How To: Install the Leaked Lollipop Firmware on Your Sprint Galaxy S5

With Nexus devices already enjoying Android 5.0 Lollipop, most other manufacturers are scrambling to get their flagships updated to Google's latest operating system. While HTC has promised Lollipop by the end of 2015, OEMs such as Motorola and Sony have already issued updates to their latest models. Then there's Samsung.

The guys over at SamMobile have shown us previews of what Lollipop could look like on the Galaxy S4, S5, Note 3, and Note 4, but today, the first Android 5.0 firmware has leaked, and it's available for installation on the Sprint variant of the Galaxy S5 right now.

Here's a small preview of what the latest OS will look like—I'll show you how to install it on your device after the jump.

What You'll Need

Before going any further, understand that installing this leaked firmware will overwrite your system, including apps, documents, media, and settings. Additionally, as this is leaked firmware, expect a few bugs here and there as Samsung works out all the kinks.

With that out of the way, here's what you'll need:

• Sprint variant of the Galaxy S5, model SM-G900P (do not install this on any other variant)
• Windows computer
• Odin 3.07
• Leaked firmware, courtesy of developer Daniel Moran

Step 1: Extract Files

Extract the Odin file, as well as the firmware (which will extract to one .tar.md5 file), and place them in an easy-to-find folder. Right-click on the Odin file and select the "Run as administrator" option.

Step 2: Place Phone in Download Mode

Power off your device, then power it back on while holding the Volume Down + Home + Power buttons, then hit the Volume Up button to enter "Download Mode." Through this mode, you can use Odin to flash stock firmware and other .tar.md5 files.

Step 3: Flash Leaked Firmware

Hit the "PDA" button in Odin and select the firmware file you extracted in Step #1 above. Ensure that "Auto Reboot" and "F. Reset Time" are checked, and that "Re-Partition" is not.

Now simply plug your device in and hit "Start." You can follow the progress in the lower-left window in Odin—your Galaxy S5 will reboot a couple of times, then boot into the new Android 5.0 build.

Set up your device with your Google account; your contacts and apps will begin restoring, and you're then free to explore all the new goodness of Samsung's take on Google's newest OS.

Let us know what you think of Android Lollipop on your Sprint Galaxy S5 in the comments below (and share some screenshots).