8 Things to Do Before the Nexus Android 5.0.1 Release Date

With the Android 5.0.1 Lollipop release date at hand for owners of Google’s stable of Nexus devices, we want to take a look at some of the things Nexus owners should do before installing Google’s brand new Android 5.0 Lollipop update, an update that should be aimed directly at lingering Nexus Android 5.0 Lollipop problems.

Back in October, Google confirmed several Android 5.0 Lollipop updates including roll outs for the Nexus 5, Nexus 4, Nexus 7, Nexus 10, and its stable of Google Play Edition devices. The company did not offer specific release dates for these updates though Nexus users did not have to wait too long for their move up from Android 4.4 KitKat.

Last month, Google started pushing out several of its confirmed Android 5.0 Lollipop updates including upgrades for the Nexus 4, Nexus 7, Nexus 10, and Nexus 5. These updates delivered new features and enhancements but as we learned, they also delivered a series of Android 5.0 Lollipop problems that hampered a great number of Nexus users.

While a number of temporary (and permanent) fixes have emerged in the days since the Nexus Android 5.0 Lollipop release date, it was only a matter of time before Google rolled out a bug fixer aimed at squashing some of the initial bugs on board its new software. Google has a long history of rolling out bug fix updates and Android 5.0 Lollipop will be no different.

Yesterday, the company confirmed an Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update for Nexus users. The update was pushed into the AOSP and we’ve seen select factory images emerge in the hours since its arrival. The emergence of those factory images is a sign that OTAs are just around the corner for some Nexus users and that means that it’s now time to start preparing for the update’s arrival.

With a Nexus Android 5.0.1 Lollipop release date in sight, now is the perfect time to make your final preparations for the release. Here, we want to tell you about some things you should do ahead of Google’s first update to the Android 5.0 operating system. These pre-release tips will help to ensure a smooth transition from Android 4.4 KitKat or Android 5.0 Lollipop.

Android 5.0 Lollipop Review

The first thing you’ll want to do ahead of the Android 5.0.1 Lollipop release date (and make no mistake, there will be a release for most, if not all Nexus smartphones and tablets) is familiarize yourself with Android 5.0 Lollipop. There are still plenty of people who are still sitting on Android 4.4 KitKat. We know, we have a couple of Nexus 7 Wi-Fi only variants yet to be updated.

And then of course we have the Nexus 7 HSPA+ and Nexus 7 LTE, both of which remain on Android 4.4.4 KitKat. It’s still not clear when Google will roll out Android 5.0 for these devices but there’s a good chance that something is close given that Android 5.0.1 Lollipop is here.

Android 5.0, for those that don’t know, is a massive upgrade. There are feature enhancements, new features and that Material Design that Google’s brought to the table. Material Design is a big departure from the look of Android 4.4 KitKat and you’re going to want to take a long look at it before installing. You don’t want to be caught off guard.

Every single year we get complaints from Nexus users moaning about all of the changes these updates deliver, even the smaller ones like Android 4.4 KitKat. If you do your homework, you’re going to be better prepared. And the more prepared you are, the better off you’re going to be post updated with all of the massive changes on board your device.

There are a few ways to get caught up with Android 5.0. You can watch our Nexus 6 hands-on video above. You can have a look at our detailed Nexus 5 Android 5.0 Lollipop update review. And you can head on over to Google’s website to hear about the changes and features from the horse’s mouth. Educate yourself, get acclimated to the changes, and then install Android 5.0 Lollipop. Just remember, no one is forcing you to install it right when it comes out.

Research Android 5.0 Problems & Fixes

We recommend taking a look at the Android 5.0 problems currently affecting Nexus users. Android 5.0 delivered a number of problems to Nexus smartphones and tablets and while Android 5.0.1 is aimed at squashing some of those bugs, there’s a good chance that it will let bugs linger and perhaps, deliver some problems of its own.

By researching the current situation, you’re going to get acclimated to it and that means that you’re going to be better prepared to handle the sting if issues do surface on your device. And there’s a good chance that they will.

