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!
Hello, then when the Pixel 3 will have the update?
I was able to install Pixel Launcher 9-4830635.
The latest version 9-4889482 from Android Studio doesn’t work on the phone.
This launcher will be included in the next build of First Ever Android 9.0!
You can download modded Pixel Launcher 9: here
Me crash on that version, especially when swift it up 🙁
but works nicely on this version: Launcher3, Bridge to Google Feed.
It didn’t work on my Nexus tried everything. That version gets installed then It says it stopped working.
You needs to replace the apk in the system, or wait for the new build.
When will you update the version?
Modded pixel launcher not installed. How to install please given instructions to me.
1. Important! Install any other launcher from Play Store
2. Install System App Remover [ROOT] and use it to uninstall Pixel Launcher P
3. Restart your phone (it will work on other launch)
4. Install modded Pixel Launcher 9
Hi, I have a problem with the Pixel Launcher you attached: I uninstalled the system one but it still can’t install the apk. Any suggestions?
Thanks
I replaced it in the system, please wait for the next build.
Hello sir also play store notification is not working
Hi, Thank you for developing this ROM. I do appreciate your effort. I have just installed it in my Nexus 5. I am trying to use Netguard, a Firewall App. But it is not working properly. When the Firewall is ON it blocks all the apps, ignoring the rules I set for each app regarding the access to Internet through Wifi or mobile. I tried other Firewall apps with similar results. Can you give some advice about what to look for to fix it. Thks in advance!. Best Regards
You can try AdGuard app, it works fine for me!
Thank you for your quick answer and suggestion. I want to share my solution, considering the advantage of the root of this ROM, I installed AFWall+ as my Firewall App. It works fine, and now I have no problem with the rules.
With my Nexus 5, only the double tap to check notification and the lift gesture are not working. Everything else is working fine.
I am going to try it as my daily driver, and comeback in a few weeks to share my comments.
Thks. Again!
Sir can I use this ROM as my daily driver.
I’m using it as my daily driver, so you can too! 🙂
Hi Sir,
Not getting notification for WhatsApp,Facebook,gmail etc often in lock screen until jump into the app.
I don’t know where this is notification issue or any kind of setting need to do in phone. By the way sir, when we can expect the update for this ROM.
i have same issue. It’s like no app is running in the background. Can’t find anything in the settings. :/
Sir,when the next build will come?
Thanks Marcin for Creating this Rom. BTW it works fine. But my phone overheats. Is this a software or hardware issue? Do you know any fix?
hi thank for the build
when i swipe up, app suggestion doesn’t show up. and when i swipe up for the second time or just swipe up far, it doesn’t open app drawer. can you help me with a work around or fix please?????
Hello sir,
I have tested your rom, and i think that’s the better android pie rom !
Now, i use your rom as my daily rom. Thank you very much for your effort. I am impatient to see your future update of this rom !
(PS: I’m sorry for my bad english)
i am not able to extract the rar file. How to get it? I tried to download directly as well as from Gdrive.. Which mirrr works perfectly?
and i also read that you will be releasing an update with markup and digital wellbing When will it go live??
And will you be building roms for other devices like Oneplus One
Appreciate your work for the 8.1 project!
Try to extract it with the lastest WinRAR v5.60 – you can download it here!
Hi, when can we expect new update??
Good morning sir, if you want, i have test this pixel launcher v 94889482
https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=1322778262904015673 on my phone, and this worked perfectly. It’s the latest version that we can see on a google pixel 3, with the google assistant button on the botom bar.
Thank you so much for this Pie build, everything is working like a charm on my Nexus
New version from 02-10-2018 will be available today! 🙂
Hi. We were just waiting for it. There was a huge smile when i saw this msg. Thanks Bro.
Hello, have you fixed the Whatsapp notification issues ?
Thx for your work.
Hello
Did you fixed the Whatsapp notification issues ?
Thx for your work 🙂
Hi Sir,
Good to see you that providing the rom update and how to update the ROM. Step please once available the update.
Once again appreciate your work and effort.
Thanks :)🤙🏻
wow it is a great news i am so exited for it
Almost done 🙂
cool…
Awesome bro
In a moment, I will post a link to the torrent 🙂
What’s the wallpaper used in this gif? It’s beautiful 😍
This is stock Google Pixel 3 XL wallpaper, you can download all here.
