Update Android 5.1 Lollipop Official Factory Image on Nexus 6 Manually [Install Guide]

Google has initiated the process of rolling out Android 5.1 Lollipop update to all of its Nexus devices, including the latest flagship Nexus 6. The latest update is expected to bring a series of improvements and most importantly fix all known issues from the prior updates. The roll-out is phased and will take few days before getting it on all devices globally. If patience is not your best suit, here are a few ways to get the latest iteration of Android Lollipop update on your Nexus 6 smartphone.

Google has already released Android 5.1 Lollipop factory image for Nexus 6, allowing users to manually update their phones without waiting for Google's OTA rollout. According to a report by Team Android, the exact Android 5.1 build for Nexus 6 is LMY47D. In this article, we put together all necessary steps for you to update your smartphone to the latest software. Before we get started, here are a few important reminders.

Prepare your Nexus 6 for manual upgrade to Android 5.1

There are three major steps before proceeding with the update. First, users need to back up all of their data stored on their Nexus 6 smartphone as installing the factory image will completely wipe out the phone. Then, users must ensure the handset is rooted. If you are skeptical about rooting your device, follow a step-by-step guide to get you through. Finally, download Motorola Nexus 6 USB drivers on your phone as it helps your PC to detect the handset when connected.

That covers the technical bit and users need to keep a few things in mind before proceeding. Owners of Nexus 6 phones will receive Android 5.1 update over-the-air in the next few days. If you are not technically sound, we advise you stick to the usual OTA update process.

If you are confident with the alternate route to update your phone, ensure your phone's battery is 80 percent and above or there's a chance of your handset getting bricked if the installation is interrupted. Also, rooting a device voids the company warranty for the device and will no longer receive OTA updates. To restore warranty, users must flash the device with stock ROM.

[Disclaimer: International Business Times, India, does not claim any responsibility of any damage caused to your device during the process. Readers must proceed with caution and at their own risks.]

How to install Android 5.1 Lollipop factory image on Nexus 6 [STEPS] (Credit: Team Android)

1. Download Android 5.1 Lollipop Factory Image for Nexus 6 on your PC.
2. Connect your Nexus 6 smartphone to computer via USB cable. (Check for USB drivers)
3. Ensure Fastboot is installed and configured correctly.
4. Turn off the phone
5. Restart the phone into Fastbook or Bootloader mode by holding down Volume Up + Volume Down + Power buttons simultaneously.
6. Find the downloaded files on the computer then extract them and copy on your Fastboot directory.
7. Run the factory image files in your Fastboot directory.

- On Windows: Run the file "flash-all.bat".

- On Mac: Run the file "flash-all.sh" using Terminal.

- On Linux: Run the file "flash-all.sh".

By successfully completing these seven steps, you have initiated the flash for Android 5.1 Lollipop on your Nexus 6. Follow any onscreen instructions and wait till the process is completed. The handset will restart once the installation completes and it will take about five minutes to boot. This is normal as the device is configuring the changes. Once the Nexus 6 is on, it will be running the latest Android 5.1 Lollipop version. To confirm the changes, go to Settings > About Phone and verify.