Official Android 4.4 KitKat is out for Nexus 7 2012/2013 Wi-Fi models and Nexus 10 via OTA update. However, owners might not receive it as early as now due to gradual release time. Here is the manual installation guide to update your Nexus device to the official Android 4.4 OS.

Android Authority detailed the step-by-step instructions on how to flash the Android 4.4 firmware to Nexus 7 2012 and 2013 Wi-Fi models and Nexus 10 tablet. It requires a computer, a USB cable and some tweaks here and then.

Requirements

1. The procedure only applies to the ASUS Nexus 7 2012 or 2013 Wi-Fi models and to the Samsung Nexus 10 tablets.

2. Install the necessary USB drivers for your Nexus tablet.

3. Although there will be no data lose, create a backup of your files as precautionary measure.

4. Make sure that the battery level is at least 50 per cent before updating.

5. Enabled USB debugging mode. Go to 'Settings > Developer options > Press seven times to turn on > Enable USB debugging.'

6. Your Nexus tablet should be running Android 4.3 Jelly Bean with build number 'JSS15R' for Nexus 7 2012, 'JWR66Y' for Nexus 2013 and Nexus 10. All should be running the stock version not a custom ROM.

7. Download the latest version of the Android SDK files.

8. Download the Android 4.4 KitKat firmware appropriate for your Nexus tablet:

a. Nexus 7 2012 - Click here

b. Nexus 7 2013 - Click here

c. Nexus 10 - Click here

Warning: Manual installation may damage your device regardless if official or custom firmware. We are not responsible for any bricking or damages which may occur on your Nexus tablet. Read, understand and follow the instructions to prevent damaging the device. Do this at your own risk.

Flashing Instructions

1. Connect your tablet to the computer using a USB cable.

2. A warning will appear with the computers unique RSA number and click 'Always connect to computer' then accept.

3. Now disconnect your tablet from computer then turn the device off.

4. Go back to the computer then unzip the Android SDK files you have downloaded earlier.

5. Find the zip file of Android 4.4 update then rename it with a short name such as 'Android KitKat.'

6. Move that zip file to the Android SDK inside the 'Platform tools' folder.

7. On your tablet, switch it on by pressing and holding the 'Power and Volume down' keys at the same time to boot into FastBoot mode.

8. Now press the 'Volume up' key till the words 'Recovery mode' appears.

9. Press the 'Power' key to accept then you will see a Google logo with an Android showing an exclamation mark and words 'no command written.'

10. Connect your tablet now to the computer using the USB cable.

11. Hold the 'Home' key first then quickly hold on the 'Volume up' button which by now you are holding both keys. If you are successful, you should see options such as 'reboot system now' and 'apple update from ADB.'

12. Use the 'Volume' keys to navigate and the 'Home' button to accept. Select 'apply update from ADB.' Hitting it should display 'now send the package you want to apply...'

13. Go back to the computer then open the folder where the Android SDK is located.

14. Open the 'Platform tools' folder then open a command window inside. Windows 7/8 shortcut is 'hold + shift + right click inside empty space > open command window here.'

15. Type the following command line to the command window:

'adb sideload Android KitKat' (don't include the quotation marks)

16. Wait the update procedure and do not interrupt the process.

17. Once the 100 per cent hits, you can now disconnect the device and boot it up normally.

Congratulations! Your Nexus tablet is now running the official Android 4.4 KitKat including all new apps and features inside.

If you want to see the images or report problems, visit the Android Authority manual installation guide.