Old smartphones often become unusable not because of physical breakdown, but because of software obsolescence. The operating system Android 5.1 Lollipop, released several years ago, has ceased to receive support from most application developers. That is why device owners are thinking about upgrading to a more recent version, such as Android 6.0 Marshmallow, which brought improved power management and new access rights.
The process of migrating from the fifth to the sixth version of Android can vary dramatically depending on the model of your gadget and the manufacturer. In some cases, the update comes automatically over the air, in others you need to connect to a computer and use specialized software. It is necessary to understand that modern Google services may not work correctly on outdated software, which makes an upgrade an urgent necessity for a comfortable life.
Before you begin any manipulations, you should weigh all the risks. Incorrect firmware can turn your phone into a brick, so it is important to act strictly according to the instructions. This article will go into detail about all the available methods, from official to advanced, so that you can choose the safest path for your device. Remember that the success of the operation depends 90% on proper preparation.
Checking compatibility and official methods
The simplest and safest method is to wait or force the update through the system menu. Device manufacturers release update packages for specific models, such as Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi Redmi or Meizu. If an official update to Android 6.0 is provided for your device, it will be found using standard system tools.
To start checking, you need to go to the device settings. The path may vary slightly depending on the shell, but the logic remains the same. You need to find the section responsible for system information. Often it is hidden at the very bottom of the list of parameters.
Click on the item About the phone or Device information. There you will see the current build version. Next, select System update or Software update. Click the button Check for updates. If the manufacturer's server confirms the availability of a new version, the download will begin.
⚠️ Attention: If the system reports that “no updates were found,” this does not always mean there are no updates. The rollout may not have reached your region or specific serial number yet.
Sometimes the update files are quite large, so it is better to use a Wi-Fi connection. mobile data may be interrupted at the most inopportune moment, resulting in a download error. Make sure that the battery charge is at least 50-60%, otherwise the process may not start at all.
Preparing the device for flashing
If the automatic method does not work, you will have to prepare the device for manual installation. This step is critical as any mistakes here can lead to the loss of personal data. Before starting the procedure, you must create a complete backup of all important information.
Save contacts, photos and documents to cloud storage or to your computer. When changing the firmware version, a complete reset (wipe data) is often required, which deletes all the contents of the internal memory. Use services Google Drive or special utilities from the manufacturer for backup.
Free up space on the internal drive. For the installer to work correctly, a certain amount of free space is required. If the memory is full, the process may fail before the installation begins.
- 🔋 Charge your smartphone to at least 70-80% to avoid shutting down at a critical moment.
- 💾 Copy all files from the memory card to your computer, as it may be formatted.
- 📶 Disable unnecessary applications and clear the cache for system stability before updating.
Before flashing, write down the IMEI code of the device (dial *#06#) so that in case of network problems you can restore it through the engineering menu.
It is also recommended to enable USB debugging mode if you plan to use a computer. To do this, go to Settings → About phone and click 7 times on Build number. After this, an item will appear in the developer menu USB debuggingthat needs to be activated.
Update via computer and proprietary software
Many manufacturers provide desktop apps for managing their devices. This is a reliable way to update Android 5.1 to a newer version if the OTA method does not work. apps like Samsung Kies (or Smart Switch), HiSuite from Huawei or LG PC Suite can find firmware that is not visible on the phone itself.
Install the appropriate software on your computer. Connect your smartphone with the original cable to the USB port. The app should automatically detect the device and check for updates on the server. If a new version is available, you will be prompted to begin installation.
Connection: USB 2.0/3.0 port directly to the motherboard (not through hubs)The advantage of this method is the stability of the connection. The cable provides a constant stream of data, eliminating the interruption risks associated with Wi-Fi. In addition, the computer can independently download all the necessary drivers and recovery packages.
| Manufacturer | app name | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Smart Switch / Kies | Full backup and recovery |
| Sony | Xperia Companion | Software recovery (Repair) |
| LG | LG Bridge | File and firmware management |
| HTC | HTC Sync Manager | Synchronization and updates |
⚠️ Attention: Use only the original USB cable. Cheap analogues can only transfer energy, but not data, which will lead to a connection error with the PC.
