A Google employee poses with Nexus 7
A Google employee poses with Nexus 7 tablets at a promotional event in Seoul September 27, 2012. Reuters/Kim Hong-Ji

The Android 5.1 Lollipop is gradually being seeded as OTA update for Nexus devices like Nexus 5, Nexus 7, Nexus 10 and more. However, like always, the OTA updates may not be available for all the Nexus users at the same time.

If the OTA update has not shown up on the device yet, there is one way to install the Android 5.1 Lollipop instead of waiting for it every day. The factory images of Android 5.1 Lollipop update are currently available for download for Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7 2012 (Wi-Fi only) and Nexus 10.

Here is the list and download links of factory images of Android 5.1 Lollipop update for the aforementioned Nexus devices:

  • Nexus 5 – Android 5.1 Lollipop build LMY47I (579 MB)
  • Nexus 6 – Android 5.1 Lollipop build LMY47I (901 MB)
  • Nexus 7 2012 (Wi-Fi) – Android 5.1 Lollipop build LMY47D (380 MB)
  • Nexus 10 – Android 5.1 Lollipop build LMY47D (386 MB)

Steps To Manually Install Android 5.1 Lollipop

Download the most recent Android SDK and install it on your PC. It will install two programs, ADB and Fastboot. Next, users are required to add the SDK folder to the PATH by navigating through My Computer > Properties (through right click) > Advanced System Settings > System Properties > Advanced > Environment Variables window wherein users are required to select the Path and tap on Edit and enter the directory of the SDK. Each entry is required to be separated by using a semi-colon.

On your Nexus device go to Settings > About Phone > Software Information > enable USB debugging mode. After tapping the build number 7 times, users need to navigate to Settings > Developer Options and enable USB debugging.

Users are now required to download the Android 5.1 Lollipop factory image from aforementioned links. After extracting the image on your PC, establish connection between it and your Nexus device by using a USB data cable.

Reboot the device in fastboot mode by using the right key combination for the respective Nexus device. The following link contains the key combinations for Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7 2012 (Wi-Fi) and Nexus 10 for fastboot access.

Alternatively, fastboot can be used through ADB tool by visiting the command terminal by executing: adb reboot bootloader. Also, the bootloader of the device can be unlocked through the PC by executing the following in command terminal: fastboot oem unlock.

To install Android 5.1 Lollipop update, users are needed to go to command terminal and go to the directory that contains the unzipped factory image of 5.1 Lollipop. Launch the flash-all.bat file to install the required bootloader and firmware.

After the above mentioned process gets complete, it is recommended to lock the bootloader to prevent security threats to the device. This can be done by executing: fastboot oem lock, in command terminal.

Latest Android Lollipop Update For Nexus 4, Nexus 7 2013 And Nexus 9

The Android 5.1 Lollipop factory images are currently unavailable for Nexus 9 LTE and Wi-Fi models, Nexus 7 2013 cellular and Wi-Fi models and Nexus 4. The most recent factory images of Android available for Nexus 9 tablets are Android 5.0.1 Lollipop build LRX22C. The latest build available for Nexus 7 2013 models is LRX22G. For the older Nexus 4, Android 5.0.1 Lollipop LRX22C build is available.

To report problems or to leave feedback about this article, email a.sivanandan@ibtimes.com.au

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