Google has started seeding the Android 4.4 KitKat Over-The-air (OTA) update for the Wi-Fi version of the second generation Nexus 7 tablet otherwise known as Nexus 7 2013 which runs Android 4.3 Jelly Bean out of box.

Google has also noted that the Nexus 7 2013 with mobile data will soon receive its Android KitKat treatment, which integrates several notable features such as new launcher and new UI for many built-in-apps.

Nexus 7 2013
Android 4.4 KitKat stock firmware is available for the Nexus 7 2013 model.

Those who wish to manually install the latest official build on Nexus 7 may follow our step-by-step guide. Below are two methods to update the Nexus 7: for non-rooted and rooted devices. Users may follow either of the methods to install the update, depending on the root status of the tablet.

IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held liable for any mishap. Before installing the official build, users are also advised to verify that their devices meet following requirements.

Pre-requisites

1) Install USB Driver for Nexus 7 to connect the Android device with computer.

2) Enable USB Debugging Mode on the tablet to connect it with the computer and use Android SDK with it.

3) As the tutorial might wipe out all data of the tablet, create a backup. If the device is having any custom recoveries such as CWM/TWRP already installed then backup data using recovery.

4) If the Android device powers off due to lack of battery during the installation process, it could damage the device. Therefore, the Nexus 7 should have above 80% battery charge.

5) The Nexus 7 should be on Android 4.3 JSS15R (the previous firmware) which is not rooted and has stock recovery. Do not proceed if the device does not have Android 4.3 JSS15R installed earlier.

6) The Android 4.4 KRT160 KitKat build is compatible only with the Nexus 7 2013 (Wi-Fi). As flashing this on incorrect variants might brick the device, verify the model number of device by navigating to Settings>> About tablet.

Steps to install Android 4.4 KRT160 KitKat official update on Nexus 7 2013 [For Non-rooted]

Step-1: Download Android 4.4 KRT160 KitKat official firmware for Nexus 7 to the computer. Rename it to update.zip

Step-2: Connect and mount the Nexus 7 USB memory on computer using the USB cable

Step-3: Transfer the update.zip to the SD card of the tablet. The file should be in the SD card root, not in any folder

Step-4: Power off the tablet and enter into the Bootloader Mode. To do so, turn on the Nexus tablet while pressing and holding Volume Up and Power buttons together until the Fastboot menu and Start appear on the screen

Step-5: Follow the navigation instructions on the screen. Press Volume Up for a few times until you see RECOVERY then press the Power button to select it

Step-6: An exclamation mark should appear. Hold Volume Up and Power buttons together again. You should see the Recovery Mode menu

Step-7: In recovery mode, select update from SD card then select update.zip using Power button and confirm installation

Step-8: After the installation is completed, the Nexus tablet will boot and it would take about five minutes to boot for the first time

The new Nexus 7 2013 model should now be running on Android 4.4 KRT160 KitKat software.

Pre-requisites

1) The Nexus 7 should be rooted and have ClockworkMod Recovery installed.

2) Do not proceed of the device does not have Android 4.3 JSS15R Jelly Bean.

3) Make a Nandroid backup of the previous tablet set up before proceeding.

Steps to install Android 4.4 KRT160 KitKat official update on Nexus 7 2013 [for rooted]

Step-1: Download Android 4.4 KRT160 KitKat OTA update for Nexus 7 on the computer

Step-2: Connect the Nexus 7 to the computer using USB cable. Copy the downloaded Android 4.4 zip to the SD card of the tablet. Ensure that the zip file is in the SD card root, not in any folder

Step-3: Unplug the USB cable from the tablet and turn it off

Step-4: Place the tablet into Bootloader Mode by turning it on while pressing and holding Volume Up and Power buttons together until the Fastboot menu and Start on screen is seen

Step-5: Follow the navigation instructions on the screen. Press the Volume Up button several times until you see RECOVERY and press the Power button to select it

Step-6: In CWM recovery, scroll down to flash zip from sdcard and select it using the Power button. Then select choose zip from sdcard with the Power button

Note: Users may have to turn off the signature verification from the toggle signature verification option.

Step-7: Using the Volume keys, navigate to Android 4.4 zip and which was earlier copied to the SD card and select it using Power button and confirm installation on the next screen

Step-8: When the installation process is completed, go to +++++Go Back+++++ and reboot the tablet by selecting reboot system now from the recovery menu. The device will take about five minutes to boot for the first time

The Android 4.4 KRT160 KitKat official firmware should now be installed and running on the Nexus 7 2013 model. Navigate to Settings>> About tablet to verify the new software version of the device.

Update: Android 4.4 KitKat update starts for Galaxy S4 and HTC One Google Play Editions

[Source: Team Android]

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