A free and open-source re-implementation of Google’s proprietary libraries, which can replace Google Play Services.
For Android 5.1 Lollipop, installing GApps isn't just an optional bonus—it's often a necessity. Without it, you'll miss out on the fundamental Google Mobile Services (GMS) framework, which allows apps to receive push notifications, sync your Google account data, and access the full Play Store. The most common and widely supported source for GApps, particularly for older operating systems like Lollipop, is Open GApps.
Flashing GApps requires an unlocked bootloader and a custom recovery environment, such as TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project). Prerequisites:
GApps packages are broken down by size. Smaller packages only include the absolute essentials to run the Play Store, while larger packages replace stock ROM apps with Google variants.
On a stock device from manufacturers like Samsung or LG, these services come pre-installed. However, custom ROMs exist in a legal gray area regarding these proprietary apps, which is why developers distribute them separately. If you've flashed a custom ROM based on Android 5.1, you need to flash a GApps package immediately afterward to restore the familiar Google experience. gapps android 51
GApps is short for Google Apps. It is a flashable zip file containing core Google services and applications. Without GApps, an open-source Android operating system (AOSP) functions perfectly but lacks the framework required to connect to Google servers. Flashing GApps installs:
Swipe the slider at the bottom to format the partitions. (Note: Do not wipe Internal Storage or Micro SD card where your files are saved). Step 4: Flash the Custom ROM and GApps
Before you attempt to install GApps on Android 5.1, ensure you have the following:
Flashing system files carries risks. Boot into your custom recovery and take a full of your current operating system to an external SD card or PC. Step 2: Download the Files The most common and widely supported source for
Choice depends on storage, desired apps, and Play Services requirements.
: Users who want "OK Google" voice commands without extra bloatware.
With the preparation complete, here are the steps to install GApps. This process must be done immediately after flashing a custom ROM, and before the first boot.
: Clearing the "Dalvik Cache," a phrase that sounded like an ancient spell. : Sideloading the GApps zip file. The "Process Has Stopped" Nightmare Smaller packages only include the absolute essentials to
Open GApps is the most popular and reliable distribution for modern GApps. It is an open-source project that automatically generates up-to-date packages daily using build scripts. For Android 5.1, Open GApps supports ARM, ARM64, and x86 architectures. Open GApps is known for its variety of package sizes and its advanced configuration files ( gapps-config.txt ) that allow expert users to fine-tune exactly which apps get installed and which stock apps get removed. Notably, Open GApps has discontinued support for Android 5.1 Lollipop since approximately 2019; however, the archived builds from that period remain the best option for stability today.
First, you need a custom recovery installed (like TWRP). This special tool lets you flash .zip files—like ROMs and GApps—directly to your device's system partitions.
Ultimate Guide to GApps for Android 5.1 (Lollipop): Download and Installation
If you are flashing a new ROM alongside GApps, a clean wipe is mandatory. Tap on from the TWRP main menu. Select Advanced Wipe . Check Dalvik / ART Cache , System , Cache , and Data .