Google Nexus 7 — Install Android 4.3 on the 2012 Nexus 7

Google introduced the new Nexus 7 last week, which will run on Android 4.3. While the OTA update should be available on older Nexus devices, if this does not happen or you just can't wait, here's how to do it manually.

Disclaimer

Flashing a ROM, even an official one, involves risk. If you do not follow the procedure properly, you can end up with an unusable deceive. Neither AndroidPIT or myself will be held responsible for anything bad that comes your way, so proceed at your own risk.

Be warned: this method results in the loss of all your data, so back up all your data first.

Downloads

Firmware Android 4.3 for Nexus 7 WiFi (nakasi)

Firmware Android 4.3 for Nexus 7 3G (nakasig)

Fastboot + ADB drivers

Prerequisites

• Charge the Nexus 7 to at least 80%
• Make sure the drivers are installed before flashing (see following tutorial)
• Save data

Flashing Android 4.3 on the Nexus 7 via Fastboot

1. Download the correct firmware for your model, make no mistakes here!
2. Unzip the contents of the firmware in a folder named for example ''AndroidNexus7''.
3. Download Fastboot + ADB drivers and unzip the contents to the same folder in Windows.
4. Put your Nexus 7 in Fastboot mode, to do this turn it off and press the volume up button, volume down and power simultaneously.
5. Connect your Nexus 7 in Fastboot mode to your PC via USB.
6. <<If you haven't unlocked your bootloader already, press Shift key and right-click in the fastboot folder, then select ''Open Command Prompt.'' Once the Command Prompt is open, enter the command ''fastboot oem unlock'' and exit Command Prompt. Your tablet will ask if you want to unlock, select ''Yes'' and let it do its thing.>>
7. In ''AndroidNexus7'' folder, launch ''flash-all''.
8. A window will open, from this moment, leave your PC alone. Do not disconnect your tablet either. You may sometimes feel that the system is blocked, but this is not the case. Some phases are long, so just don't touch anything and wait till the process is complete.

— modified on Aug 1, 2013, 3:10:22 PM