Google has released the third build for Android 5.1 Lollipop for Nexus 6 and Nexus 5. The new build, named LMY47I, is expected to bring bug fixes to minor issues found in Android 5.1.
Coming hot on the heels of LMY47E, for which factory images were posted last week, LMY47I appears to be aimed at fixing SIM-card handling issues and other minor problems. Unfortunately, Google has yet to release a fix for the more pressing issues, such as the infamous memory leaking problem that has plagued many Nexus 5 owners since Android Lollipop 5.0.
Last week, LMY47E was released to address issues with the radio firmware in an effort to improve the software for cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The previous build also brought changes to binary files associated with NFC, sensors, and the text-to-speech engine.
To download the latest factory images, click on one of the links shown:
To install the factory images, you will need to have a pretty good working knowledge of working with Android SDK (software development kit) and command prompt on Windows or terminal on OS X. Make sure also that you have backed up all your files before you start because, if anything goes wrong, all those files could be lost.
If you are sure you want to install the latest build on your Nexus via factory image, you must download the Android SDK and follow the instructions on the Android Development website on how to use it correctly. You will need to use the adb and fastboot files located in the Platform Tools folder to install the new build.
Remember, these new builds are only for the Nexus 6 and Nexus 5. Installing them on another device could potentially turn your device into a brick. If you have a Nexus 6, make sure that it is currently running on Android 5.0.1 LRX22C Lollipop or newer. This will need some time and a good amount of battery, so make sure your phone is charged up to at least 80 percent.
1. Enable Developer Settings and USB Debugging.
Go to Settings > About and tap on the Build number seven times to become a developer. Go back to Settings and you will find new Developer options. Tap USB debugging and Enable OEM unlock. Now, connect your phone to your computer.
2. Unlock the device.
Open a command prompt and enter the command: adb boot bootloader. This will take your phone into bootloader mode or recovery mode. This will also reset your phone's factory settings, so if you have not backed up your files yet, you can press the power button while Start is highlighted to bring you back into normal mode. You can also hold down the power button and the volume down button to boot into the bootloader.
Hit the volume down button twice then press the power button to select recovery. An image of the Android robot with a red exclamation point will appear. Hold the power button and press the down volume button. This will take you into recovery mode.
3. Install the new build.
When your phone is in recovery, highlight apply update from ADB by pressing the down volume button. Select it by pressing the power button. Next, enter the following into the command prompt: adb sideload [OTA file].zip. The file transfer will start and the command prompt will show you the status of the update in a progress bar.
Once complete, your phone will restart in normal mode. You have now successfully installed the latest Android 5.1 Lollipop build.
