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Nexus Android 5.1 Problems: 5 Things You Need to Know

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Google’s brand new Android 5.1 Lollipop update for Nexus devices brings fixes for lingering Android Lollipop problems. It also appears to deliver some problems of its own. With that in mind, we take a look at five things you need to know, right now, about Nexus Android 5.1 Lollipop problems as we push further away from its roll out.

At the end of last year, Google released an Android 5.0 Lollipop update to replace last year’s Android 4.4 KitKat upgrade. The Android 5.0 Lollipop operating system is a massive change from Google’s previous version and it’s one that many Nexus smartphone and tablet users have installed.

In addition to those new features, Android 5.0 Lollipop has also delivered a collection of problems to owners of the Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 4, Nexus 7, Nexus 10, and Nexus 9. Lollipop problems have been a problem since its initial release and Google’s attempted to snuff those issues out with a series of bug fix updates.

First Nexus users got treated to Android 5.0.1 Lollipop. A few days later, Google rolled out Android 5.0.2 Lollipop to select Nexus devices. While these updates did tackle some Lollipop problems, they failed to correct every single one and they even brought some problems of their own.

Nexus-7-Lollipop

Last week, Google started rolling out Android 5.1 Lollipop, a massive update that brings enhancements and bug fixes for Android Lollipop problems. The update is slowly making its way to Nexus users and we’re slowly starting to see feedback about Google’s new update emerge. Unsurprisingly, that feedback includes complaints about Android 5.1 Lollipop problems.

Over the past few days, we’ve started to see chatter about Nexus Lollipop problems pick up and today, we want to sift through that noise and offer you a glimpse at the most important things to know.

This roundup will walk you through what you need to know about these initial Android 5.1 problems, what you can do to prevent Nexus Android 5.1 Lollipop problems and what you need to know about Android 5.0 Lollipop’s future.

Android 5.1 Problems Plaguing Nexus Users

The first thing Nexus users need to know is that Android 5.1 problems have already started to plague owners of Nexus devices. The Android 5.1 Lollipop roll out is still very young but we’re already starting to see negative feedback from users who have installed Google’s brand new software, software that’s supposed to help rather than hurt the Lollipop experience.

Nexus 5 users are complaining about random restarts, an issue that has plagued the Nexus 5 for well over a year now. Nexus 5 users are also complaining about connectivity issues, another problem that’s hampered the Android experience on many Nexus devices throughout the years. Users are also complaining about broken hotspot, Nexus 7 2012 users are complaining about slow performance, various issues with the battery and battery life, random reboots on the Nexus 6, Bluetooth issues, an odd full screen bug, crashes on the Nexus 4, microphone issues, and more. This is only the tip of the iceberg and we’ve seen a number of complaints about Google’s new update which, unfortunately, is typical.

Nexus 4 Android 5.0.1 Update Review Early -   4

We don’t point these Android 5.1 issues out to be annoying or mean, we point these out because Nexus users will want to take stock of these issues before installing Android 5.1 Lollipop.

If you’re experiencing relative calm on Android 5.0.2 Lollipop or below, you’ll probably want to wait a few more days to see if more problems pop up. Minor issues will always emerge but it’s the major issues that you should be worried about. So far, we haven’t seen any widespread Android 5.1 Lollipop problems hit Nexus devices but the update is still in its infancy and there’s a long way to go. Be vigilant.

Android 5.1 Problems Aren’t a Problem for Everyone

While Android 5.1 Lollipop problems are affecting some Nexus smartphone and tablet owners, it’s important to note that they’re not affecting everyone. For instance, this Nexus 5 user says that she’s seeing better battery life after making the move to Android 5.1. One Nexus 7 2012 user claims that the update is an improvement over Android 5.0.2 Lollipop. He claims that “both machines seem snappier and don’t have the long lags they experienced before.”

Nexus 2015 - Exciting Tech 2015

We’ve taken a look at the Android 5.1 Lollipop update on the Nexus 6 and Nexus 7 2012 and we’ve come away impressed by both updates, particularly the Nexus 6 Android 5.1 Lollipop update. Performance has improved with Google’s new software on board and we expect other Nexus 6 and Nexus 7 users to encounter the same experience.

