This guide will show you how to install the brand new Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update so you can try the latest Android version from Google right now on your Nexus 7 or Nexus 10 tablet.
Google released an early developer preview of what was called the Android L version back in June when they first released the new operating system, and then revealed Android 5.0 Lollipop in late October. This was quickly followed by Android 5.0.1 and now Android 5.0.2 was recently released for the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10, fixing a number of issues users were experiencing.
The update is currently (slowly) rolling out for some users, but if you want to get it right now, here’s how to do it. You will need the newly updated factory images provided by Google to install on your device. Additionally, you will need to install the Android SDK or at least ADB and Fastboot. Below we will simply cover all the details for those who want to try Android 5.0.2 Lollipop on their tablet right away.
The Android 5.0.2 System Image is a download that contains all the files needed to install the stock version of Android 5.0.2 on Nexus 7 and Nexus 10. This is everything you would download as an OTA update for regular Android updates. . However, this ensures that the phone stock is straight out of the box (factory image) and clears all user data and settings. I repeat, this will happen.
If you don’t want to wait for official updates for your device in the coming weeks, you can get it right now by following the steps below. It’s worth the wait for average users, but if you’re up for the challenge, here are all the details. This guide will show you how to install the latest Nexus 7 Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update early. This is something you can do from Windows, Mac, Linux or ChromeOS.
How to Install ADB on Windows, Mac, Ubuntu and ChromeOS
Before installing Android 5.0.2 Lollipop on Nexus devices, you need to install ADB and Fastboot on your computer. This is a program that runs on your computer to connect to your Android device via a USB cable and install Android software on your device.
Installing ADB and Fastboot is one of the most annoying parts of installing Android factory images, but a few new tools make it incredibly easy.
How to Install ADB on Windows
If you are using a Windows machine including Windows 8 and up to Windows 8.1, you can use the 15 second adb installer to make the process easier.
Download ADB installer for Windows. Locate the file, right-click on it and choose Run as Administrator. When prompted, you must grant access to the application to run as administrator. Once the application is started type a Y and enter to Install ADB & Fastboot, select yes to install system-wide ADB/Fastboot intsll and Drivers. When a new window opens, follow the steps to install the drivers.
Once this is installed, you should be ready to install the Android 5.0.2 update on your tablet.
How to Install ADB on Mac, Linux, and ChromeOS
Nexus Tools makes it easy to install ADB on a Mac, Linux, or even ChromeOS. All you have to do is open Terminal on your computer and code from xda. Open terminal by going to search and typing Terminal and opening the program.
This will install ADB and Fastboot on Mac, Linux and Chrome OS without you needing to do anything else. It’s that easy and avoids all ADB package clutter.
After the script is complete, you can type ADB or Fastboot to start running any program. You need to be here to flash the new Android 5.0.2 image to your device. Don’t forget to go into developer options and enable USB Debugging first.
How to Install Android 5.0.2 Now
The first thing you need to do is to download the latest Android 5.0.2 Lollipop which has just been released. System Images. You can find them at the links below. No updates for 4G LTE models.
You will need to unzip this file to a folder you can access, we just extracted it to our Mac desktop. After unpacking the Android 5.0.2 system image, you will need to find this folder and type cmd in the address bar on Windows or open terminal and change the folder to this folder on Mac, Linux or Chrome OS. Reminder, if you are using a MAC, you need to make sure the terminal is running inside the folder you just opened.
If your Nexus 7 or Nexus 10 is not unlocked, you should do this first. We were unable to load the Android 5.0 System image while the device was locked. This will wipe your tablet and remove all user data, settings, pictures, etc. will delete it.
Open a Terminal in the adb folder and type and hit enter.
adb reboot bootloader
In fastboot type:
fastboot oem unlock
Then press enter. Follow the onscreen instructions and choose to wipe the device. Wait a minute or so to unlock. This removes everything from your device.
Now open the folder containing the uncompressed Android 5.0.2 Image file. Type cmd in the address bar. Type the following and press enter. On Mac, you can open Terminal in folder by enabling terminal shortcuts in settings. This is key for Mac users. Go to System Preferences and select Keyboard > Shortcuts > Services. Find “New Terminal in Folder” in settings and click the box. Now while in Finder, right-click on a folder and it will show Terminal open for you to open. Or do this from the desktop where you opened the Factory image as shown below.
Once in the terminal, simply copy and paste the commands below to install the Android 5.0.2 update on your Nexus 7 or 10.
flash-all.bat
This will flash all the necessary files. If you’re on a Mac or other computer, you’ll have to type;
sudo ./flash-all.sh
This will send all files to your Nexus 7 or Nexus 10. The files will start pushing and uploading and your Nexus may reboot and you will see an Android figure followed by an animated Android logo. The logo screen may stay for a long time. . This may take 10 minutes or longer. You can unplug the Nexus when Android prompts you to complete the setup. It took less than two minutes for us.
When the device is finished, you can enter your information and start using Android 5.0.2 Lollipop on your device today. Try using the new Tap & Go (auto restore) feature and NFC to automatically restore all apps, settings, accounts and more from another device. Works like a charm on Android 5.0 Lollipop. Enjoy!
For those who don’t want to mess with all this, the over-the-air update is rolling out as we’re talking for both the Nexus 7 versions (WiFi only) and the Nexus 10, so the wait shouldn’t take long. If that’s all a little daunting, just wait for the over-the-air notification and you’re all set.
