Nexus 4 gets Android 5.1.1 Lollipop via AOSP custom ROM: How to install

Nexus 4 users can now enjoy the stock Android Lollipop look and feel on their handset in a highly stable release, thanks to the newly released Android Open Source Project (AOSP) ROM.

The new AOSP ROM brings lots of exciting new features such as App Ops, Ambient Display, Heads-up Notifications, Volume Rocker Wake, and great battery life.

The complete list of features ported into Android 5.1.1 AOSP ROM is listed below:

• App Ops
• Ambient Display
• Volume Rocker Wake
• Reboot Menu
• Lollipop Phone Icons
• Headup Improvements
• Dynamic Location and Cast Tiles
• Lollipop Bootanimation
• Excellent Battery Life

Interested users can go ahead and install the latest Android 5.1.1 based AOSP ROM on their Nexus 4, using the step-by-step guide provided below.

IBTimes UK reminds readers it will not be held liable for any damage to device during or after Lollipop firmware installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

Pre-requisites

• The instructions given in this guide are meant for the international variant of Nexus 4 aka mako only. Verify device model number by navigating to Settings > About Phone
• Ensure the phone has at least 80% battery charge to prevent unexpected device shutdown (due to battery drain) while installing the ROM
• Back up data and settings using a recommended custom recovery tool, like ClockworkMod (CWM) or TWRP, as it creates a complete image of the existing phone setup. In Recovery, choose Backup and Restore and tap Backup
• Verify correct USB drivers for the phone are installed on the computer
• Enable USB Debugging mode via Settings > Developer Options (if running Android 4.0 or above) or Settings > Applications > Development (if running Android 2.3 or earlier)
• Ensure that the device is rooted with CWM recovery installed and its bootloader is unlocked

Downloads Required

AOSP Android 5.1.1 ROM for Nexus 4 (mako)

Google Apps

Steps to Install AOSP Android 5.1.1 ROM on Nexus 4

Step 1 - Download AOSP Android 5.1.1 custom ROM for Nexus 4 on the computer

Step 2 - Connect and mount the phone's USB mass storage on computer with USB cable

Step 3 - Now, copy the downloaded AOSP ROM zip file to the root folder on the phone's SD card

Step 4 - Power off the phone and disconnect its USB cable from computer

Step 5 - Boot the device into Bootloader Mode by pressing and holding Volume Up, Volume Down and Power buttons together

Step 6 - Once the phone enters into Bootloader mode, select CWM Recovery and perform a full data wipe task by clicking Wipe Data/Factory Reset. Use the Volume keys to navigate between options and Power button to select an option in the Recovery Mode

Step 7 - Perform Wipe Cache Partition and wait until the process completes

Step 8 - Perform Wipe Dalvik Cache as well. To do this, go to 'advanced' option and then click Wipe Dalvik Cache. This will help in preventing boot loop issues or any boot ROM related errors during firmware installation

Step 9 - Then return to the main recovery menu and choose Install Zip from SD card

Step 10 - Click Choose Zip from SD card. Use volume keys to navigate to the AOSP ROM zip file that you copied earlier to your phone's SD card and choose it by tapping the Power button. Confirm the ROM installation on next screen and the installation process will begin

Note: Repeat Step 9 and Step 10 to install Google Apps (Gapps) as well

Step 11 - Once the ROM and Gapps installation completes, go to "+++++Go Back+++++" and select Reboot System Now in the Recovery menu

The phone will now reboot and the first boot may take about five minutes to complete. So, please be patient.

Your Nexus 4 is now running the latest Android 5.1.1 Lollipop via AOSP custom ROM. Go to Settings > About phone to verify the firmware version installed.