How to update Android from version 5.0 to 7.0: all methods and nuances

The transition from Android 5.0 Lollipop to Android 7.0 Nougat is not just a change of numbers in the settings, but a serious update of functionality, security and performance. Even years after the release Nougat remains relevant for many devices, especially budget models Samsung Galaxy J-series, Xiaomi Redmi or Lenovothat have not officially received more recent versions. But there are nuances: not all smartphones support such an over-the-air update, and manual methods require caution.

In this article we will analyze all possible update methods —from official OTA packages to custom firmware—and also tell you how to prepare the device to avoid data loss or “bricking.” We will pay special attention compatibility problems: why some applications may stop working, how to restore functionality to Wi-Fi modules or the camera after updating the firmware, and what to do if the system starts to slow down after the update.

Before you begin, check two key points:

1. Does your device support Android 7.0 at least unofficially (see the list of models below).
2. Is there enough free space on the internal storage (minimum required 3–5 GB).

1. Checking device compatibility

Not all smartphones are compatible Android 5.0 can be updated to 7.0 Nougat. Manufacturers often limit support for older models, especially if they were released before 2015. Here are the main compatibility criteria:

• 📱 Official support: Devices of the line Samsung Galaxy S5/S6, LG G3/G4, Xiaomi Mi 4/5, Sony Xperia Z3/Z5 received an update to Nougat "over the air." manufacturer.
• 🔧 Unofficial firmware: For models without official support (for example, Meizu MX5, HTC One M8) there are custom firmware based on LineageOS or AOSP.
• 🚫 Incompatible devices: Smartphones with processors MediaTek older than 2016 (for example, Lenovo A6000or with less than 1 GB of RAM may not run Nougat stably.

To find out for sure whether your device is supported, use the database LineageOS (for custom firmware) or check the model in Settings → About phone → Model.

⚠️ Attention: If your device has not received official updates since Android 5.1, there is a high probability that there are no stable firmware for it. Nougat. In this case, consider alternatives - for example, switching to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, which is less demanding on hardware.

Manufacturer	Models with official support for Nougat	Models with unofficial support
Samsung	Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, Note 5	Galaxy S5 (via LineageOS)
Xiaomi	Mi 5, Mi Max, Redmi Note 3 Pro	Redmi 2/3 (requires unlocking the bootloader)
LG	G4, G5, V10	G3 (unstable camera operation)
Sony	Xperia Z3+, Z5, X Compact	Xperia Z3 (requires a patch for the Wi-Fi module)

2. Preparing the device for updating

Regardless of the selected method update, the device needs to be prepared. Neglecting this step is the main reason "bricks" (inoperative phones) after flashing.

Required steps:

Make a backup copy of the data|Check the battery charge (minimum) 70%). folders

Pay special attention backup. The update may erase:

• 📁 Personal files in folders DCIM, Downloads, Documents.
• 📱 Application settings (for example, progress in games, saved passwords in the browser).
• 🔑 Account data (if not linked to Google).

For backup use:

• 🖥️ Google Drive: automatically saves contacts, SMS (via Google Messages) and photos (if enabled Startup).
• 📱 Applications: Swift Backup (requires root) or Titanium Backup for a full backup of applications.
• 💻 Manual transfer: connect the phone to the PC and copy the folders /sdcard/ to the computer.

⚠️ Attention: If you use root access, their necessary disable before updating via OTA. Otherwise, the system may block the download of the update with an error. To do this, delete Error 7. To do this, remove Magisk or SuperSU and run the command in TWRP:

fastboot flash boot stock_boot.img

3. Method 1: Over-the-air (OTA) update

The easiest and safest method is the official update via Settings. However, it is only available for devices that are supported. manufacturer.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Connect to stable Wi-Fi network (update weighs 1-2 GB).
2. Go to Settings → About phone → System update.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. If an update to Android 7.0is available, follow the instructions on the screen.

If the update is not found, try the following:

• 🔄 Reset cache: Go to Settings → Memory → Cached data and clear them.
• 📡 Change region: Some manufacturers release updates for certain countries first. Use a VPN (for example, ProtonVPN) to connect to servers in Germany or the USA.
• 📅 Manual check: On some devices (for example, Samsung) you need to press Download updates manually.

⚠️ Attention: If after the OTA update the phone is stuck on the logo or reboots cyclically, do reset to factory settings via Recovery Mode (press Power + Volume Up when turned on). This will delete all data, but will restore functionality.

What to do if the OTA update is interrupted?

If the update was interrupted during the installation phase (for example, due to low battery), try:

1. Reboot the phone into Recovery Mode and select Apply update from ADB.

2. Connect the device to the PC and wait for the update to be automatically reinstalled.

3. If all else fails, download the full firmware image from the manufacturer’s website and flash it. manually.

4. Method 2: Manual firmware via Recovery

If OTA is not available, you can install Android 7.0 manually via stock or custom Recovery (for example, TWRP). requires unlocking the bootloader and risks voiding the warranty.

What you will need:

• 💻 A computer with installed drivers ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔗 Firmware in format .zip (for example, LineageOS 14.1 for Nougat).
• 🔧 TWRP Recovery or stock Recovery with support ADB sideload.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Download the firmware from the official website (for example, LineageOS) and check its integrity (the file should end with .zip, not .zip.1).
2. Reboot the phone in Recovery Mode (the combination of buttons depends on the model, usually Power + Volume Down).
3. In TWRP select Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data (but not Internal Storage!).
4. Return to the main menu, select Install and specify the path to the downloaded firmware.
5. After installation, select Reboot System.

Critical: If you are installing custom firmware, after the first launch you must flash GApps (Google Apps) separately. Without this, Google services, including Play Market, will not work. Download the appropriate package Open GApps for Android 7.0 and ARM architecture.

