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11 Nexus Android 5.0.2 Lollipop Release Date Tips

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With a Nexus Android 5.0.2 Lollipop release date now here for two more devices, we want to offer up some helpful tips to Nexus users poised to receive the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update from Google. These tips should help make release day go a lot smoother for Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 users looking to make the move.

At the end of last year, Google finally pushed out Android 5.0 Lollipop to the Nexus 5, Nexus 4, Nexus 7 2013 Wi-Fi, Nexus 7 2012 Wi-Fi, and the Nexus 10. Smaller bug fix updates went out to the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9, both of which came with Android 5.0 Lollipop on board at launch.

Shortly after the updates started rolling out, Nexus users began complaining about a series of Android 5.0 Lollipop problems plaguing their new operating system. It took weeks, but Google finally addressed some of these issues when it pushed out an Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update with bug fixes for these Android 5.0 problems.

Nexus 7 Android 5.0 Lollipop Review Early - 3

The Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update landed for the Nexus 7 2013 Wi-Fi, Nexus 9 and Nexus 10 before pushing out to the Nexus 4, Nexus 5, and Nexus 6. Android 5.0.1 tackled a number of issues though it failed to fix every Android 5.0 problem and some of these devices remain stuck on Android 5.0.1 Lollipop. Not for long though.

Just days after the arrival of Android 5.0.1, Google issued a single Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update to the Nexus 7 2012 Wi-Fi, an update that delivered fixes for the tablet’s user base. The company did not make it clear if it would roll out Android 5.0.2 to any of its other Nexus devices though those questions have been answered with the arrival of two new updates.

This week, Google released Android 5.0.2 Lollipop factory images and binaries for the Nexus 7 2013 and the Nexus 10. These indicate that OTAs for these devices are close and that means that the Nexus Android 5.0.2 Lollipop release date is about to expand. With that in mind, we want to help make the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop release date less stressful for Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 users.

These tips also apply to the Nexus 7 2012 update that rolled out several days ago and any upcoming Android 5.0.2 Lollipop updates Google might have up its sleeve.

Android 5.0.2 Lollipop Release Time

The OTA for the Nexus 7 2012 is likely complete but the OTAs for the Nexus 7 2013 and Nexus 10 have yet to begin. If this is your first rodeo, remember that Google is not predictable when it comes to the release times for its Android updates. Nexus Android updates have started rolling out at all hours of the day and there’s no easy way to predict when these roll outs will start.

For most users, the Nexus 7 Lollipop update is worth installing.

What this means is that you shouldn’t be checking your phone at any specific time. Instead, it means that you should simply keep an eye out on the internet for the start of the roll out. We’ll let you know when the OTAs start and your fellow Nexus users will almost certainly give you a heads up. There is no need to sit by the phone all day. There’s also no need to check at a specific time. Google’s very random.

Be Patient

You’ll want to remain very patient with Google. We still don’t know when the OTAs are going to start rolling out and two, Google almost always rolls its Nexus Android updates out in stages. It’s a process that can take up to a week or so to complete.

Some Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 users will get the upgrade on day one while others will get it in the days after the initial batch rolls out. If you need a reminder, here’s how Android engineer Dan Morrill explained Google’s process many moons ago:

Rollouts are conducted in phases. Typically they start at 1% of devices for around 24 – 48 hours; we watch the return rates and resulting device checkins and error reports (if any), and make sure nothing looks wrong before sending it to more. Then typically it goes to 25%, 50%, 100% over the course of a week or two.

What the percentages mean is that when your device checks in, it has a 1% chance (for example) of being offered the OTA. If it doesn’t (randomly) get an offer, it will never get an offer until the next batch.

IOW, once your device checks in and gets turned down, that’s it until the next batch. Mashing on the “check for updates” button just causes your device to check in again, and get automatically turned down again. Think about how that makes your device feel! WON’T SOMEONE PLEASE THINK OF THE PHONES?!

That said, once the new batch does start, hitting that button does give you a new roll of the dice — but once. Since devices usually only check in for system updates every 24 hours (I think? Certainly on a many-hours basis) this can get you your shot sooner than it would happen on its own.

So, mash away. :) Just be patient, and mashing on it more often than once or twice a day isn’t going to gain you anything.

Edit: also, keep in mind that this isn’t first-come/first-served. You’re not racing other devices to get your slot in the current batch, or something.

So while you might feel a temptation to check for a software update in Settings every five minutes, avoid that temptation. The roll out will be random and unpredictable.

You Can Install Early

If you are the impatient type, there will be a way for you to upgrade to Android 5.0.2 Lollipop before the Over-the-Air update arrives from Google. After the roll out begins, we should see files from Google’s servers emerge. These direct downloads from Google’s servers will enable you to manually install the software on day one. As we’ve pointed out numerous times, the process will be a piece of cake for those who have used Android devices for years.

Nexus-7-LTE-Review-2013-Verizon-3

If you are the impatient type, you might want to consider sideloading the software. It can be a little tricky but it’s one of the nice benefits afforded to Nexus devices and Nexus owners. If you don’t know how to sideload, we recommend educating yourself. For more information about sideloading updates, have a look at our guide for last year’s Nexus 4 Android 5.0 KitKat update. The process for Android 5.0.2 should be the same.

