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Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 Update: 5 Things to Know

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Google’s finally confirmed the Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update and the updated firmware should start rolling out to Nexus 5 users today. Here’s what owners of the former flagship need to know about the company’s brand new Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 Lollipop release.

Last month, Google confirmed the arrival of a new Android 5.1.1 update for its stable of Nexus devices. The update followed in the footsteps of Android 5.1, an update that delivered new features, bug fixes and some new problems to Nexus smartphone and tablet users.

Google’s Android 5.1.1 update isn’t as big as Android 5.1 but it’s still important because of the critical bug fixes that it has on board. Google’s Android 5.1.1 deployment has been extremely slow though we’ve finally started to see the company pick up the pace during the month of May.

Nexus6vsN5-2

Today, Google’s taken several big steps it has released Android 5.1.1 for three new devices including the Nexus 9 LTE, the Nexus 4, and the Nexus 5. The Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 update was recently confirmed for arrival by Canadian carrier Rogers but today marks the first time that Google’s acknowledged the release.

With a Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 roll out at hand, we take a look at the most important things Nexus 5 users need to know about the Android 5.1.1 update.

It’s Time to Prepare

After weeks of silence, the Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 release date is finally here. What this means is that now is a great time to start preparing the Nexus 5 (and yourself) for the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update’s arrival.

iPhone-5s-Nexus-5

To help, we’ve outlined a number of steps to take ahead of the installation process. We’ve also put together some useful Android 5.1.1 Lollipop release date tips that will help Nexus 5 users once Google does start pushing the update.

These tips are designed mainly for novice Nexus 5 users though veteran Nexus 5 users might find some of these tips useful as well.

Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 Update Now Available

The Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 Lollipop OTA is starting today but that doesn’t mean that everyone will get it at the same time. Fortunately, there are ways to install early.

Thanks to resourceful Nexus users, we now have direct access to the Nexus 5’s Android 5.1.1 OTA file. Those familiar with the sideloading process can download the file and install manually ahead of the OTA:

If you don’t know how to sideload, you can take a look at our guide here. Just remember, there’s always a chance that sideloading could negatively impact the performance of the Nexus 5 so users should proceed with caution. For reference, the file size is extremely small.

Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 OTA

The Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 OTA is rolling out which means that some users will see the update arrive for their device today. Here are a few things that we think Nexus 5 users need to keep in mind as the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update starts to push for the aging former flagship:

  • The roll out will move slowly. Google’s updates typically take a week or more to complete. The Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 update should be completed before the end of May.
  • Nexus 5 users can check manually through settings but there’s no need to check more than a couple times a day. Most Nexus 5 users will discover the update via a prompt in notifications.
  • Do not try and force the update using the Google Framework Services “trick.” This could seriously harm the device.
  • Nexus 5 users don’t need to install the update the second it arrives. In fact, many will probably want to skip the update when it arrives.

Android 5.1.1 vs. Android 5.0

Some Nexus 5 users are still on Android 5.0.2 or below. Android 5.1.1 is a variant of Android 5.1 which means that it will bring Android 5.1’s bug fixes and features to Nexus 5 models lingering on firmware older than Android 5.1.

Android 5.1 vs Android 5.0 Lollipop Walkthrough: What’s New

Quick Settings

Quick Settings

Our favorite new change has to do with Quick Settings. For those that don't even know, pulling down the notification bar twice (or once with two fingers) brings up a Quick Settings menu. From here you have access to screen brightness, and toggles for WiFi, Bluetooth, a flashlight, airplane mode, auto rotate settings, location, screen casting, and more quick toggles appear as you use them. Like hotspot control, and more.

In all of our slides Android 5.1 is on the left, with the older Android 5.0 screenshot on the right.

With Android 5.1 Lollipop Google made quick settings even better. Once you swipe down twice or once with two fingers, you'll have easier access to controlling WiFi or Bluetooth and connections. Rather than fumble through settings, simply tap the little drop down arrow, and you can connect to WiFi or Bluetooth devices all from here. This is a small but very convenient change, and one of our favorites.

The slideshow above will recap what Nexus 5 users on Android 5.0.2 and below need to know about the changes Android 5.1.1 Lollipop will bring to the Nexus 5.

It’s also important to note that the Android 5.1.1 update comes with a fix for Nexus 5 camera app problems. Some Nexus 5 users have been complaining about camera app crashes when trying to access it thru a third-party application. Android 5.1.1 should resolve those issues.

Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 Problems & Fixes

Finally, consider this a warning. Nexus users who have received the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update from Google are relaying feedback about the new software. And while some of the feedback is positive (we’re having an excellent experience on the Nexus 7 and Nexus 9 ), we’re starting to hear about Nexus Android 5.1.1 Lollipop problems.

We’ve rounded up some of these initial problems to help Nexus users can dig around for feedback and get familiar with some of the more pressing issues.

New HTC One M8 vs -  Nexus 512-X3

Battery drain, connectivity issues and lag are some of the more common problems. Android 5.1.1 appears to be more stable than Android 5.1 but Nexus 5 users having a good performance on Android 5.1 and below are still taking a risk.

In response to these problems, we put together a list of common Android 5.1.1 problems and fixes that users should consult ahead of the Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 release. We’ve also outlined ways to improve battery life and put together a guide that will show Nexus 5 users how to downgrade if Android 5.1.1 ruins performance.

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