Nexus 7 (2013) users can now update their phone to the latest Android 7.1 Nougat firmware, thanks to the release of CyanogenMod 14.1 ROM by the industrious Android custom ROM developers. As Google has officially ceased support for the 2013 Nexus device from Asus, this is your best opportunity to experience Nougat features on your ageing smartphone.
The CM 14.1 ROM is based on the original stock Android 7.1 OS, which was rolled out for select Nexus devices by Google. Unlike the stock OS, the CyanogenMod ROM brings newly customised and fully-optimised features for a stable, smooth and secure Android experience.
As the update is currently under testing and development, it may harbour a few untested bugs or broken features that will fixed in the upcoming updates.
Interested users can go ahead and install the CM 14.1 ROM after rooting their Nexus 7. The installation of any custom ROM requires CWM or TWRP recovery to be pre-installed on the device.
Downloads Required
Android 7.1 CyanogenMod 14.1 ROM for Nexus 7 (2013)
Google Apps for Android 7.1 Nougat
Prerequisites
- The instructions provided in this guide are meant for the 2013 model of the Google Nexus 7 only. Do not attempt installing this ROM on any other phone as it could inadvertently brick the device or permanently damage it.
- Ensure that you have a computer and the original USB cable handy with you.
- Verify that USB debugging is enabled on your Nexus 7 by navigating to menu > Settings > developer options. To enable Developer Options, go to menu > Settings > About Phone and repeatedly tap on the build number until the "you are now a developer" message appears on the screen.
- Make sure that your phone has at least 80% battery charge, before you proceed with the CM14.1 ROM installation on your Nexus 7.
How to install CM 14.1 Nightly ROM on Google Nexus 7 (2013)
- Plug in your Nexus 7 to the computer via USB cable.
- Copy the downloaded ROM zip files to the SD card on your phone.
- Disconnect the Nexus 7 from the computer and then power it off.
- Boot the phone into TWRP recovery mode: press and hold Volume Down and Volume Up, and Power buttons together. Release the buttons when you see Fastboot or Bootloader Mode options on the screen. Note: Use Power button to select recovery mode and Volume keys to scroll up/down or highlight an option before selecting it.
- In the Recovery menu (TWRP or CWM), select Wipe > Factory Reset.
- Go back to the recovery settings menu and select Install zip from SD card and then Choose zip from SD card. Now browse and select the CyanogenMod 14.1 ROM from the phone's SD card where you copied the firmware file.
- In the recovery main menu, confirm the installation process by tapping on Swipe to Confirm Flash.
- Your phone will now install the Android 7.1 Nougat based CM14.1 ROM via recovery and then a confirmation message should pop up on the screen indicating that the installation was successful.
- Now browse and select Gapps file which you downloaded earlier via recovery settings menu after choosing the Install option. Confirm the flashing process and wait until Gapps is completely installed.
- You can now restart the device and take a peek at the newly installed Android 7.1 Nougat update on your Nexus 7. Note: The first boot might take some time as the ROM will update your system settings and startup files, before it boots to the Home screen.
[Source: XDA]
