5 Things You Should Know About Nexus 4 Android 5.1 Update

Google’s Android 5.1 Lollipop update is missing on a few Nexus devices, although it looks like we may finally be able to remove the Nexus 4 Android 5.1 update from the list. With an upcoming OTA, we take a look at what users need to know about the Nexus 4 Android 5.1 Lollipop update right now.

In March, Google released an Android 5.1 update for Nexus smartphones and tablets. The third incremental update for the new Android 5.0 Lollipop operating system, the update brought feature tweaks and a host of bug fixes for certain Nexus users. Nexus 6, Nexus 5, Nexus 7 2012 and Nexus 10 owners were the first in line, though the Android 5.1 update is finally starting to arrive on other devices as well.

Earlier this month, Google began rolling out Android 5.1 to the cellular version of the Nexus 7 2012, also known as the Nexus 7 3G. But until now, Android 5.1 Lollipop update was missing for Nexus 4, Nexus 7 2013, Nexus 7 LTE and Nexus 9. 4.

While Google didn’t reveal the trumpets or the red carpet, the Nexus 4 Android 5.1 Lollipop update is finally here, a month after the Android 5.1 Lollipop rollout began. With that in mind, we want to take a look at the most important things Nexus 4 users need to know about their upgrade to Android 5.1 Lollipop.

Nexus 4 Android 5.1 Lollipop Update Released

After a long wait, the Nexus 4 Android 5.1 Lollipop update has finally arrived. Thanks to a user at reddit, Nexus 4 users can now access Android 5.1 OTA file of Nexus 4. If you’re familiar with sideloading, here’s the appropriate file coming directly from Google servers:

If you don’t know how to sideload, you can check out our guide here. Keep in mind that there is always a possibility that you may adversely affect the performance of your device, so be careful.

The interesting thing is that this file appeared before Google released it on AOSP. No factory images are available for the Nexus 4 Android 5.1 update, but we suspect Google will make them available soon. You can find them here.

Nexus 4 Android 5.1 OTA

At least one Nexus 4 user has received the Android 5.1 Lollipop OTA from Google, and we expect the update to pick up speed in the coming days and maybe weeks. Here are a few things we think Nexus 4 users should keep in mind as the Android 5.1 Lollipop update begins rolling out:

Android 5.1, not Android 5.1.1 Lollipop

It’s important to note that the Nexus 4 Android 5.1 Lollipop update is Android 5.1 Lollipop, not Android 5.1 Lollipop. Unless Google makes some additions, it will likely look very similar to the Android 5.1 updates already rolling out for Nexus 5, Nexus 7, Nexus 10 and Nexus 6 users. That means new features, bug fixes, and maybe the dreaded memory leak issue.

In case you forgot, the slideshow above will summarize what you need to know about the changes Android 5.1 Lollipop will bring to the Nexus 4 after you download and install it.

Android 5.1 Lollipop Issues

We know it’s tempting to install the Nexus 4 Android 5.1 Lollipop update as soon as it arrives on your device. However, you may want to consider resisting the urge.

Android 5.1 Lollipop brings feature fixes and bug fixes for ongoing Android 5.0 Lollipop issues. It also brings some problems of its own. We have summarized most of the Android 5.1 Lollipop issues plaguing Nexus users. It ranges from random reboots to battery drain to issues with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Before installing the Nexus 4 Android 5.1 Lollipop update, we recommend getting feedback from Nexus 4 users who decided to install it early. That way, you can make an informed decision about whether to continue or migrate to Android 5.1 no matter what you’re using.

Fixes for Android 5.1 Issues

If you finally decide to download the Nexus 4 Android 5.1 Lollipop update and run into some issues, keep in mind that we’ve put together some resources that might help.

We recently put together a list of fixes for common Android 5.1 Lollipop issues that should help. We’ve also put together some helpful Android 5.1 battery life tips that will almost certainly help if your Nexus 4 is starting to show fast battery drain. Keep these resources checked.