How to update Nexus 6 with Android 5.1.1 (LMY47Z or LYZ28E) OTA firmware [Download links]

Google has just started rolling out its latest Android 5.1.1 over-the-air (OTA) Lollipop firmware with build number LMY47Z for the Nexus 6 (aka Motorola Shamu) that includes Sprint, US 3G and International variants.

The new Lollipop firmware bumps the build number from LMY47D to LMY47Z for the aforementioned variants of Nexus 6, while the T-Mobile (US) variant gets updated from LMY47M to LYZ28E.

Those who missed the official Lollipop OTA update notification for Nexus 6 or failed to install the automatic software update for some reason can follow our step-by-step guide (below) to install the same manually.

IBTimes UK reminds readers that it will not be held liable for any damage to device during or after the Android 5.1 Lollipop firmware installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

Downloads Required

Nexus 6: Shamu LMY47Z from LMY47D (Sprint, US Cellular, International)

Nexus 6: Shamu LYZ28E from LMY47M (T-Mobile US)

Fastboot and ADB files

Pre-requisites

• Back up important data and settings on your Nexus 6 via recovery mode.
• Ensure that your Nexus phone has above 80% battery charge.
• The bootloader of the device should be unlocked and also disable all security lock including pattern lock, pin, etc.
• The Android 5.1.1 OTA update is only for said Nexus devices. Installing the firmware on any incorrect variant could brick the device. Therefore verify the model number of the device before installing OTA update.
• This is stock Android 5.1.1 build LMY47Z released by Google, not leaked firmware.
• Your Nexus 6 should be running Android 5.1 LMY47D or LMY47M Lollipop stock firmware.

How to install Android 5.1.1 build LMY47Z or LYZ28E via adb sideload on Nexus 6

Step 1: Download Android SDK from the Android Development site and follow the instructions on how to install it correctly. For the following process you need the adb and fastboot files which are located in the Platform-Tools folder

Step 2: Enable developer settings and USB debugging

• Navigate to Settings then About phone
• Tap on build number seven times until a dialogue box appears saying you are now a developer
• Return to Settings menu and you should find a new option called Developer options, click on it
• Ensure that the Developer options are turned on and the USB debugging is checked
• Ensure that Enable OEM unlock is checked, if you are upgrading your Nexus device that has Android Lollipop already installed
• Connect your Nexus 6 to the computer and click OK on the dialogue box that asks you to Allow USB debugging, while connecting to the computer.

Step 3: Place the OTA file in the Platform-Tools directory in order to simplify the process of sending the files to your Nexus phone

Step 4: Ensure that your Nexus 6 is connected to the computer with the device's serial number showing up as a connected device. Then execute the following command: adb devices

You should see the serial number followed by the name of the device

Step 5: Boot your Nexus 6 into bootloader mode or recovery mode by entering the following command: adb reboot bootloader

Or hold Power and Volume Down buttons together while your Nexus phone is turned off.

Step 6: Now press the Volume Down buttons twice until you have scrolled to Recovery mode. Now press the Power button to select it. This will look like your Nexus device is restarting but an image of an Android with red exclamation mark over it will appear. Now hold the Power button and press the Volume Up button and your device will be in recovery mode.

Step 7: When your Nexus device is in Android system recovery, use the Volume Down button to highlight apply update from ADB and hit the Power button to select it. Now enter the following command

• adb sideload [OTA file].zip

Step 8: The terminal or command prompt will now show a dialogue with the progress of transferring the update to your Nexus phone. Once the update is transferred, you can see the progress bar on the screen

Step 9: Once the update is completed on your Nexus 6, it will restart automatically and boot to normal mode

Your Nexus 6 should now be running the latest Android 5.1.1 LMY47Z or LYZ28E stock firmware (depending on the smartphone variant you are using).

[Source: Android Police]