Google has just unveiled the latest version of Lollipop with 5.1.0 Android version. This is the first major Lollipop update after two minor ones, 5.0.1 and 5.0.2. As always, Nexus devices are the first ones to receive the update and you can already install Android 5.1.0 on the Nexus 5, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10.
The easiest and quickest way to update your Nexus 5 to Android 5.1.0 Lollipop is by updating via OTA. Go to Settings > About Phone and check for a new software update. If the update is available for your phone, a notification will appear asking you to download the new firmware.
The downside of OTA updates is that Google does not release the new version of Android at the same time for all devices. Google releases the update regionally, meaning that if users in America can update to Android 5.1 via OTA, it doesn’t mean that European users can do the same thing.
This frustrates many people and Google knows it. That is why it also releases the stock factory image of every new Android update. If your Nexus 5 is not ready to get the new Android 5.1 update using the OTA feature, you can download the stock factory image and flash it. In no time, you will have a Nexus 5 running on Android 5.1.0 (LMY47D).
How To Flash Android 5.1.0 Lollipop (LMY47D) Factory Image on Nexus 5
Fortunately, flashing a stock factory image on the Nexus 5 is an easy process and Google has made it even easier.
There are only two main things you need, USB & ADB drivers as well as the new Android 5.1 (LMY47D) firmware file.
- Download ADB drivers and the new (LMY47D) factory image for Nexus 5, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10.
- Download the image file and extract it to get a new folder.
- Now put your phoneinfastboot mode. The easiest method is to execute this code using ADB:
adb reboot bootloader
- If you have alockedbootloader, execute this code to unlockthebootloader of your Nexus 5:
fastboot oem unlock
- Now, run the flash-all script.
This will install the new Android 5.1.0 Lollipop update on your Nexus 5 “hammerhead”. Enjoy fixed memory leak, quick settings tweaks and improved device protection.