How to Install Android 5.0 Lollipop on Nexus 5 via Mac Terminal

Android fans would be itching to lay their hands on Google's newly released Developer Preview version of Android 5.0 Lollipop, while Nexus 5 owners get doubly lucky as they can easily install the latest Android software using a Mac Terminal command.

As this is a preview version of Lollipop update meant for developers, it may not be ideal for daily use.

Nevertheless, those who cannot wait for Google's public release of Android 5.0 in November can follow a simple step-by-step guide to install the same, using a Mac.

Steps to Install Android 5.0 Lollipop Using Mac

Step 1: Download Android 5.0 Lollipop Developer Preview for Nexus 5.

Step 2: Extract the contents of the zip file to a folder on desktop.

Step 3: Launch the Terminal app on Mac and enter the following command to start an automated setup of ADB and Fastboot:

bash < (curl https://raw.githubusercontent.com/corbindavenport/nexus-tools/master/install.sh)

Step 4: Once the command is executed, open system preferences > Keyboard Shortcuts and choose Services. Then check 'New Terminal at Folder' option before you proceed.

Step 5: Connect the Nexus 5 to your Mac via USB cable.

Step 6: Next you need to unlock the bootloader of your phone, which will wipe out all your data. If the device already has an unlocked bootloader then you can proceed to step 9.

Note: It is imperative to run Terminal app from the same folder where you extracted the downloaded zip file earlier in step 1. To do so, right-click on the folder, click Services and choose 'New Terminal at Folder'.

Step 7: You can now run the following command and hit Enter to unlock bootloader on Nexus 5 via Terminal:

adb reboot bootloader

Step 8: In bootloader mode, enter the following command to release the OEM lock:

fastboot oem unlock

Follow the onscreen instructions and perform the erase operation when prompted. Note: It may take a couple of minutes for unlocking the bootloader.

Step 9: With the bootloader unlocked, you can now flash the Android 5.0 Lollipop update by entering the following command in Terminal:

sudo./flash-all.sh

Wait for about 5 to 10 minutes while the Lollipop preview image gets installed on the device and then let the phone reboot into the newly installed OS.

[Source: Redmond Pie]