Google not helping owners of bricked Nexus 7 after an Android 5.0.2 update?

By Staff Writer

Apr 16, 2015 08:25 AM EDT

Various Nexus 7 and 5 users complained that their devices got bricked after updating their devices to the Android 5.0.2/5.0.1 Lollipop, though it is still under speculation. Device owners were trying to fix the problem but to no avail. As of this moment, Google is reportedly not offering help for those affected. Meanwhile, the LTE Nexus 7 2013 has just received the Android 5.1 update, with a build number LMY470. The Lollipop upgrade will include quick settings, better performance, and many more.

Nexus 7 and Nexus 5 users reported in Google's Product Forums that a Lollipop update bricked their devices. As of this moment, it is still unknown which Lollipop update caused it. What has been reported is that after users updated to Android 5.0.2 Lollipop, their Nexus 7 tablets stopped working.

In spite of the various users complaining on the forum, there are still no official statements coming from Google and Asus to acknowledge the issue. Some users said that Asus offered help and will fix the devices out of warranty for $200. However, Google is reportedly mum in helping Nexus buyers who purchased outside of Google Play.

It is unknown what exactly caused the malfunction, but a possible hardware incompatibility with the software is speculated. It was said that only device replacements can fix the issue. Others have tried to manually flash their Nexus 7 devices, but ended up stuck on "erasing user data" step while trying to unlock the boot loader.

Nexus 5 users also complained that the Android 5.0.1 Lollipop malfuncitoned their devices. It is still speculated that the hardware is causing the problem since the number of owners reporting it are few. It was recommended that users refrain from swtiching off/rebooting until the next update is released, especially for Nexus 7.

Meanwhile, Google has just announced the roll out of the Android 5.1 update, and it was a surprise for many that the LTE Nexus 7 2013 received the update, instead of the Wi-Fi version.

It was generally the LTE version that struggles behind the Wi-Fi model in terms of Lollipop updates. It received the Android 4.4.3, Android 4.4.4 KitKat, Android 5.0 Lollipop, and Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update last. But for an unknown reason, it's the LTE this time that got the Android 5.1, leaving the Wi-Fi Nexus 7 2013 or the Nexus 9.

As of this moment, the update for the LTE Nexus 7 only landed in few devices, which others take it as typical of a Google Nexus Android OTA. Though the OTA is out right now, it might not show up from the update menu. It is expected that the update will take a few days for the Android 5.1 to begin releasing in full force. Nevertheless, a ZIP file is available for download.

The Lollipop update comes out with a build number LMY470, similar to the Nexus 4, and the size is going to be under 200 MB. This update brings changes such as quick settings, better performance, fixes for bugs and memory leaks, and improvements of the heads-up notifications bar.

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