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Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 Problems: 5 Things to Know

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The Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 update is rolling out in full force taking the former flagship from Android 5.1 to Google’s latest Lollipop firmware. The update brings bug fixes though it’s also causing problems for some users. With that in mind, we take a look at these Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 problems.

In April, Google confirmed an Android 5.1.1 update, a follow-up to the Android 5.1 Lollipop update that it started rolling out back in March. Android 5.1.1 isn’t as big as Android 5.1, it’s barely over 15MB, but it comes with some essential bug fixes for owners of the Nexus 6, Nexus 5, and others.

Google’s Android 5.1.1 roll out has been extremely slow and it only recently started rolling out to owners of its most popular devices, a list that includes the Nexus 5.

Nexus 5 Best Cheap Phone May

The Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 update started pushing a few days ago and this week, it has finally started to pick up steam in the Android community. It’s still not available to all Nexus 5 users though it appears that a good portion of its owners have been bumped up to Google’s most current version of Lollipop.

Incremental updates like Android 5.1.1 Lollipop always have the potential to have a huge impact on performance. In some cases, they have a positive impact on performance. In others, negative. While the Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 update is still new, we’re already hearing about some Android 5.1.1 problems plaguing Nexus 5 users.

With Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 problems swirling, we want to take a look at everything you need to know about these issues. This roundup offers a look at the issues themselves and some steps to take if you do happen to run into Android 5.1.1 problems on your Nexus 5.

Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 Problems Plaguing Users

Android Lollipop problems have plagued Nexus 5 users since the original Android 5.0 release back in November. Over time, Google’s worked to correct these issues with a series of Lollipop updates including Android 5.0.1, Android 5.0.2, Android 5.1, and now Android 5.1.1. Each brought its own set of fixes and each brought its own collection of problems.

The Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 update is rolling out slowly but we’re finally starting to see Nexus 5 owners post their feedback about Google’s latest update. And while Android 5.1.1 brings bug fixes for Nexus 5 problems, some owners have run into issues immediately after installing.

Nexus 5 owners are complaining about problems with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, issues during the boot up phase, battery life problems, charging issues, problems with various applications including Gmail, data connection issues, odd problems with contacts and messages, random reboots, and more. These are just the tip of the iceberg and Google’s forums and other Android-centric forums feature a number of complaints about Google’s latest update.

It’s important to point out that most of these Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 problems are isolated issues, at least for the time being. There are a few, battery drain in particular, that seem to be affecting more than a few people but it typically takes a few days for battery life to settle.

Nexus5

We point these Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 problems out for a few reasons. One, we want to generate discussion because discussion always leads to potential fixes. And two, as a reminder.

Nexus 5 users need to be cautious when it comes to Android updates, even small ones like Android 5.1.1. That’s why we always recommend preparing for these Android releases. You may not be able to completely stop all of the bugs from surfacing but you can lower the risk with a little preparation.

Not Everyone is Having Problems

We’ve installed the Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 update on two Nexus 5 variants. We’ve been using the update for a few days now and so far, the Android 5.1.1 has actually had a positive effect on our Nexus 5 models.

We haven’t run into any noticeable problems with the upgrade and the random reboots and app crashes that were plaguing our phone have dissipated after getting the Android 5.1.1 update on board. The software feels extremely stable, far more stable than Android 5.1.

We’ll reserve final judgement until we’ve spent some more time with Android 5.1.1 but so far, the update has been behaving on several Nexus 5 models. That said, you’re going to still want to dig into user feedback before going one way (skipping Android 5.1.1 for now) or the other (installing right now). Our impressions are a good start.

It’s worth noting that Android 5.1.1 appears to solve a number of issues including problems with Android Device Manager. As a reminder, while Google’s Android 5.1.1 change log might be small, the update has the potential to fix problems not listed there.

You Can Downgrade

Those experiencing Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 problems have a few options at their disposal. The first option is a downgrade back to a previous version of Lollipop or even back to KitKat if Android Lollipop isn’t cooperating with the Nexus 5’s hardware.

Nexus 5 side

We’ve put together a handy guide that will take you through the downgrade process. The guide is for Android KitKat but if you can find the appropriate files, it will help with a downgrade back to an older version of Lollipop.

Fixes for Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 Problems

We’ve also put together a list of common Android 5.1.1 problems and fixes that will help Nexus 5 users struggling on Android 5.1.1. These fixes cover battery drain issues, problems with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, even slow charging issues. There are a great starting point for those that need immediate help.

What’s Next

Finally, it’s worth mentioning that most Nexus 5 users dealing with Android 5.1.1 problems will probably have to rely on third-party fixes for the foreseeable future. Google hasn’t announced an Android 5.1.2 update and we haven’t seen any Android 5.1.2 rumors emerge. That doesn’t mean that an update isn’t coming, it just means that we could be weeks, even months away from a release. It could be that Android M will be the next release for the Nexus 5.

