How to Update Nexus 7 to Android 7.1 Nougat Custom ROM

Looking for an Android Nougat custom ROM for your Nexus 7? Based on the very latest Android 7.1 Nougat, CarbonROM is now available for Nexus 7 (2012). Follow this guide for the steps to update Nexus 7 to Android 7.1 Nougat ROM.

Prerequisites to update Nexus 7 to Android 7.1 Nougat

• Download and install USB drivers for Nexus 7 (2012) in your computer.
• Enable USB debugging option by pressing Menu > Settings > Applications. Navigate and tap on Developer Options to ensure that USB Debugging is enabled.
• Your Nexus device should be rooted.
• Make sure that TWRP recovery is installed.
• Ensure that your Nexus carries more than 70% of charge.

Update Nexus 7 to Android 7.1 CarbonROM

Required files: Download unofficial CarbonROM and GApps package and follow these steps to update Nexus 7 (2012) to Android 7.1 CarbonROM.

• Connect your Nexus device to your PC using USB cable and copy the downloaded files to the SD card of your device.
• Disconnect your tablet and power it off.
• Now boot it into the Bootloader mode: press and hold Volume Up, Volume Down and the Power buttons simultaneously. Follow onscreen instructions and go to recovery. Once here, use Volume keys to highlight and Power to select.
• Data wipe operations: go to wipe data/factory reset and confirm the operation. Also wipe cache partition and finally go for wipe dalvik cache to clean it up too.
• Now, select install and then choose zip from Sdcard. Locate the CarbonROM Android 7.1 zip file and confirm its installation.
• When the ROM installation completes successfully, repeat the above step for installing the GApps package.
• Once done, go back to main recovery menu and select reboot system now.

First boot may take over 5 minutes, so don't be worried. For queries, errors and support, please visit the XDA thread.