One of the constant things in life is change. Technology is definitely no stranger to changes. And most of us look forward to new updates for our devices to work better and more efficiently.

The long wait is over, because another update for Android is finally available for Nexus owners. Android 5.1 Lollipop has recently been released and for Nexus owners who have been eagerly waiting for this update, here’s a run through of how you can make your device run a little bit sweeter.

Going straight to business, you will first need to download the OTA file specific for your device. To find the current build number of your phone, go to Settings and tap on About Phone. Once you are sure of the build number, right-click and save as on the corresponding link shown to download the right file for your device.

Nexus 5

Android 5.1 LMY47D from Android 5.0.1 LRX22C

Android 5.1 LMY47D from Android 5.0 LRX21O

Nexus 6

Android 5.1 LMY47D from Android 5.0.1 LRX22C

Nexus 7 WIFI

Android 5.1 LMY47D from Android 5.0.2 LRX22G

Nexus 10

Android 5.1 LMY47D from Android 5.0.2 LRX22G

Some Warnings

As a precaution before dabbling into manually updating your Nexus device, it would wise to have a comprehensive understanding of working with Android SDK and Windows Command Prompt. You may proceed at your own risk as possible problems may occur while in process.

If you are sure you want to continue with the process, you must download the latest SDK and follow the steps carefully on how to install it correctly. You will also need the adb and fastboot files located in the Platform Tools folder.

Enable USB Debugging and Developer Settings

  1. On your Nexus device, go to Settings and scroll down until you find About phone (or Tablet, whichever device you are updating)
  2. Tap on the Build number seven times until a dialogue box appears informing that you are now a Developer
  3. Go back to Settings menu and tap on Developer options.
  4. Tap to allow USB debugging
  5. Note: If you’re upgrading a device currently on Lollipop, make sure to tick Enable OEM unlock.
  6. After doing the above, plug your device into your windows computer, click on OK when asked to Allow USB debugging.

Device Unlocking

  1. Open a command prompt from inside Platform-Tools in the SDK and type the following: adb reboot bootloader
  2. Your Nexus device should now reboot into the bootloader (Note: unlocking your Nexus' bootloader will result in a factory reset of your device, which means you will lose everything stored on it. If you have not backed up important files on your device, hit the power button while Start is highlighted in the Bootloader menu - this will boot you back into your device like normal allowing you to backup files.)
  3. Press Volume Down until you see Recovery
  4. Select Recovery by pressing Power button
  5. An Android robot with an exclamation point will appear on screen. Press Volume Up while pressing Power.

Installing Updates

  1. Make sure your Nexus device is in stock recovery
  2. Use Volume Down to select Apply update
  3. Press the Power button to select it
  4. Type the "adb sideload" in the command prompt on your computer
  5. File transfer will start in ADB and show you the progress of transferring the updates to your device
  6. Once the process is done your Nexus device will restart and attempt to boot normally

After all that, congratulations! You now have successfully updated your Nexus device.

But just in case you run into some problems or have any questions, don’t hesitate to visit the Android Forums for support and assistance from experts and other users.

Otherwise, you are now free to check out the latest improvements from Lollipop that makes life truly sweet.

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