Google releases Android 5.1 build LMY47D via factory images for Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7 2012 and Nexus 10: How to install

Google has just rolled out its highly-anticipated Android 5.1 Lollipop update with build LMY47D via freshly released factory images for Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7 2012 (Wi-Fi) and Nexus 10.

Meanwhile, Google has also announced on its official blog that the Android 5.1 OTA update would be rolling out starting today, while the company has not divulged any information on what devices would be receiving the new update first.

However, it is anybody's guess that Nexus and GPE devices would likely be the first Android devices to get the new Android 5.1 update, in the next few hours.

Some of the noteworthy feature changes ported into the new Android 5.1 release include native dual SIM support, cross-platform HD voice calling and a new Device Protection feature that ties up the device to the owner's Google account and thereby prevents unauthorised access to the device even after a deliberate factory reset.

In addition, the new Lollipop update brings better quick settings control for easier Bluetooth and Wi-Fi network switching.

The new Android 5.1 build LMY47D can be flashed only with the unlocked bootloader on the Nexus device, and those who missed the OTA update notification or cannot wait for the official OTA release in their country can follow our step-by-step guide (below) to install the official factory image for Android 5.1 on your Nexus device.

Users are advised to perform a full data wipe, especially if they are installing the Android 5.1 stock update on a custom ROM.

Note: All Nexus devices running Android 5.0 Lollipop (stock and custom ROM) can be upgraded to the latest build of Lollipop (LMY47D) via the official factory image.

IBTimes UK reminds readers that it will not be held liable for any damage to device during or after firmware installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

Pre-requisites

The instructions given in this guide are meant for the Nexus 5, Nexus 7 2012 (Wi-Fi) and Nexus 10 models only. Verify device model number by navigating to Settings > About Phone as installing this firmware on incorrect variants might brick the device.
Ensure the phone has at least 80% battery charge to prevent unexpected device shutdown (due to battery drain) while installing the ROM.
Back up data and settings using a recommended custom recovery tool, like ClockworkMod (CWM) or TWRP, as it creates a complete image of the existing phone setup. In Recovery, choose Backup and Restore and tap Backup.
Verify correct USB drivers for the phone are installed on the computer (download Nexus 5 USB drivers).
Enable USB Debugging mode via Settings > Developer Options Note: If Developer Options is not visible then you need to enable it as follows:
Go to Settings > About Phone.
Scroll down to the bottom and select Build Number.
Then tap build number seven times to unlock the Developer Options under Settings and then enable USB Debugging mode.
Ensure that the device is rooted with CWM or TWRP recovery installed and its bootloader is unlocked.

Downloads Required

Android 5.1 LMY47D factory image for Nexus 5

Android 5.1 LMY47D factory image for Nexus 6

Android 5.1 LMY47D factory image for Nexus 7 2012 (Wi-Fi)

Android 5.1 LMY47D factory image for Nexus 10

Steps to Update Nexus 5 and Nexus 6 to Android 5.1 Lollipop Build LMY47D via Factory Image

Step 1 - Download the Android 5.1 Factory Image for your Nexus phone on the computer.

Step 2 – Connect the Nexus device to your computer via USB cable.

Step 3 - Ensure Fastboot is configured and properly installed on your computer. (click to see guide).

Step 4 – Power off your phone and boot it into Fastboot/Bootloader mode.

Step 5 – To boot Nexus device into Fastboot mode: turn on the phone while pressing and holding the Volume Up, Volume Down and Power buttons until the Fastboot menu and START icon appear on the screen.

Step 6 - If necessary, unlock the device's bootloader by running the following command: fastboot oem unlock

Step 7 - Then extract the downloaded file to a desired location on your computer (preferably desktop). Go to the folder hammerhead-LMY47D or Shamu-LMY47D and then copy/paste all the files to the Fastboot directory.

Step 8 - Using factory image files in your Fastboot directory, run the following commands depending on the OS installed on computer:

On Windows: Run the file "flash-all.bat".
On Mac: Run the file "flash-all.sh" using Terminal.
On Linux: Run the file "flash-all.sh".

Step 9 –That is all you need to do for flashing the stock factory image on your Nexus phone. Wait for the installation process to complete or follow the on-screen instructions on your phone if in case you are prompted to unlock the bootloader.

Step 10 - Once the installation completes, your phone will reboot and it may take about five minutes for the first boot to complete. So, please do not interrupt the process.

Your Nexus 5 is now running the official Android 5.1 Lollipop update with build LMY47D via stock factory image from Google. Go to Settings > About phone to verify the firmware installed.

Steps to install Android 5.1 official factory image on Nexus 7 2012 (Wi-Fi) and Nexus 10

Step-1: Extract the downloaded factory image file with the .tgz extension. If the file is in .tar format, rename it to .tgz and extract it afterwards

Step-2: Open the extracted factory image folder and find a zip file there. Unzip and extract it

Step-3: Copy the extracted files to the fastboot folder

Step-4: Boot the Nexus 7 or Nexus 10 to fastboot mode by holding Power and Volume Down buttons together for a few seconds while powering the device on

Step-5: Connect the Nexus device to your PC using USB cable

Step-6: Go to the fastboot folder where you have copied the content of the factory image file. Hold Shift + Right click on an empty space within that folder. From the right-click menu, click on Open Command Window Here

Step-7: Execute the following commands in the command prompt window