Installing Android 4.4.1 KitKat KOT49E On Nexus 7

If you’ve already updated your Nexus 7 to the KOT49H firmware, you probably won’t find much use in the KOT49E build unless you have a particular affinity for Android 4.4.1 KitKat. Otherwise, you can go directly to Android 4.4.2, though it’s not likely you’ll spot any major differences.

This guide will walk you through manually flashing your Nexus 7 to the official Android 4.4.1 KOT49E build. You can follow these steps for both the Wi-Fi and LTE versions.

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

Before Getting Started

Flashing this ROM onto any device other than the Nexus 7 (2013 model) will most probably result in a bricked phone.

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 (2013) to Android KitKat 4.4.1 via KOT49E ROM

1) Download the Android 4.4.1 KitKat KOT49E update, which can be found here for the Wi-Fi version, or here for the LTE variant. Rename the firmware file to “update.zip.”

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

3) Copy the KOT49E update 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) Navigate to “update from sdcard” and select “update.zip.” Confirm using the power button, and then select “choose zip from sdcard.”

6) The installation will begin and may take a few minutes. Do not interrupt the process.

7) After the installation is finished, your phone will take about five minutes to boot up for the first time. Don’t do anything until you see the home screen.

8) Once your Nexus 7 restarts, you have officially updated to Android 4.4.1 KOT49E KitKat. Kudos.