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How to Manually Install Android 4.0 for the Nexus S

Adam Mills —  12/16/2011

Earlier today, Google started rolling out the Android 4.0 update for the GSM version of the Nexus S. The update is currently rolling out OTA, over-the-air, and that means that some of you with a Nexus S probably have yet to see the update. Well, if you’re the impatient type, there is a way to get your Nexus S upgraded to Android 4.0.3 at this very moment if you so choose.

The process is simple but it only applies to the GSM/T-Mobile version of the Nexus S.

If you don’t own that version of the Nexus S, then you do not want to follow these instructions. If you do own a T-Mobile GSM Nexus S, let’s take a look, courtesy of Android Central, at how to get your phone upgraded right now.

Nexus S

Here is how to do it:

1. Download this file.

2. Rename it update.zip.

3. Copy it over to the internal storage space on your Nexus S.

4. Power your device off and then hold power and volume up to boot into the device’s bootloader.

5. Select Recovery using the volume keys and then confirm.

6. You’ll soon see a warning triangle and an arrow. Hold the power button and hit volume up.

7. A menu will pop up where you’ll want to select Apply update from /sdcard. Select update.zip.

8. It will install and you’ll want to select reboot system now.

9. Boom. Android 4.0.3 should be on your Nexus S.

Painless, as all Android updates should be.

Adam Mills

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Adam is an editor based in San Francisco, California who loves his iPhone 5, iPad third-generation and Samsung Galaxy Nexus. He's also becoming intrigued with Windows Phone. You can follow him on Twitter or on Google+. You can reach him by email at adam@notebooks.com.

19 responses to How to Manually Install Android 4.0 for the Nexus S

  1. Cristovao 12/16/2011 at 6:05 pm

    Works perfectly! Except the facial recognition.. :( any ideas?

    Reply
  2. Boongying Somporn Sahachais 12/16/2011 at 6:35 pm

    Is it work on I9023?

    Reply
  3. Sandriod 12/16/2011 at 9:26 pm

    Doesn’t work for i9020a stock rom – 2.3.6

    Reply
  4. IvanD 12/16/2011 at 9:27 pm

    Wow!  It remembered all my apps and settings.  No need to backup.  Perfect!

    Reply
  5. Burntmarshmallow2001 12/16/2011 at 9:40 pm

    Hey will this work on sprints version of the nexus

    Reply
  6. Curtis14_2004 12/16/2011 at 11:11 pm

    dunno how to install it do i uninstall my previous android os or

    Reply
  7. guest 12/17/2011 at 7:02 am

    it did not work for mee? when i went into the boot loader and tried to update the update failed i have the at&t nexus s any ideas?

    Reply
  8. andrew 12/17/2011 at 9:30 am

    Does this work for i9020a in Canada? can it brick my phone?

    Reply
  9. Anonymous 12/17/2011 at 7:14 pm

    phlpn.es/829r8s

    Reply
  10. Carushigandhi 12/19/2011 at 3:00 am

    Wifi is not working after installing….can it be fixed????

    Reply
  11. Salahi Salar6889 12/30/2011 at 8:58 am

    Wow. I , updating my Nexus. I am excited.

    Reply
  12. Salahi Salar6889 12/30/2011 at 9:00 am

    I’m*– That works perfectly. WOOOHOOOO. plus WIFI.

    Reply
  13. Salahi Salar6889 12/30/2011 at 9:01 am

    Thanks  alot. 

    Reply
  14. Vivekrajraj 01/02/2012 at 12:53 pm

    sim internet not working on nexus s in android 4.0.3

    Reply
  15. Febinjoy11 01/13/2012 at 4:03 am

    wat about battery consumption after updation?

    Reply
  16. Febinjoy11 01/13/2012 at 4:42 am

    i cannot update from android market though mobile data after updation.
    any idea. help me pls

    Reply
  17. braga 02/13/2012 at 6:45 pm

    AWSOME

    Reply
  18. Giedrius 03/04/2012 at 12:24 pm

     Is it work on I9020? Android 2.3.1

    Reply