Update Nexus 7 2012 to Android 8.1.0 AOSP Oreo Custom Firmware


HOW TO: Install AOSP 8.1.0 Oreo on ASUS Nexus 7

We have put together a detailed step-by-step instructions guide on how to install AOSP 8.1.0 Oreo custom firmware on Nexus 7. If you are used to installing custom ROMs on your Nexus 7, then this should not be any different for you.

However, for beginners, you need to root your ASUS Nexus 7 and install a custom recovery. Please Google that up if you are unsure and make sure you read the tutorial once before actually performing it on your device.

ASUS Nexus 7 - AOSP 8.1.0 Oreo

To Remember:

  • This AOSP 8.1.0 ROM tutorial is only for the Nexus 7 tablet.
  • Your tablet should have ClockworkMod recovery installed. Please make sure you have this recovery!
  • Make a Nandroid backup of your previous phone set up before proceeding – for just in case anything goes wrong.
  • This tutorial will wipe out all your existing data. Proceed at your own risk.

Complete Step-By-Step Instructions:

Step 1 – Download AOSP 8.1.0 ROM and Google Apps for Nexus 7 to your computer.

Step 2 – Connect and mount your Nexus 7 USB memory on your computer using the USB cable.

Step 3 – Now copy/paste the downloaded 8.1.0 ROM zip and Google Apps zip files to your SD card. Make sure the files are in the SD card root (not in any folder).

Step 4 – Then turn OFF your tablet and disconnect from the USB cable.

Step 5 – Now to get in the Bootloader Mode. Turn ON the tablet while pressing and holding the Volume Up + Volume Down and Power buttons.

Step 6 – Follow the navigation instructions on the screen. Select BOOTLOADER and then go to RECOVERY. Alternatively, read this: How to Enter Recovery Mode on Any Android Phone.

ROM-Install-CWM-Recovery-5

NOTE: Screenshots of the ClockworkMod Recovery may change as new versions are released.

Step 7 – Once you are in ClockworkMod Recovery, select perform a full data wipe by selecting “wipe data/factory reset” as shown below. Use the Power button to select everything while in the Recovery Mode.

ROM-Install-CWM-Recovery-1

Step 8 – Then, perform a cache wipe by selecting “wipe cache partition” as you can see in the image below.

ROM-Install-CWM-Recovery-2

Step 9 – Now this is optional, but it is recommended to perform a wipe of your dalvik cache as well. You will not get into boot loops or any other errors. From CWM recovery, go to ‘advanced’ and then select “wipe dalvik cache”.

ROM-Install-CWM-Recovery-3

Step 10 – Then go back to the main recovery screen and select “install zip from SD card”.

Step 11 – Now select “choose zip from sdcard”. Using your volume keys, navigate to the 8.1.0 ROM zip file that you copied to your SD card and select it using the Power button. Confirm the installation on the next screen and the installation procedure should start now.

Google Apps: Repeat the above step for the Gapps zip file as well and install it on your tablet.

Step 12 – After the installation completes, go to “+++++Go Back+++++” and reboot the tablet by selecting “reboot system now” from the recovery menu as show below.

ROM-Install-CWM-Recovery-5

Your Nexus 7 will boot now and it might take about 5 minutes to boot on your first time. So, please wait.

That’s it! Your Nexus 7 should now have AOSP 8.1.0 Oreo custom ROM installed on your tablet! Go to Settings > About tablet to verify.

Hit +1 or LIKE to thank us!

If you run into any problems, feel free to drop us a comment below and we will reply you back ASAP with the fix or the solution to your problem.

Saad Khan
Saad Khan

A geek that has converted into a Software Engineer. An audiophile who love to read and write reviews/tutorials about gadgets and new tech stuff.

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8 Comments

  1. I receive always Error in /sdcard/0/xxxx.zip (status 0)
    i try with deb and flo rom.
    What is my problem?

  2. de donde descargo la Rom 8.1 o cual es? y si es la de nombre “AospExtended-v6.3-deb-20190308-1004-UNOFFICIAL” me arroja error installing zip file

  3. Hello guys!
    This tutorial did not help me to update for nexus 2012 which has Android 5.1.1. at the Android 8.1.0. Can you point me to another site or other steps !? I mention I’m not a specialist …

  4. I’m in recovery mode and have completed the process through to step 8. I get no option to delete dalvik cache (step 9) and no option to install zip from SD card (step 10).

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