Google's Android team has already released the factory images of v4.4.3 KitKat and OTA (Over-The-Air) update in phases for Google Nexus devices including the 2013 edition Nexus 7 tablet.
Users, who have not yet updated (via OTA) or installed the factory image, can root Nexus 7 to unlock the device to get greater control over the device.
Prerequisites (things to remember before rooting the device):
- Rooting enables users to install custom ROMs or third party apps of their choice and also perform tweaks in the settings to improve the device's performance. Though users get more control over the smartphone this way, the company warranty will be void and will no longer be liable for future updates [warranty can be restored by flashing the device with stock-ROM].
- Nexus 7 Bootloader must be unlocked.
- Rooting of devices leads to a complete data wipeout, so make sure to back all data. [Install Clockwork Mod (CWM) Recovery/ TWRP in the smartphone to save the data]
- Users make sure you have installed USB drivers on the PC to connect your Nexus 7.
- Make sure your device has more than 80 percent battery.
[Disclaimer: This procedure is very technical and should be performed by a person with sound knowledge of rooting (or manual software installation) Android devices. If the step-by-step installation process is not followed properly, there are chances of the smartphone getting bricked or being permanently irreparable. International Business Times, India Edition cannot be held responsible for any damage or claims from readers if the procedure does not yield the required results or if the smartphone is bricked. Hence, users are advised to proceed with caution.]
Step-by-step installation procedure of Android v4.4.3 KitKat firmware rooting for Google Nexus 7 (2013 Edition):
Step 1: Download Android SDK (Software Development Kit) from Google's Android developers' page and install the software in to your PC (for more information, click here).
Step 2: Enable USB Debugging mode on the phone.
[Go to Settings >> Developer options >> tap USB debugging]
[Note: Before plugging the phone to the computer, be sure you have installed USB driver software, if not, click here to download firmware]
Step 3: Download Fastboot and put the .zip file in to android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory. [Note: if there is no such directory in the PC, create one]
To download Fastboot for Windows OS, click here;
To download Fastboot for Linux OS, click here;
To download Fastboot for Mac OS, click here;
Step 4: Now, download SuperSU (v1.99) application tool in to your PC, to be installed later in Google-Asus Nexus 7 phone.
Step 5: Then connect the Google-Asus Nexus 7 to the PC via USB cable, then place the UPDATE-SUPERSU-v1.99, .zip file to the phone's SD card. [Note: Users are advised to paste the .zip file in SD card root, not in any other folder]
Step 6: Switch-off the device.
[Note: before performing the rooting process, make sure to download- CWM (v6.0.4.7)/TWRP (v2.7.1.0) and store in android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory of the PC]
Step 7: Now, initiate Fastboot/Bootloader mode sortie on the phone by press holding 'volume down' + 'power' buttons, until we see the fastboot menu and start button on the screen.
Step 8: Then head to the downloaded file android-sdk-windowsplatfomr-tools and initiate Command Prompt procedure (shift key + Right-click >> open Command Prompt)
Step 9: After opening the Command Prompt mode, type in the following command –
'fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-touch-6.0.4.7-flo.img'
Step 10: once the above process is finished, then go back to Fastboot menu >> RECOVERY and enter the recovery mode.
Step 11: Once inside the ClockworkMod recovery mode, find and select- 'flash zip from SD card'. [Note: use Volume keys to navigate and power button to select options, while operating under Recovery Mode]
Step 12: Press the Power button again and tap "choose zip from sdcard".
Step 13 – Then find and select 'UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.99.zip' file and initiate installation.
Step 14 – Once the installation is complete, go to "+++++Go Back" and re-start the device choosing 'reboot system now' seen in the recovery menu
Now, your device (Google-Asus Nexus 7) will take a minimum of five minutes to complete the booting process. Users should then head to Settings >> select About phone to verify the installation of Android 4.4.2 KitKat or use SuperSU app to confirm the installation.
[Credits: Team Android]
