Nokia 5.1 Plus (models TA-1085 i TA-1109) was released in 2018 with Android 8.1 Oreo on board, but many users are still want to get the most out of the device. Officially, the smartphone received an update only to Android 10, but there are ways to install Android 12 —both through custom firmware and using non-obvious life hacks. In this guide, we will analyze all the working methods, their advantages and pitfalls.

It is important to understand: switching to Android 12 for Nokia 5.1 Plus is always a compromise. There is no official support from HMD Global here, so you will have to either wait for rare updates from the manufacturer (which is unlikely), or risk the stability of the system. But if you are ready to experiment, there are detailed instructions ahead, a comparison of methods and solutions to common errors.

Before you start, check the current firmware version: go to Settings → System → System update. If you already have the Android 10 latest security patch, the chances of a successful update are higher. If the version is older, first update to Android 10 the official way.

1. Official method: checking available updates

Let's start with the safest method - checking through the standard menu. HMD Global sometimes it releases updates with a delay, so even if it wasn't previously offered, it's worth trying again. Android 12 wasn't suggested, it's worth trying again.

How to do it:

  • 📱 Connect to Wi-Fi (over-the-air update weighs ~1.5–2 GB).
  • 🔋 Charge your phone to at least 60% (80%+ recommended).
  • ⚙️ Go in Settings → System → System update.
  • 🔍 Press Check for updates and wait for the server to respond.

If the system offers Android 12 —you're in luck! Follow the instructions on the screen. If only Android 10 or an older version is available, read on.

⚠️ Attention: The latest official security patch for Nokia 5.1 Plus was released in 2021. If the server offers an update older than this, it may contain vulnerabilities. Install at your own risk.
📊 Have you already tried to update Nokia 5.1 Plus officially?
Yes, but it didn’t help
Yes, and it worked
No, I'm afraid to break something
I don't know how to do it

2. Alternative method: flashing firmware via Nokia OTA Tool

If the official method does not work, you can try Nokia OTA Tool a utility for forcing installation of updates. It pulls firmware directly from servers HMD Global, but bypasses regional restrictions.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Download Nokia OTA Tool (version 2.1 or later) on PC.
  2. Connect Nokia 5.1 Plus to the computer via USB cable (enable USB debugging in Settings → For developers).
  3. Run the utility, select the model TA-1085 or TA-1109 (look on the sticker under the battery).
  4. Click Check for Updates and wait for the list of available firmware.
  5. If there is Android 12, download it and follow the instructions of the installation wizard.

This method often helps when the phone “does not see” the update due to regional settings. For example, the firmware for India (TA-1109may contain more recent software versions than the European one (TA-1085).

USB debugging enabled

Nokia drivers installed on PC

Battery charge > 70%

Data backup made (photos, contacts, SMS)

Antivirus is disabled (may block the utility)

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3. Custom firmware: LineageOS and others

If the official methods did not work, it remains installation of custom firmwareThe most popular option for Nokia 5.1 Plus — LineageOS 19 . database Android 12). This is an unofficial assembly, but it works stably on most devices.

What you will need:

  • 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (bootloader).
  • 💻 Computer with ADB and Fastboot.
  • 📦 Firmware LineageOS 19 for Nokia 5.1 Plus (look for XDA Developers).
  • 🛡️ TWRP Recovery (version 3.6.0 or later).

Installation process:

  1. Unlock the bootloader via fastboot oem unlock (instructions below).
  2. Install TWRP command: 
    fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.6.0-nokia5.1plus.img

    fastboot reboot recovery

  3. B TWRP do Wipe → Advanced Wipe (check Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
  4. Install LineageOS via Install → Select ZIP.
  5. After reboot, set up the system as new.
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader will reset everything data on the phone, including internal memory! Also, this may lead to loss of warranty (if it is still valid) and problems with Widevine L1 (no HD in Netflix/YouTube).
What is Widevine and why is it important?

Widevine is a DRM system from Google, which determines the level of content protection. After unlocking the bootloader Nokia 5.1 Plus usually receives Widevine L3which limits the resolution of streaming video to 480p in services like Netflix or Disney+. This can only be fixed by flashing the DRM module, but this is a separate and risky procedure.

4. Unlocking the bootloader: step-by-step guide

Without unlocked bootloader it is impossible to install custom firmware. For Nokia 5.1 Plus the process is a little more complicated than for other brands, but doable.

What needs to be done:

  1. Enable Developer options 7 times: go to Settings → About phone and click on Number assembly.
  2. Activate USB Debugging and OEM unlocking USB debugging Settings → System → For developers.
  3. Connect your phone to the PC and run the commands: 
    adb reboot bootloader

    fastboot oem get-unlock-data

    Copy the received code (16-digit line).

  4. Go to Nokia official website, enter the code and get the unlock key.
  5. Enter the command: 
    fastboot flash unlock unlock_code.bin

    (where unlock_code.bin is the key file).

