It has taken Google quite a long time to address the Android Lollipop issues plaguing its 2013 Nexus 7, but the wait for a fix is finally over, at least for users who know how to flash a factory image.
Google has released the factory image for build number LMY48G, which is Android Lollipop 5.1.1 for the second-generation Nexus 7 Wi-Fi only version. There is no word yet on when a similar update will be available for the LTE version and the 2012 versions of the Nexus 7, but it is reasonable to expect that Android 5.1.1 for these tablets are on the way.
Although Google has yet to make the change log for this update available, it is likely that it brings the fixes for the many problems that Nexus 7 owners have been experiencing on their tablets since the release of Android Lollipop in 2014.
Those who can't wait for the over-the-air (OTA) update to arrive on their tablets can download the factory image from Google's Android Open Source Project website and flash it on their tablets.
Unless you are comfortable diving into the developer section of your Nexus 7, we suggest waiting for the OTA update. However, if waiting is not your game, follow these instructions.
1. Get ready.
- Download the Android SDK and follow the instructions to install it properly. Inside the Platform Tools folder, you will need the adb and fastboot files to boot into your bootloader and go into fastboot mode.
- Back up your tablet's data. You will need to unlock your bootloader and this will wipe away all the contents of your device.
- On your Nexus 7, go to the Settings app and tap About tablet. Tap the Build number seven times to go into developer mode. This will bring a new Developer options in Settings. Go to Developer options and turn on USB debugging. Also, if your Nexus 7 is running on an earlier version of Lollipop, check Enable OEM unlocked.
- Connect your Nexus 7 to your computer via USB.
2. Unlock your Nexus 7.
- Start your tablet in fastboot mode by entering the command "adb reboot bootloader." You can also press and hold the volume up and volume down buttons then press and hold the power button.
- Run "fastboot oem unlock." This will unlock your bootloader if it isn't already unlocked. You'll be given a prompt to confirm the command, as this will erase all your tablet's data. If you haven't made a backup yet, now is the time to go back and do so before proceeding to confirm the unlock.
3. Flash the factory image.
- Open a terminal and find the file you want to flash.
- Execute the flash-all script. This will automatically install the bootloader, baseband firmware and operating system.
- Your Nexus 7 will reboot. Once it restarts, you will have Android 5.1.1 running on your device.
For security purposes, start your Nexus 7 in fastboot mode again using the same steps mentioned above, then lock your bootloader by using the command "fastboot oem lock." In some devices, this will wipe away the data, so make sure you don't get rid of that backup until everything's done.
Photo: Stephane Houang | Flickr