You Don’t Need to Install Early or At All

If you aren’t familiar with sideloading software updates or if this is somehow your first Nexus Android update, we suggest skipping the manual install process. Our recommendation is that if you feel uncomfortable about the instructions, skip it, and wait for the OTA. Then, in the weeks after the release, acclimate yourself to the sideloading process so that you can install early next time around. It’s that simple.

Do Not Use the Google Framework Services “Trick”

Over the years, the Google Framework Services “trick” has been promoted by some sites as a way to force a Nexus update. While this “trick” may force the update, it’s going to do way more harm than good. Here is what Morill had to say about the Google Framework Services move:

Doing this changes the primary ID by which Google knows your device. As far as the servers are concerned, the device was basically factory reset. There are many downstream effects of this, but a big one is that this invalidates the tokens used by any app that uses GCM (which is nearly all the Google apps, and a ton of third-party apps.)

How apps react to GCM IDs changing varies by app. With Play Store you have to log out and log back in, I think Gmail usually handles it transparently eventually but won’t get new mail notifications for a while, etc. Some apps you may have to clear data on to recover. All apps will simply stop getting GCM push-messages, until they get a new GCM ID; some do this frequently, others rarely, and some apps use the GCM ID as an ID on their own servers (as it is opaque and basically random), so other things besides push messages may not work.

Nothing bursts into flames, but it makes a ton of nuisances on the device, including some that can look pretty mysterious. Your mileage will vary depending on what apps you use.

All of this can be avoided by just doing an ‘adb sideload’ if you are impatient.

If that’s not convincing enough, have a look at what Google itself has to say about this “trick.”Do not use this process. Sideload or wait for the OTA. That’s it and that’s all.

Set Aside Some Time for the Update

Android 5.0.2 Lollipop is a bug fix update which means that it’s small. Still, we recommend setting aside some time for the installation and download process to ensure that everything goes smoothly. There’s always a chance that something will get fouled up, maybe even the installation process itself. You don’t want to be distracted if that happens.

Nexus-7-LTE-Review-2013-Verizon-8-620x421

It’s also worth noting that Android installation times will vary based on device and based on connection speed. If you’re on a slow connection, set aside some extra time for the update to download and install. It probably won’t take too long but you just never know.

Rooted/Custom ROM Users Proceed with Caution

Those of you who are rooted and using custom ROMs will want to proceed with caution on Android 5.0.2 Lollipop release day. While power users will likely have no issues making the upgrade to the latest version of Android, average Nexus users that aren’t as involved in the community and Nexus users who have only recently rooted or installed custom software will need to be very careful.

Before installing the update, we suggest heading to a place like XDA or to a specific domain for your software like Cyanogenmod forums to ensure that everything is working properly and to seek assistance if necessary. We expect a fairly smooth transition process for most people but again, you just never know what might occur. Take extra precaution.

Come to the Nexus Android 5.0.2 Release Date Prepared

Do not come to your Nexus Android 5.0.2 Lollipop installation and download process unprepared. Make sure your apps are updated so that they don’t cause serious issues after the upgrade. Make sure your device is at charged half way at least. Make sure your important files are backed up in the cloud or locally so that you don’t lose them if something does go wrong.

These precautions might seem like overkill to some of you but in our experience, the better prepared you are the better. The upgrade process can be a tad unpredictable and you’ll want to make sure that you and your device are ready ahead of time. Coming prepared won’t shut the door on potential issues but it will make them easier to deal with if they do pop up.

We’ve put together a list of steps to take ahead of the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop release. Use them.

Install Lollipop From Home Base If Possible

We suggest installing software updates from your home. Installing from home base will afford you Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 users some advantages that you might not have if you were to install on the road.

Android-4.4.4-Nexus-7-Review

Installing at home means that there will be fewer distractions. It also means that you should have access to all of the proper information in case something goes wrong. The last thing you want is for something to go haywire while at work or in the middle of a class.

Those of you who are tempted to install at work might want to wait until you get home, particularly if the device is important to work flow. There is no telling what might happen during, or after, the installation process and you wouldn’t want the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop installation process to impact any important plans you might have for the day.

Expect Android 5.0.2 Lollipop Problems

We expect Android 5.0.2 problems to plague Nexus 7 2013 and Nexus 10 users. While bug fix updates like Android updates like Android 5.0.2 Lollipop are supposed to fix things, they often break things as well. It happens almost ever single time a new update is issued and Nexus 7 2012 users are already complaining about problems with Android 5.0.2.

It’s important to note that these issues will likely be isolated so you’re probably not going to be able to rely on Google for help. We’ve heard that Android 5.1 might be around the corner but there’s no guarantee. You’re going to need to be proactive if you run into problems. And please, don’t panic.

If you’re using your device for work, check in with your IT department before installing the software. If you aren’t, you’re going to have to rely on your own judgement.

Here Are Some Solid Resources

Google’s Nexus support forums are the first place to look for solutions for Android 5.0.2 Lollipop issues. There, Nexus users and forum moderators will offer useful advice and present temporary or permanent fixes. That’s a site that you’ll want to bookmark as a resource. It’s free and fairly easy to navigate.

Comment sections and Twitter are also helpful places to go should something come up during the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop installation process or after the software is installed. The Android Central Forums are also another solid place to look for possible fixes or help with the Android 5.0.2 update should you need it. XDA-Developers is also a good site to check out.

We’ve also put together a list of potential Android 5.0.2 Lollipop problems and fixes that’s worth checking out.

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