Verizon Droid gets manual Android 2.1 update

Want to manually update your Verizon Droid’s operating system to Android 2.1 instead of waiting for the OTA update to arrive? Fret not, the step-by-step instructions are available after thejump (where you need to get the update package first) which should take approximately all of 10 minutes before your phone is ready to offer the latest and greatest that Android 2.1 has. Even better news is the lack of hacking required, which means your warranty will still remain pristine and not void, and there is also no need to root or overclock the smartphone either. As usual, do make a backup of all your data before you attempt any system upgrades since you never know when Murphy might strike.

• Download the update package from here. Don’t unzip it! If your browser automatically unzips things (like Safari on Mac, for example), use a different browser. It MUST stay zipped.
• Rename the file from signed-voles-ESE81-from-ESD56.fa406da6.zip to update.zip. If you’re using an OS that doesn’t show the .zip extension, just rename it “update” — otherwise it’ll be called “update.zip.zip” and won’t work.
• Take the microSD card from your phone, plug it into a microSD card reader.
• Drag and drop the “update.zip” file into the main folder (otherwise known as the root folder) of your microSD card. Don’t go looking for a folder called “main” or “root” – we’re referring to the folder on your microSD card that holds all the other folders.
• Turn your Droid off, and put the microSD card back in.
• Hold down the letter “X” on the keyboard. While still holding it, turn your Droid back on. You should see an exclamation point icon appear on your screen.
• Push the volume up button and the camera button at the exact same time. If nothing happens, do it again. When you get to the bootloader screen, you know it worked. (Some folks are reporting that you need to hold the volume up button and then tap the camera button right after. It’s a bit tricky, but it’ll work eventually.)
• Use the d-pad to navigate to the “apply: update.zip” option, and choose the file you just dragged onto your microSD card.

Filed in Cellphones. Read more about Android, Android 2.1, Droid, Motorola Droid, Update, Verizon and Vzw.