To flash a factory image into a Nexus device, users will require the latest version of the fastboot tool, which can be acquired either as a compiled version from the Android Open Source Project or through the platform tools directory of the Android SDK. In addition, installing a new system image will delete all the user data in the Nexus device, which would require the user to first back up all the data in the device.

However, it should be noted that installing operating systems are more complicated and require many more steps compared to simply waiting for the over-the-air update to arrive in the user's device. Users who are not willing to wait for their Nexus devices to receive the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop operating system as an over-the-air update can download and install these factory images.