During the update process, do not touch the cable or try to unlock the phone screen. Let the app complete the process and reboot the device. After the first turn on, the system may optimize applications for some time, this is normal.
Using proprietary software on a PC increases the chances of success to 95%, as it eliminates problems with an unstable Internet connection on the phone.
Installing updates through the Recovery menu
For advanced users, there is a method of installing updates manually through recovery mode (Recovery). This method is suitable if you have a firmware file in the format .zipdownloaded from a trusted resource, for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers.
First you need to download the update file that corresponds specifically to your device model. Incorrect firmware may block the bootloader. Copy the downloaded archive to the root of the memory card or internal memory of the phone.
Turn off the smartphone completely. Then hold down the combination of buttons to enter Recovery. Most often this is Volume up + Power or Volume down + Power. Combinations vary between brands, so it is better to check them for a specific model.
In the recovery menu, control is carried out with the volume buttons, and selection is done with the power button. Select item Apply update from external storage or Install from SD card. Find your firmware file and confirm installation.
What to do if Recovery does not see the file?
Make sure that the file has a .zip extension and is not renamed. Also check that the memory card is formatted in FAT32, as NTFS may not be readable in recovery mode.
After the process is completed, be sure to reset the data. Select item Wipe data/factory reset. This is critical when changing Android versions to avoid conflicts between old settings and the new system. Then select Reboot system now.
Use custom firmware and Superuser rights
If the manufacturer has officially stopped supporting your device and has not released it Android 6.0, the only option is to install custom firmware. Popular projects, such as LineageOS or Resurrection Remix, often support older models longer than vendors.
To do this, you will need to unlock the bootloader and install a custom recovery, for example, TWRP. The unlocking process is different for everyone: you need to wait 168 hours through the official utility, you need to receive a code on the website, and one command is enough. Xiaomi you need to wait 168 hours through the official utility, Sony — receive the code on the site, and Nexus One command is enough.
Obtaining superuser rights (Root) gives full control over the system, but voids the warranty and may disrupt the operation of banking applications. Be prepared for the fact that some functions, for example, payment via NFC (Google Pay), may stop working without additional security settings (Magisk Hide).
- 🛠 Download the TWRP Recovery image specifically for your model.
- ⚡ Install it via Fastboot mode by connecting the phone to the PC.
- 📂 Download a ZIP archive with custom firmware and GApps (Google services package).
⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware will void the warranty. You perform all actions at your own peril and risk, since the chance of turning your phone into a “brick” is higher here than when using official methods.
☑️ Checklist before installing custom
Possible problems and their solutions
Even if all instructions are followed, unforeseen situations may arise. A common problem after an update is a “bootloop”, when the phone endlessly reboots at the logo. This usually means a data conflict or damage to the system partition.
If the device is frozen, try entering Recovery and doing Wipe Cache Partition. This will clear temporary files without deleting personal data. If it doesn’t help, you’ll have to do a full reset Wipe Data/Factory Reset.
Another problem is the lack of a network or non-working Wi-Fi. This can happen if the wrong version of the modem or radio module was flashed. In such cases, flashing the stock image of the radio module via Fastboot helps.
fastboot flash radio radio.img
fastboot reboot
Users also experience rapid battery drain in the first days after the update. The system indexes files and optimizes applications, which loads the processor. Usually the problem disappears by itself after 2-3 days of active use.
Most software failures after updating are resolved by a full reset (Wipe Data), so having a backup copy is mandatory.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to update Android 5.1 to 6.0 without loss data?
When updating over the air (OTA) or through proprietary software on a PC, the data is usually saved. However, when installing custom firmware or updating via Recovery and then resetting, all data will be deleted.
Why does the phone write “update not found,” even though it is available?
This may be due to the region where the device was sold, a changed IMEI, or the fact that the manufacturer releases updates in waves. Try changing the region in the settings or use PC software.
Will the phone work faster after updating to Android 6?
Not always. Android 6.0 Marshmallow is better optimized than 5.1, but it may require more resources. On very old devices with a small amount of RAM (less than 1 GB), work may even slow down.
What are GApps and why you need them?
GApps (Google Apps) is a package of Google services (Play Market, Gmail, YouTube). They are not built into custom firmware due to licensing restrictions, so they must be installed separately immediately after the firmware.