There can be trade-offs, depending on which method you choose. If you want to play it safe and avoid your phone being reset back to factory settings, it might be best to wait on the OTA (Over-the-Air) update. If, on the other hand, you don’t want to wait on your provider for updates, flashing a factory image could be exactly what you want to do. Overall, this update isn’t terribly exciting. But it does contain many source code security fixes. You will want to update Nexus 6P to 6.0.1.
Method 1: Update Over-the-Air
This method requires some wait time. OTAs are already rolling out though, and most Nexus 6P’s have already received them. This is definitely the easiest method, and you won’t lose all of your personal information. Update your Nexus 6P.
Step 1:
This method requires some wait time. OTAs are already rolling out though, and most Nexus 6P’s have already received them. This is definitely the easiest method, and you won’t lose all of your personal information. Update your Nexus 6P.
Step 2: Fully Charge Your Phone.
Or check to make sure it has at least a 70% charge.You will also want to be certain there’s enough space. More than 3GB is mandatory. 6+ GB is ideal.From Settings, select Storage.
Step 3: Check Notifications
Check the Notification bar to see if there’s an update alert.If you see a System Update, tap on it and confirm you want to download it.If it isn’t available, proceed to Step 4.
Step 4: Go to Settings
From your Nexus 6P’s menu, tap on Settings.From now until you are finished, do not turn off the phone for any reason!
Step 5: Select About Phone
Step 6: Choose Software Info/Updates
Look for any new notifications here.
Step 7:Apply Update
If a new update is available, it should be displayed.If it’s available, select the update to install.Even if there are updates listed that precede the most recent, which is Android 6.0.1, you will still want to install these before you apply the most recent update
Method 2: Side Load the OTA Zip
Step 1:
If you don’t have time to wait around any longer, you can have the update now by flashing an OTA zip file to your phone. You will need ADB (Android Debug Bridge) preinstalled on your PC. You can get it by installing the full Android SDK Package or you can opt for the minimal ADB and Fastboot download, which is a lot smaller. For more about ADB, read the article below. Download: Full Android Software Development KitDownload: Light & Quick ADB, Fastboot, and Drivers
Step 2: Enable USB Debugging
From Menu, go to Settings.From Settings, go to Applications.Click on Developer Options.Enable USB Debugging.
Step 3: Download the OTA zip.
MMB29K Download: For MDB08LMMB29K Download: For MDB08M Place the file in the same directory where ADB is installed.
Step 4: Reboot into Recovery
Turn your Nexus off.Simultaneously, hold the Volume Down and Power buttons down for a few seconds.Use the volume keys to navigate to the Recovery option, and the Power button to select it.
Step 5: Connect Your Nexus 6
Attach your phone to your PC via USB cable.
Step 6: Open Command Window
While pressing the Shift and Control keys, right-click an empty space on your PC’s screen and choose Open Command Window Here or open it from within the SDK.Or double-click the ADB Fastboot shortcut.
Step 7: Check ADB Connection
Type the following command:
○ adb devices
Press EnterYou should now see device information, such as a serial number.If you don’t, make sure you installed the proper drivers.
Step 8: Apply Update
From Recovery on your Nexus 6P, choose Apply Update from ADB.You can use the Volume Down button to highlight the option and the Power button to select it.
Step 9: Sideload ADB
Execute this command:
○ adb sideload
From ADB, you should see the file transfer.
Step 10: Reboot
When installation is complete, you can reboot your Nexus.Enjoy your update!
Method 3: Flash Factory Image
This method does require an unlocked bootloader, which wipes everything. But maybe a factory reset is just what you are looking for. It will also be necessary to have ADB. Be sure you have enabled USB debugging as well.
Step 1: Download System Image
Download: Factory Images for Nexus 6P
The build number of the files needs to match that of your phone.To verify, go to Settings.Tap on About Phone.
Step 2: Unzip or Extract
Right-click on the zip folder and select Extract All.Or, left-click and press the Extract All button from the Compressed Folder Tools.
Step 3: Connect to PC
Connect your Nexus 6P to your desktop via USB.
Step 4: Boot into Fastboot Mode
Via ADB: While the phone is still turned on, type in the command and press Enter.
○ adb reboot bootloader
Via Key Combination: Turn the phone on while pressing and holding the Volume Down and Power buttons at the same time.Continue to press the buttons until you see the Fastboot Mode screen, then release.
Step 5: Open a Command Terminal
Type cmd on Windows address bar.Alternatively, you can also long-press the Shift and Control keys and right-click an empty area of your screen. Then select Open Command Window Here.
Step 6: Find Folder
Navigate to the folder that ADB and Fastboot are installed in.
Step 7: Unlock Bootloader
Type
○ fastboot flashing unlock
Step 8: Flash Image
Run flash-allThis should install the bootloader, OS, and firmware.
Step 9: Lock Bootloader (Optional)
While this isn’t mandatory, it is best for security.
○ fastboot oem lock
TypePress Enter.
Step 10: Reboot
Your phone should do this automatically.When it’s finished, it’s okay to disconnect your device.
Method 4: Update by Installing CyanogenMod 13 with 6.0.1 (Rooted with a Custom Recovery)
If you can’t stand the suspense, installing CyanogenMod 13 is one way that you can get updates ahead of the rest. Keep in mind, however, that this is a custom ROM. Therefore, you will be taking on the risk of installing a custom ROM, which can void the warranty or at worst, brick your phone. However, if you are into customization, great performance, and better reliability this is an excellent choice. Nightly builds can be quite volatile, however. Ensure that your phone has 70% charge or greater. Update Nexus 6P with root.
Step 1: Download CyanogenMod 13 6.0.1
Download: CyanogenMod 13 6.0.1
Step 2: Download GApps
Download: GApps
Select the ARM platform.Choose the 6.0 version.We recommend the Nano variant.
Step 3: Ensure you are running the latest version of recovery program.
If you are using TWRP, make sure that it is v2.8 or greater. Older versions will most likely fail. If you need an update for TWRP, use the link below.
Step 4: Enable USB Debugging
Go to Settings.Choose Developer Options.Enable USB Debugging.
Step 5: Connect your 6P
Using a USB cable, attach your device to your computer.
Step 6: Power Off your 6P
Hold down the Power button.
Step 7: Boot into Recovery Mode
Press the Power and Volume Down buttons simultaneously until Recovery Mode appears.Now you can navigate by using the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons.
Step 8: Wipe the /data and /system partitions.
For CWM Recovery, press Wipe Data/Factory Reset and confirm.For TWRP, use the Wipe option.
Step 9: Install CyanogenMod
Tap on Install.Locate the CM ROM file that you downloaded in Step 1.Swipe to install.
Step 10: Install GApps
Go back to the main menu of the custom recovery and tap Install again.Navigate to the Gapps zip file that you downloaded in Step 2.Swipe to install.
Step 11: Reboot your Nexus
From the main menu of the custom recovery, select Reboot.Specify System.
Conclusion
OTA updates are by far the easiest and safest option. If you download them as a zip file, it’s a little bit more difficult and there are risks. Downloading a factory image will always wipe your phone, but you can start with a clean slate. Flashing a custom ROM is a big change, but change can also be for the better. Regardless of how you decide to do it, 6.0.1 will bring you a better, faster camera with a Quick Launch feature. In all honesty, it has also brought many complaints. Installation, battery, and even connectivity problems have been reported. If you experience issues with installation, many users have reported that letting the battery die and recharging it 100% resolved the issue. Tell us how you like your new update in the comments section below. If you are still having difficulty installing the update, tell us about your troubles. Featured Image Credit