Today at Google I/O 2015, Google announced Android M, a follow-up to Android L (Lollipop). While the public release won’t happen today, Google will release an Android M beta for the Nexus 5, Nexus 6, and Nexus 9. The beta will provide Nexus 5 users with early access to the new features, and fixes, coming with Android M.

Android M Main

Android M isn’t expected to arrive until August, at the earliest, alongside two new Nexus phones including a brand new Nexus 5 2015 from LG.

Nexus 5 users dealing with Android 5.1.1 problems will need to be extremely proactive in the days, weeks, and perhaps months ahead.

37 Comments

37 Comments

  1. Sourav Dutta

    05/29/2015 at 5:22 am

    i just got the android lollipop 5.1.1 update 2 days ago on my LG Google Nexus 5 . Before the update, my phone was running very smoothly with very little bugs …not to worry about.But from the day i updated to 5.1.1, my phone is facing serious problems as–

    1. Display flickering or jumping
    2. Typing freezes
    3. Slow response
    4. getting freezed sometimes
    5. sometimes freezes to a screen filled with coloured dots like sand.

    So it is very difficult to use the phone and am also scared whether will this brick or damage my phone.will it ????
    So please help me and being helpless out here. and if anyone having the same issues?

    • patti

      06/17/2015 at 8:39 pm

      mine is doing the exact same thing!!! i cant back space in my texts. It’s taking me 10 mintues to send a text. my phone is freezing, I have to keep power off. there was nothing wrong with my phone before, ran the best it ever has. OMG Nexus roll out a fix already! im ready to throw this phone against a wall!! lol

  2. Josiah Dumitrescu (@JDumitre)

    05/29/2015 at 10:08 am

    So it looks like google failed hard once again. Over 6 months to fix lollipop but it’s still a buggy piece of sh*t. Maybe android 5.9.9 will finally be as stable as 4.4.4

  3. Egon

    06/02/2015 at 2:03 pm

    Updates, constant problems with updates, SD card problems.
    Never thought I’d bd saying this, but I’m sick of it & thinking of going to iphone.

  4. Alexandar

    06/03/2015 at 1:42 am

    #Nexus5 – battery slow charging,fast drain and getting wormer… with 5.1.1 android !!! PLEASE HELPP !!

  5. Rahul Singla

    06/03/2015 at 6:28 am

    5.1.1 could do no good to my mobile, as it is facing same problems or rather I should say it has actually increased the bug in my nexus 5. Random shutdown, can not switch it on without an external power source. Before updating, there was no problem with dialer but now when I try calling someone or try to pick any call, it shuts down. I am planing to throw this shit in garbage and go to Apple as I can’t bear this any more. It shutdown when I need it the most. Quit frustrating. Its time to accept google your android experiment is a fail…big fail.

    • Jet Martin

      06/12/2015 at 7:13 pm

      I’m experiencing all the same problems that you decscribed…random shutdowns and requiring a power source to get it to reboot..and then when it does reboot it goes through a process of “optimizing ” my 127 apps…which can take 5 minutes to complete. I agree that this is crap…and it would appear that Google just doesnt give a damn…some heads need to roll. I’ll NEVER buy another Nexus phone again! Not even sure i’ll stick with Android at this point.

      • Radhika

        06/28/2015 at 9:26 pm

        Hi Jet Mertin,

        I am experiencing exactly the same problem.
        Can you please suggest me if there is any solution to this?? It is really very difficult to handle the mobile with this issue.

        • Radhika

          06/28/2015 at 9:38 pm

          Hi Jet,

          For me this issue happens when I use the Power button/Lock button. Unless and until I don’t press this button, my mobile is fine. But when I use this button for locking the mobile, it gets switched off in 2 secs. Again when switched ON with more efforts, it will get ON by optimizing apps.

          Can anyone plz give me a solution for this?

          • Jet Martin

            06/28/2015 at 11:38 pm

            Radhika, just saw your comment. Unfortunately I have no solution. My phone crashes without using the power button to lock it. It just crashes at random times and then cant be restarted until I plug it into a power supply. I can usually ,
            make the phone crash within 15 minutes of normal use. It makes the phone unusable. I haven’t heard google say any thing about these issues. Im going to tweet Larry Page on Monday…and its not going to be pretty.

