Android 7.0 Nougat factory images and OTA files hit Nexus devices with September security updates: How to install

Google has just rolled out its first Android 7.0 Nougat factory images and full system over-the-air (OTA) files for numerous Nexus devices as part of its September security update. Several older devices including the Nexus 5 have also received the Marshmallow-based images with the latest security update.

Quite disappointingly, the Android 7.0 images are still unavailable for the Nexus 6, Nexus 6P and Nexus 9 LTE. It is still not clear why the Android maker chose to hold back the latest Nougat-based security patch for these devices.

Meanwhile, check out the full list of Nexus devices (below) including the Pixel C with their corresponding build numbers for the latest Android Nougat update:

• Pixel C – NRD90R
• Nexus 6P – MTC20L
• Nexus 5X – MTC20K, NRD90S
• Nexus 6 – MMB30W, MOB31E
• Nexus Player – NRD90R
• Nexus 9 LTE – MOB31E
• Nexus 9 Wi-Fi – NRD90R
• Nexus 5 – MOB31E

Download links for Android Nougat factory images and OTA files

Nexus 5X Factory Image

Nexus Player Factory Image

Nexus 9 (Wi-Fi) Factory Image

Pixel C Factory Image

Here are the Android 7.0 Nougat NRD90_ OTA files:

Nexus 5X OTA

Nexus Player OTA

Nexus 9 OTA

Pixel C OTA

Download links for Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow September patch

Marshmallow factory images

Nexus 6P Factory Image

Nexus 5X Factory Image

Nexus 6 Factory Image (2)

Nexus 9 (LTE) Factory Image

Nexus 5 Factory Image

Marshmallow OTA files

Nexus 6P OTA

Nexus 5X OTA

Nexus 6 OTA (2)

Nexus 5 OTA

Nexus 9 (LTE) OTA

What does the security update contain?

According to the Android Security Bulletin for September 2016, the new update contains three different release dates encompassing various patch levels. The first release on 1 September addresses issues related to the core AOSP code base, the second takes care of hardware drivers and kernel issues while the third is linked to a few hardware/kernel fixes.

Those who need some assistance in installing these factory images and OTA files can follow the step-by-step instructions provided below:

How to flash a factory image on your Nexus device

1. Download the corresponding system image for your device using the links provided above and then unzip it to a safe directory.
2. Connect your device to the computer with USB cable.
3. Boot the device in fastboot mode with one of the following methods:

• Using the adb tool: With the device powered on, execute the command:

adb reboot bootloader

• Using a key combo: Turn the device off, then turn it on and quickly hold down the relevant key combination for your device. For example, to put a Nexus 5 ("hammerhead") into fastboot mode, press and hold Volume Up + Volume Down + Power as the device begins booting up.
• If necessary, unlock the device's bootloader by running the command:

fastboot flashing unlock

For older devices, run the command:

fastboot oem unlock

The target device will show you a confirmation screen. (This erases all data on the target device.)

1. Open a terminal and navigate to the unzipped system image directory.
2. Execute the flash-all script. This script installs the necessary bootloader, baseband firmware(s), and operating system.

After the script finishes, your device reboots. You should now lock the bootloader for security:

1. Start the device in fastboot mode again, as described above.
2. Execute the following commands:

fastboot flashing lock

For older devices, run the command:

fastboot oem lock

Although locking bootloader will wipe the data on some devices, if you want to flash the device again then you must run fastboot oem unlock again, which will wipe the data.