Even though Android 5.0 is still in work session, the D855 model of LG G3 is eager to embrace the Lollipop firmware. Of course its users are sharing the same feelings, though Android 5.0 will probably be OTA roll out only in January next year. That’s why, if you just can’t wait and want to test Lollipop right away on your own International LG G3, you should install a new custom ROM firmware based on latest Android built – AndroidNow HD software. Do check the lines from below in order to learn more about this new update.
So, if you are ready to update Android 5.0 Lollipop on your LG G3 in form of a custom ROM, then AndroidNow HD should be perfect for you. Why? Well, because the firmware is stable and runs smoothly on the G3 D855 – this according to the users who have already completed the installation process. All the stock features are working without problems, there are no bugs, lags or other software related issues and the ROM is pre-rooted and installed with Google Apps (you don’t have to flash Google Apps package separately).
Moreover, AndroidNow HD is based on stock Android 5.0 Lollipop V20C firmware and brings default and extra features and apps to your LG G3. Furthermore, the ROM brings apps like LG calculator, LG Quick memo + and LG Radio FM, while it is not installed with default bloatware. Bottom line, AndroidNow HD will power up the performances of your LG G3 as your phone will run better and faster with this new Android 5.0 Lollipop ported firmware.
If you have decided to flash this custom ROM on your smartphone, don’t hesitate and read all the lines from this tutorial. This is a custom update process and you need to be careful when completing the same. A custom ROM is not an official Android update, so if you mess things up you can end up in bricking your LG G3 – thus consider this guide complex and risky.
AndroidNow HD is only based on stock Android 5.0 Lollipop firmware. In fact the update is developed by third party devs – we should thank those of xda-developers for this release – and has nothing to do with LG or with Google. The ROM can be only manually installed on your LG G3 and you will have to prepare your phone before heading towards the proper update procedure from below – don’t worry, you have the pre requisites explained during the following guidelines.
You need to start the update process with a root operation. Yes, that’s right; you can’t install a custom ROM on a locked device, so root must be ensured on your LG G3. After completing the root process, you also have to install a custom recovery image, like TWRP or CWM recovery, on your phone. The Android 5.0 Lollipop firmware will be installed using this recovery image, so don’t skip this part as it is the most relevant one.
Both operations are unofficial. Thus, by completing the same you will lose the warranty of your LG G3. That’s why, you need to know that starting from now you won’t be able to reclaim your phone’s warranty, even if you take your smartphone back to service for assistance. Bottom line, you will have to either pay for the technical assistance, or choose to manually fix your bricked or damaged Android device.
A backup is a must because while using a custom recovery for installing Android 5.0 Lollipop on LG G3, the data that is saved on the internal storage memory of your phone will get wiped out. Therefore, save everything you might need afterwards including contacts, texts, call logs, internet settings, market apps, images, videos, audio files and even the current ROM via a Nandroid backup – in this way you can easily save / restore the ROM that is currently running on your smartphone.
This manual operation implies in using a computer, our device and your phone’s USB cable. It is recommended to temporarily deactivate antivirus and other similar tools from your computer as security settings might interfere with the update procedure. On your handset USB debugging option must be enabled or else you might not be able to establish a connection between your phone and your computer – check USB debugging from “menu – settings – developer options”.
You should charge your G3 before starting to update it with AndroidNow HD Android 5.0 Lollipop custom ROM. Plug in the charger especially if the power left is less than 50% or else your phone might get turned off in the middle of the installation process (and then it might get bricked). AndroidNow HD is compatible only with LG G3 model number D855 – don’t apply the next steps if you own a similar or different Android powered smartphone or tablet.
How to Update Android 5.0 Lollipop on LG G3 D855 using AndroidNow HD Firmware
- Go to this page and download the Lollipop platform on your computer.
- Place the update file on desktop but don’t unzip it.
- Connect your LG G3 with your computer via USB cable.
- Once the connection is established, from computer transfer the Lollipop firmware file on your phone’s SD card.
- When done, remove the USB cable.
- Turn off your phone and enter recovery mode on your Android device.
- From recovery wipe the system and clear cache by choosing “wipe data factory reset”, “wipe cache partition” and “wipe dalvick cache”.
- When done, return to main menu of recovery and from there select “install zip from SD card” followed by “choose zip from SD card”.
- Pick the AndroidNow HD custom ROM and flash the update on your G3.
- When done, from main menu of recovery select “reboot system now”.
There you go; now you can experience Android 5.0 Lollipop OS on your own LG G3. Anyway, keep in mind that AndroidNow HD, which is a custom ROM, is running on your phone and not the default Lollipop system. So, test the new software and in the end share your impressions with us and with our readers through the comments field from below.