Connect with us

Android

Android 5.0.1 Review: 10 Tips for Nexus Users

Published

on

Google’s new Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update is rolling out to Nexus users in full force and now includes upgrades for the Nexus 6 and Nexus 5. With the roll out expanding by the week, we want to review what we know about the Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update and offer some useful tips for owners of the Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 4, Nexus 7, Nexus 9, and Nexus 10.

Last month, Google rolled out the Android 5.0 Lollipop update that it introduced back at Google I/O in June. As expected, the Android 5.0 Lollipop update delivered a number of new features, tweaks and enhancements to owners of Google’s Nexus devices including the all new Material Design. Android 5.0 is Google’s biggest Android update in years and an update that’s been installed by countless Nexus smartphone and tablet owners.

In the weeks after the initial Nexus Android 5.0 Lollipop release, we started to hear more about Google’s new update. And while a lot of the chatter amongst Nexus users was good, we also heard about some of the Android 5.0 Lollipop problems affecting various Nexus users. Some of these issues were isolated, some of them were widespread.

As the list of Android 5.0 Lollipop problems grew, so did the pressure for Google to release an Android 5.0.1 Lollipop bug fix update to alleviate some of these initial problems.

Nexus6-1

Just a few short days ago Google did, in fact, roll out an Android 5.0.1 Lollipop aimed at that very thing. The Android 5.0.1 update is a small but important bug fix update that offers a number of bug fixes aimed at improving Google’s new operating system. And while the update was limited to the Nexus 7, Nexus 9 and Nexus 10 at the start, the update’s now rolling out to the Nexus 4, Nexus 5, and Nexus 6 as well.

With the Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update spreading to new devices and new users, we want to take it as an opportunity to review what we know about the Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update (and Android updates in general) and offer some tips to owners of the Nexus 5, Nexus 4, Nexus 6, Nexus 10, Nexus 9, and Nexus 7. These tips should help those thinking about making the jump up to Android 5.0.1 and they should also help those already rocking Google’s brand new Android 5.0 Lollipop update.

Prep Your Nexus

There are some steps that you’re going to want to take ahead of the Android 5.0.1 Lollipop release, especially if you’re going to be moving to Android 5.0 Lollipop for the first time.

Nexus6-2

We’ve outlined some of the steps that we think Nexus users, both novice users and veteran users, should take ahead of their roll out. These steps include little things like keeping the device charged and much larger things like ensuring that your files are backed up properly. While we never anticipate major installation issues, there’s always a chance for things to go wrong.

If you prep your Nexus smartphone or tablet, you’re going to head into the Android 5.0.1 update process with confidence and you’ll probably emerge from it unscathed.

You Don’t Need to Install Android 5.0.1 Lollipop Right Now

While the Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update is an extremely tempting upgrade, remember, you do not need to install the update right now. In fact, some of you probably shouldn’t install the Android 5.0.1 Lollipop when it first arrives.

We’ve outlined a number of reasons why you might want to think about skipping the Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update on the day that it arrives for your device and these reasons still apply. You will want to be absolutely positive about making the move before making it.

Do Not Sideload If You Haven’t Done It Before

As the Android 5.0.1 Lollipop roll out moves forward, we’ve seen the Android 5.0.1 files emerge out of Google’s servers. These files allow users to install the update early through adb sideload. It’s an extremely tempting proposition because Google’s OTAs typically take a week or more to roll out but many of you are going to want to skip out on this process.

Nexus6-Google

Sideloading is not for everyone and there’s a good chance that it’s going to cause more harm than good. Sideloading can cause problems, especially for those of you that are trying it out for the first time. If you are unfamiliar with sideloading, we recommend passing on it this time around and doing some research on the subject in the weeks between the Android 5.0.1 release and whatever is next.

Do Not Use This “Trick”

If you’re growing impatient and you’re looking to get the Android 5.0.1 update now, do not use the Google Framework Services “trick”. We repeat, do not use the Google Framework Services “trick” that other sites and other Nexus users will almost certainly recommend. It’s not a trick and it can harm your device. In fact, the problem’s gotten so bad that Google itself warns against using this method when trying to update.

Google Services Framework (GSF) streamlines how Android apps work with data.

Since Google Services Framework deals in the authenticating, handling, and passing of app data, it’s possible that the clearing of this framework can negatively impact your experience. The following are a few examples:

  • Account authentication. You may receive Account action required notifications prompting you to re-enter your username and password multiple times.
  • Google Cloud Messaging (GCM) and apps. GCM is the infrastructure that powers notifications for Google apps and other third-party apps that have chosen to use Google’s infrastructure. If GSF data is deleted, messages for apps that use GCM may stop being delivered to your device.
  • Random misbehavior. Some Google apps and third-party apps could randomly misbehave.

If you cleared your Google Services Framework data and are concerned that this is affecting your Android device, you can reset your device to factory settings. Note that performing a factory reset permanently deletes all data on your phone or tablet.

We’ve seen these problems firsthand. They’re very real and they have a real potential to foul up the entire experience on your smartphone or tablet. Do not try and force the update this way.

