How to manually update your Google Play edition HTC One to Android 5.0.1 Lollipop

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Published 8 Dec 2014

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Disclosure

HTC One (M8) Google Play edition

Late last week, HTC started rolling out the Android 5.0.1 update for the Google Play edition of the One M7 and M8. The company had to delay the update numerous times because it failed to get the required TA (Technical Approval) from Google.

Nevertheless, the OTA update is rolling out for both devices now, and should make its way to all GPe owners over the next week or two. If you cannot wait for the update though, you can always install it manually on your device — provided you don’t mind messing with ADB/Fastboot and the stock Android recovery. You will also need to unlock the bootloader and gain S-OFF on your One. While it was earlier possible to sideload OTA ZIPs on HTC devices, the company has completely broken the functionality with the One M8.

Before you jump to the steps below, it will also be a good idea to make a backup of all your data on the device — in case something goes wrong.

Step 1: Download the Android 5.0.1 OTA update for your HTC One from below, rename it to “lollipop.zip” and transfer it to the internal storage of the device.

Android 5.0.1 OTA update: One M8 | One M7

Step 2: Reboot your HTC One into stock recovery mode by switching it off first, and then whilst pressing the Volume Down key press the Power button. Your device should boot into Fastboot mode. Use the Volume keys to navigate to the Recovery option, and confirm your selection by pressing the Power key.

one_m8-stock_recovery

Step 3: Your device will once again reboot, and at this point you will be greeted with an Android logo and an exclamation mark. Press the Volume Up key followed by the Power button to enter into the stock Android recovery.

Step 4: Use the Volume keys to navigate to the ‘apply from phone storage’ option, and then navigate to the Lollipop OTA file that you had transferred to the device on Step 1. Select it by pressing the Power key, and wait for the installation to complete.

Step 5: Once done, select the ‘Reboot system now’ option to boot into Lollipop. The first boot will take quite a long time (up to 10 minutes) so be patient and don’t start panicking thinking your device has entered into a boot loop.

If you are facing any problems, drop in a comment and we will be happy to help you out.