Android 5.0 Lollipop bugs and problems on Nexus devices: How to fix them

Most common Android 5.0 Lollipop problems on Nexus devices: How to fix them

Google recently rolled out its highly-anticipated Android 5.0 Lollipop update to a slew of Nexus devices including Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10, while also confirming the availability of stock Lollipop update for Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 out of the box.

The Android maker has also confirmed Android 5.0 release for its line-up of Google Play Edition (GPE) devices and according to the latest reports, Android 5.0.1 OTA update is already out for these Nexus devices.

Android 5.0.1 OTA Fix

Interested users can download the new Android 5.0.1 OTA updates manually using the links below:

Nexus 7 2013, Wifi-only (razor) LRX21P to LRX22C

Nexus 9 (volantis) LRX21R to LRX22C

Nexus 10 (mantaray) LRX21P to LRX22C

Though the new Lollipop OTA update aims at fixing most of the bugs including the factory reset bug (a flaw in the system wherein random taps on the lock screen of an Android-Lollipop powered device could cause the device to factory reset), video playback and flashlight bug issue on the Nexus 6, there are still dozens of other issues which may require a manual fix or workaround.

IBTimes UK explores a handful of workarounds and manual fixes for a bunch of issues including Bluetooth problems, unexpected battery drains, Wi-Fi problems, 3G data issues and a range of performance issues including video playback and startup bugs.

How to Fix Lollipop Battery Life Problems

Quite unexpectedly, Nexus devices have been plagued with a bunch of battery-life issues leading to abnormal battery drain under normal usage conditions.

It is ascertained that several third-party apps could be the root cause of unexpected battery drain on Nexus devices running the latest Android software. So, it would be a wise decision to disable all power-hungry apps running in the background unless you use them frequently.

You may also try updating your apps with the latest version or try uninstalling the third-party apps one by one to isolate the problem, as some apps are known to drain the battery more than the others.

As a quick fix, you may also try rebooting your phone on minimal settings with all third-party apps uninstalled, as this will clear the cache and kill background services associated with unused apps.

As a final step, you could try performing a factory reset on your device. However, please make sure you backup important data and settings on the phone as a factory reset will wipe out all custom and user data on the device.

How to Fix Performance Problems in Android Lollipop

Older Nexus devices such as the Nexus 7 2012 and Nexus 4 seem to be widely affected with poor performance issues after updating with Android 5.0 Lollipop update.

Some of the widespread issues noted with the affected Nexus devices include sluggishness, abnormal slowdown and random app crashes.

Here is how to use a potential performance fix on the Nexus 7 2012, manually:

Press and holdPower and Volume Down buttons simultaneously until the device logo or Android logo appears on the screen.You should now see a large arrow at the top of the screen.Tap Volume Down repeatedly until you see Recovery in the arrow. Then tap thePower buttonThen you will see an android on his back, chest open with a red triangle and exclamation mark.Now hold Power button and tap Volume Up once before releasing the Power.A list of items should now appear at top of screen.Tap Volume Down until the item to erase orwipe the cache partition gets highlighted. Then tapPower button to initiate the wipe process.Status messages will appear at the bottom of the screen. Be patient as it can take about 10-15 minutes to complete. When done restart the Nexus device.

How to Fix Cellular/3G Data Issues on Android Lollipop

Cellular/3G data issues seem to be redundant on most Nexus devices that are updated to Android 5.0, but there are simple fixes to get you started.

Try switching off the cellular or 3G or LTE data via Settings > More > Cellular networks.Turn it back on after 30 seconds to check if the connection is working.If issue persists, try rebooting the device.Alternatively, try updating the Access Point Name (APN) settings: Go to Settings > More > Cellular networks > Access Point Names. You may contact your network carrier for assistance in case you messed up with the settings or don't know how to proceed.As a quick fix, you may try running your phone in Airplane mode. Try switching on Airplane mode and then turn it off, which may help in restoring Cellular/3G/LTE data on the device.

How to Fix Wi-Fi Problems on Android 5.0

The Wi-Fi problems being reported on Nexus devices running Lollipop update range from slow connections to inability in connecting to Wi-Fi network by any means.

Try rebooting your phone or tablet and alternatively, you can also try rebooting the Wi-Fi router to which your device is trying to establish connection.To perform a router reboot: switch off the router's power switch for 30 seconds and then turn it back on, and the same procedure can be repeated on your internet modem as well.If the issue persists, try forgetting your Wi-Fi network as follows:Select the desired network and press down on it until a white menu pops up.Then an option reading"Forget network" should appear on top.Choose this option and then reenter your password to reconnect to the Wi-Fi network.Alternatively, try changing the network frequency: click the vertical dots at the top right corner to activate Advanced menu, and then try tweaking the Wi-Fi frequency band.Try updating your router software or try replicating the issue on another router. If all else fails, a factory reset is recommended on the misbehaving router.

How to Fix Bluetooth Problems in Android 5.0

Numerous Nexus devices have been afflicted with untested bugs in Bluetooth connectivity, ever since these devices received the Lollipop update.

Step 1: As a simple fix you could try switching off the Bluetooth feature and then turning it back on.

Step 2: If the issue still persists, try clearing the cache files for Bluetooth Share. To do so, go toSettings > Apps > Scroll over to All > Choose Bluetooth Share and tap on Clear Cache.

Step 3: In addition, you can also perform Clear Data wipe via Bluetooth Share option.

Step 4: Once you have cleared both the cache and data, just restart the phone by switching it off and then turning it back on.

Step 5: Finally, if none of the above steps worked for you then try booting the device into Safe Mode as follows:

Press and hold thePower button, after ensuring the device's screen is on.Now tap and hold thePower off option in the ensuing dialog box.Then hit OK in the following dialog box to initiate safe mode.

Note: Booting into safe mode will allow you to disable and isolate the problematic third-party apps.

How to Fix Video Playback Issues in Android 5.0

Video playback issues are pre-dominantly found on Nexus 7 devices running Android 5.0.

To fix this issue you can try clearing the cache files via Settings > Apps > Choose appropriate app > Clear Cache.

How to Fix Start-up Issues in Android Lollipop

Several Nexus 4 users and a few owners of other Nexus devices are reportedly facing freeze issues on the start-up screen, following the installation of Android 5.0 update.

Among the probable solutions, you could try rebooting the device or perform a factory reset to resolve the start-up issues.

Additionally, disabling unwanted start up services could help resolve the issue.

How to Fix Lollipop App Issues

Most of the app issues can be resolved by simply updating the app or by uninstalling the problematic app.

As a final resort, try reinstalling the app as this helps in restoring the corrupted files with fresh working system files.

You may try contacting the app developer for further assistance, if the issue persists after trying the above steps.