Most modern Nexus devices have already received the update to Android 5.1 Lollipop, but the poor old Nexus 4 had been left out. The signs were not looking good, and they’re still looking bleak, with the latest version on the Nexus Factory Images page stuck at 5.0.1.
However, it seems that some users of the Nexus 4 are receiving an over-the-air (OTA) update which takes the Nexus 4 to version 5.1. Better yet, these users have shared the update link, so if you’re running a Nexus 4 at 5.0.1 and you’re wanting the next update, you can grab it now:
From 5.0.1 (LRX22C) to 5.1: occam-mako LMY47O from LRX22C
If you aren’t sure what to do with an OTA update, here’s a quick run down:
- Make sure you’ve got a working ADB setup; chances are if you’re using a Nexus, you’ll know how to do this.
- Download the OTA firmware to your computer, and save it somewhere accessible.
- Reboot your Nexus 4 (or any Nexus device) to its bootloader, by powering off the device, and then holding the volume down button while powering back on.
- Press the volume button to select “Recovery mode”, then press the power button.
- Select “apply update from ADB”
- Open up a terminal window (or command prompt for Windows) and change to the directory you saved the OTA file in.
- Issue the following command, inserting the appropriate filename:
adb sideload firmware-filename.zip - Once you see “Install from ADB complete”, you can reboot your device and enjoy the update!
If that all sounds a bit too hard, just be patient; the OTA update is rolling around at the moment and your Nexus 4 will probably receive it pretty soon!
Well it’s been 6 days with the 5.1 update and it looks like they fixed the problem where the phone randomly turns off “AKA* Sleep of Death =)
Just got the OVA 5.1 update today
I wonder will it fix the problem with the Nexus 4 randomly turning off? With 5.1 fingers crossed
Surprising considering the image file hasn’t even being put up on the “Factory Images” page on Google yet?
Looking forward to getting it on mine! My Nexus 4 is still my daily driver and I see no reason to upgrade just yet 🙂 My Nexus 4 and Boost Mobile have made it a great combo lately.
Where the **** is the Nexus 9 update? I’m still on 5.0.1!
A 3 year old phone is getting more support than their latest flagship tablet? Get the hell out of here.
You suck Google.
I’ve got the Nexus 5 (2014) from the google store on the Telstra network and I never updated to 5.0.1 when it came out a few months ago because of all the massive bugs and problems I heard about. Was hoping for 5.0.2 or maybe 5.1 to roll around… but I’ve gotten absolutely nothing! Anyone know whatsup with Nexus and Telstra atm?
Try a different telco simcard in it and restart.
Telstra blocks updates for sometime to test it on their networks.
You need to do the OTA updates in series. do the 5.01 update, then reboot and check for updates it will eventually get to 5.1
Until you upgrade to 5.01 at least you will stay on your current release.
Thanks for that, I’ll give it a shot. Just had a look and for the Nexus 5, Telstra lists the next update, a platform update, as Lollipop 5, approved and waiting for deployment as of 01 April 2015.
Nexus 7 2013 and Nexus 9 still on the outer!
Any tablet with mobile data takes them yonka to get around too.
It’s the same deal with the Wi-Fi only models.
I wonder if Telstra is blocking this one also. If you’re on Telstra have you received the update?
I am on optus and it wasn’t available this morning. Sideload is easy I have done my N4 and very happy as it already feels better.
Received the update on my N5 but still waiting on the OTA for my N9 🙁 Still glad to see Google supporting the older Nexus devices.
Good point. Google have only promised updates for 18 months but the Nexus 4 has capable enough hardware so they are continuing to update it well beyond the promise.
Hell yeah… Pretty happy already with Lollipop, 5.1 will hopefully perfect the experience and give my Nexus 4 a slightly longer lease on life…
Bring on the Nexus 5 (2015)!