4 Reasons to Install Android 5.1.1 Lollipop When It Arrives

Google’s new Nexus Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update comes with a number of big time bug fixes for Lollipop problems. It’s an exciting update and it’s one that some of you might want to install the second it comes out. Today, we take a look at a few reasons why you might want to install the Nexus Android 5.1.1 Lollipop when it arrives.

Back in March, Google released an Android 5.1 Lollipop update to Nexus devices. Android 5.1 brought a long list of bug fixes for Lollipop problems and it also brought some new features and feature enhancements. It also brought a number of problems to owners of devices like the Nexus 5 and Nexus 7.

Shortly after Android 5.1’s arrival, Nexus users started complaining about a number of frustrating issues including random reboots, battery drain, Bluetooth problems, app crashes, Wi-Fi problems, and more. Android 5.1 problems continue to pile up, even as Google prepares to push an Android 5.1.1 update to its Nexus smartphones.

In April, Google released Android 5.1.1, a smaller bug fix update aimed at solving some lingering Lollipop problems including issues with Android 5.1. Android 5.1.1 is currently available for the Nexus 7 2012 Wi-Fi, Nexus 7 2013 Wi-Fi, and the Wi-Fi version of the Nexus 9 though it’s slated to reach other devices in the near future.

Sometime soon, Google will offer the Android 5.1.1 update to Nexus 5, Nexus 6, and Nexus 4 users. We’re not sure of the exact date but according to North American carriers, the updates will arrive “soon.”

When a new Android update arrives, there’s always a temptation to install it as soon as the download prompt appears. For some of you, that’s not the smartest idea. We recently put together a list of reasons why you might want to skip your Android 5.1.1 update when it arrives.

Today, we want to play devil’s advocate and tell you about some reasons why you might want to install the Android 5.1.1 update when the prompt appears for your device.

You Know How to Move Back Down

If you’re a savvy veteran Nexus user, then you probably know that you can immediately move off of Android 5.1.1 if it’s not up to your standards. If you don’t, consider this your PSA.

When the Android 5.1.1 prompt arrives, you can download the software and test it out. You can play with the software for a few minutes, a few hours or even a few days and if you don’t like it, you can drop back down to Android 5.1 Lollipop or even Android 4.4 KitKat if you aren’t liking Lollipop.

We’ve put together a step-by-step look at the downgrade process that you should take a look at if you’re unfamiliar with the process. If you are, then you can download the update on day one and drop back down to something else if it starts causing problems.

You’re Dealing with Android 5.1 Problems You Can’t Fix

If you are dealing with unfixable Android 5.1 problems or really unfixable problems on any version of Android Lollipop, you probably want to consider installing the update on day one.

The Android 5.1.1 update comes with a number of bug fixes including solutions for some of Android 5.1’s peskier problems. For instance, there is a fix for camera crashing issues on the Nexus 5.

The Android 5.1.1 update also seems to have killed off the random reboot and app crashing problems on several of our Nexus devices including the Nexus 6. We haven’t seen any widespread complaints about Android 5.1.1 reboot problems so our guess is that it will fix the issue for many Nexus users. So if you’ve been plagued by those problems like we have, it’s probably worth a shot.

Bug fix updates like Android 5.1.1 will also often fix problems that aren’t listed on the change log so the update could fix some of the smaller isolated problems impacting Nexus devices. Our point is this.

If our fixes haven’t helped and you’re fed up with the bugs and issues that you’re seeing, you should give Android 5.1.1 a try because remember, you can always drop back down to another version of Android.

If You Want Better Performance

We’ve heard all sorts of complaints about lag, random freezing, connectivity problems, and more. Most of the recent complaints come from users on Android 5.1.

Android 5.1.1, for the moment, seems to be performing well for a majority of users. We haven’t seen any major issues on our Nexus 7 2012, Nexus 7 2013, and Nexus 9. And while some users are complaining, a majority of the feedback we’ve encountered has been extremely positive.

Connectivity is solid on the Nexus 7 with Android 5.1.1.

We’ve been hearing about major Android 5.1 performance issues so if you’re one of these people struggling, you might want to turn to Google’s latest update. It has the potential to resolve your problems.

If it doesn’t, be sure to check on your third-party apps, your router and your Bluetooth devices. These all have a tendency to cause performance issues on Nexus devices.

If You’re Prepared

If you’ve gathered feedback from Google’s forums and Android-centric forums. If you’ve researched potential fixes for Android 5.1.1 problems. If you’ve backed up your files and prepared your device. If you’re familiar with Android 5.0 Lollipop. If you’ve done everything that you can possible do ahead of the Android 5.1.1 release, you can go ahead and make your move knowing that you can, at any time, drop back down to something else.

Installing incremental updates like Android 5.1.1 is always a roll of the dice. There’s always a chance than an issue or two will pop up in the days after its arrival. But if you’ve done everything you can possibly do to prepare for the software, and you want to move to Google’s latest version, then all you can really do is install the software and hope that it goes well.

We recommend taking a look at our pre-Android 5.1.1 release tips before installing the update.

How to Prepare for the Nexus Android 5.1.1 Release

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With the Android 5.1.1 update now confirmed for the Nexus 4, Nexus 5, and Nexus 6, now is a great time for owners of those devices to prepare their Nexus for the incoming Android 5.1.1 update.  We've put together a number of steps that we take in the days and hours before a Nexus Android 5.1.1 release. Remember, Google's updates are slow and unpredictable so you'll need to prepare as if the update is going to arrive in the near future.  Take a look at these pre-release tips before you install your Android 5.1.1 update. You don't need to utilize every single one but the more prepared you are the better. Even small updates like Android 5.1.1 can wreck havoc on Nexus devices so you'll want to be as prepared as humanly possible.

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