We’ve outlined some potential fixes for a few of the more common Android 5.0 Lollipop problems but you’ll want to familiarize with as many issues and fixes as you can. That way, if something does come up, you’ll be able to handle it with ease.

Clean Up Your Device

If you haven’t done so already, now is the perfect time to clean up your Nexus 9, Nexus 7, Nexus 10, and so on. A little pre-update maintenance can go a long way.

Over the past few months, or even in the past few weeks, you’ve likely downloaded applications or music or other files that you simply don’t use any more. Now is a great time to get rid of those applications and files that you no longer need to house on your Nexus device. It will get rid of any clutter and also free up some valuable storage space on your Nexus smartphone or tablet ahead of Android 5.0.1.

This is going to be essential for those of you that own devices like the 8GB Nexus 4. Internal storage is like gold. The more you have, the better. Keep that in mind as we push closer to the Android 5.0.1 release.

Make Sure Important Files Are Backed Up

Thanks to the cloud and Google’s auto backup features, most of your files are probably secure. That said, you’re going to want to ensure that you’ve backed up all of your important photos, videos, app data, and more before installing the Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update. There’s always a chance, albeit a small one, that something could get ruined during the transition from Android 4.4 to Android 5.0 or Android 5.0 to Android 5.0.1.

The first thing you’ll want to do is ensure that Auto Backup is turned on for your important files. To do this, head over to Google’s website. It offers in-depth Auto Backup tutorials that will ensure that your precious files will be stored safely ahead of Android 5.0’s release.We also have some tips that will help you backup your files properly.

We also recommend checking in with your cloud service if you use one (Dropbox, Box ,etc) to make sure that everything is locked up tight ahead of the Android 5.01 Lollipop roll out. Finally, if you’re not sure and you’re worried about losing work or favorite family moments, move your files to an external hard drive or onto a computer.

Charge Your Device

Pretty basic here but you’re going to want to ensure that your device is fully charged or at least charged enough where it’s not going to power down on you during the installation process. The safest route, especially for those of you with older devices, is to ensure that your device is at least 50% charged before installing Android 5.0.1.

The download and installation process probably won’t ruin your battery life but you still don’t want to run the risk of having your device die during the installation process. Charge up that Nexus 10 or Nexus 7 before downloading and installing your new software. The update won’t be as big as Android 5.0 was for some users but it could still take some time.

Update Your Apps

In the weeks since Android 5.0’s release, we’ve seen a number of bug fixes and Android 5.0 compatibility updates roll out to third-party applications. While we can’t speak for every single application on the Google Play Store, we can tell you that by updating our applications on our Nexus devices, we’ve come out of the Android 5.0 update process unscathed.

Often times, major software updates wreck havoc on third party applications. Android developers do their best to alleviate these problems as quickly as humanly possible and the best way you can help your own cause is by installing the latest bug fixes. Most apps should work after Android 5.0.1 but if you do notice problems, contact the developer.

App issues will often dissipate after a bug fix is installed so if your apps are out of date right now, you’d be wise to install bug fixes right now, and after the arrival of Android 5.0.1 update arrives.

Check in With IT

If you’re using your Nexus smartphone or tablet for work and you happen to have an IT department, you should go and chat with them before installing Android 5.0.1 Lollipop.

Nexus users that use their device for work often run into issues with their enterprise software, with Exchange, and with other features after installing Android updates. It literally happens every year after every Nexus Android release. There’s no cure all solution but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be smart about it.

There’s is a chance that your IT department might have a recommendation ahead of the Android 5.0 release. Often times, that advice is to avoid the update until they’re able to confirm that it’s working with third-party software.

Look Into the Manual Installation Process

Finally, we recommend investigating the manual update process(also known as sideloading) ahead of the Nexus Android 5.0.1 Lollipop release. Once the OTAs start, someone will find the proper files lurking on Google’s severs. Once that happens, you’ll be able to install the Android 5.0.1 update ahead of Google’s slow moving Over-the-Air roll out.

We do not recommend installing manually if you’re unfamiliar with the process so right now, ahead of the release, is a great time to get caught up on the process. This guide on how to install the Nexus 4 Android 5.0 Lollipop update should get you up to speed though there are plenty of other resources out there to find.