After unlocking, the phone will automatically reset (factory resetThis step). irreversible - it will not be possible to return the factory bootloader lock without a complete flashing.

💡

If the Nokia website does not provide an unlock key, try using alternative services like Sony Unlock (sometimes works for HMD Global devices).

5. Comparison of update methods: pros and cons

To choose the optimal method, let's compare all options according to key parameters:

Method Difficulty Risks PC required Reset data Stability
Official OTA ⭐ (simple) No ❌ No ❌ No ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Nokia OTA Tool ⭐⭐ Minimum ✅ Yes ❌ No ⭐⭐⭐⭐
LineageOS 19 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ High ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ⭐⭐⭐
Other custom firmware (Pixel Experience, HavocOS) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very high ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ⭐⭐

LineageOS 19 is the only way to get Android 12 on Nokia 5.1 Plus with acceptable stability, but it requires unlocking the bootloader and resetting the data. If you need reliability, it’s better to go with official Android 10.

6. Typical errors and their solutions

When updating Nokia 5.1 Plus users often encounter problems. Let's look at the most common ones:

  • 🚫 "No command" after rebooting into recovery
    Solution: Press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds to force a reboot of the phone.
  • 🔄 Looping on the Nokia logo
    Solution: Reflash boot.img via fastboot flash boot boot.img.
  • 📵 Network loss after flashing
    Solution: Install the correct one modem firmware for your model (TA-1085 or TA-1109).
  • 🔋 Quick battery drain
    Solution: Calibrate the battery: completely discharge the phone, then charge it to 100% without interruption.

If after the update the phone does not turn on or gives an error DM-Verity corruptiontry:

  1. Boot into TWRP.
  2. Run Wipe → Format Data (enter yes to confirm).
  3. Reinstall the firmware.
⚠️ Attention: If after the firmware Android 12 stopped working Google Services (Play Market, Gmail), install package NikGapps or OpenGapps (version arm64 → 12 → nano).

7. Optimizing Android 12 after installation

Even if the update was successful, Android 12 may be slower than Android 10due to hardware limitations Nokia 5.1 Plus (processor Helio P60 and 3 GB RAM To improve performance:

  • ⚡ Disable animation: B Settings → For developers install: 
    Window animation: 0.5x

    Transition animation: 0.5x
    

    Animator duration: 0.5x

  • 🗑️ Limit background processes: In the same developer settings, select No more than 2 processes.
  • 🔄 Use lightweight launchers: Install Nova Launcher or Lawnchair instead of the standard one.
  • 📵 Disable unnecessary Google services: B Settings → Accounts remove synchronization for little-used applications.

If the phone gets very hot, try limiting the maximum processor frequency through the app Kernel Adiutor (required root access). data-i="249">instead of standard Helio P60 — 1.8 GHz instead of standard 2.0 GHz.

💡

After installing Android 12 on Nokia 5.1 Plus, be sure to disable "Adaptive brightness" and install static value. The light sensor on this device is poorly optimized for new versions of Android, which leads to increased battery consumption.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about updating Nokia 5.1 Plus

Is it possible to return Android 10 after installing Android 12?

Yes, but for this purpose you will need:

  1. Download the official firmware Android 10 for your model (TA-1085 or TA-1109).
  2. Install it via Fastboot or Nokia OTA Tool.
  3. Perform a full reset (factory reset).

Please note that when returning to the old version, problems may arise with Widevine and the operation of banking applications.

Why does the camera not work after the update?

This is a typical problem with custom firmware on Nokia 5.1 Plus. Solutions:

  • Install ANX Camera or GCam (version for Helio P60).
  • Check that support is enabled in the firmware Camera2 API (can be checked through the app Manual Camera Compatibility).
  • If the camera gives an error 0xA00F4244, reflash the module persist.img from the original firmware.
Will Nokia 5.1 Plus officially receive Android 13?

No. HMD Global officially stopped supporting Nokia 5.1 Plus after Android 10. All newer versions of the OS can only be installed via custom firmware, but they will not be certified by Google and may contain bugs.

How to save data before updating?

Do it backup:

  • 📱 Contacts and SMS: Use Google Contacts i SMS Backup & Restore.
  • 📷 Photo/video: Copy to PC or to Google Photos.
  • 🎮 Applications: Save APK via App Backup & Restore.
  • 🔑 Passwords: Export from Google Smart Lock or Bitwarden.

For a complete backup of the system (including settings), use TWRP (Backup → System + Data).

Is it possible to update without a computer?

Theoretically yes, but with reservations:

  • If available OTA update —you can update directly from your phone.
  • For custom firmware required PC (needed Fastboot and ADB).
  • Some firmware (for example, HavocOS) support installation via TWRP from internal memory, but unlocking the bootloader still requires a computer.