The Nexus 5 has an unlockable bootloader just like any other Nexus device. An unlockable bootloader is a bootloader that can be easily unlocked without having to open the box.

Nexus devices allow unlocking the bootloader with just a single command if the ADB/Fastboot is setup already. Make sure all the contents on your internal storage are backed up before you proceed unlocking the bootloader because it will be wiped clean.

Step 1:

Fastboot/ADB should be setup on your PC but if not, you can download the files below. Extract the ADB zip file contents inside a new "Google" folder on your desktop.

  • ADB/Fastboot - Mac, Windows

  • USB drivers for Windows

Step 2:

Fire up Terminal on Mac and Linux or Command prompt on Windows

cd desktop/google

This will take you inside the fastboot/ADB folder on your desktop. If you get to the wrong directory though, you will just keep receiving the "Command not found" error.

Step 3:

Boot your Nexus 5 in Recovery mode by switching it off first, and then simultaneously pressing the volume down and power button. The Android logo will appear on your screen with "Start" on top of it. If you see this, connect your Nexus 5 to the PC.

Step 4:

In the terminal window mentioned in Step 2, enter this command:

fastboot devices

**If you are using Mac, you need to prefix a "./" before each command. For example, the above command needs to look like this on a Mac:

./fastboot devices

This will confirm if your Nexus 5 is detected in fastboot mode by your PC. Enter the command below to unlock the bootloader. This will format your device as well, so be sure to create necessary backups.

Fastboot oem unlock

After you enter this command, a prompt will appear on your phone confirming if you want to unlock the bootloader or not. Highlight "Yes" with the use of the volume buttons, then confirm it by pressing the power button. Wait for a couple of seconds and the status update should appear on the Command Prompt or Terminal window on your PC.

Once you unlock the bootloader, the device will reboot automatically. Since your device has been formatted, you need to set it up again by signing in with your Google credentials.