How to flash Android N Developer preview factory images on your Nexus device

Android 7.0 N’s preview announcement happened as a total surprise by Google. The upcoming Android OS is all set to bring a lot of improvements, features, bug fixes and other goodies. We are all set to witness another innovation in the form of Android 7.0 N. With having the developer preview of the Android 7.0 N announced, Google has once again give the opportunity to mainstream Nexus device owners to flash the developer preview on their device. Android 7.0 N preview is now available for Google Nexus 5X, Nexus 6, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, Nexus 9G, Nexus Player, Pixel C and General Mobile 4G (Android One). This definitely is a perk of having a latest Google Nexus device since no other devices will be able to taste the all new Android N.

Before reaching out our target, we will highlight some of the new features that Android N is going to pull out. Android N brings new features like Multi-Window support, enhanced notifications, background optimizations, data saver, direct boot, picture-in-picture option and also the TV recording. You can learn about all the new features introduced in Android N here; Android N: everything you need to know.

Google has already provided the very first preview of Android N for the devices mentioned above. The first Android 7.0 N developer preview can now be flashed on supported devices and users can have an early experience of the Android N while Google’s working on making it better for the next build. Android N’s 2nd preview will come out in April, 3rd preview in May, 4th preview in June, 5th preview in July and the final release will happen in Q3 of 2016. For now, we are going to show you how you can flash the Android N alpha preview on your Nexus smartphone.

The build we are going to help you to flash carries the build number NPC56P and NPC56R. It was built in March and it supports Google Play services 8.4. Let’s head towards the step-by-step guide now in order to be able to flash Android N Developer preview factory images on your Nexus device.

An easier method to install the Android N Developer preview via OTA is available here.

Here are some pre-requisites in order to make this installation safe and secure

1. This guide is only forGoogle Nexus 5X, Nexus 6, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, Nexus 9G, Nexus Player, Pixel C and General Mobile 4G (Android One).. Do not try this tutorial on any other device. It may result in bricking it.
2. Your phone’s battery should be charged at least over 50%. This is recommended in order to avoid power issues during the flashing process.
3. Enable USB debugging mode on your device. You have to enable developer options first. You can do so by going in to settings > tap build number for 7 times. Now you will have developer options in settings. Open developer options > Enable USB debugging.
4. Enable OEM Unlocking on your Google Nexus device.
5. Backup all your important contacts, text messages and call logs. Also copy your media content to your PC. Backup is recommended as your device will be wiped during the flashing process.
6. Download and install latest Google USB drivers. Installation of these drivers will be a little different. Download the file from the attached link and unzip it. Now connect your phone to your PC. Right click “Computer or This PC > Click on Manage > Device Manager > Find your device i.e. Nexus 5 or Nexus 6 > Right click Update driver > Browse My Computer For Driver Software > Locate and select the Google USB folder that you got after unzipping > select install now”.
7. Once the installation has been completed, your device will be shown as Android  Composite ADB Interface.
8. Download and install Minimal Android ADB & Fastboot drivers on your computer.

After making sure that you’ve performed all steps mentioned above properly, head towards the 2nd page in order to flash the Android N developer preview on your phone.