Google Nexus 4
Google Nexus 4LG Press Kit

Early this week, Google announced Android 5.1 Lollipop update and before it could release the firmware via OTA (Over-The-Air) to devices, an unofficial version of new OS ROM has been made available to the LG's 2013 flagship smartphone Google Nexus 4.

This Android 5.1 Lollipop ROM is developed by an XDA Developer Forum's recognised senior member/portal moderator going by the moniker, 'eagleeyetom'.

It is around 187 MB in size and the firmware is based on the AOSP (Android Open Source Project) 5.1 Lollipop. It is expected to fix the Wi-Fi tethering issue and bring in improvements in performance and battery life enhancements.

However, ROM developer eagleeyetom cautions readers that this ROM is an experimental (unstable) version, so some issues are yet to be fixed. We advise our readers go through the whole tutorial article first before going ahead with the custom ROM installation.

Prerequisites (things to remember before installing Custom ROM):

  • This Android 5.1 Lollipop ROM has to be installed on the LG-Google Nexus 4 (aka Mako) only; if tried on other devices, it might get bricked [To check your device model: Go to Settings >> About phone >> model number]
  • Make sure the device is rooted before going forward for custom ROM installation
  • Installation of custom ROM requires clearing of memory in the smartphone, so make sure to back all the data by installing Clockwork Mod (CWM) Recovery/ TWRP in the smartphone.
  • Users make sure they have installed USB drivers on the PC, or else your phone (Google Nexus 4) smartphone will not be recognized by the computer.
  • Make sure your device has more than 80 percent battery, or else there is chance of smartphone getting temporarily bricked if the installation process is interrupted in the mid-way.
  • Though installing custom ROM improve the device's performance and UI experiences, it makes the company warranty void and they will no longer be liable to provide updates in future [users can restore warranty by flashing the device with stock-ROM].

[Disclaimer: This procedure is very technical and should be performed by a person with sound knowledge of rooting (or manual software installation) Android devices. If the step-by-step installation process is not followed properly, there are chances of the smartphone getting bricked or being permanently irreparable. International Business Times, India Edition cannot be held responsible for any damage or claims from readers if the procedure does not yield the required results or if the smartphone is bricked. Hence, users are advised to proceed with caution.]

Tutorial: Step-by-step Installation Procedure of Android v5.1 Lollipop [Unofficial] update on LG-Google Nexus 4

Step 1: Download Android v5.1 Lollipop [Unofficial] ROM (HERE) and Google Apps (HERE) in the PC.

[Note: It has come to light that the current Google Apps file is not compatible with Android 5.1 Lollipop, but this issue has been fixed by senior XDA developer - Rick Roll. He says, 'PA Gapps' will work if we change "req_android_version" to 5.1 on installer.data]

Step 2: Connect LG-Google Nexus 4 (aka Mako) to PC via USB chord.

[Note: Before plugging the phone to the computer, make sure you have installed USB driver software, if not, click HERE to download the firmware]

Step 3: Then, place Android v5.1 Lollipop ROM zip file and Google Apps .zip file into the phone's memory.

[Note: Before users begin installing the custom software, make sure the device is already rooted and must have installed ClockworkMod Recovery/TWRP].

Step 4: Now turn-off the device and disconnect from the PC.

Step 5: Then perform the regular 'Bootloader Mode' sortie by press holding 'Volume up', 'Volume down' and 'Power' buttons.

Step 6: Once entering the 'Bootloader mode,' go to the ClockworkMod Recovery mode, then clear phone memory, by choosing 'wipe data/factory reset' [Note: Use 'Volume' keys to navigate and 'Power' button to select options, while operating under Recovery Mode].

Step 7: Now, clear the cache memory by selecting 'wipe cache partition.'

Step 8: Then go back to the ClockworkMod recovery, and select 'advanced' and tap 'wipe dalvik cache' [Note: This step is optional, but many recommend this procedure so that users will not face boot loops or any other errors in the middle of custom ROM installation]

Step 9: Again come back to the main recovery screen and then tap 'install zip from SD card.'

Step 10: Then tap 'choose zip from sdcard' and go to Android 5.1 Lollipop ROM .zip file in the SD card and enter the installation process. Repeat the same procedure for installing Google Apps. [Note: use 'Volume' keys to navigate and 'Power' button to select options]

Step 11: Once done with the installation process, navigate to '+++++Go Back+++++' and re-start the device by opting 'reboot system now' seen in the recovery menu.

Now, your device (LG-Google Nexus 4) will take a few minutes to complete the booting process.

Users then head to Settings >> select About phone to confirm the installation of  Android [unofficial] 5.1 Lolipop OS.

[Credits: XDA Developer Forum Senior member- eagleeyetom]

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