One click upgrade process available or not
It will be UBR (Update By Recovery).
Hi Sir,
I am novice for doing ROM update through UBR. I am using your build but i don’t know how to update. If you or anyone in this thread explain the step to update the ROM through the UBR.
Also Sir, Is there any chances for data loss while doing the update?
UPDATE 3/10/2018
The previous torrent was encrypted, this new
MagnetandTorrentare not.Please share this torrent and don’t stop seed! 🙂
Torrent and magnet files are not working using Free Download Manager.
Could you please give a direct download as before.
Thanks for the great work.
Is it safe to do dirty update?
How can we dirty flash?
In TWRP you can select the SYSTEM & BOOT partitions ONLY, but I’m not sure it will work.
There is no seeds… 🙁
Hii in main site firstever.eu update shows 29 august 2018 update instead of 2 october 2018
Torrnet with version 20181002 is on, but please wait a few hours because version 20181004 will be released today!
Will there be any difference in 20181004 from 20181002
UPDATE 4/10/2018
You can use a Magnet link or Torrent file to download the latest version 20181004 (04-10-2018).
Please share this torrent and don’t stop seed!
For more mirrors please visit this website on Friday!
Sir, what is the detail of this update?
– Android Security Bulletin — October 2018
– Google Ad services disabled
– Apps Update
How can we update over 02 10 build? Should we factory reset all things.
Thanks
please give us a direct download link becoz torrent speed is much slow …it said 3yrs to download …speed 40b/sec
Wiil there be any differnce between 20181004 and 20181002. Please answer us
All the download links don’t work except Torrent and Magnet
All links will be available soon!
Thank you Marcin, we really appreciate your work👍👍👍
Hi All,
Can anyone in this thread provide me the step to update the ROM through UBR.
** Before u start.. Pls make sure u have taken nandroid backup of ur device **
1. U need to have latest version of TWRP and WINRAR(for extracting this ROM)
2. After u have taken the back up, U will find back up folder as TWRP -> BACKUPS ->
3. Extract the ROM with WINRAR.
4. Place the Entire ROM folder in mentioned directory (TWRP -> BACKUPS -> )
5. Now Boot into recovery mode.
6. Click on the Restore from TWRP main menu which will take u to the restore page where u can select the Extracted folder(FirstEver rom….)
continue with onscreen actions….
Guys if I missed any manditory/important step… pls do correct
TWRP -> BACKUPS -> folder with some random value
U should place the rom inside the folder with some random value (sorry… It got truncated in the main message )
1. You need the latest version of TWRP 3.2.3.0 and WinRAR 5.61
2. Create any backup in TWRP, it will create a new folder: /TWRP/BACKUPS/{NEW FOLDER}/
3. Extract FirstEver-Adnroid-9.0-20181004.rar to {NEW FOLDER)
4. Use Restore in TWRP and choose: FirstEver-Adnroid-9.0-20181004.
5. Restore my UBR – Done!
Is this guide about dirty flash? I mean I use 0210 build and want to update to 0410 without factory reset all things. So is it OK to follow your guide?
For dirty flash uncheck the Data partition…
I hope it will work for you!
I’VE DONE IT !!! 😀
I managed to upgrade the Stock/Unrooted Android 6.0.1 (with Locked Bootloader) to Android 9.0 by using Nexus 5 only!
I will post more details after my return from holidays (October 15th).
– Tested and it works!
– No computer connection needed!
– You will keep all your data!
– The upgrade takes only 5 minutes!
Sir, i have an issue in my device, the speaker doesnt work after update to 0410.
In the 0210 the speaker works, but after few moments, it not work again.
In the first build, it works perfectly.
Can you help with this?
Does anyone here with same problem?
I own two Nexus 5 phones (with 16GB/32GB) and everything works fine (version 20181004).
You can flash the Stock 6.0.1 ROM to check the speaker but I think it’s a hardware problem.
You are already great bro. My device is working like a charm, except in my at a glance my calendar events are not showing. If you have any suggestions regarding the same pls share. Thank you for your great work. Enjoy your holidays.
