Google Releases Official Android 4.2.2 JDQ39 Jelly Bean OTA Firmware for Nexus 7 [How to Install]

Nexus 7 is among the lucky few devices (including Nexus 4, Nexus 10 and Galaxy Nexus I9250) in the Nexus family to receive the latest official Jelly Bean firmware - Android 4.2.2 JDQ39 - from Google. Although the Jelly Bean update does not offer any major feature changes, it brings the Bluetooth bug-fix and December bug-fix for the Nexus devices including Nexus 7.

Users, who missed the opportunity to update their Nexus device to the latest official firmware using Google's Over-The-Air (OTA) option, can now download and install the same manually with this guide.

NOTE: This guide is applicable for both rooted and non-rooted stock Nexus 7 devices, and users should ensure that their device is already running Android 4.2.1 JOP40D baseband firmware to be able to install this firmware. Go to Settings > About Tablet to verify the firmware version installed.

Disclaimer: IBTimes UK will not be held responsible if the device is damaged or bricked during or after firmware installation. Users must proceed at their own risk.

Key Points to Note

• Android 4.2.2 JDQ39 OTA official firmware and the instructions given in this guide are meant for the Nexus 7 tablet only. Verify the device's model number by navigating to Settings > About Tablet.
• Verify that the correct USB drivers are installed for the tablet on computer. Download Google Nexus 7 USB drivers.
• Backup the important data and settings on the tablet by using one of the recommended custom recovery tools such as ClockworkMod (CWM) or TWRP, which creates a complete image of your existing tablet set up. Avoid using Samsung KIES or ROM manager for data backup, as they lack flexible options.
• Make sure that USB Debugging mode is enabled on the tablet by navigating to Settings > Developer Options (if the device is running Android 4.0 or later) or Settings > Applications > Development (if the tablet is running Android 2.3.6 or earlier). If the device is running Android 4.2, do the following steps:
  • Go to Settings > About tablet.
  • Navigate to the bottom of the screen and select "Build number."
  • Tap "Build number" about seven times and right after the third tap, a dialogue box saying appears on the screen. Continue tapping four more times. Now, the Developer Options is unlocked under Settings through which USB Debugging mode can be enabled.
• Ensure that the device has at least 85 percent charge.
• Verify that the tablet is factory unlocked and not locked to a specific carrier.

How to Install Official Android 4.2.2 JDQ39 Jelly Bean OTA Firmware on Nexus 7 [For Non-Rooted]

Step 1 - Download Android 4.2.2 (6ece895ecb23.signed-nakasi-JDQ39-from-JOP40D.6ece895e.zip) OTA official firmware for Nexus 7 on the computer and rename it to update.zip.

Step 2 - Connect and mount the Nexus 7 USB mass storage on the computer with original USB cable.

Step 3 - Now, copy the update.zip file to the root folder on the tablet's SD card.

Step 4 - Now, power off the tablet and boot it into Bootloader Mode. Turn on the tablet while pressing and holding Volume Up and Power buttons together until the Fastboot menu and START icon appear on top of the screen.

Step 6 - Follow the onscreen navigational instructions. Then tap Volume Up button several times until the RECOVERY option comes up and hit Power button to select it.

Step 7 - An exclamation mark pops-up on screen. Once again hold Volume Up and Power buttons together until the device enters the Recovery Mode menu.

Step 8 - Choose update from SD card option and then highlight update.zip file. Finally, select it with the Power button and the firmware installation will begin.

Step 9 - Once the firmware installation is complete, the tablet will reboot and the first boot may take about 5 minutes to complete. So, leave it alone.

Nexus 7 is now running the official Android 4.2.2 JDQ39 Jelly Bean OTA firmware. Go to Settings > About Tablet to verify the firmware version installed.

How to Install Official Android 4.2.2 JDQ39 Jelly Bean OTA Firmware on Nexus 7 [For Rooted]

Step 1 - Download Android 4.2.2 JDQ39 OTA Update for Nexus 7 on the computer.

Step 2 - Connect and mount the Nexus 7 USB mass storage on computer with original USB cable.

Step 3 - Now, copy the Android 4.2.2 JDQ39 firmware zip file to the root folder on the tablet's SD card.

Step 4 - Then power off the tablet and boot it into Bootloader mode.

To do so, switch on the phone while pressing and holding Volume Up and Power buttons together until the fastboot menu and START icon appear on top of the screen.

Step 5 - Follow the onscreen navigational instructions. Hit Volume Up button several times until the RECOVERY option pops-up and then tap Power button to select it.

Step 6 - In CWM recovery, navigate to Flash zip from SD card option and tap Power button to select it.

Step 7 - Hit Power button again and click Choose zip from SD card.

NOTE (Optional): It may be necessary to turn off signature verification from the "toggle signature verification" option.

Step 8 - Now, use volume keys to navigate to Android 4.2.2 firmware zip and choose it by tapping Power button. Confirm the firmware installation on next screen and the installation procedure will begin.

Step 9 - Once the firmware installation is complete, hit Go Back and reboot the phone by tapping Reboot System Now in the Recovery Menu. The phone will reboot and the first boot might take about 5 minutes to complete. So, leave it alone.

Nexus 7 is now running the official Android 4.2.2 JDQ39 Jelly Bean OTA firmware. Go to Settings > About Tablet to verify the firmware version installed.

[Source: Team Android]