Nexus 7 2012 (3G) gets Android 5.1 update via factory image: How to install

Nexus 7 2012 (3G) users are in for some great news, as Google has finally rolled out the Android 5.1 Lollipop factory image for the ageing handset.

Discerning Android users may note that the Lollipop update has been rolled out for the 3G model of Nexus 7 after a long delay, following its initial release for other Nexus 7 models.

Consequently, Nexus 7 3G users no longer have to wait for the release of the over-the-air (OTA) update from Google, as the Lollipop factory image with the latest build number (LMY47D) brings the same functionality and features to the handset as the official OTA release.

Those who missed out on the Android 5.1 OTA update for Nexus 7 or do not wish to wait for its official release, can go ahead and flash the latest factory image of the Lollipop update manually by using the step-by-step guide mentioned below.

Note: All Nexus devices running Android 5.0 Lollipop (stock and custom ROM) can be upgraded to the latest build of Lollipop (LMY47D) via the official factory image.

IBTimes UK reminds readers that it will not be held liable for any damage to device during or after the Android 5.1 Lollipop installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

Downloads Required

Android 5.1 LMY47D factory image for Nexus 7 2012 (3G)

Pre-requisites

• Instructions given in this guide are meant for the Nexus 7 2012 (3G) model only. Verify the device model number by navigating to Settings > About Phone as installing this firmware on incorrect variants might brick the device.
• Ensure the phone has at least 80% battery charge to prevent unexpected device shutdown (due to battery drain) while installing the ROM.
• Back up data and settings using a recommended custom recovery tool, like ClockworkMod (CWM) or TWRP, as it creates a complete image of the existing phone setup. In Recovery, choose Backup and Restore and tap Backup.
• Verify correct USB drivers for the phone are installed on the computer (download Nexus 7 2012 USB drivers).
• Enable USB Debugging mode via Settings > Developer Options Note: If Developer Options is not visible then you need to enable it as follows:
• Go to Settings > About Phone.
• Scroll down to the bottom and select Build Number.
• Then tap build number seven times to unlock the Developer Options under Settings and then enable USB Debugging mode.
• Ensure that the device is rooted with CWM or TWRP recovery installed and its bootloader is unlocked.

Steps to install Android 5.1 official factory image on Nexus 7 2012 (3G)

Step 1: Extract the downloaded factory image file with the .tgz extension. If the file is in .tar format, rename it to .tgz and extract it

Step 2: Open the extracted factory image folder and find a zip file there. Unzip and extract it

Step 3: Copy the extracted files to the fastboot folder

Step 4: Boot the Nexus 7 to fastboot mode by holding Power and Volume Down buttons together for a few seconds while powering the device on

Step 5: Connect the Nexus device to your PC using USB cable

Step 6: Go to the fastboot folder where you have copied the content of the factory image file. Hold Shift + Right click on an empty space within that folder. From the right-click menu, click on Open Command Window Here

Step 7: Execute the following commands in the command prompt window

• fastboot flash bootloader bootloader-filename.img
• fastboot reboot-bootloader
• fastboot flash radio radio-filename.img
• fastboot reboot-bootloader
• fastboot flash system system.img
• fastboot reboot-bootloader
• fastboot flash userdata userdata.img
• fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
• fastboot flash boot boot.img
• fastboot erase cache
• fastboot flash cache cache.img

Now the official Android 5.1 factory image should be running on your Nexus 7 2012 (3G).

[Source: Google Developers]