Nexus Android 5.1.1 Update: 5 Things to Know in April

As April draws to a close, we want to take a look at what Google’s Nexus smartphone and tablet owners need to know about the Nexus Android 5.1.1 update and release.

Late last year, Google extended the Android 5.0 Lollipop upgrade to owners of Nexus devices. Android 5.0 Lollipop was and continues to be an important update for Nexus users as it brings some big changes to the look and feel of the Android operating system. Like all major software updates, Android 5.0 Lollipop came with some big time problems, problems that persist to this day.

Nexus users in particular have been voicing their concerns about Lollipop issues since November. These complaints continued after Google’s Android 5.0.1, Android 5.0.2 and Android 5.1 Lollipop versions. From battery life issues to random reboots and connectivity issues, Lollipop’s problems have battered Nexus users around the world.

Earlier this month, Google released a brand new update in the form of Android 5.1.1 Lollipop. Android 5.1.1 Lollipop isn’t a major update, but it is an important one for many Nexus smartphone and tablet users. The problem is that the update has only spread to one device and one niche device at that. There are tons of questions swirling around but Google has chosen to remain silent.

As we approach the end of the month, we want to take a look at what Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 4, Nexus 7, Nexus 10 and Nexus 9 users should know about the Android 5.1.1 update and release. This mini-summary will quickly catch up with unannounced users and serve as a reminder for those who have been following you since day one.

Nexus Android 5.1.1 Update Still Limited

With just a few days until the calendar hits May, Google’s Android 5.1.1 release for Nexus devices remains extremely limited. As of now, it’s available for the Nexus Player, a niche product the company introduced last year. Nexus Player Android 5.1.1 OTA is rolling out and those who own the device should check for a prompt.

Nexus Player users without a prompt can download and install the update directly from Google. Those familiar with sideloading can grab this file and get the Android 5.1.1 update and fixes right now:

Nexus 9 and Nexus 7 Android 5.1.1 Updates

Earlier this month, Google’s developer portal It has listed Android 5.1.1 Lollipop versions for Nexus 9 and Nexus 7 2013. For unknown reasons, Google decided to clear these lists and now references older versions of Android 5.0 Lollipop. However, this does not mean that the Nexus 7 and Nexus 9 Android 5.1.1 updates will not come. Google’s Sascha Prüter provides some insight.

In response to complaints from angry Nexus 9 users, Prüter says the Nexus 9 hasn’t reached its EOL (End of Life) and it’s a matter of Google wanting to take the time to provide the bug fixes it includes. The Android 5.1.1 update really fixes the issues plaguing the device. Here are his full statements:

EOL means no more updates are coming (which is wrong). Does another Nexus device receiving the update earlier indicate to you that a product is EOL? I do not understand this.

I totally understand the frustration of N9 owners who are having issues, but that’s why it’s even more important that the 5.1.1 update for the Nexus 9 fixes these issues. So I think it’s the right step to come up with an update that really improves quality and fixes reported issues rather than rushing something that doesn’t help most customers. And I don’t think it’s in anyone’s interest for us to artificially keep updates on other Nexus devices out-of-the-box in the meantime.

Prüter hasn’t confirmed any other details, but it’s clear Google has more Android 5.1.1 updates on hand. He’ll release them when they’re ready, without any major announcements.

Nexus 5 and Nexus 6 Android 5.1.1 Update

Google hasn’t announced anything and hasn’t downloaded a Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 update to AOSP, but we’re pretty sure the company plans to release a Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 update in the future.

Google’s Android 5.1.1 Lollipop change log It comes with some fixes for Nexus 5. So, it looks like a Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 update will be released in the future if Google isn’t bothering Nexus 5 users with major issues.

The changelog also references fixes for Nexus 6 (shamu) and Nexus 10 (manta). In other words, it looks like this update will hit more of Google’s Nexus Player. At this point, it’s just a matter of time.

Android 5.1.1 Features

Thanks to Android PoliceWe know what’s coming with the Android 5.1.1 update. Android 5.1.1 update will not bring new features to Nexus smartphones and tablets. Instead, it’s packed with bug fixes, including some major solutions for camera crash issues, random reboots, and some minor tweaks to help stabilize the software.

Get Ready Now

Google hasn’t announced any Android 5.1.1 release date, and it probably won’t. This means that Android 5.1.1 version may arrive anytime for devices like Nexus 5, Nexus 6 and others.

For Nexus users, we have prepared a game plan with steps to take before Android 5.1.1 Lollipop release. It also includes some release day tips that we think Nexus users will find helpful as the company strives to roll out the Android 5.1.1 update to Nexus users around the world.

It may take days, weeks or even months for some Nexus users to see the update, but it’s never too early to get ready. Nexus users will want to keep this in mind as April leaves its place to May.