Again, we should continue to see feedback (both positive and negative) emerge as the Android 5.1 Lollipop update makes its away to more Nexus smartphone and tablet users and you’ll want to do your research before diving in with the Android 5.1 Lollipop update. Ask around, find a forum and gather feedback before making a move.

Fixes for Android 5.1 Problems

Nexus users should know that there are some potential fixes for some of these Android 5.1 Lollipop bugs. If you head to the Nexus Help Forum, you’re going to encounter a series of threads dealing with Android 5.0 issues, maybe none bigger than this one. Many of those threads contain potential fixes for your device. We’ve discovered a number of possible fixes on there over the years and they’re a great place to start.

We’ve also put together a list of common Android 5.0 problems along with fixes for those problems. Keep in mind, those fixes aren’t guaranteed to work for your Android 5.1 issues but there’s always a chance that they’ll work or at least get you heading in the right direction. We also have an extensive list of smaller tips that could help improve your performance. Take a look at all of those before slamming the device into a wall.

You Have Options

If you are currently on Android 5.1 or if you’re on Android 5.0.2, Android 5.0.1 or Android 5.0 Lollipop thinking about making a move to Android 5.1, know that you have options available to you.

Nexus-6-apps

First of all, those of you on older versions need to know that you do not need to install Android 5.1 Lollipop right now. In fact, there are some reasons why you might want to skip the update when it arrives. Those of you on older devices like the Nexus 7 2012 will want to consider holding off for the time being, at least until you can get more prepared. Older devices typically run into the most trouble.

If you are on Android 5.1 Lollipop already and the experience isn’t up to snuff, you can always flash to another piece of software or a more stable ROM out there in the development community. It’s the gift and the curse of the Nexus program. You’re a guinea pig for Google’s new Android software but you also have access to an unlocked bootloader and a device that’s easily rooted.

If you’re unsure how to flash to another version of Android, check out our guide. It’s a great starting point for beginners and it will fill in a lot of the questions you might have about the process.

Google’s Next Android Update(s) MIA

Finally, Nexus users also need to know that you’re most likely going to need to rely on these options and temporary fixes for the foreseeable future. Google hasn’t announced an Android 5.1.1 update or an Android 5.2 Lollipop update. Google rarely announces details ahead of time and it’s very rare that we see Google issue rapid fire bug fix updates, especially after massive bug fixers like Android 5.1.

With no Android 5.1 replacement in sight and rumors non-existent, you’ll need to be extremely proactive. If problems persist, we could see Google roll out at least one more update to shore up issues ahead of its next major release. If not, you could be stuck with third-party fixes.

23 Comments

23 Comments

  1. Terry

    03/17/2015 at 1:46 pm

    2012 Nexus 7 now updated with 5.1 running like a new tablet. Back as it should be. No lag, no freeze, ultra quick, every program, web search etc working as soon after touch keypad. So far so good. If this continues will not update system on my Nexus 2012 any more.

    • KZ

      03/18/2015 at 10:08 pm

      Hi ,
      Thanks for posting the encouraging
      news .
      Just now am in the process of updating
      my N7 2012 .
      HOPE it helps .

  2. Anon

    03/17/2015 at 2:58 pm

    5.1 is a huge improvement over 5.0 on 2012 Nexus 7. Lag and freeze are greatly reduced. Amy happy with 5.1 and no longer considering downgrade to 4.x.

    • KZ

      03/18/2015 at 10:14 pm

      Thanks for Posting the Good news for
      us older ( refering to tablet version ,,
      ha ha ) Nexus 7 2012 users . And ,
      Thanks to Google for keeping us
      updated .

  3. milo824

    03/18/2015 at 1:07 am

    My only question now is which is better Amazon fire or Apple iPad? I do not feel that trust exists between many of us and the company now!

  4. donovan

    03/18/2015 at 6:28 am

    What a piece of crap this article is. Crying wolf or Chicken Little alerts is not helpful. This is an article of hyped problems with 5.1 that is so limited in scope to be hilarious. This person searching for issues to fill out an article since he is trying to get the jump on the tech writing competition

    • Beko

      04/24/2015 at 8:15 am

      +1

  5. John Smith

    03/18/2015 at 11:02 pm

    “Unfortunately, System UI has stopped”
    I can’t even use my phone after this update.

