FAQ regarding ADB Sideloading with the new OTA update

There has been a lot of questions from unpatient redditors who wants the update as soon as possible. I was one of them. Then i found out I could do it manually. Worked like a carm!

Q: What is a OTA update?

A: The update you eventually will get a notification on your nexus. It stands for "Over the air" update.

Q: When will I get my OTA update?

A: /u/Ali_Gee says:"OTAs are released in batches. 1% of users get it within 24-48 hours, then the remaining 25% get it, and then remaining 50%, remaining 75% and then everyone gets it within a week or two. You really don't need to check for the update more than 2-3 times a day."

Q: is the OTA based on carrier?

A: /u/hiromasaki: "Carrier has no bearing on the die roll that determines if you're in today's batch. Carriers can opt-out/delay updates if they find issues."

Q: What the heck is ADB sideloading?

A: ADB sideload is a different ADB mode that you can use to push and install a zip using one command from your computer. Most likely ADB sideload won’t be very useful for your average recovery user, but ADB sideload can be a huge time-saver for a ROM developer.

Q: How does sideloading differ from flashing the images provided by google?

A: The ADB sideload installs only the updated parts of the OS. Sideloading uses the official signed OTA update, and does NOT: - wipe your data - factory restore

Q: will I lose my data by sideloading?

A: No. It works the same way as a regular OTA. However, if you are afraid of loosing your data perform a backup of your device.

Q:What do i need in order to sideload the update?

A: - Step 1: You need a USB cable to connect to your computer. If your computer doesn´t have a USB type C port, you will need this cable: https://store.google.com/product/usb_type_c_to_usb_standard_a_plug_cable

  • Step 2: Android SDK with ABD and Fastboot innstalled. Follow this Heisenbergs nexus 5x root PREREQUISITES part from XDA Developers:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-5x/general/guides-how-to-guides-beginners-t3206930

  • Step 3: click on this OTAlink and download the zip file. Rename the zipfile to "update.zip", in order to make the process a little bit easier.

https://android.googleapis.com/packages/ota/google_bullhead_bullhead/e0552196307d4f04d41a74e9cfbd2e67f9ea3de8.signed-bullhead-MHC19J-from-MMB29Q.zip Guide on how to sideload the OTA update http://www.androidcentral.com/how-manually-upgrade-your-nexus#slide5

Q: Does TWRP recovery work with ADB sideload?

A: Yes, but there has been some reports on TWRP requiring a pasword after innstalling.

Q: will I lose root by sideloading the OTA update?

A: If you are using CWM recovery of TWRP recovery and loosing root, just reflash your rootsoftware.

Q: Are there any good guides on youtube out there?

A:There is a pretty simple guide on youtube you can follow:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvch38KDmTk

/r/nexus5x Thread