The Nexus 9 update to Android 5.0.2 which began rolling out as an OTA a few days ago has a problem… it appears to be bricking some devices.
Unfortunately, my Nexus 9 is included in the bad news; the 23.3MB update downloads as any other OTA would but when you install the update, part way through the installation you get the dreaded error-droid. Luckily, for some (not all) users, according to the Google Forums a simple reboot can save the device and reverts it to 5.0 base version of Lollipop.
How does and OTA get to consumers with bugs like this still present?
For others that aren’t as lucky, it is reasonably easy to salvage with a little time and the Nexus Factory Images available from the Google Developers website. For anyone who hasn’t got one of the methods of accessing the bricked tablet installed, it will be a little more tedious.
Ultimately if you’ve taken the update and bricked your Nexus 9, don’t panic odds are you can save it with a little time and research and the great news is that Android 5.1 rollout has begun, so (if you’re yet to do so) be patient. Don’t take the 5.0.2 update and wait for the 5.1 update to come to your device which shouldn’t have these unfortunate issues.
Have you received the 5.0.2 update and successfully installed it on your device, or are you one of the unlucky ones who’ve now got a brick?
