VanillaAOSP ROM brings Android 5.1.1 Lollipop OS update to Nexus 5: How to install

Users of the older Google Nexus 5 smartphones can now flash a new VanillaAOSP custom ROM based on the Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop) OS update, on the device.

The official 5.1.1 OS update recently started rolling out to Nexus 5 users in India and the latest custom ROM promises a smoother user experience.

VanillaAOSP does not incorporate Google's apps and services, like the official Android 5.1.1 build, which boosts its performance in terms of multi-tasking and allows webpages to load faster.

Points to remember before flashing VanillaAOSP custom ROM on Nexus 5:

• LG-Google Nexus 5 Hammerhead should be rooted before installation of custom ROM along with having ClockworkMod Recovery.
• Back up all stored data by installing TWRP on the smartphone, as custom ROM installation clears storage.
• USB drivers need to be installed on the computer, so that the Nexus 5 is detected.
• Ensure that the handset has at least 80% battery charge to avoid bricking the device during installation.
• Installation of custom ROM nullifies warranty provided by your smartphone manufacturer. However, you can flash stock-ROM to restore warranty.

How to install VanillaAOSP Android 5.1.1 custom ROM on Nexus 5

IBTimes UK reminds readers that installation of VanillaAOSP custom ROM requires sound technical knowledge, and we will not be held responsible for any damage to device during or after installation. Readers are advised to proceed at their own risk.

Step 1: Obtain VanillaAOSP Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop) based custom ROM, and Google Apps in the computer. Click here to download custom ROM. Google Apps can be downloaded from here.

Step 2: Interface your Nexus 5 to PC via USB. Click here to obtain USB drivers.

Step 3: Move the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop custom ROM zip file and Google apps .zip files into the phone's memory. Users should mandatorily paste .zip file in root folder of the storage, not in any other folder.

Step 4: Switch off smartphone and disconnect from computer.

Step 5: Perform regular 'Bootloader Mode' sortie by pressing volume up, volume down and power buttons.

Step 6: Once in Bootloader mode, go to the TWRP Recovery mode, then perform full data wipe, by choosing wipe data/factory reset.

This step needs to be performed if you are migrating from other ROMs, if not skip this procedure for dirty flashing that involves wiping only dalvik cache and cache when flashing an updated version of the same ROM your handset is currently on.

Step 7: Clear cache by selecting wipe cache partition.

Step 8: Navigate to recovery, and choose advanced and tap wipe dalvik cache.

(Step 8 is optional, but recommended to eliminate boot loops and other errors likely to be encountered during installation of custom ROM.)

Step 9: Go back to main recovery screen and then select install zip from SD card.

Step 10: Tap choose zip from SD card and navigate to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop ROM .zip file in the SD card to enter the installation process. Repeat same process for installing Google Apps. (Use volume keys to navigate and power button to select options).

Step 11: Once installation completes, navigate to '+++++Go Back+++++' and re-start smartphone by selecting reboot system now that is present in the recovery menu.

Your Nexus 5 should take at least five minutes to finish booting.

Finally, navigate to Settings >> select About phone to verify installation of VanillaAOSP Android 5.1.1 Lollipop custom ROM.

Source: XDA Developers Forum, @Dees_Troy, @Chainfire, @BaNkS, @snak3ater, @Gnome, CallMeAldy, @kidkoala_uk, @italia0101, @BreckZeBoulay.