Troubleshooting ART Support on Nexus 4 after Updating to Android 4.4.4

My recent update to Android 4.4.4 on my Nexus 4 has sparked an interesting issue: the ability to enable the Android Runtime (ART) seems to be compromised. As a community of tech enthusiasts and developers, it’s natural to encounter such challenges. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to troubleshooting and resolving the issue of not being able to enable ART on a Nexus 4 device.

Understanding ART and Dalvik

Firstly, it's crucial to understand the role of ART and how it works in contrast to the previous Dalvik virtual machine. ART, or Android Runtime, is an evolutionary step in Android that is designed to enhance application performance and battery efficiency. It compiles applications into native code when installed, which results in faster loading times and reduced memory usage. This is particularly beneficial on devices like the Nexus 4, which may not have the latest hardware capabilities to handle constant Dalvik system load.

Why ART is Not Enabled After the Update

Message During Restart

When restarting the device after installing new apps, you might encounter a message saying, “Optimizing app…”. This is a sign that ART is working to compile and optimize the newly installed applications, which might be causing delays in your experience. This can be quite frustrating, especially if you are used to the speed and efficiency that Dalvik provides.

The Xposed Framework Complication

Research has shown that the issue I was facing may be linked to the use of the Xposed framework. Xposed is a powerful tool that allows you to modify the behavior of thousands of apps, but it seems to interfere with the ART compiler. As Xposed modifies system processes, it might accidentally disable or complicate the ART optimization process. Many users facing similar issues have reported that disabling Xposed and then enabling ART fixes the problem. However, this is not always a solution for everyone, as it might affect the customization and flexibility provided by the Xposed framework.

Steps to Troubleshoot and Resolve the Issue

Step 1: Check for Software Updates

The first step in troubleshooting any issue on your Nexus 4 is to ensure that all software updates are installed. Sometimes, the developers of Android and the manufacturer may release patches that address performance issues or compatibility problems. Go to the official Android settings and check for updates. Ensure that both the device and system software are up to date.

Step 2: Reboot the Device

A simple reboot can resolve many temporary issues. Sometimes, the operating system or applications may encounter temporary glitches that can be fixed with a restart. Power off your Nexus 4 and then power it back on to see if the issue persists.

Step 3: Disable Xposed and Enable ART

As previously mentioned, Xposed might be the culprit in preventing ART from working correctly. Reboot your device in safe mode, which disables all third-party apps and services, and see if ART works. If ART works in safe mode, there’s a high chance that Xposed is interfering. You can then try disabling Xposed and enabling ART. This is a crucial step, but remember that disabling Xposed might affect the customization and functionality you enjoy with it.

Step 4: Contact Xposed Support

If the issue persists even after disabling Xposed and rebooting the device, it could be a deeper issue with the Xposed framework. In such cases, reaching out to the Xposed support community or checking their forum might provide you with more specific solutions. Often, users with the same issue can find workarounds and patches through their support channels.

Step 5: Consider Alternative ROMs

If the modifications you need are not provided by Xposed and you still face issues, consider exploring alternative ROMs that are optimized for your device. Custom ROMs can often provide a better user experience while addressing performance and compatibility issues. Be sure to follow community guidelines and best practices when flashing a custom ROM.

Conclusion

Updating your Nexus 4 to Android 4.4.4 and discovering that the ART is not working can be a frustrating experience, especially if you rely on the performance benefits it brings. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue. It's important to note that due to the Xposed framework's powerful nature, you may need to make some compromises in terms of customization in favor of stability and performance.

FAQ

What is ART?

Android Runtime (ART) is a just-in-time compiler and application runtime environment in Android. It compiles apps into machine code when the app is installed, which results in faster app startup times and less memory usage.

Why is Xposed problematic with ART?

Xposed modifies system processes and apps, which can interfere with the ART performance optimization process. ART is designed to compile and optimize apps at install time, whereas Xposed may alter these processes in ways that ART cannot reconcile.

How do I enable ART after disabling Xposed?

Enabling ART after disabling Xposed involves a few steps. First, reboot your device in safe mode and see if ART works. If it does, you can proceed to fully disable Xposed and then enable ART. Be aware that disabling Xposed will remove the modifications you have made, so back up any important data before proceeding.