  6. Joey

    03/19/2015 at 12:15 am

    My Nexus 7 2012 is much better after upgrading from 5.02 to 5.1. Now it’s as fast as it was with Kit Kat .

  7. Mat

    03/26/2015 at 9:26 pm

    My nexus 7 2012 is stuck in a constant reboot cycle after updating to 5.1 unless I open a program straight away when it starts back up. If I let the screen sleep it reboots again. Unusable really..

  8. kaveri

    03/31/2015 at 1:17 pm

    Hi

    I have switched to 5.1 today nd all my contacts are gone.. Though they are synced through gmail.. But I can not sync them back to my phone don’t know for wht reason.. Nd my contact icon when I open it says contact list is updating….. But nothing happens I cannot see any contact on my phone..

    Can u help in anyway..

    • Cory Gunther

      03/31/2015 at 7:40 pm

      Try turning off sync and back on.. If you’re on a Samsung device in the contacts app make sure you hit the setting button and have Gmail syncing and set to “show” contacts. And on a Nexus device tap the three dots up top and go to import. Just an idea, but I’m not sure where all your contacts are, aside from synced to gmail.

  9. Vipul

    04/02/2015 at 9:49 am

    I am facing display issue after updating Android 5.1 on my Nexus 6. When I make a call or take a call – the screen goes black. I can’t turn on the speakers, can’t disconnect the call and have to wait for the other person to disconnect it. Even the notifications aren’t getting displayed if the phone is on stand by.

    Can anyone please suggest the solution.

    Thanks,

    • Cory Gunther

      04/02/2015 at 11:38 am

      Never heard of that one. The screen turns off when near your head thanks to a sensor on it, but when you pull it away from your face it should turn back on. Try tapping the power button to wake it up, then end the call or turn on speakerphone. Other than that, I’m not sure. Maybe try a factory data reset.

    • Gopikrishna

      04/03/2015 at 1:37 pm

      Hi vipul,

      Did you fix that issue I’m having the same problem too and it’s dam irritating.

  10. Nees help

    04/08/2015 at 5:22 am

    Need help! My ui keeps crashing after i updated my android to android 5.1 i am using Nokia z launcher.

  11. Andy

    04/08/2015 at 1:46 pm

    5.1 in much worse than 5.0.2 on my Nexus 2012, Chrome is a particular problem – if Google can’t even get their own software working properly what hope is there for them fixing 5.1!

  12. nexus 6 - android 5.1

    04/13/2015 at 10:11 am

    Since I updated my nexus 6 to 5.1 I am only experiencing big big problems with using the phone. It lags like hell. Every app, every move I make throughout the phone is terrible. It’s like going back 5 years. I can’t believe that device such as nexus is so terribly slow and lagging especially with clean updated android. I wanted to wait but it is getting unbearable how bad the all in all performance is with 5.1. I am trying to complain to raise awareness in hope we get fixes rapidly fast! And this time real fixes. Plus the battery life is significantly worse while changing nothing in settings… If I knew I would never update.

  13. nexus 7

    04/22/2015 at 12:22 pm

    Got a OTA message for 5.1 upgraded. What? I’ve been using 5.2 for months now for nexus 7, 2013 with no problems, and now i need to go back to 5.1 lollipop? Anybody know why?

  14. Barry Allen

    04/25/2015 at 4:55 am

    Well, in my old stylish device nickname the Nexus 4, I’m frustrated, I couldn’t find any unsatisfactory performance or bug after I updated by using fastboot update. Recommended to update from factory image instead of OTA – personal opinion.

  15. James Tilferni

    05/04/2015 at 5:05 am

    Yes, I can attest. 5.1 is Google’s worst version. My tablet is much slower now.

  16. siva prakash

    12/29/2015 at 9:55 pm

    thanks for this site….first of all
    I am from India. mine is nexus 7 bought in usa in 2013. the touch screen damaged and got it replaced/rectified. when service man delivered the version changed from 4..x….to 5.1.1.
    at the time of buying and giving to service man, the mobile data worked.
    after the updated version received from the service person, it is not identifying any inserted sim and not indicating even mobile networks.

    will you please kindly guide me how to get to mobile data in these circumstances ?

    several times I did put it to factory settings but failed.

    my email id: [email protected]

    thank you.

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