Android 5.1 Issues: 7 Things Nexus Users Should Know Now

Google’s Android 5.1 Lollipop update continues to roll out to Nexus users, bringing a host of feature improvements and bug fixes. We keep hearing about Nexus Android 5.1 issues as the rollout speed picks up. With that in mind, we’re taking an up-to-date look at Android 5.1 Lollipop issues, fixes for these issues, and more.

In early March, the day Apple approved iOS 8.2, Google approved a major update of its own. Android 5.1 Lollipop is the company’s new version of Lollipop. It’s a much bigger update than the Android 5.0.1 Lollipop and Android 5.0.2 Lollipop updates that came before it, as it brings a laundry list of bug fixes and some feature enhancements to owners of certain Nexus devices. It also brings some problems of its own.

Since it arrived, we’ve seen Nexus users provide tons of feedback on Android 5.1 Lollipop. We also presented our own Android 5.1 Lollipop feedback. While some of what we see and hear is positive, Nexus users continue to complain about a number of Android 5.1 Lollipop issues. Some of these issues affect our Nexus devices.

Google’s version of Android 5.1 is expected to become widespread in the future, and as Android 5.1 issues continue to rise, we want to take a look at some of the most important things we think Nexus smartphone and tablet owners should know about Android 5.1 issues. This mini recap will get you up to speed with the latest Lollipop issues.

Android 5.1 Memory Leak Is Still a Big Problem

The first thing you need to know is Android 5.1 memory leak issue, the problem Fixed internally on Google a few weeks ago, it’s still a big issue for Nexus users.

Google’s Nexus Help Forums full of complaints about random reboots and app crashes We have seen similar issues on our Nexus 5 version after receiving the Android 5.1 update. The problems were so bad that they forced us to tell Nexus 5 users to stay on Android 5.0.1 or earlier until Google fixes this issue.

Although most of the complaints come from Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 users, this is a system-wide issue. That means those of you eager to download the new Nexus 4 Android 5.1 update will want to be extra careful.

Search around for feedback before installing the software. We haven’t seen much from Nexus 4 users yet, but that will change once the rollout of Nexus 4 Android 5.1 picks up pace.

Nexus 5 Android 5.1 Camera Problems

While we didn’t see this issue in our Nexus 5 releases, a few Nexus 5 users seem to be having issues with the camera app after installing the Android 5.1 update.

Android Police notes that the problem occurs when third-party apps try to access the stock camera app of the device. It seems that the issue also affects the Smart Unlock feature. We’ve heard that several Nexus users are having issues with Smart Lock, and it looks like you’re not alone.

Unfortunately, it’s unclear whether Google has fixed this issue internally. Meanwhile, a simple reboot seems to have the potential to fix the problem only temporarily. The problem tends to come back at some point.

Other Nexus Android 5.1 Issues

Of course, these aren’t the only Android 5.1 issues plaguing Nexus users. Google’s Nexus Forums allow Nexus users to they complain and over the past month we’ve seen the list of bugs and issues keep growing.

Nexus users complain bricked devices, Wi-Fi issues, battery discharge problems, Smart Lock issues which seems to affect quite a few people, data connection problems, problems with messaging, terrible performance, push notification issues, and more. These are just a small sample from a forum where Nexus users post feedback.

While random reboots, battery draining issues, and issues with Smart Lock seem to affect more than just a few Nexus smartphones and tablets, most of these issues are isolated.

Everyone’s Having Problems

It’s important to note that not everyone is having issues with Google’s Android 5.1 update. In fact, we’re having a great experience with our Nexus 6 version. We didn’t see the random reboot issues or app crashes or excessive battery drain that many other Nexus users see. Android 5.1 was also a discovery for our Nexus 7 2012 variant.

This Nexus 4 user says seeing improvements and some Nexus 5 users say that they did not encounter anything catastrophic After upgrading to Android 5.1. Other than random reboots and app crashes, our Android 5.1 experience on the Nexus 5 was very solid. We didn’t encounter any major battery drain or any connectivity issues.

What we’re trying to arrive at here is that you should definitely research before making a decision about Android 5.1 Lollipop, especially if you’re not used to or aren’t comfortable going back to an earlier version of Android 5.0. It is difficult to predict whether issues will occur on your device and therefore we highly recommend that you do some preparatory work before updating.

You must prepare yourself and your device for Android 5.1. If you’re still sitting on Android 5.0.2 or below, we have some tips here and here to help you out.

Android 5.1.1 Version Still MIA

Earlier this month, a reference to an Android 5.1.1 version appeared in the updated Android SDK. Its appearance was probably not an April 1 joke, but we still don’t know when Google plans to release this update, if it plans to release this update, or what will be on board when it arrives.

Some people believe it will (at least) fix the onboard memory leak issue, but this is still unconfirmed. What has been confirmed is that many Nexus users need a new update from Google to alleviate their Android 5.1 issues. Note that Android 5.1.1 or later may bring some problems on its own.

Fixes for Android 5.1 Issues

In the meantime, if you’re struggling with Android 5.1 issues, we’ve put together some resources that we think might be of use to you.

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 is starting to show fast battery drain. Bookmark these resources and search other sites for other fixes.

Android 5.1 for Nexus 9 and Nexus 7 2013

One last thing. If you own a Nexus 7 2013 or Nexus 9 and are dealing with Android 5.0.2 Lollipop issues, know that Android 5.1 is confirmed for both these devices. It’s not yet clear when the updates will be rolled out or if it will be Android 5.1.1 instead of Android 5.1, but it’s clear that something is going on behind the scenes.

Google rarely announces release dates, so if you’re dealing with Android 5.0.2 Lollipop issues, you need to be extremely proactive, especially since Android 5.1 has the potential to bring more problems to your tablet.

Watch your moves.