Be Patient (OTAs)

Be patient. Google’s Android 5.0.1 OTA process does not happen overnight. Instead, the company’s roll outs typically stretch for a week or more as Google works to ensure a smooth delivery to Nexus users around the world. Go ahead and check for an update a couple times a day but any more than that is going to be overkill. When the update is ready, it will show up in your notifications.

Do Not Install It While Traveling

We continue to tell people this and for whatever reason, people don’t listen. As a reminder, do not install this update while traveling, or better yet, while you’re out for Christmas next week. The last thing you want to do is install an Android update away from home base. There’s always a chance something will go wrong during the installation process.

Nexus6vsN5-4

Instead, install the Android 5.0.1 update when you’re at home base so that you have easy access to all of your log in information and all of your essential files. It will be tempting to install the update if and when it pops up on-the-go but the last thing that you want is to stumble into a problem while you’re out and about. Wait until you get home from your relatives or from your trip.

Research Potential Bugs & Performance

Look into the Android 5.0.1 problems that Nexus users are facing in the days after the Android 5.0.1 update. We’ve outlined a number of them this week though as the updates continue to push, we should see more and more of them start to emerge.

This might seem ridiculous given how small Android 5.0.1 is but as we’ve noted many times, small incremental updates have the potential to have a huge impact on your Nexus tablet or smartphone. For better, or for worse. Familiarize yourself with the current problems, gather as much feedback as you possibly can, and then decide if you want to make the jump to Google’s latest update.

Take a Look at These Fixes

In your research, you’ll likely run into some potential bug fixes for these initial Android 5.0.1 problems. These will be handy in case you yourself run into Android 5.0.1 issues post-update.

Nexus 7 Android 5.0 Lollipop Review Early - 3

We’ve also put together an extremely handy list of common Android 5.0 problems and fixes for those problems. These are not fool-proof fixes but they will be a great starting point for those of you who are either worried about Android 5.0.1 problems or run into them once the software is on board your Nexus smartphone or tablet.

Remember, bugs and issues will often show up days, weeks or even months after the installation process is over so you’ll want to have some potential fixes lined up just in case.

If You’re Having Android 5.0 Problems, Make the Move

If you are having a ton of Android 5.0 Lollipop problems on your Nexus device and you cannot find a permanent fix, you might want to just take the plunge with Android 5.0.1. It comes with bug fixes and there’s always a chance that it will fix issues that aren’t listed on the update’s change log. Software updates have a habit of doing this.

We’ve spent some time with Google’s Android 5.0.1 update and we can say, with confidence, that it’s a more stable than the company’s original Android 5.0 Lollipop update. So if you’re having incurable issues with Android 5.0 on board, you’ll want to heavily consider installing Android 5.0.1 and its list of bug fixes.

Read Our Reviews

If you need more information, we suggest taking a look at our Nexus 7 Android 5.0.1 review. We also recommend taking a look at our updated Nexus 5 Android 5.0 Lollipop review if you are just making the move up to Lollipop for the first time.

Read our Nexus 7 Lollipop review.

Read our Nexus 7 Lollipop review.

These are good places to start if you’re just catching wind of Android 5.0 and Android 5.0.1 and they will provide you with vital information ahead of your upgrade. Make sure you gather feedback from others though.

7 Comments

7 Comments

  1. VP_21

    12/17/2014 at 6:28 pm

    Android is getting worse day by day,I mean am a nexus 5 user n since I updated it to 5.0.1 the phone’s driving me crazy…it goes off blank by itself and everytime I try to access my apps they end up crashing..feels like dumping it in dustbin..Now I know iOS is superior than android .

  2. Xi

    12/17/2014 at 7:06 pm

    ” The last thing you want to do is install an iOS update away from home base. There’s always a chance something will go wrong during the installation process.”

    You mean like installing iOS in your Android phone?? that would certainly be interesting.

  3. drbaltazar

    12/17/2014 at 8:35 pm

    1 once updated you all need to restart
    2 for button to work you will need to press again in horizontal position(I assume you started in vertical (this is a confirmation feature)which google hasn’t explaned yet but. Probably will!once this is done ,I havent found a single bug yet (using nexus 4)I would wait till android released their how to about android 5.0.1. My favorite?monochrome (Dev option)now I can browse the web for info on ultra low bandwith. Network !ty google .now if server send monochrome version of website I all save ton of bandwith (nha it isn’t doing it yet I believe!

  4. Marcus A.

    12/18/2014 at 8:09 am

    You said “iOS”. Who is your editor? Oh wait, no editor? What a joke.

  5. yovan

    12/18/2014 at 2:23 pm

    I’m getting crazy with my Nexus 5 since I update to 5.0.1 yesterday. The phone reboots by itself all the time when it goes to sleep mode. Also the bluetooth does not work. I always loved my Nexus 5, but now it looks I have a piece a garbage. Lol

  6. cat

    12/20/2014 at 1:05 pm

    Ditto…I used to love my N5. Now I have nothing but problems (camera crashing, screen going blank, etc.). And, I hate all this white. Oh, and don’t get me started on the new notifications… Ugh! It looks horrible.

  7. Kyle

    12/21/2014 at 5:49 am

    “Be sure to do your research”. That is what this article should have been, dillhole.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.