Nexus users can’t wait for the latest Android KitKat update to roll out Over-the-Air might want to try installing it via sideload software.
Earlier in the week, Android KitKat 4.4.3 was finally released for the Google Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10.
Google normally takes a while to release updates Over-the-Air, so impatient users might want to try sideload software and by-pass the OTA wait.
Sideloading is done by transferring a file from a PC via a USB cable. The process is a little tricky, though.
Here are the sideload software for the Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10.
Here’s how to install the sideload software:
1) First, download the Android SDK files and unzip them.
2) Download the update files, but don’t unzip the file. Instead, change its name to KitKat.zip, and move it over to the folder with the Android SDK files downloaded before. Put it in the platform-tools folder inside the SDK folder.
3) Flash the Nexus device
- Go into Settings, and enable Developer Mode by opening the About section and tapping Build number 7 times. Return to the main Settings screen and open Developer options and check USB debugging.
- Turn off the device, then turn it on again by holding down the Power and Volume Down button. This places the device in fastboot mode.
- Press the Volume Down button until Recovery Mode shows up at the top of the screen. Hit the Power button to boot the device into Recovery mode. Press the Volume Up button to show the menu of options.
4) Connect Nexus device to the computer via a USB cable.
5) Use the Volume Down button to select apply update from ADB, then select it by hitting the Power button.
6) Select the platform-tools folder and drag it into the Command prompt on Windows or Terminal prompt on Mac.
7) Add the following after the folder path from above to the Terminal or Command prompt:
- Windows: type adb sideload KitKat.zip
- Mac: typ ./adb sideload KitKat.zip
Press Enter and the file will transfer over.
8) Once the message “Install from ADB complete” shows up, use the Volume keys to get to the restart option, select it, and the Nexus device will reboot into the new KitKat OS.
Android KitKat 4.4.3 will eventually be released for the HTC One M8, HTC One M7, Moto G, Moto X, Moto E, and other Google Play Edition devices.
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