          • A.D

            09/09/2015 at 8:23 pm

            Hey Radhika. Try “Gravity Screen” app. It unlocks your Nexus without using power button. I started facing same problem yesterday after updating google app; recurrent shutdowns and prolonged optimizing apps startup. Use Gravity Screen and it’ll unlock your screen by swiping on proximity sensor. Hope it’ll help. Thanks

  6. ronnykaram

    06/11/2015 at 8:40 am

    I received the 5.1.1 update on my Nexus 5 a couple of months ago.
    I had no problems whatsoever, except the battery draining much faster than before.
    On standby, my phone lasted for 28 hrs; connected to WIFI all the time and receiving all the notifications.
    After 5.1.1, it hardly lasts 7 or 8 hrs.
    The image posted by Andrew Jackson depicts exactly what’s happening.

  7. Brian

    06/18/2015 at 9:36 pm

    I’m having same issues as Jet martin above. As are many many N5 users. head over to the N5 forums on Google. There are multiple posts about this problem including one that is nearly 750 posts long. Lollipop definitely botched something up pretty bad, and Google is remaining completely silent about it, so I don’t expect N5 users will get any satisfaction over this.

    • Jet

      08/09/2015 at 11:52 am

      FYI…the post got so large that they had to split thread into multiple threads. Now there are more than 1,100 post on this issue.

  8. Oli

    06/21/2015 at 3:06 am

    Mighty google and another flawed update. One of the supposed benefits of a Nexus device, the quick(er) update cycle, is turning out to be its downfall. Will definitely think again before buying another Nexus, or Google device, for that matter. Unimpressed.

  9. stylinred

    06/22/2015 at 9:36 pm

    My photos won’t load under 5.1.1 -_- they loaded on 5.1 then i upgraded to the .1.1 and photos just hangs trying to load

  10. Abhishek Shetty

    06/23/2015 at 6:36 am

    Even i am facing similar issues and above that, the other issues me facing is THE CONTACT LIST and the DIALING LIST appears pretty late or it freezes. Everytime i have to wait for minutes to wait ofr the CONTACTS LIST and DIALING LIST to appear, so that i can go ahead and call the concern person

  11. Mohammed majeeth

    07/07/2015 at 8:40 am

    i just got the android lollipop 5.1.1 update 2 days ago on my LG Google Nexus 5 . Before the update, my phone was running very smoothly with very little bugs …not to worry about.But from the day i updated to 5.1.1, my phone is facing serious problems as–

    1. Display flickering or jumping
    2. Typing freezes
    3. Slow response
    4. getting freezed sometimes
    5. sometimes freezes to a screen filled with coloured dots like sand.

    So it is very difficult to use the phone and am also scared whether will this brick or damage my phone.will it ????
    So please help me and being helpless out here. and if anyone having the same issues?

  12. Eddie xu

    07/09/2015 at 8:15 am

    Slow charge, fast battery drain. The phone is running hot, never had the issue prior to updating to 5.1.1.

  13. S saqi

    08/09/2015 at 11:42 am

    I guess the Nokia guys were right .. Android 5.1.1 really started to give me the feeling that I am pissing in my pants.. Long live 4.4.4 RIP Nexus 5

    • Jet

      08/09/2015 at 12:05 pm

      No question that Lollipop was an unmitgated DISASTER…..It’s clear that Google doesn’t support Nexus devices…they couldn’t care less about this issue and their customers. Such arrogance!!! Poor Quality + Arrogance will ultimately kill Android. So I have a Nexus 5 and despite the fact that these issues are clearly caused by 5.1.1 Google support tells me to call LG support (without even asking me about the problem). LG support tells me this is CLEARLY a software issue and they are merely the handset manufacturer and that I should call Google Support. I agree with LG..this is vanilla Android..what could LG ultimately do to fix the issue??? Nothing of course.

      Bad news is that many of the most critical issues are still present in M previews available. Don’t know what Google is actually fixing in M version. But any issue that causes phones to crash every 5 minutes (consistently) and requires users to plug in to get phone to reboot seems like a pretty critical issue to me.

      I’m afraid that quality issues will persist through M version because Google has really F’d up Android. Not sure I will stick around while they try and put it back together again.

  14. vikram vasudeva

    08/18/2015 at 8:09 pm

    Radhika and Jet Martin
    I have the same problems you have described. Using the power button to lock my phone switches it off and i then have to reboot it wherein it takes 10 minutes to optimize the apps before starting. Just wondering if you guys have found any solution.

    • A.D

      09/09/2015 at 8:26 pm

      Hey Vikram. Try “Gravity Screen” app. It unlocks your Nexus without using power button. I started facing same problem yesterday after updating google app; recurrent shutdowns and prolonged optimizing apps startup. Use Gravity Screen and it’ll unlock your screen by swing on proximity sensor. Hope it’ll help. Thanks

  15. gn mohan

    08/22/2015 at 5:53 am

    Yes,I am also facing same problem as my nexus 5 battery quickly draining
    pls tell me any solution.

