In this article I’m going to share step by step guide to flash or install Android M (6.0) developer preview 2 on Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 9 and Nexus Player. So, if you can’t wait to try the new developer preview, then don’t miss to check this guide.
During Google I/O event Google announced Android M the upcoming version of Android operating system and few days back Google release the first Android M Developer Preview images for Nexus devices with cool new features like longer battery life, fingerprint support for developer to create custom apps, redesigned home screen, change app permissions, and lots more.
Image: droid-life.com
Google still didn’t announce the official name of upcoming Android version but today Google release update to Android M developer preview and its first developer preview for Android M that become as OTA and you might have to wait for view days to get that update. But the flash images for Android M developer are also available, if you can’t wait to use Android M Developer 2 on your Nexus device.
This update is not only about enhancements and bug fixes. This update added lots of new feature to Android M developer 2 which will definitely make you excited about Android M. Like before, Google has released the Android M developer preview images for latest Nexus devices including Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 9 and Nexus Player.
Google also pushing over the air (OTA) updated to Android M Developer preview 2 for those who have already flashed Android M developer preview 1. You can check about the OTA update in Setting> About and here you can see whether the OTA is available. If it’s not there yet, then you should see that, it should show up “within a few days of availability.”
If you can’t wait for the OTA update you can also flash preview images on Android M developer 2 on your Nexus device and taste the new Android M.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Flashing a new system image deletes all user data. Be certain to first backup any personal data such as photos.
- Make sure to install proper Google Nexus USB drivers and ADB drivers.
- Enable USB Debugging by going to Settings> Developer Options and Enable USB Debugging.
Download Preview Image of Android M Developer Preview 2
- Nexus 5 (hammerhead) Image: hammerhead-MPZ44Q-preview-55d76d3a.tgz
- Nexus 6 (shamu) Image: shamu-MPZ44Q-preview-c1d6506a.tgz
- Nexus 9 (volantis) Image: volantis-MPZ44Q-preview-d15ad483.tgz
- Nexus Player (fugu) Image: fugu-MPZ79N-preview-fb63af98.tgz
Steps to Flash Android M Developer Preview Images on Nexus 5, 6, 9 and Nexus Player
1. Download the appropriate system image for your device below, then unzip it to a safe directory.
2. Connect your device to your computer over USB.
3. Start the device in fastboot mode with one of the following methods:
4. Using the adb tool: With the device powered on, execute:
adb reboot bootloader
Using a key combo: Turn the device off, then turn it on and immediately hold down the relevant key combination for your device. For example, to put a Nexus 5 (“hammerhead”) into fastboot mode, press and hold Volume Up + Volume Down + Power as the device begins booting up.
5. If necessary, unlock the device’s bootloader by running:
fastboot oem unlock
The target device will show you a confirmation screen. (This erases all data on the target device.)
6. Open a terminal and navigate to the unzipped system image directory.
7. Execute the flash-all script. This script installs the necessary bootloader, baseband firmware(s), and operating system.
Note: Installation process can take few minute. So don’t panic if you device doesn’t boot after 5 minutes
Once the script finishes, your device reboots. You should now lock the bootloader for security:
1. Start the device in fastboot mode again, as described above.
2. Execute:
fastboot oem lock
Locking bootloader will wipe the data on some devices. After locking the bootloader, if you want to flash the device again, you must run fastboot oem unlock again, which will wipe the data.
Why don’t you try Android M Developer Preview 2 on your Nexus phone and let me know what things you like about this update.