Google Asus Nexus 7 2013 Android 4.4 KitKat Update: Downloads and Step-by-step Guide

The latest update from Google, KitKat, version 4.4 of Android, is already available for download and manual installation for your new and shiny Nexus 7 tablet, 2013 edition.

While it’s NOT the official update from Google, as it’s based on AOSP source code of Android 4.4 that was released by Google right after announcing the Android 4.4 update.

So, if you can’t wait for official update, which is only 2-3 weeks away, install the Android 4.4 on Nexus 7 2013, K008, now, and enjoy the KitKat right away, even before Nexus 5 — the launch device of KitKat — user get to play with it.

Also, know that this Android 4.4 ROM for Nexus 7 2013 is in early stages of development, and is still buggy at some places. So, you may experience apps force closing sometimes.

Note: You need a custom recovery to be able to install the Android 4.4 ROM we’ve got here.

If you don’t have a custom recovery, install the TWRP recovery now using this link. You will need to unlock bootloader of your Nexus 7 first for this! Make full backup first before going for it.

If you need ClockworkMod recovery (CWM) for your Nexus 7, then install the TWRP recovery first using the link just above, then root it using instructions on the same page, and then install ROM Manage free app from play store and install the non-touch version of CWM recovery (works perfect!) using that app, for free.

WARNING!

Warranty may be void of your device if you follow the procedures given on this page.

You only are responsible for your device. We won’t be liable if any damage occurs to your device and/or its components.

CHECK DEVICE MODEL NO.

To make sure your device is eligible with this, you must first confirm its model no. in ‘About device’ option under Settings. Another way to confirm model no. is by looking for it on the packaging box of your device. It must be Nexus7, K008!

Do not use the procedures discussed here on any other device. You have been warned!

BEFORE YOU BEGIN..

You must do this pre-installation stuff before attempting to install the ROM on your Nexus 7 (2013) in order to avoid any complications later, and have a smooth and successful process.

BACK UP YOUR DEVICE

Back up important data and stuff before you start playing around here as there are chances you might lose your apps and app-data (app settings, game progress, etc.), and in rare case, files on the internal memory, too.

For help on Backup and Restore, check out our exclusive page on that linked right below.

► ANDROID BACK UP AND RESTORE GUIDE: APPS AND TIPS

INSTALL GOOGLE NEXUS 7 (2013) DRIVER

You must have proper and working driver installed on your windows computer to be able to successfully install a firmware on your Google Nexus 7. In case you’re not sure, follow the link below for a definitive guide for installing driver for your Nexus 7 on your computer.

► GOOGLE NEXUS 7 2013 DRIVERS INSTALLATION GUIDE

CHARGE YOUR DEVICE

If your android device powers off due to lack of battery while the process is underway, it could damage the device.

So, make sure your device is adequately charged — at least 50% battery of the device.

EXAMPLE VIDEO

If you haven’t used a custom recovery, either CWM or TWRP, before, to install a .zip file of a ROM on anything else, then we suggest you first watch a video of that, given right below, to get familiar with the process.

Just fyi, the video below shows installing a .zip file (of recovery) on Galaxy S3, but it doesn’t matter as the process remains exactly same. So, once you are finished with video, jump to downloads and step-by-step guide below.

GOOGLE NEXUS 7 (2013) ANDROID 4.4 KITKAT UPDATE

DOWNLOADS

Download the files given below and transfer them to a separate folder on your tablet and remember the location.

• Android 4.4 ROM file |  DOWNLOAD LINK
  File name: aosp_flo-ota-eng.papi92.zip
  File size: 167 MB

• Google Apps  |  DOWNLOAD LINK
  File name: gapps-kk-20131031.zip
  File size: 107.60 MB

Reminder: Before you proceed, make sure you’ve transferred the files you downloaded above to a separate folder on your tablet.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Make sure you have backed up your tablet adequately (including important data stored on internal memory). Also create a nandroid backup using your recovery for additional safety.

You’ll need either CWM or TWRP recovery for installing the AOSP Android 4.4 ROM on your Google Nexus 7, 2013 edition. And since CWM and TWRP recoveries function differently we’ve put together separate guides for both of them.

So if you’re a CWM user, follow the CWM users guide and if you’re a TWRP user follow the guide for TWRP users.

GUIDE FOR CLOCKWORKMOD RECOVERY (CWM)

1. Boot the Nexus 7 into recovery mode. For this:
   • Power off your device and wait 4-5 seconds after lights go off.
   • Press and hold Volume Down + Power key together and release the Power key once the Google logo appears, but keep holding the Volume Down key. You will be in Bootloader mode now.
   • Press Volume Down two times so that Recovery option appears, and then press Power key to reboot into recovery mode.
     └ In recovery, use Volume buttons to navigate Up and Down between options and use Power button to select an option.
2. Create a Backup from recovery. It’s optional but very important to do, so that in case something goes wrong you can restore to current status easily.
3. Perform a Factory Reset (This will delete all apps and their settings and game progress). For this:
   • Select Wipe data/Factory reset, then select Yes on the next screen to confirm factory reset (screenshot)
4. Install the aosp_flo-ota-eng.papi92.zip file first. For this:
   • Select Install zip » Choose zip from sdcard (or external sdcard, you know where your files are) » browse to the location where you saved the file and select the aosp_flo-ota-eng.papi92.zip file » select Yes on next screen to confirm installation of the file
     
5. Now similarly flash the gapps-kk-20131031.zip file, as you did in step 4.
   └ Make sure to first flash the ROM file and then the Gapps file.
6. After you are done with flashing of the files, reboot your device. For this, go back to the main menu of recovery and select reboot system now.

That’s all. Your Nexus 7 will now reboot and it will take some time as it’ll be tablet’s first boot after installing Android 4.4, be extremely excited for this!

GUIDE USING TWRP RECOVERY

1. Boot your Nexus 7 (2013) into recovery mode. Do this:
   • Power off your device and wait 4-5 seconds after lights go off.
   • Press and hold Volume Down + Power key together and release the Power key once the Google logo appears, but keep holding the Volume Down key. You will be in Bootloader mode now.
   • Press Volume Down two times so that Recovery option appears, and then press Power key to reboot into recovery mode.
     └ In recovery, use Volume buttons to navigate Up and Down between options and use Power button to select an option.
2. Create a Backup from recovery. It’s optional but very important to do, so that in case something goes wrong you can restore to current status easily.
3. Perform a Factory Reset (this will delete all apps and their settings and game progress). For this:
   • Tap on Wipe » then at the bottom of the screen do a swipe on the ‘Swipe to factory reset‘ option (screenshot)
4. First Install the ROM file – aosp_flo-ota-eng.papi92.zip
   • Tap on Install » browse to the location where you saved the files and tap on the aosp_flo-ota-eng.papi92.zip file. Now at the bottom of the screen, do a swipe on the Swipe to confirm flash option to begin flashing.
     
5. Now similarly flash the gapps-kk-20131031.zip file.
   └ Make sure to first flash the ROM file and then the Gapps file.
6. After you are done with flashing of the files, reboot your device. For this:
   • Go back to the main menu of recovery and tap on Reboot » then, tap on System to reboot your tablet.

That’s all. Your tablet will now reboot and it will take some time as it’ll be tablet’s first boot after installing Android 4.4, KitKat. Be very excited, man!

Feedback Us!

It was easy to install KitKat, right? Let us know how it tastes.

Your suggestions are most welcomed!

Some Android 4.4 KitKat screenshots

Via RootzWiki