Update Nexus 7 2012 (Wi-Fi) to Android 4.4 KRT16S OTA Firmware [How to Install]

Nexus 7 Wi-Fi users can now enjoy the latest KitKat features with necessary bug-fixes, thanks to the release of Android 4.4 KRT16S Over-The-Air (OTA) update. Though there is no changelog for this update from Google, it reportedly brings a more stable KitKat experience to Nexus users.

As this is just an OTA firmware update, it is necessary to ensure that your phone is running on Android 4.3 KWR66Y base firmware or the previous Android 4.4 KRT16O official update. This tutorial is applicable for both rooted (via custom recovery) and non-rooted (via stock recovery) Nexus 7.

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

Pre-requisites

1. Install USB Drivers for Asus Nexus 7 2012 (Wi-Fi) on the computer.

2. Enable USB Debugging Mode on the tablet by navigating to Settings >> Developer Options.

3. Back up all your important data before proceeding with firmware installation.

4. Ensure the tablet is factory unlocked and not rooted. NOTE: For rooted procedure, just ensure the device is factory unlocked as well as its bootloader unlocked. Also verify that the device is pre-rooted with custom recovery (CWM or TWRP) installed.

5. Verify the tablet has at least 80% battery charge to prevent unexpected device shutdown during firmware installation.

6. The Android 4.4 KRT16S Jelly Bean firmware works only on the Nexus 7 (2012) Wi-Fi. Attempting to install this firmware on incompatible models may inadvertently brick the device. Verify the model number of the phone by navigating to Settings >> About Tablet.

7. If the device is stuck at booting or is experiencing boot loop issues, perform Wipe Cache Partition and Wipe Dalvik Cache a few more times before rebooting.

8. Allow newly installed ROM to stabilise for five minutes before you start working on it.

How to Install Official Android 4.4 KRT16S Bug-Fix OTA Update on Nexus 7 2012 Wi-Fi [Non-Rooted]

Step 1 - Download Android 4.4 for Nexus 7 Wi-Fi on your computer by using the appropriate link below depending on Android version installed on your phone. Then rename it to update.zip.

For users running on Android 4.3 JWR66Y: Download OTA here
For users on Android 4.4 KRT16O: Download OTA here

Step 2 - Connect and mount your Nexus 7 USB mass storage on computer using USB cable.

Step 3 - Copy and paste the update.zip file to the root folder on your tablet.

Step 4 - Then Power OFF the tablet.

Step 5 - Boot the tablet into Bootloader Mode. To do so, press and hold the Volume Up and Power buttons until the Fastboot menu and START icon appear on screen.

Step 6 - Follow the onscreen navigation instructions and then tap Volume Up button several times until the RECOVERY menu appears. Then hit Power button to select it.

Step 7 - An exclamation mark will now appear on screen. Once again press and hold Volume Up and Power buttons to progress into Recovery Mode.

Step 8 - Choose update from SD card. Then locate update.zip file and select it using Power button. The firmware installation should now begin.

Step 9 - Once the firmware installation is done, the tablet will reboot and it may take about 5 minutes for the first boot to complete. So, please be patient and do not interrupt the process.

Your Nexus 7 2012 (Wi-Fi) is now running on official Android 4.4 KRT16S KitKat firmware. Go to Settings > About tablet to verify the firmware installed.

How to Install Official Android 4.4 KRT16S OTA Update on Nexus 7 2012 Wi-Fi [For Rooted]

Step 1 - Download Android 4.4 for Nexus 7 on your computer by using the appropriate link below depending on Android version installed on your tablet. Then rename it to update.zip.

For users running on Android 4.3 JWR66Y: Download OTA here
For users on Android 4.4 KRT16O: Download OTA here

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

Step 3 - Copy the Android 4.4 KRT16S firmware zip file to root folder on your tablet.

Step 4 - Turn off the tablet.

Step 5 - Boot the tablet into Bootloader Mode. To do so, press and hold the Volume Up and Power buttons till the Fastboot menu and START icon appear on screen.

Step 6 - Follow the onscreen navigation instructions and then tap Volume Up button several times until the RECOVERY menu appears. Then hit Power button to select it.

Step 7 - In ClockworkMod recovery, browse and select "flash zip from SD card" option and tap Power button to select it.

Step 8 - Hit the Power button again and select "choose zip from sdcard".

NOTE (Optional): You can turn OFF signature verification from the "toggle signature verification" option to avoid conflicts during firmware installation.

Step 9 - Use volume keys to navigate to firmware zip file and select it using the Power button. Confirm the firmware installation on next screen and the installation process will begin.

Step 10 - Once the firmware is installed, go to "+++++Go Back" and reboot the tablet by selecting "reboot system now" from the Recovery Menu. The tablet will reboot now and it may take about 5 minutes for first boot to complete. So, please be patient.

Your Nexus 7 2012 (Wi-Fi) is now running on official Android 4.4 KRT16S OTA firmware. Go to Settings > About tablet to verify the firmware installed.

Also Read: Root Nexus 7 (2013) on Android 4.4 KRT16S KitKat and Install CWM/TWRP Recovery [GUIDE]

[Source: Team Android]