Hello! tried and everything works perfectly!
Looking forward the details regarding “magic” upgrade from 6.0.1 to 9.0 you mentioned!)
In addition, share please instructions on how to make Nexus 5 rooted again, and how to lock back the bootloader. (It seems, these steps have to be made beforehand)
… how to make Nexus 5 unrooted* again…
*Sorry for typo.
Finally! Now 23 October…. Marcin are you return? We all waiting your receipt of android 6.0.1 to 9.0 by air. Could you clarify us? I found several your threads on different forums where you already saying that but things are still there…
I will finish [this] project and return to Nexus 5! 🙂
Well…Marcin are you finished? We all still waiting your receipt. Some news?
Sir will there be any difference between 20181002 and 20181004.
Some cosmetic changes.
My nexus 5 is already rooted and i have used your first ever 8.1 project. Do i need to do the ubr cmd or img type shit again ?
Hi, is the Unlimited Google Drive storage function not working anymore?
Thanks
Hii how to get goole camera 6 version for arm devices
Hello, you can’t install google camera 6 on the nexus 5, because his architecture is armV7, and google camera 6 is compatible only with an arm 64 architecture
Hi,
how to disable launcher bottom application menu bar animation?
every time i unlock the phone, the bottom bar slide up 4-5 times and then stop.
Thanks.
I have the same issue 🙂
And Still the whatsapp notifications delay… I try to look at the battery saver… but nothing change.
Anyone have a solution ?
Thanks
thank you very much for this rom
cheers ^_*
You have to on WhatsApp popup notification in WhatsApp settings and you get notification of WhatsApp instantly
Thx. Seems to work fine 🙂
Man.. you need to do the same for 6P! Please!
Hello sir,
Great work! in this ROM is it possible to wake the smartphone with the volume button?
Thanks.
Hi, I have just updated. Excellent job. My Nexus looks … awesome!
Everything is working smooth. Daily driver.
Congratulations for your work, and Thanks for keeping Nexus 5 alive.
BEst Wishes.
Gibran.
Hi,
this is the new pixel launcher 9-4902955, it’s possible to install or the APK need a mod?
Thanks
Great work
I wish you could do that for 5x as well.
Bro kindly update volume button to wake the phone that’s all I need and everything works fine and thank you in advance if you update
Kindly update call screen like the new pixel 3 Xl has in Dialer😅
Any way of dirty flashing?
Thank u for 9.0 beta version .. It’s works smoothly on my Nexus 5.. But I can’t get the Google Camera V5.1 as shown in ur update above.. what can I do for that…?
For more options like 4K video, HDR and RAW support install Snap Camera HDR!
I spent the last 2 days on installing Android 9 on the Huawei P20 Pro!
Great job.
Great Job Sir.
Sir, Great work again.. thanks and congrats!!
I can’t get the camera working for some reason.i restored twice just to make sure if I made any mistake. Tried many other apps from playstore. All camera apps crashed. Can you please suggest?
bluetooth audio on call doesnt seem to work, can it be made to work any time soon?
thanks
great work by the way!
How to unroot
Many banks account apps not working properly
Show Pop up your device is root
Please help me
You can flash a Magisk Uninstaller app in TWRP.
Thanks
Hi. Mine also Bank apps not working. I have flashed magisk uninstaller but still it’s not working and says it’s a rooted device. Plz help Marcin.
This is awesome! My old Nexus with the latest Android. Use it now for a few days and everything works as it should. battery lasts longer than he ever did and even my smartwatch without any problem. You are really the best !!
thx a lot sir 🙂 work perfectly at my old nexus 5
Hello.
Is there a way to change the font for the lockscreen clock alone?
How?
I tried replacing AndroidClock.ttf in /system/fonts/ but it didn’t work.
Thanks.
Hi,
First of all, thank you for developing this ROM. Lift to check phone gesture does not seem to work.
Another report: I’ve given up on the android 9. It’s not just the faulty sound system. The app drawer didn’t work from day 1 and I had to use another launcher. Then the wifi stopped working and there is no way to fix it. Not sure if anyone else had such bad luck, but I guess I’m going to try the 8.1 instead. Fingers crossed.