[Nexus 6 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] NOSTALGIA:
[SIZE=+3]Frequently Asked Questions[/SIZE]

[SIZE=+2]Google Nexus 6[/SIZE]​

[SIZE=+1]This a short list of frequently asked questions in this device forum and the answers often given as a response. It should serve as a starting point for gathering knowledge and finding solutions to many common problems. Please only post in this thread with feedback on how to improve this document. Do not post "Thank you" type responses. If you have additional questions or require more help, try to find an existing thread or create your own. Do not use this as a general help thread.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=+1]Q1: I'm new to Nexus 6, where do I find a thread with guides and useful information?[/SIZE]

The sticky roll up thread in the general forum has all of the guides and important information. You can find that

HERE.

​

[SIZE=+1]Q2: Where can I find tools such as USB drivers[/SIZE]

You can find the universal Google driver inside of the Android SDK found

HERE.

Or you can install ADB/fastboot and universal drivers from

HERE.

​

[SIZE=+1]Q3: What does "flashing" my phone mean?[/SIZE]

Well, there are a couple of meanings here. "Flashing" a custom ROM means to overwrite your current OS with a new one. "Flashing" can also mean, changing from a carrier to a pre-paid carrier. Example: I need to flash my phone from AT&T to Cricket.​

[SIZE=+1]Q4: Bootloader.. What is this?[/SIZE]

For an easy explanation of what a bootloader is, look

HERE.

The most recent bootloader and radio can be found here : Here is a recovery flashable zip of the 6.0.1 bootloader and 32r radio

​

[SIZE=+1]Q5: How do I root my device?[/SIZE]

There are a few options. The most recommended way is to unlock your bootloader, flash custom recovery, flash superSU zip, install superSU app. Also there are more automated methods, such as toolkits and auto root.

HERE

is a great place to get that information.​

[SIZE=+1]Q6: What is a factory image?[/SIZE]

A factory image for Nexus devices is provided directly from Google. They are used to return your device to the state it was in when it was put in the box. They can be found

HERE.

Most recent is 6.0.1 (MMB29Q)​

[SIZE=+1]Q7: How do I backup my device in case I bork it?[/SIZE]

TWRP recovery has the feature of allowing you to backup your device. It is highly recommended to backup your stock image after installing TWRP and before flashing anything else. Simply use the backup option in TWRP. Think of this as a restore point to go back to when things get borked. Also, you can backup all of your files to your PC before beginning the root process because unlocking your bootloader will wipe your device. There are also apps available that will back up your apps and app data

Titanium Backup

is a great choice if you already have root.

Helium

is an option for non-rooted users.

Latest recovery is [RECOVERY][shamu] TWRP 3.0.0-0 touch recovery [2016-02-06] ​

[SIZE=+1]Q8: How do I flash a factory image?[/SIZE]

Flashing a factory image is a fairly easy process. You can use the fastboot method or a toolkit. Toolkits can be found in the development section and an excellent guide to the fastboot method can be found

HERE.

​

[SIZE=+1]Q9: Do the carrier versions matter in deciding on root or ROM?[/SIZE]

No. there are no carrier specific ROMs or root methods. There are only two versions of the Nexus 6, Domestic (XT1103) and international (XT1100). Device wiki can be found

HERE.

. Bootloader unlock method is universal as well.​

[SIZE=+1]Q10: What is encryption and should I disable it?[/SIZE]

First off, to best answer the "what is" question, look

HERE.

Now, whether or not to disable it, is entirely up to you. For the most part, the benefits are dependent on your usage.

HERE

is a thread discussing encryption on 5.1 so please check it out.​

[SIZE=+1]Q11: What are fastboot and ADB and should I learn how to use them?[/SIZE]

You should absolutely have at least some knowledge of fastboot and ADB. These simple yet powerful tools can save you from trouble and do wonders for your device. The basic principles and commands are extremely easy to learn and thankfully, there are plenty of guides that will help you understand and learn how to use them. Fastboot and ADB aren't exclusive to Nexus either, you can use them with Android as a whole. You can find my favorite guide to using fastboot and ADB right

HERE.

​

[SIZE=+1]Q12: Can I install an OTA if I'm rooted/unencrypted?[/SIZE]

No. Since the onset of lollipop, absolutely no system or boot img modifications can be present in order for the OTA to flash.

HERE

is a thread dedicated to OTA related Q&A and instructions for sideloading.

HERE

is a thread for OTA files available for sideloading.​

[SIZE=+1]Q13: What is a toolkit and should I use one?[/SIZE]

First, a toolkit is a program that auto runs and makes changes to your android device. Those changes can be very significant and difficult to recover from when things go wrong. With a toolkit, you can obtain root, return to stock, flash recovery, etc. However, once you start to run the program, you have no idea what is happening to your device. It comes highly recommended to have the basic knowledge of ADB and fastboot even if you are using toolkits. So, should you use one? Sure! No one will tell you not to try, just know what you're getting into and that most experienced users will not use them at all. Therefore, you are more likely to get helped quickly if you have a basic understanding of fastboot, and a tested and working fastboot/ADB environment on your PC, should an issue arise where you need help. Toolkits are absolutely awesome and highly useful in some situations, so don't underestimate their usefulness. It is just that with a Nexus, and a few simple fastboot commands, you can obtain root, return to stock, flash recovery, etc. While typing those commands, you can be 100% certain of what is happening to your device.​

[SIZE=+1]Q14: What is CMTE(cyanogenmod theme engine?[/SIZE]

Here is a better explanation here And please take note, This is only supported by ROMS that has already adopted CMTE instead of Layers.​

[SIZE=+1]Q15: What is Layers (RRO)?[/SIZE]

Layers is a extension of runtime resource overlay.

RRO is a framework created by sony for use as a way for them to create xperia themes but also for internal quick prototyping. More explaination from the original thread here. And take note, this is only going to work with ROMs that has adopted to use layers instead of CMTE. Stock roms natively support layers. Just need to download necessary apps and your good to go.
​

[SIZE=+1]Q16: Systemless Root?[/SIZE]

A new way of getting root without modifying /system. More news here. ​

[SIZE=+1]Q17: Android Pay?[/SIZE]

If your running stock and not rooted, no doubt its gonna work out of the box. There was a previous discussion on how to run the feature on rooted devices. It was fun while it lasted. And here is the latest story about android pay.​

[SIZE=+1]Q18: I'm trying to search for something specific but I'm having trouble. How do I use XDA Search?[/SIZE]

Look

HERE

for a detailed guide on how to use XDA Search to it's fullest capabilities.​

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And here are some terms to ponder