Finally, Motorola Nexus 6 got the official Android 7.0 Nougat update. Google starts rolling out the Nougat OTA update for Nexus 6, which will reach on all devices around the world with in a few days. The update weighs 860MB and includes October 5th security patches. The Android 7.0 Nougat factory image and OTA update files (build number NBD90Z) for Nexus 6 are now live, if you prefer manual installation.
Google announced Android 7.0 Nougat on August 23, but it is suspended for Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 LTE for some reasons – may be the power drain and bootloops issues. However, it seems that those issues are resolved now with the release of this update. Unfortunately, currently there is no news about Nexus 9 LTE Nougat update; its owners may needs to wait little longer to get the update.
If you have modified your Nexus 6 or have not received the OTA for some reason, then you can manually install the update. Here is a quick guide to flash Android 7.0 Nougat OTA update manually on Nexus 6.
Note that the mentioned OTA images are not incremental update; they are full firmware, which you can sideload on your device via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) command.
Also, note that the below method does not need to unlock your bootloader, and your data should remain intact. However, Google recommend you to backup any important data you have on your device.
How to flash Android 7.0 Nougat OTA Update Manually
1. Download Android 7.0 OTA update zip file for Nexus 6 from Google here
2. Rename the downloaded zip file to ‘update.zip’ and then move the file in the ADB installation directory (usually it will be at C -> Users ->User – ADB).
3. Power off the Nexus and boot it into Recovery mode (Press and hold Power and Volume down buttons together, then select ‘Recovery mode’ and confirm it by Power button. When an exclamation mark appears, press Power button and then press Volume down button)
4. In recovery, select ‘Apply update from ADB’.
5. Connect your Nexus 6 to PC via USB Cable.
6. Go to the ADB folder (where you have placed the update zip file) and launch a command prompt window there (Press Shift key, right click and choose ‘open command prompt window here’)
7. In the command prompt, issue the below command:
adb devices
[It should list your device in the command prompt. If not, it means fastboot drivers not installed on your computer. Install and proceed)
adb-sideload
8. If your device is listed, continue the next step. Type the below command in the command prompt and press enter key:
adb sideload update.zip
9. Wait for all the files to be installed. Once done, reboot the phone by selecting ‘Reboot system now’ in your phone.
Note that the first boot process will take almost 30 minutes (depending on installed apps). For any extra help, leave them in the comment section below
Note: If you have modified your Nexus 6, you need to flash the factory image by downloading from here. You may refer this guide for installation instruction. Note that this method will wipe your device completely, so backup before proceeding.