Firmware type	Pros	Cons
Official (stock)	Stable operation, OTA support	Requires bootloader unlocking, limited selection of models
LineageOS	Regular updates, no bloodware	The camera may not work or Wi-Fi (requires patches)
Resurrection Remix	Advanced settings, performance optimization	Higher risk of bugs, complex setup

5. Method 3: Firmware via Fastboot (for devices with an unlocked bootloader)

Some manufacturers (for example, Google for Nexus or Xiaomi) allow you to flash official images via Fastboot. This method is suitable if you have full firmware image (files boot.img, system.img etc.).

Instructions:

1. Download Platform Tools from the website Android Developers and unpack it to a folder on your PC.
2. Unpack the archive with the firmware into the same folder (there should be files .img).
3. Connect the phone to the PC in mode Fastboot (press Power + Volume Down when turning on).
4. Open the command line in the folder with Platform Tools and run the commands one by one:

   fastboot flash boot boot.img
   fastboot flash system system.img
   fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
   fastboot reboot

If the process is interrupted with an error remote: not allowed, This means the bootloader is locked. To unlock:

• On Xiaomi: use Mi Unlock Tool (requires linking Mi account).
• On Google Pixel/Nexus: run fastboot flashing unlock.
• On Samsung: enable OEM Unlock in Settings → For developers.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware via Fastboot completely erases data from section /data. If you need to save files, first copy them to a PC or SD card.

6. Solving problems after the update

Even a successful update can lead to problems:

Typical errors and fixes:

• 🔄 Cyclic reboot: Hold Power + Volume Up to enter Recovery and perform Wipe Cache Partition.
• 📶 Mobile network does not work: Check the APN settings in Settings → Mobile network → Access points. Nougat may require manual entry of operator parameters.
• 🎮 Game lag: Enable performance mode in Settings → Battery → Performance mode.
• 🔊 No sound: Update audio drivers via Magisk Module (for example, ViPER4Android).

If you lost root accessafter the update, you need to install them again:

1. Download the latest version Magisk (for example, Magisk-v26.4.zip).
2. Flash through TWRP or patch boot.img using Magisk Manager.
3. Restart the device.

Problems with applications:

• 🛒 Play Market is not opens: Delete the cache and application data Google Play Services.
• 📱 Applications crash: Update them via Play Market or download APK from APKMirror.
• 🔒 Error "Application not installed": Turn on Unknown sources in Settings → Security.

How to return an old version of Android?

If Nougat is unstable, you can roll back to Lollipop:

1. Find the stock firmware for your model (for example, SamMobile for Samsung).

2. Flash it via Odin (Samsung) or Fastboot (for other brands).

3. Reset your data (Factory Reset).

Attention: Rollback may lead to data loss and problems with IMEI on some devices!

7. Alternatives: What to do if updating is not possible?

If your device does not support Android 7.0, consider alternative options:

Option 1: Lightweight firmware

• 📱 LineageOS MicroG: Version without Google services, but with support Nougat for weak devices.
• 🔧 Havoc-OS: Optimized for devices with 1–2 GB RAM.

Option 2: Install the launcher and themes

If the firmware is not available, you can visually bring the interface closer to Nougat:

• 🎨 Install the launcher Nova Launcher with a theme Pixel.
• ⚙️ Use Xposed Framework (for Lollipop) with the module Nougat Settings.

Option 3: Buying a new device

If your smartphone was released before 2015, it may be more logical to consider buying a budget model on Android 10+. Modern Redmi, Samsung Galaxy A or Motorola Moto G cost from 10,000 rubles and offer better performance.

⚠️ Attention: Installing unofficial firmware on devices with processors MediaTek (for example Lenovo A6000, Meizu M2) is fraught with problems with communication modules. Before flashing the firmware, check the reviews on the forums 4PDA or XDA-Developers for your model.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to update Android 5.0 to 7.0 without a computer?

Yes, if you have an official OTA update or custom Recovery (TWRPDownload the firmware directly to your phone, reboot into Recovery i). install the ZIP file. However, to unlock the bootloader or firmware via Fastboot a computer.

Why did the phone become slower after updating to Nougat?

The reasons may be different:

• 🔋 Background processes: Q Nougat memory management policy has changed. Disable auto-loading of unnecessary applications in Settings → Applications.
• 🗑️ Remnants of the old systems: Reset to factory settings (Factory Reset).
• 🔄 Unoptimized firmware: Custom builds sometimes slow down due to the lack of drivers. Try another firmware (for example, Pixel Experience instead of LineageOS).

How to check that the update was successful?

Go to Settings → About phone and look:

• Android version: Should be indicated 7.0 or 7.1.2.
• Build number: For example, NRD90M for stock Nougat.
• Security patch level: Must be no older than 2019 (for official firmware).

Also check the operation of key functions: camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile network.

Is it possible to update Android on a tablet?

Yes, but with reservations:

• 📱 Tablets on Android 5.0 (for example Samsung Galaxy Tab A, Lenovo Tab 2) often do not receive official updates.
• 🔧 Custom firmware is available for them, but there may be problems with the sensor or graphics accelerator.
• ⚠️ Before installing the firmware, check whether your model supports it. 64-bit architecture (required for Nougat).

What to do if the banking application does not work after the update?

Banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB) can block work on custom firmware or if available root. Solutions:

• 🔒 Hide root: Use Magisk Hide or module Universal SafetyNet Fix.
• 📱 Install official firmware: Banks check the integrity of the system through SafetyNet.
• 🌐 Use web version: Log into your personal account through a browser in the mode Desktop version.