Around the time Google released Android Jelly Bean, they also introduced a new command to adb called ‘sideload’. You can use this command on the newest version of adb from the Android SDK to update your Nexus device through stock recovery and you don’t have to be rooted or have a custom recovery to do so.While we are disappointed that it tool Google so long to release what seems like a necessary function, but I guess we have to say better late than never and be happy its here now.
Now many may argue that Android is meant to be rooted with custom ROMs installed, but we have to remember that its quickly becoming an operating system for the masses, and some users maybe happy keeping their stock experience and updating using official channels. Now keep in mind that unlike Apple users who get the OTA update at the same time on the day of its launch, Android users may have to wait a day or two before they receive the update, even if they have the latest Nexus device.
With this in mind I thought I would put together this guide to help users who want to remain on stock, but still prefer updating their device as soon as the update is available, without waiting for the OTA update to (eventually) arrive for your device.
[NOTE] This guide is for devices which hasn’t been rooted and don’t have a custom recovery installed. If your device is rooted, we suggest looking through our website for other relevant guides. We do not recommend installing OTA updates to a rooted Android device.
[NOTE] The following instructions are based on a Nexus device connected to a Windows 8 computer. The process may differ between other devices or other variants of Windows (or desktop platforms). Discuss any issues in the comments section before you proceed.
[DISCLAIMER] DJ’s Mobiles is not responsible for any loss of data or device malfunction which may occur from improper use of this guide. Please note that you are proceeding at your own risk.
- Download and install the latest Android SDK. While you can get the newest adb file from just about anywhere on the web, we recommend installing the SDK for this guide.
- - Enable USB Debugging on your (Nexus) device.
- - Connect your device to your computer.
- - Go to the platform-tools folder where you installed the Android SDK (eg: C:\android-sdk\platform-tools),
- Hold the Shift key and right click within that folder
- Select ‘Open command window here’ from the menu.
-
- Type the following in the command window which opens to ensure that adb is working as it should.
adb devices
-
It should displays something similar to the following
015d182f9a0aac28 device
-
If you see your device displayed, adb is working and you can continue, if not drop us a comment for assistance.
- - Download the latest (official) version of Android from Google and copy it to your platform-tools folder.
- - Type the following in the comment window.
- - Your device will now reboot to the bootloader.
- - Now you have to set your device in Recovery mode
- Use Volume Down on your device until you see Recovery
- Select Recovery using the Power button
-
- The device will boot to an Android logo with an exclamation mark
- You can jump past this by pressing the Volume Up and the Power button at the same time
- You will now be in stock recovery.
-
- With the Volume Down button highlight ‘Apply update from ADB’ and press the Power button to select it.
- - Next type the following command on your computer
adb sideload update.zip
[NOTE] You can name the update.zip file however you like. Just make sure you change the command accordingly.
- - Considering adb is running properly you will see the progress of the file being loaded to your device.
- - Once the transfer is compete the update will be installed to the device.
- - Once the update is complete, reboot your device and enjoy running the latest version of Android.