Nexus devices are among the first devices to get Lollipop update. There are 2 ways to get a Lollipop update: from OTA (over-the-air) update using Settings menu, or by flashing official factory image from Google. The first method is a lot easier and highly recommended for novice users, but it might take a while before a device gets OTA update. For advanced users who can’t wait longer and simply want to have the latest Android as soon as possible, they can use factory image published by Google and flash it into their devices. The second method produces “cleaner” Android installation in the device, similar to fresh install of desktop operating system. However, it also carries more risk and requires more technical expertise. Plus, be aware that this “fresh install” will wipe the entire content of the device. So all apps, books, music, movies, all files you store in the device will be totally deleted. So make sure to do proper backup before starting.

This post is a guide on how to install Android Lollipop in Nexus 5 from Mac OSX Yosemite using factory image. This is the result of my experiment. It should work, but I am not responsible to anything that might happen from doing these steps. Use this guide at your own risk.

 

  1. Download Android SDK (Eclipse ADT Bundle) from here.
  2. Unzip the Eclipse ADT Bundle, move it into /Users/YourUserName
  3. Run Eclipse app.nexus-5-bootloader
  4. Run Android SDK Manager (it can be accessed from one of the upper icons in Eclipse).
  5. Update Android SDK Tools and Android SDK Platform-tools. Everything else are optional, you probably won’t need them unless you develop apps for Android.
  6. Make sure your Nexus 5 has at least 80% battery.
  7. Go to Settings > About Phone, scroll to Build Number and tap it 7 times.
  8. Go to Settings > Developer Options and select USB Debugging box
  9. BACKUP everything from your Nexus 5 device. This process will wipe out everything.
  10. Make sure Nexus 5 is powered on, then connect it to your Mac.
  11. Open up Terminal.
  12. Navigate to the folder of platform-tools inside your Android SDK. Use cd command.
    For my case, I typed :
    cd ./adt-bundle-mac-x86_64-20140702/sdk/platform-tools/
    but you should modify this with your folder structure.
  13. Type ./adb reboot bootloader
  14. You might get an error message saying that the device is unauthorized. Open your tablet, there should be a dialog which will allow you to authorize the computer, then type ./adb reboot bootloader again.
  15. Your phone should now boot into fastboot mode.
  16. Type ./fastboot oem unlock in Terminal.
  17. Use volume button and power button in Nexus 5 to select the option to unlock device.
  18. After some process, Nexus 5 will return to fastboot screen mode.
  19. Restart the phone. It will go back to initial setup screen.
  20. Your phone is now unlocked.nexus-7-2013-flashall
  21. Download the correct factory image from https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images
  22. Unzip the factory image, then copy the contents in the platform-tools folder of the SDK. Make sure you copy the files inside, not just one folder. File flash all should end up in the same folder as file fastboot.
  23. Turn off the phone. Then turn it on in fastboot mode by pressing power button and volume down at the same time. You will need to hold the buttons for few seconds (don’t release the buttons before fastboot screen appears). Or, optionally you can repeat step 12 to 15 to get the same result (entering fastboot mode).
  24. Connect Nexus 5 to your Mac.
  25. Type sudo nano /etc/paths in Terminal, enter your Mac password, then it will open a file editing screen. Add a new line at the bottom with your complete path to platform-tools folder. Then hit Control+X, choose Y, then press Enter to save the file.
  26. Open the flash-all.sh file using a text editor.
  27. Add ./ in front of every line that starts with fastboot.
  28. Save the changes.
  29. Type ./flash-all.sh in Terminal
  30. The process might take a while, but then your tablet will be ready with new OS.
  31. Optionally, you can put the fastboot lock back into your device if you don’t plan to flash another factory image in the near future. To do this, repeat step 10 to step 20, but choose to lock device instead of unlock it.

 

When I posted this guide, Lollipop factory image for Nexus 5 is available (version 5.0.1). Again, use this guide at your own risk. Do post a comment below and let me know if this helps you. Good luck.