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Nexus 4 Lollipop problems and how to fix them

lollipop broken android
© nextpit

Installing Android 5.0 Lollipop on the Nexus 4 makes a huge difference to performance. It makes the phone feel brand new, and it might be our imagination but it seems smoother and more responsive too. Unfortunately, though, not everybody’s experience has been as happy as ours. Some users have reported random restarts, others Wi-Fi or Bluetooth issues, and still others notice very sluggish performance. If you’ve encountered issues, we’re here to help. Here’s a list of Nexus 4 Lollipop problems and how to fix them.

lollipop broken android
Has Lollipop left a nasty taste in your mouth? / © ANDROIDPIT

Nexus 4 problems: before you start

Now that Android Lollipop has been out for a little while, some problems have been addressed by app developers - so make sure you’ve updated everything that can possibly be updated before going any further. You don’t want to waste time trying to fix a bug the developer solved weeks ago. Also, if the problem has only just appeared - as in, it wasn’t there when you first installed the update - then have a look at the apps you’ve recently installed. One of them might be the culprit.

androidpit nexus 4 bootloader
Some users report random restarts since installing Lollipop. / © ANDROIDPIT

Nexus 4 problem: Google Play services keeps on crashing

This is a nasty one, but the solution is often simple: many users have reported that disabling Play Services and performing a factory reset has solved their problems.

Nexus 4 problem: Phone keeps turning off, even though the battery is charged

It sounds weird, but this one can be caused by problems inside some third-party apps, so make sure all your apps are up to date. If the problem persists, uninstall any battery saving, memory boosting or anti-virus apps as they appear to be the most common cause. Still no joy? Try a factory reset.

nexus 4 kitkat
You don't need to go back to KitKat on your Nexus, we promise. / © NextPit

Nexus 4 problem: Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection issues

The old cliche, “have you tried turning it off and on again?” applies here: many wireless connection problems can be solved by toggling the relevant radio off and on again or by rebooting your Nexus. Rebooting your router often solves Wi-Fi issues too - not all problems are down to your device! - and changing Wi-Fi channels can sometimes make a difference too. Ultimately, though, we think this one requires a patch from Google to properly fix it.

Nexus 4 problem: Apps keep restarting in the background

This one’s annoying, and sadly the only cure is a restart.

androidpit youtube
Can't watch us on YouTube? Try clearing YouTube's app cache. / © Youtube, ANDROIDPIT

Nexus 4 problem: YouTube doesn’t work

Go into Settings > Apps and find YouTube. Clear its cache and try again. If that doesn’t work, a factory reset might be the only option. Remember to backup before trying that one!

androidpit nexus 5 lollipop priority mode 2
Lollipop's Priority Mode means the end of the line for silent mode. Boo! / © ANDROIDPIT

Nexus 4 problem: no silent mode, no status bar ticker, no power button menu

Those aren’t bugs; they’re features. In its great wisdom, Google has decided that there’s no need for silent mode when you can have your phone in vibrate-only mode; that the scrolling preview of notifications is unnecessary; and that the only option you should have when you press the power button is Power Off. We’d imagine the Android community will find ways to address all of those, and there’s already a workaround for the silent mode “improvement”.

Nexus 4 problem: can’t install Android OTA on a modified device

You’ll be shocked to discover that Google isn’t mad keen on you modifying your device or its firmware, and as a result the OTA update can refuse to work on a modded Nexus 4. The solution is simple, though: flash a stock image and the update will be happy. Check our article on broken OTA updates for Android 5.0 Lollipop for more info.

Android L lollipop interface 6
Some users report background apps restarting for no good reason. / © ANDROIDPIT

Nexus 4 problem: Chrome tabs have gone all weird

The Chrome Browser on Lollipop stores new tabs in the recent apps list. If you’d rather stick with the familiar number in a box in the address bar, go into Chrome’s settings and uncheck “merge tabs and apps”.

lollipop android 5 0 1 multi sim image 00
Lollipop is supposed to be sweeeeeeeeet. Did it make your Nexus tastier? / © Google

Nexus 4 problem: poor performance

For most of us, upgrading the Nexus 4 to Android 5.0 Lollipop has made things feel faster, but that hasn’t been the case for everyone. You can make your Nexus feel faster by changing animation settings in Android’s Developer Options, but if you think your phone is underperforming there are a number of things to try. Clearing the app cache can often fix application specific issues, while clearing Android’s system cache can solve system-wide issues. If all else fails, a factory reset should return your Nexus 4 to factory-fresh condition with Android installed, but of course that means you’ll have to reinstall your apps and personal data.

Have you upgraded your Nexus 4 to Android Lollipop? Was it a happy experience or a horror story you’ll tell the grandkids? Let us know in the comments!

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Gary Marshall

Gary Marshall
Freelance writer

Former lion tamer, Girls Aloud backing dancer and habitual liar Gary Marshall has been writing about technology since Google was two guys in a garage. He's written for many fine magazines, newspapers and websites, written a range of how-to-books and a novel, co-written a BBC documentary series and dishes out weekly tech advice on BBC Radio Scotland.

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7 comments
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  • 1
    bothater May 19, 2018 Link to comment

    My nexus 4 takes 5 steps to answer a call, that is ridiculous. How do I shorten the steps?


  • 1
    Parul Dubey Aug 28, 2015 Link to comment

    Great article, Marshall! I just reverted to my old Nexus 4 and now I am totally annoyed by not having enough options on my shut down panel. I wonder,what were the developers thinking when they came up with thos design? No restart button, no controlling media/notification/HDMI volume externally.
    Does it even lead to drain out my battery? Because, I have been facing this issue since the last update. Got the battery changed for the same. If so, I hope they address the issue soon. Please update your blog if you find any solution to it. Thanks for the great info.


  • Wayne Smith 1
    Wayne Smith Aug 19, 2015 Link to comment

    Great points. I just had an update request to have my 5.1 optimized for Nexus 4 giving me 5.1.1 and No WIFI - did take your advice and remove recent apps - removed quite a few infact. and problem solved - I hope. Thanks for the info


  • 1
    Evan Mahoney Jul 25, 2015 Link to comment

    you are all really lucky i cant do anything with my phone no wifi performance tanked no camera no flashlight no google play cant update as it says i am not the administer yet its on the owners profile my phone is all but bricked wont even let me factory reset


  • Andy Joiner 1
    Andy Joiner Jun 27, 2015 Link to comment

    Thanks for confirming the issues...I get shutdown and wifi issues. Hope the suggestions work.


  • steve 16
    steve Apr 6, 2015 Link to comment

    3 times I've factory reset my nexus 4 to no avail, still no wifi in the next room, i'm having to wait for 5.1 pathetic.


  • 11
    Mark R. Apr 1, 2015 Link to comment

    I've been lucky, not had any issues with L on my N4.

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