please fix this issue, i can’t get notification from any app !
Restore only boot and system partitions, this fix notifications issues.
A new ROM (February 2019) is coming this week!
thanks captain, much appreciated 🙂
Thanks for your hardwork Marcin.
Request you to please fix the Network drop issue in this release.
Thanks a lot… waiting for this new ROM..!
Hey buddy…. Looking forward for the update….
Good job, Marcin!
Waiting for the new version to solve the problem of bluetooth when connected to the car handsfree.
Meanwhile I will go back to an earlier version.
Bro my instagram is not working and all sensors are not working after installing latest version , can you please give an update ASAP
Hi!
It’s May and we Don’t have a New Update or ROM???
Where is update
Thanks for the new ROM. Please fix the network issue. Thanks
thank you for your rom.^^
how can i us phone landscape mode??
When I click on “restore” and select the backup named “FirstEver-Android-9.0-hammerhead-20181214” te partitions to restore are only “Boot” and “Cache”.
Swiping to restore, the my Nexus 5 doesn’t turn on exept in recovery mode. Any suggestions?
Thank you.
You have to recover all the item’s
Thanks again, and +1 for the BT hands free call distortion fix
First ever we are waiting new ROM , when you release it ??
Thanks again, and +1 for the WiFi Hotspot fix
Where did you download new version of ROM?
I didn’t – no update from the dev since 11/02/19 post so hoping that he’s working on the fixes requested – thanks again for all your hard work and hope for an update v soon 🙂
Thanks very much for your work. The ROM works very well excepted the “Per-App Proxy”. I don’t know if other people have encountered this problem, but the “Per-App Proxy” can not work properly in my nexus 5.
Hi, just recently I have installed this ROM and it’s awesome. Big thanks for the developer.
Major issue I’m facing is that none of my sensors are working. Please help me out.
Any chance of an update?
U mentioned Coming this week around 20 days back… waiting for update
Nothing yet? waiting for the February update.. thanks in advance…
…
proximity sensor is not woring
R u alive? Just tell if u r going to update ur version… Let us know to see if we keep using urs or if we have to change to a different ROM… Thanks…
you don’t pay him for roms so can’t say like this
he also need money to live
and he have work to live
so sometimes he can be busy with his work
got it
And, what is wrong with my message? he said on february, one week for a new ROM… This ROM has some stability issues already fixed in new Roms on XDA… I like this ROM and im waiting for the Update from here becasue i trust is his work, however, if he is not going to update this soon, I will have to install a different one… I always say thanks for his job on this ROM, so… What is worng? im just asking if he is going to update this or not… thats it.. also, i have sent him an email on January asking if he still needs help with the translation as the main page says… without a response.. i wanted to help him with the translation to English and/or spaninsh in retribution for his work… Peace…
what new rom on xda, can link please
As Android Q is out on most of the Pixel Phones, Marcin working on give the same to our NEXUS Phones. If so, all our NEXUS 5s are blessed to have Q. Anyways, thanks for your good work Marcin.
Ohhhhh… I see.. if Android Q is coming.. the wait is not going to be in vane.. thanks Marcin if you are going to bring Android Q to our Nexus 5…
Eagerly waiting for your update
I don’t use his rom anymore.
I use this one : https://notredame.app.box.com/s/26a4bygh9vbaw7jjq08xr5evomvaw5ww/folder/4651006690
I think it’s the one he use for his own rom. Updating frequently 😉
++
The link is removed. Which one is it? Any other link?
Link plz
its working for me… same link.. https://notredame.app.box.com/s/26a4bygh9vbaw7jjq08xr5evomvaw5ww/folder/4651006690
PS> Marcin.. r u alive?
Again it’s showing as file removed
its working for me, also I have downloaded the zip file.. first on the list>
aosp_hammerhead-9-20190211.CAF
358 MB
It is in which site. What is the developers name. official site plz?
No official site from the Developer… is on XDA… I do not know if I can post here the link to XDA (Google is your friend – Unlegacy Project).
This link:
https://notredame.app.box.com/s/26a4bygh9vbaw7jjq08xr5evomvaw5ww/folder/4651006690 goes to the servers where he host his files…
On the list, download the first file called aosp_hammerhead-9-20190211.CAF
Thats the one Marcin is using to make his FirstEver Roms.
(Remember, the process to install this is different from the FirstEver steps, as this is an AOSP ROM modified, no Gaaps available, Gaps must be installed separetly after ROMS installation, also Magisk, modules and BusyBox).
Not working you link, maybe you share file private not public, take public , or upload other mega or Google drive
hello sir , after installing this rom my phone’s sensors are not working and instagram is showing error while logging in can anybody help ?
Can i install elemental x kernel in this rom?
Is this ROM fix all the issue like receiving Notification and WiFi?. Could you pls tell what is the step to install this ROM.
Everything seems to be working fine. I think you’ve fixed the push notification problem so thanks for that. Only have one issue – Instagram doesn’t seem to work. I think it is isolated to this ROM. Previous version didn’t have any probs. It doesn’t let me login. That usual “sorry there was a problem with you’re request”. Tell me a fix I can most probably carry it out.
In the next few weeks I expect the birth of my first child – keep this in mind 🙂
All updates may appear with a long delay!
Congratulations Marcin. Take care of your wife. Later give us the good news. Take care.
Hearty Congratulations Marcin.
Advanced Happy Parenting.
FirstEver* Child 🙂
Hello everyone…. Wanted to get clarification
Does nexus 5 support voLTE network type…. If not Is there any way I can Enable the voLTE…?? Currently Im seeing only LTE option….
sorry
nexus 5 don’t support volte
Check this site: https://flipshope.com/blog/how-to-check-enable-volte-support-in-any-mobile/
Steps to Enable VoLTE Support in Any Mobile
1.Open dial and Type *#*#4636#*#*
2.Choose Phone information option from test Screen.
3.Now you can Enable VoLTE Support Provisioned Flag.
4.Restart your device.
5.Now you can see 4G LTE option under Network Bar
6.This will activate unlimited HD Voice Calls
I personally tried the above steps, but the VoLTE Provision flag was disabled for me and no way to enable it.
When I go to the Phone Information option, VoLTE Support Provisioned Flag was already in enabled state…. but still I dont see the voLTE option under Preferred Network Type
Can you send a screenshot
Hi there,
now Android 9.0 is running on my Nexus 5, I’m very happy. But with Android 9.0 my gyroskop-sensor doesn’t work anymore.
There were never problem with turning display or apps which are using this sensor, now I can’t use them anymore…
Anyone found a way to make notifications work?
Restoring only boot and system partitions does not help: they are only sent if the app is opened (e.g. Whatsapp) or for a limited period of time.
Hi…
I am using this Pie ROM on my Nexus 5 since December, and I am satisfied with it, but wanted to know if you will try to make Android Q custom ROMin future or not?
Thanks
Awaiting new updates.. or Andriod Q update
Google phone is not working
new updates?
The wifi-hotspot tethering isnt working
Hi Marcin!
Are you going to make Android 10 ROM for Nexus 5?