If you can’t wait enough for HTC to rollout the Android 5.1 update for Verizon One M9 you have in hand, well, just go ahead and download the OTA update (version 2.6.605.15) given below and install it all by yourself.

It could take HTC some days to few weeks to complete the Verizon Android 5.1 update rollout, one that also fixes the Stagefright bug and brings factory reset protection to the device.

What you need to be able to install the Android 5.1 update manually is stock recovery on your HTC One M9. If you installed TWRP recovery earlier, you need stock recovery and untouched stock system partition too, one that was backed up using TWRP before system was mounted as read-write.

If you never installed TWRP, you are fine though. Just download the 5.1 OTA update from below, and flash it using default stock recovery that came with phone. Once done, your Verizon HTC One M9 will be rocking the 5.1 update, version 2.6.605.15!

Downloads

  • Android 5.1 OTA update — Link | File: VZWm9_2.6.605.15_OTAPkg.zip (788.5 MB)

Thanks to dottat for this! Btw, more advanced stuff is available for download over at the source XDA page, like custom firmware that includes TWRP, stock 5.1 recovery and HTC fastboot package. Do check out that page if you are interested in that, and know what it is and howto use it.

Though, if you never installed TWRP or rooted your device, you are good to go with the guide below that only requires the OTA file provided above.

Supported devices

  • VERIZON HTC ONE M9
  • Don’t try this on other One M9 variant, like at T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint, etc.
  • Don’t try on any other device whatsoever!

Disclamer: You only are responsible for your device. We won’t be liable if any damage occurs to your device and/or its components.

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1. Download the Android 5.1 update file from above on your PC.

Step 2. Transfer the downloaded update file to your One M9. Remember its location. (You can also download the update directly on phone, in which case, it should be in download folder.)

Step 3. Boot your One M9 into recovery mode.

Step 4. Install the update. You will see 3e recovery which is default/stock recovery for every Android device. Use volume buttons to navigate to ‘install update ..’ option and then press power button to select it.

Step 5. Now, select the update file that you have transferred to One M9 in step 2 above. Confirm this and Android 5.1 update will be installed on your device.

Step 6. The update will start installing, so just wait until that is finished. When it’s done, you will be back in recovery’s homescreen. Select ‘Reboot system now’ to restart your One M9.

That’s it.

Need help? Let us know via comments below.