How to update Nexus 5 to Android 5.0.2 Lollipop via CyanogenMod 12 official ROM

LG Nexus 5 (aka hammerhead) is among the lucky few Android devices to receive the custom Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update as Google is yet to roll out the stock/official version for the same.

Nexus 5 was last updated to Android 5.0.1, while the Nexus 7 2012 has been the only device till date to receive the stock Android 5.0.2 update from Google.

Nexus 5 users who want to enjoy the latest Lollipop features that are unavailable on Google's stock firmware can go ahead and install Android 5.0.2 Lollipop via CyanogenMod 12 (CM12) official Nightly ROM.

The CM12 Nightly build brings a fast and smooth Android UI experience in a highly-stable release.

Interested users can install the CM12 official ROM on their Nexus 5 with any custom recovery tool such as ClockworkMod (CWM) or TWRP by following the step-by-step guide provided below.

IBTimes UK reminds readers that it will not be held liable for any damage to device during or after the CM12 official ROM installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

Pre-requisites

• Verify that the correct USB drivers are installed on your LG Nexus 5 (download latest drivers here).
• Back up important data and settings on your phone via custom recovery (CWM or TWRP).
• Enable USB debugging mode on your Nexus 5 by navigating to Settings > Developer Options.
• Ensure your phone's battery has at least 80% charge, before you proceed with the ROM installation.
• Verify that your LG Nexus 5 is factory unlocked, bootloader unlocked and rooted.
• The firmware and the instructions provided in this guide are meant for the LG Nexus 5 only. Do not attempt installing this firmware on any other variant as it may inadvertently brick the device. Verify the device model number by going to Settings > About Phone.

Downloads Required

Android 5.0.2 CyanogenMod 12 official Nightly ROM

Google Apps

Steps to install Android 5.0.2 Lollipop via CyanogenMod 12 official ROM on Nexus5

Step 1 - Download Android 5.0.2 CyanogenMod 12 official Nightly ROM for Nexus 5 on the computer.

Step 2 - Connect and mount the phone's USB mass storage on computer with USB cable.

Step 3 - Now, copy the downloaded CM12 ROM zip file to the root folder on the phone's SD card.

Step 4 - Power off the phone and disconnect its USB cable from computer.

Step 5 - Now boot the device into BootloaderMode by pressing and holding Volume Up, Volume Down and Power buttons together.

Step 6 – Follow the onscreen instructions and then choose Bootloader option. Then select Recovery from the Bootloader menu.

Step 7 - Once the phone enters into CWM Recovery, perform a full data wipe task by clicking Wipe Data/Factory Reset. Use the Volumekeys to navigate between options and Power button to select an option in the Recovery Mode.

Step 8 - Then, perform Wipe Cache Partition and wait until the process completes.

Step 9 - Now perform Wipe Dalvik Cache as well. To do this, go to 'advanced' option and then click Wipe Dalvik Cache. This will help in preventing boot loop issues or any boot ROM related errors during firmware installation.

Step 10 - Then return to the main recovery menu and choose Install Zip from SD card.

Step 11 - Now click Choose Zip from SD card. Use volume keys to navigate to the CM12 ROM zip file that you copied earlier to your phone's SD card and choose it by tapping the Power button. Confirm the ROM installation on next screen and the installation process will begin.

Note: Repeat Step 10 and Step 11 to install Google Apps (Gapps) as well.

Step 12 - Once the ROM and Gapps installation completes, go to "+++++Go Back+++++" and select Reboot System Now in the Recovery menu.

The phone will now reboot and the first boot may take about five minutes to complete. So, please be patient.

Your Nexus 5 is now running the latest Android 5.0.2 Lollipop via CM12 official Nightly ROM. Go to Settings > About phone to verify the firmware version installed.

[Source: Team Android]