How to Update Nexus 4 to Android 5.0 Lollipop (LRX21T) via Official Factory Image

Nexus 4 is the last of the Nexus devices to receive the official Android 5.0 Lollipop update with build LRX21T, as Google has finally rolled out its factory image for the phone.

As this is the newest software build for Lollipop update, it brings a plethora of visual enhancements and tons of new features including Material Design UI, improved notifications, enhanced battery life and more.

Those who missed the Lollipop OTA update notification or cannot wait for its official release in their country can go ahead and install the same manually via factory image, using the step-by-step guide given below.

Note: This tutorial will work on any Android version running on your Nexus 4, regardless of its build or make. However, if you are installing Google's factory image for the first time then you need to unlock the bootloader on your device first, which will wipe out all existing data on the phone.

IBTimes UK reminds readers that it will not be held liable for any damage to device during or after Android 5.0 factory image installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

Pre-requisites

• The instructions given in this guide are meant for the Nexus 4 model 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 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, likeClockworkMod (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 4 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:

a) Go to Settings > About Phone.

b) Scroll down to the bottom and select Build Number.

c) 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.

Steps to Update Nexus 4 to Android 5.0 Lollipop Build LRX217 via Factory Image

Step 1 - Download Android 5.0 Factory Image for Nexus 4 on your computer.

Step 2 – Connect the Nexus 4 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 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 - Then extract the downloaded file to a desired location on your computer (preferably desktop). Go to the folder occam-LRX21T and then copy/paste all the files to the Fastboot directory.

Step 7 - 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 8–That is all you need to do for flashing the stock factory image on your Nexus 4. 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 9 - Once the installation completes, your Phone will reboot and it may take about 5 minutes for first boot to complete. So, please do not interrupt the process.

Your Nexus 4 is now running the official Android 5.0 Lollipop update with build LRX21T via stock factory image from Google. Go to Settings > About phone to verify the firmware installed.

[Source: Team Android]