I've found a lot of instructions on the internet with a lot of very pervasive and superfluous instructions, and wanted one that was the least destructive with the fewest amount of required steps. These are the steps I use for my Nexus 5: Preparation: Firstly, download the latest adb and fastboot binaries (latest is best). Download SuperSU: http://download. chainfire.eu/supersu Download ClockworkMod Touch recovery: https://www. clockworkmod.com/rommanager (Optionally) download the factory images: https://developers. google.com/android/nexus/ images Your phone needs to be in fastboot mode for any fastboot command to work... try Power+VolDown at startup for Nexus 5. To unlock: (Will wipe ALL data, you can always lock again without wiping, may also void your warranty) fastboot oem unlock To root: 1) Boot up your device at least once! (after unlock or factory image...