If you have got an already rooted nexus device and now want to upgrade it to the newly released Android 7.0 Nougat version then there is a good news for you. You can perform the flashing of android 7.0 using Nexus Root Toolkit, the easiest method of all others.
Google is just rolling out Android 7.0 for the supported devices. Nexus users, especially those who own the latest models, are lucky because they will get it before the others.
This new version of the android operating system takes the multitasking to the next level. Besides the major Split-screen and Drag & Drop functions, it is fully packed with a variety of new features, like new emoji symbols and a new way of notifications’ management.
The Safest Method of Installing Android 7.0:
The safest method of installing Nougat 7.0 on your smartphone is, of course, by using the built-in Over-the-Air Updater. When the update is available for your device, you’ll get a new notification in the Notification Centre. Tap on the Notification and the update will start first downloading and then installing on your Nexus phone.
But, this route is not a viable option for rooted Nexus phone. Those users who have got the Superuser root access on their devices, usually face problems while installing the official OTA updates.
They don’t need to worry now, as Google’s Android 7.0 factory images don’t check for root changes. Now, all you have to do is to download Nougat 7.0 factory image for your nexus device and use a third-party software, like Nexus Root Toolkit, for flashing Android 7.0 on your tablet or phone.
Nexus Root Toolkit is not the only software for this purpose. You can also use ADB and Fastboot method to install the update. But, all other methods are usually lengthy and complicated ones.
In this post, we will stick to the simplest rooting method.
Flashing Rooted Nexus with Nougat Using NRT:
First of all download the Android 7.0 factory image for your Nexus phone from the Google’s developers page.
When you are on that page, tick “I have read and agree with the above terms and conditions, proceed to the downloads” option at the bottom of the page.
First, you’ll see the Flashing Instructions to update the non-rooted device manually.
Scroll down and there you’ll find the direct download links for the required Android 7.0 factory images. Currently, the files for Pixel C, Nexus Player, Nexus 9 WiFi are available.
Download the required image file and save it locally on your Windows PC.
Download Nexus Root Toolkit from the official page of WugFresh and install it. This tool runs only on Windows PC. Mac users will have to find a Windows PC or use any other method of flashing android 7.0.
Once the Toolkit is installed, select the device type and the android build.
You can also try “Auto Detect + Build..” feature after connecting your device to the PC.
At this step, you are asked to enable USB Debugging mode on your Nexus device.
If you have already done so, that’s great. Otherwise, follow the onscreen instructions to complete this step.
Now NRT (Nexus Root Toolkit) will download the necessary files for your device. it will try to download all these files automatically. If it fails, you’ll have to manually download them and point NRT to the downloaded files.
After that, we are back to the main screen of NRT. At this level, click on “Full Driver Installation Guide – Automatic + Manual” option to install the required drivers for your phone.
A new screen of “Full Driver Configuration Guide” will appear.
Go to directly step 3 and use the recommended solution to install the drivers for your phone.
The only part now left is to flash the android 7.0 image on Nexus phone.
Click on Flash Stock + Unroot option. You’ll get a warning message, press OK to proceed further. if you are not ready yet, or you are not sure what will happen to your device, press ‘Cancel’ button.
At this step, select the required android build which you want to install on Nexus. As we are flashing android 7.0, so we will select this version. The Nexus Root toolkit will automatically download and flash the factory image.
But wait, we have already downloaded the factory image in Step 1 of this guide, so we will select the first option which reads “Other/Browse…”.
Press OK and you are asked to navigate to the downloaded Android 7.0 factory image.
After you click “Ok” on the confirmatory message, the flashing process will start.
Now sit back and wait. The whole process may take more than 5-7 minutes or longer. Don’t disconnect your phone from the PC.
Once you get the message of successful operation, you can disconnect your phone. Now wait for another 5 minutes until your phone finishes the first booting.
Enjoy Android 7.0 Nougat on your Nexus phone!
I just checked a new version of Nexus Root Toolkit is released. If you are still using older version, get the new one.
Thanks for the updated info.
Will I lose the root after using this guide?
Yes, I think. But I am not 100% sure.