Installing Android 4.4 (KRT16O) On Nexus 7

Google has begun rolling out the official Android 4.4 KRT16O build to Nexus 7 (2012 model) users and while many have already updated OTA, it will take awhile before the new firmware reaches everyone. In the meantime, this guide will walk you through manually flashing the KRT16O build onto your Nexus 7.

As always, DroidReport assumes no liability for the firmware installation. Proceed with caution.

Before Getting Started

Before you get started, make sure that your Nexus 7 is the 2012 model. Flashing this ROM onto any other device will most probably result in a bricked phone.

You should be running Android 4.3 (JWR66Y) and have ClockworkMod installed.

As always, you want to backup your device and charge it to at least 80 percent. Finally, enable USB Debugging mode by navigating to Settings -> Developer Options.

Updating Nexus 7 to Android KitKat 4.4 via KRT16O ROM

1) Download the Android 4.4 KitKat KRT16O ROM, which can be found here.

2) Using your USB cable, connect your Nexus 7 to your computer.

3) Copy KRT16O custom ROM to the root folder of your handset’s SD card.

4) Boot your phone into Bootloader mode by turning on the tablet, then pressing the Volume Up and Power buttons simultaneously. Next, follow the directions to enter Recovery mode.

5) Open CWM recovery and navigate to “flash zip from sdcard.” Confirm using the power button, and then select “choose zip from sdcard.”

6) Navigate to the KitKat zip archive and select it by pressing the Power button. Confirm your selection when prompted on the following screen. The installation will begin and may take a few minutes. Do not interrupt the process.

7) After installation is finished, navigate back to the recovery menu and select “reboot system now.”

8) After restarting, your Nexus 7 will officially be running Android 4.4 KitKat. Kudos.