The anticipation is over! Android Nougat, the latest and greatest version of the world’s most popular mobile operating system, has finally started rolling out to Nexus devices, marking a significant leap in mobile technology. Whether you own a Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6, Nexus Player, or any other eligible device, you have the opportunity to experience the thrill of Nougat’s innovative features. But how do you actually get the update? This article breaks down the different ways to download and install Android 7.0 Nougat on your Nexus device, from the simple OTA update to the slightly more complex manual install process. Let’s dive into the details and unlock the world of Nougat!
OTA Update: The Hassle-Free Option
The most straightforward way to get the Android Nougat update is to wait patiently for it to appear on your phone. You can also proactively check for the update manually:
- Open Settings > About > System updates.
- Tap Check for updates.
If the update is available, you can download and install it right away. If not, don’t fret! Simply wait until the update notification pops up on your screen.
Joining the Beta Program: Sneak a Peek at Nougat
If you can’t wait for the official OTA update and want to be an early adopter, you can enroll in the Android Beta Program to get a preview build of Nougat. This method is available for a select group of devices, including the Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, Nexus 9 (Wi-Fi), and Pixel C.
A word of caution: While the beta program allows you to experience Nougat before everyone else, it’s crucial to understand that it comes with a disclaimer. You will be running a preview version of the operating system, which might contain bugs or glitches. It is always recommended to back up your device before installing a preview build, as there’s a risk of losing data and encountering compatibility issues with certain apps.
Here’s how you can join the Android Beta Program:
- Visit g.co/androidbeta on your desktop or mobile browser.
- Sign in using the Google account associated with your eligible Nexus device.
- Scroll down and tap Enrol Device. Once you’re enrolled, go to Settings > About > System updates.
- You’ll see details about the update, including a build name in the second line, displayed within brackets after Android N.
- The release build name is NRD90M for Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, Pixel C, and Nexus 9 (Wi-Fi). If the build name on your device starts with NP, it’s a preview build, and we suggest holding off on installing it for now.
- To remove your device from the beta program, simply go to http://g.co/androidbeta, sign in, and tap Unenrol Device. If you’ve already updated to a release build of Android 7.0 Nougat, unenrolling will not remove the update.
Manual Installation: For the Tech-Savvy Users
If you’re hesitant about joining the beta program or if the OTA update hasn’t arrived yet, there’s another option: manual installation. This method involves flashing the Android Nougat OTA update onto your device using the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool. However, using this method comes with its own set of risks.
Before attempting a manual installation, it is absolutely crucial to back up your entire device. Flashing the wrong update or encountering any issues during the process can potentially wipe your data. Proceed with extreme caution and at your own risk.
Here’s a detailed guide on manually installing Android 7.0 Nougat:
- Install the latest Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool on your PC.
- This installs the ADB program, accessible through the command terminal on your PC.
- Add the directory where you installed ADB to the PATH variable. To do this:
- Right-click My Computer and click on Properties.
- Click Advanced System Settings.
- Click System Properties > Advanced > Environment Variables.
- In the window, select Path, then click Edit, and type in the directory where you installed the SDK. Remember to separate each entry with a semi-colon.
- Enable USB debugging on your device.
- Go to Settings > About Phone > Software information.
- Tap Build number seven times.
- Go to Settings > Developer options.
- Tick the USB debugging checkbox.
- Download the correct OTA binary for your device:
- Nexus 6P: https://android.googleapis.com/packages/ota/google_angler_angler/47ceb0f81a49e6866428f9996f8212aba8c29fbe.zip
- Nexus 5X: https://android.googleapis.com/packages/ota/google_bullhead_bullhead/cd8d8f775bcdb6a76a496a3a664caba0b9ed47f9.zip
- Pixel C: https://android.googleapis.com/packages/ota/google_dragon_ryu/2b0d80e539b415ed50f59d5aadc509a995f777d1.zip
- Nexus 9 (Wi-Fi): https://android.googleapis.com/packages/ota/google_flounder_volantis/526b16422cb222db472740a30dfa48b796dae6a6.zip
- Nexus Player: https://dl.google.com/dl/android/aosp/fugu-ota-nrd90m-2c446ffb.zip
- Note: Links for other devices were not available at the time of writing. We will update this post as more links become accessible.
- Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable and ensure USB debugging is enabled.
- Open the ADB tool’s command terminal and execute: adb reboot recovery. Your device will now enter recovery mode, displayed by an Android logo with a red exclamation mark.
- Hold the power button and press the volume up key once to access the recovery menu. Use the volume keys to navigate up and down, and the power button to make a selection.
- Choose Apply update from ADB.
- In the ADB command terminal, run the following command: adb sideload (ota file.zip). Replace (ota file.zip) with the actual name of the OTA file you downloaded.
- After the update completes installation, choose Reboot system now.
That’s it! You’ve successfully installed Android 7.0 Nougat on your Nexus device. For more detailed tutorials and guides, check out our How To section.
Exploring the World of Nougat: What’s New?
Android Nougat isn’t just another incremental update. It’s a game-changer, packed with exciting features that enhance your mobile experience. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable changes and innovations:
1. Multi-Window Support:
One of the most anticipated features of Android Nougat is the multi-window support, allowing you to run two apps side-by-side on your screen. This opens up a world of possibilities for multitasking. Imagine working on a document while checking emails, or browsing the web while listening to music. This functionality significantly enhances productivity and allows you to get more done with your mobile device.
2. Enhanced Notification System:
Android Nougat features a much more intelligent and user-friendly notification system. With bundled notifications, you can see a summary of similar notifications, decluttering your notification drawer and providing a cleaner overview. Direct reply is another game-changer, enabling you to respond to messages directly from the notification without even opening the app. This speeds up communication and keeps you connected effortlessly.
3. Data Saver Mode:
In today’s world of data-intensive apps and streaming services, managing your mobile data usage is crucial. Android Nougat introduces Data Saver mode, a powerful feature that helps you save data by limiting background app activity. This feature automatically restricts apps from using data in the background, ensuring that your data plan lasts longer and preventing unexpected overages.
4. A Smoother Performance:
Android Nougat boasts improvements in performance and reduced RAM consumption. This means your apps run smoother, you experience faster loading times, and your phone feels more responsive overall. The update includes optimizations aimed at improving battery life and reducing lag, making your Android experience even more pleasurable.
5. Faster App Installations:
The split-APK installation feature allows apps to be installed more efficiently, speeding up the installation process significantly. This means you can download and install your favorite apps quicker than ever before, reducing the wait time and getting you started with your app in no time.
6. Seamless Updates:
Android Nougat introduces seamless updates, a revolutionary feature that allows you to install updates in the background without disrupting your phone’s functionality. This ensures that your device is consistently updated with the latest security patches and improvements without interrupting your workflow or requiring you to reboot your phone.
7. Improved Security:
Security is paramount in a mobile world, and Android Nougat takes several steps to enhance your device’s security. Direct Boot automatically boots your device into a restricted state, only loading essential apps and services; this provides a faster boot process. Verification of APKs at installation safeguards your device against malicious apps, increasing your overall security posture and keeping your personal data safe.
8. Enhanced Accessibility:
Android Nougat includes features that enhance accessibility for people with disabilities. Accessibility settings allow you to customize your device to fit your specific needs, including features like screen readers, larger text size, and color adjustments. These accessibility tools make Android more inclusive and accessible for everyone.
9. Virtual Reality (VR) Support:
As Virtual Reality emerges as a transformative technology, Android Nougat embraces it with open arms. Daydream is Google’s VR platform, and Nougat provides full support for Daydream-compatible devices. This sets the stage for an immersive VR experience on your Android device, opening up new possibilities for gaming, entertainment, and exploration.
10. Emoji Update:
Android Nougat brings a fresh and more expressive set of **emojis**, aligning with the Unicode 9 standard. This means you can communicate more effectively and add more personality to your messages with a wider range of emotive icons. Conclusion: Welcome to the Future of Android
Android Nougat is more than just a software update; it’s a step into the future of the Android ecosystem. Packed with new features, enhancements, and innovations, it lays the groundwork for a more personalized, powerful, and secure mobile experience. Whether you update through the OTA, explore the beta program, or manually install Nougat, prepare yourself to unlock the full potential of Android and enjoy the many benefits it brings. With its focus on performance, productivity, and security, Nougat is a significant advancement that elevates Android to new heights, making it the operating system of choice for millions of users worldwide.
