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How to Manually Install Android 4.0 for the Nexus S 4G

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Last week, Sprint started to roll out Android 4.0 for the Sprint Nexus S 4G. Problem is, many users still haven’t seen the update arrive for installation. Luckily, there is an easy way to install the update manually, without having to wipe anything on your phone.

A user on the Android Central forum found the update on Google’s servers today which means those using Sprint’s version of the Nexus can now pull the update and upgrade the device’s software.

It also means owners won’t have to wait for Sprint and Google to push the software to the phone.

How to Manually Install Android 4.0 for the Nexus S 4G

This process should work for all Nexus S 4G owners no matter the radio or Android version.

First, you’ll want to download this file straight from Google.

Once you’ve downloaded the file, follow these steps.

1) Rename the file you just downloaded to update.zip. Not update.zip.zip or anything else. Again, update.zip.

2) Move that file to the device’s /sdcard directory.

3) Reboot your phone.

4) When your phone is restarting, hold the volume up button and the power button.

5) Choose Recovery.

6) The phone will now reboot into Recovery mode. If the screen is showing an exclamation point and a triangle, all is going well. You’ll now want to hit the volume up and power buttons again.

7) Choose Apply sdcard update.zip when prompted.

8) Reboot your phone.

9) Take Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich for a whirl.

That’s it.

For those that aren’t familiar with the benefits of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, be sure to check out our Guide to Android 4.0. It will bring you up to speed on the new software that’s now running the phone that just got upgraded.

8 Comments

8 Comments

  1. Emran08

    04/10/2012 at 5:46 pm

    my Download keeps becoming unsuccessful what should I do?

  2. Mrothemeyer

    04/10/2012 at 8:21 pm

    Everything downloaded fine except the wallpaper won’t show up. It’s just all scrambled colors. Anyone have any ideas?

  3. Guest

    04/10/2012 at 9:55 pm

    Everything updated great!

  4. Bob

    04/10/2012 at 11:56 pm

    I HATE the new version.  How do I get rid of the Google Search at the top of all my screens and the five icons at the bottom.  I dont want android to decide what icons i want on my screens…

  5. aaronlmadison

    04/11/2012 at 4:08 am

    Thanks! Only suggestion I’d have is on #6 “You’ll now want to hit the volume up and power buttons again.”   It would be more accurate to say “hold the power button and tap volume up”… spent a little time trying to get that sequence right.

    I appreciate your post!!

  6. Tfross92

    04/11/2012 at 1:31 pm

    How come there is no face unlock?

    • Tfross92

      04/11/2012 at 1:34 pm

      and what about screenshot?

  7. atish

    08/31/2012 at 3:08 am

    my update faild and my phone is now dead..can anyone tell me how to re install my OS?

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