Android 5.0 Lollipop Release Dates

Updated 6 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

Android 5.0 Lollipop was officially released to the public on November 12, 2014, starting with the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 devices. The update then rolled out to other Nexus devices (Nexus 4, 5, 7, 10) over the following weeks. If you want the exact dates for your specific device, read on for the full timeline, how the rollout worked, and what you need to know about this major Android version.

Official Release Timeline

Google announced Android 5.0 Lollipop on October 15, 2014, alongside the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9. The final build (LRX21O) began rolling out to the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 on November 12, 2014. The Nexus 5, Nexus 7 (2013), and Nexus 10 received the update on November 15, 2014. The Nexus 4 followed on November 17, 2014. The original Nexus 7 (2012) was not officially supported for Lollipop, though community ROMs exist.

For non-Nexus devices, the rollout depended entirely on the manufacturer and carrier. Samsung, LG, HTC, Motorola, and Sony all began pushing Lollipop to their flagship phones between December 2014 and March 2015. Mid-range and budget phones often waited until mid-2015 or never received the update at all.

How the Rollout Worked

Google used a staged rollout for Nexus devices. This means the update was pushed to a small percentage of devices first, then expanded over a week or two. The purpose was to catch any critical bugs before a full release. If you owned a Nexus device, you could bypass the wait by manually flashing the factory image or sideloading the OTA file from Google’s developer site.

For manufacturer devices, the process was longer: the manufacturer had to adapt Android 5.0 to its own skin (like TouchWiz or Sense), pass carrier certification, and then push the update over the air. This is why a Samsung Galaxy S5 in the US might get Lollipop in February 2015, while the same phone in Europe got it in January.

Key Features Introduced in Lollipop

Android 5.0 was a major visual and functional overhaul. Some of the most notable features included:

Material Design: A new design language with bold colors, shadows, and animations that carried across all Google apps.
ART runtime: Replaced Dalvik as the default app runtime, improving performance and reducing app startup times.
Notification improvements: Notifications appeared on the lock screen and could be prioritized or hidden.
Heads-up notifications: Incoming calls and high-priority alerts appeared as floating banners.
Project Volta: Battery-saving features, including a new battery saver mode and better power usage statistics.
Multi-user support: Guest mode and separate user profiles for tablets and phones.
64-bit support: The first Android version to fully support 64-bit processors.
Smart Lock: Automatically unlock your device when paired with a trusted Bluetooth device or in a trusted location.

Common Problems After Updating

Lollipop had several well-documented issues, especially in its early days. If you are troubleshooting a device stuck on 5.0, here are the most common problems and their typical fixes:

Battery drain: Some users reported excessive battery drain after the update. Fixes included clearing the cache partition, disabling Google Now, and checking for a 5.0.1 or 5.0.2 patch.
Wi-Fi connectivity: Wi-Fi would sometimes disconnect or fail to reconnect. Resetting network settings or forgetting and re-adding the network often helped.
Notification issues: Some users found notifications missing or not showing on the lock screen. Checking the notification priority settings for each app resolved most cases.
Memory leak: A known memory leak in early 5.0 builds caused apps to close unexpectedly. Google fixed this in Android 5.1, so updating was the recommended solution.
Bluetooth problems: Pairing issues with cars and headsets were common. Clearing Bluetooth cache or unpairing and re-pairing usually worked.

How to Check Your Device’s Release Date

If you have an old device and want to know when it got Lollipop, you can often find the information in the device’s update history. On most Android phones, go to Settings > About phone > Status to see the last update date. Alternatively, you can look up the model number on a site like GSMArena or XDA Developers, which keep detailed update logs.

For a more precise approach, check the build number. Android 5.0 builds start with LRX, Android 5.0.1 with LRX22C, and Android 5.0.2 with LRX22G. The build number is visible in Settings > About phone > Build number. A build number of LRX21O means you have the very first public release from November 2014.

Lollipop vs. Later Versions

Lollipop was a huge leap from KitKat (4.4), but it was quickly superseded by Android 5.1 in March 2015, which fixed many of the memory leak and stability issues. If you are deciding whether to install Lollipop on an old device, be aware that most apps today require Android 6.0 or higher. Lollipop is now considered outdated and unsupported by most modern apps and security patches.

Compared to Android 6.0 Marshmallow (released October 2015), Lollipop lacks the granular app permissions, Doze battery optimization, and Google Now on Tap. If your device can run Marshmallow, that is a better choice for security and compatibility.

Safety and Security Considerations

Running Android 5.0 Lollipop today is a security risk. Google stopped providing security patches for Lollipop years ago, meaning any vulnerabilities discovered since then remain unpatched. If you must use a Lollipop device, avoid logging into sensitive accounts, do not install apps from unknown sources, and use a reputable antivirus app. Ideally, upgrade to a newer device or install a custom ROM based on a newer Android version if your hardware allows it.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did my specific phone get Android 5.0?

There is no single answer. Nexus devices got it in November 2014. Flagship phones from Samsung, LG, HTC, and Motorola received it between December 2014 and March 2015. Budget and older phones often took longer or never got it. Search for your exact model plus “Android 5.0 update date” to find the specific rollout news.

Can I still download Android 5.0 Lollipop?

Yes, for Nexus devices, Google still hosts factory images and OTA files on its developer website. For other devices, you can find official firmware on sites like XDA Developers or the manufacturer’s support page. Be careful to download the correct file for your exact model to avoid bricking the device.

Is it worth upgrading an old phone to Lollipop?

Only if you are currently on KitKat or older and want a more modern interface. However, Lollipop is old and insecure. If your device can run Marshmallow or Nougat, that is a better upgrade. If not, consider a custom ROM based on a newer Android version.

Why did my phone never get Lollipop?

Manufacturers decide which devices receive updates based on hardware capabilities, business priorities, and carrier agreements. Many mid-range and budget phones were skipped entirely. If your phone was more than two years old when Lollipop launched, it was likely not included in the update plan.

How long did the Lollipop rollout take?

For Nexus devices, the full rollout took about two weeks. For the entire Android ecosystem, it took months. By early 2016, about 36% of active Android devices were running Lollipop, but many older devices never received it.

What is the difference between Android 5.0 and 5.1?

Android 5.1 was a minor but important update that fixed the memory leak, improved battery life, added support for multiple SIM cards, and introduced HD voice calling. It also brought device protection (factory reset protection) for theft deterrence. If you are on 5.0, you should upgrade to 5.1 if possible.

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