How to install Android 7.0 Nougat
Google releases Android 7.0 Nougat update for supported Nexus phones and tablets Google

Google has begun rolling out its newest Android Nougat software update with version 7.0 for users of Nexus phones and tablets around the globe. The free software which is available as over-the-air update bundles over 250 features including various personalisations, enhanced performance and battery life and security features that make your Android experience better than ever.

As the OTA rolls out, IBTimes UK brings its readers guides explaining different methods to install Android Nougat on Nexus devices. You can use any of them depending on your device's root status.

More from IBTimes UK

OTA download links for Android 7.0 Nougat

How to install Android 7.0 Nougat on Nexus device

If you haven't rooted your phone/tablet that is running stock recovery, use the following steps to install Android Nougat:

  • Download the appropriate OTA file for your Nexus device. Installing incorrect firmware might brick your device
  • Do not forget to verify the checksum of the OTA file, the last portion of which should be an eight digit number of its SHA-256 checksum. Doing this will save your time just in case the file is incomplete
  • Power on your Nexus device and enable USB debugging. To do this, head over to Settings>> About phone and enable developer options by tapping the build number seven times. A message will appear saying you are now a developer. You will now get the Developer option under Settings. Tap the Developer option to enable USB debugging
  • Open a command prompt window in the same folder/directory where you have saved the OTA file. Now execute the following command:

adb reboot recovery

  • This will put the Nexus phone in stock recovery mode and you will see an Android logo with a red exclamation mark on the phone's screen
  • Hold the Power button and press the Volume Up together; a menu will pop up, select the option that says

Apply update from ADB

  • Run the following command

adb sideload (ota file.zip)

Note: Replace the (ota file.zip) with the original file you downloaded

  • Once the update is complete, reboot the device by selecting

Reboot system now

It is important to note that you should disable the USB debugging when you are not updating it.

How to install Android 7.0 Nougat on rooted Nexus device

If your Nexus phone/tablet is rooted with custom recovery running, do the following steps:

  • Copy the OTA zip file to the internal storage of Nexus
  • Reboot it into custom recovery mode
  • Install the zip through recovery mode, like you do with any other recovery flashable file

The devices running Android Beta Program will also receive the final version of Android Nougat. Check out the guide below.

How to install Android 7.0 Nougat through Android Beta Programme

  • Head over to Android Beta Programme website from your Nexus device directly
  • Scroll down to Your eligible devices section. Here you should see the eligible devices listed associated with your Google account
  • Choose the device you want to receive Android Nougat update
  • Click Enrol, read and agree terms and conditions of the services and then click OK
  • Follow the on-screen prompts to get the OTA update

You can manually check for the update too. For this, ensure that your device is connected to the internet. Navigate to Settings>> About>> System updates>> Check for updates. You might opt out of the programme any time you want to receive the stable and public version of Android. But note that doing so will erase all user data on your device.