  16. ASHISH KV

    08/24/2015 at 10:54 am

    I also have a problem may be too big with respect to yours.My phone have also colored dot display, every thing inside the phone works except that screen(or dotted screen, sand screen with violet dots spreading all over the screen).My previous phone was nexus 4 and that have also the same f***ing problem. that was the ghost touch.and some part of screen not working.People says that its a digitizer problem, i accepted that but after one month it came back.now my phone is RIP.Dont know what to do with nexus 5.I buy these phone because of stock android and faster update.but instead of faster updates it having f***ing updates.I suggest you never buy nexus.If you are android user than you have a bigger list of choice but dont choose nexus devices.when my phones are working i want to buy nexus 6.But now f**k the google.He is not taking a good care of their customers………………………………….Please dont waste your money on garbage.Dont ignore this message you can use android on any devices but not on nexus.best wishes to those whose phones are still working.but dont forget my lines.

  17. Vinay

    08/24/2015 at 1:19 pm

    oh my god !! i’m this close to smashing my phone for the random reboots.. pressing the power button causes the phone to reboot several times and it seems like a recursive loop until i press the power button for a long time.. I could do with the battery drain problems in 5.0 and 5.1 but this is the limit Google!!!

  18. DavidTRobison

    08/29/2015 at 1:11 am

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  19. venergiac

    09/04/2015 at 5:43 pm

    I have the same problem of jet martin!!! Random reboot. …..and “optimizing apps”

  20. B

    09/05/2015 at 4:29 am

    last update kilied wifi. I have permanent message turning wifi on….And that’s it…..Really bad situation

  21. A.D

    09/09/2015 at 8:34 pm

    People having Random shutdowns and prolonged “Optimizing App” problem.Try “Gravity Screen” app. It unlocks your Nexus without using power button. Use Gravity Screen and it’ll unlock your screen by swiping on proximity sensor. Hope this freaking bug will be fixed in Marshmellow. Cheers

  22. Manon Williams

    09/16/2015 at 1:40 pm

    Guys its September the 16th 2015. Still no solution!!! My phone has updated atleast 5 times today. Over heating is getting stupid! The freezing, the flashing, the battery draining and constantly wanting to go on charge. Not happy. And I was going to get the nexus 6! Not now!!!! Any idea who we complain to? Taking to long now for them to do it. My network provider will not bother with fixing it they blame the manufacturer… And I’m getting pushed from pillar to lost!

  23. Mukesh Kumar

    09/17/2015 at 10:47 pm

    My phone has got switched off after installing 5.1.1 and unable to start it. Google, dont you have a testing team who can validate the android version before launching. I am unable to use my phone, Looks like google has stole my phone without touching the phone.

  24. el_abe

    10/26/2015 at 10:41 am

    I was lucky to make it through Lollipop but Marshmallow killed my WIFI. I was stock not rooted, but this mess caused me to root and even downgrade to 5.1.1 rom and still nothing. I cannot even get past setup. No wifi with either version of android. I cant help but think something fried my motherboard. What a piece of garbage. I really loved my phone (and Google) a few days ago, now I might consider a new platform now.

  25. max11

    12/10/2015 at 11:13 am

    If I had seen these comments page a week before I would never have opted for android. 5.1.1 is really unstable man. It looks like code in the bug

  26. Micheal

    12/12/2015 at 12:33 pm

    All my problems with lollipop went away with a factory reset. Battery life improved.

  27. Raghavendra

    12/13/2015 at 11:48 pm

    Hi Guys,
    I to faced the similar issue. Auto Restart . I was Charged around 9000/- for motherboard replacement. This is ridiculous thing where we are charged for what we are not responsible for. This is totally fault form Google/LG. Either any one should bear this replacement cost and find a proper solution. I am planning to file a case against this issue. please people lets start a revolution against this issue and fight back with Google/Lg for the cause and get it done. As we are the Customers they should learn how to Service the customers. They are gaining more and more on replacements of spares .. with making our device faulty with the scrap updates.. its they how should be directly responsible for it…
    What you guys say on this..

  28. Jeff

    01/17/2016 at 9:56 pm

    What a disappointing piece of shit my Nexus 5 has been. i love google maps so I REALLY wanted the Nexus 5 to work but after purchasing two new Nexus 5 phones and finding different fatal problems with both of them, I have to conclude that Google and their partners are shipping complete piles of shit. I’m going to buy an iPhone tomorrow. It’s not worth my time debugging LG hardware and google software. Hey Google, why don’t you pay people for all of the time you are stealing from them.

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