Android 2.2.1 hits the Nexus One, manually install it now

A new over the air update starting rolling out to the Nexus One and if you are impatient of waiting (like me) you can manually install it now. The build number is FRG83 and it updates the firmware version to Android 2.2.1. The file size is only 3.9 MB so it appears this is a minor update.

Details on the changes are limited at this point, but it has been reported that it patches the vulnerability that allows Universal Androot to work. Several users with alternative keyboards have reported some issues, but a simple reinstall of the keyboard app appears to resolve all problems.

This update is only intended for those running the latest stock version of Android 2.2 (build FRF91). If you have a hacked ROM installed, then please consult your ROM author and see if they have issued their own update.

To manually install Android 2.2.1 on the Nexus One, perform the following steps:

1. Download the official Android 2.2.1 firmware for the Nexus One from Google’s server here.
2. Copy the file to the root directory (aka not inside any folder) of your microSD card and name it update.zip (newb warning: not update.zip.zip)
3. Power off your phone.
4. Hold down the VOLUME DOWN button and power it back on.
5. Wait for your phone to load the skating Androids screen. Scroll down to recovery and press the POWER button.
6. When you see the “/!\” symbol, press the POWER button and the VOLUME UP button at the same time. You should be presented with a menu and one of the options should be “Apply sdcard:update.zip”.
7. Use the trackball to navigate to “apply sdcard:update.zip” and select it.
8. When you see “Install from sdcard complete”, select “reboot system now”.

Enjoy and once you’ve had a chance to play with it for awhile let us know what you think. I installed it on my T-Mobile Nexus One in about 10 minutes and have not experienced any issues so far. I’ve read that users in other countries have also received this update so it should be good for any Nexus One model that is running Android 2.2, build FRF91.