Update Nexus 7 Wi-Fi to Official Android 4.4 KRT16O KitKat [GUIDE]

Google has started rolling out Android 4.4 KitKat Over-The-Air (OTA) update, with build version KRT16O, for the Wi-Fi version of 7in Nexus branding tablets (2012 model). The latest iteration of Android software brings several goodies such as the new Launcher, new icons and revamped apps.

As the update is released in phases, it will take time to reach all Nexus 7 users across the world. But those who cannot wait for the OTA and wish to install the stock Android 4.4 firmware may follow our step-by-step guide. Below are two methods to install the firmware; for rooted and non-rooted versions of Nexus 7. Users can follow the method according to the device.

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. [Press Menu>> Settings>> Applications. From there navigate and click on Development option then check the USB Debugging Mode.]

3) As the tutorial might wipe 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 the recovery.

4) If the Android device powers off due to lack of battery while 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 JWR66Y (the previous firmware) which is not rooted and has stock recovery. Do not proceed if the device does not have Android 4.3 JWR66Y installed earlier.

6) The Android 4.4 KRT16O KitKat build is compatible only with the Nexus 7 Wi-Fi. Flashing this on incorrect variant might brick the device. Therefore, verify the model number of device by navigating to Settings>> About tablet.

Steps to install Android 4.4 KRT16O KitKat official update on Nexus 7 [for non-rooted]

Step-1: Download Android 4.4 KRT16O KitKat official firmware for Nexus 7 to computer. Rename the downloaded file to update.zip

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

Step-3: Copy the update.zip file to the SD card of the tablet. Ensure the file is in the SD card root, not in any folder

Step-4: Turn off the tablet

Step-5: Boot the tablet into Bootloader Mode. To do so, turn on the tablet while pressing and holding Volume Up and Power buttons until the Fastboot menu and Start appears on the screen

Step-6: Follow the navigation instructions on the screen. Press Volume Up button for a few times until RECOVERY is seen on the screen. Then press the Power button to select it

Step-7: You will get an exclamation mark will appear now. Hold the Volume Up and Power buttons together again. The Recovery menu should appear now

Step-8: Select update from SD card. Now select update.zip file using Power button. Then confirm installation

Step-9: When the installation process is completed, the tablet will boot and it might take about five minutes to boot for the first time

After the Nexus 7 boots up successfully, it should be running on Android 4.4 KRT160 KitKat official firmware. Navigate to Settings>> About tablet to verify the new software running on the device.

Pre-requisites

1) The Nexus 7 should have ClockworkMod Recovery installed.

2) The device should be running on Android 4.3 JWR66Y.

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

Steps to install official Android 4.4 KRT16O KitKat on Nexus 7 [for rooted]

Step-1: Download Android 4.4 KRT16O KitKat OTA update for Nexus 7 to the computer

Step-2: Connect the Nexus 7 to the computer using USB cable

Step-3: Move the downloaded Android 4.4 firmware zip file to the SD card of the tablet. Ensure the file is in the SD card root, not in any folder

Step-4: Power off the Nexus 7. Enter into Bootloader Mode by pressing and holding Volume Up and Power buttons together until the Fastboot menu and Start is seen on the screen

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

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

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

Step-7: Using the Volume keys navigate to Android 4.4 firmware zip file and select it using the Power button. Confirm installation on the next screen. The installation should begin now

Step-8: After the flashing process is completed, go back to '+++++Go Back +++++' and reboot the device by selecting reboot system now from the Recovery menu. The tablet will boot now and it would take about five minutes to boot for the first time

The Nexus 7 should now be updated with official Android 4.4 KRT16O KitKat software. Head over to Settings>> About tablet to verify the new firmware version of the device.

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

[Source: Team Android]