The Nexus 7 (2013) variant is the successor of the original Nexus 7, released back in 2012. The original Nexus 7 was the first tablet to feature a quad-core processor at a $200 price tag. The 2013 variant comes in with better specifications, higher-resolution display, 5 MP main camera and continuous software updates.
Last week, we were surprised seeing the original 2012 variant of the Nexus 7 to receive Android 5.1 Lollipop update, whereas its successor was still on Android 5.0.2. Fortunately, Google didn’t take too long and released Android 5.1 for Nexus 7 (2013) today.
As with every update issued by Google, Android 5.1 can be obtained by going to Settings > About Phone > Software Update. Tap on the check for software updates. The tablet will look for the update and then it will prompt you to download and install it.
If the tablet doesn’t display any notifications, the OTA update has yet to hit your device. If you cannot wait for your tablet to run on Android 5.1 Lollipop, the second method which includes downloading the OTA ZIP file and manually flashing it is the ideal one.
Install Android 5.1 Lollipop OTA ZIP on Nexus 7 (2013)
Before you proceed with the guide below, make sure that you are on a stock firmware. The OTA update will not work on a modified device with a custom ROM.
- Download Nexus 7 (2013) Android 5.1 Lollipop OTA ZIP file.
- Connect the tablet to your PC using a USB cable.
- Now boot into recovery on your phone. Stock recovery is preferred.
- Go to “Apply update” and select the Android 5.1 OTA ZIP file.
Android 5.1 Lollipop firmware will be installed on your Nexus 7 (2013). For any questions or issues, let us know below.