The transition from version Android 6.0 Marshmallow to Android 7.0 Nougat was one of the most significant events in the Google ecosystem, bringing split-screen multitasking and an improved notification system. However, for owners of devices released in 2015–2016, this process is now fraught with a number of technical difficulties, since the official update servers for many models have already been disabled.
Before taking active steps, you need to clearly understand the difference between a standard over-the-air (OTA) update and manual flashing. If your smartphone has stopped receiving notifications about a new version, this does not always mean that the process is impossible, but requires deeper intervention in the system.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods for migrating to a new version of the operating system, assess the risks and prepare the necessary tools. Remember that any manipulations with the system software carry the risk of losing data or turning the device into a “brick,” so follow the instructions very carefully.
Checking compatibility and preparing the device
The first and most critical step is to determine the possibility of updating specifically for your model. Smartphone manufacturers, such as Samsung, LG or Motorola, release firmware strictly for specific hardware. Trying to install an image from another model will result in fatal bootloader errors.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the battery charge is at least 60-70%. The process of writing system partitions is energy-intensive, and a sudden power outage in the middle of the procedure can disrupt the file system structure, rendering the phone unable to boot.
Find the exact model name in the phone settings by following the path Settings → About phone → Device information. Make a note of the alphanumeric index (for example, SM-G930F), as you will need it to find the correct firmware file. Universal solutions do not work here.
Make a complete backup of all important data. Even if you plan to update while preserving user files, a failure may require a complete memory wipe (Wipe Data). Use Google cloud services or copy photos and documents to your computer via a USB cable.
☑️ Preparing for update
Official update method through settings (OTA)
The safest and easiest way is to use the built-in update mechanism. Despite the age of the system, some carriers or manufacturers may still support servers for certain regions. This method does not require connecting to a PC or having special drivers.
Go to the settings menu and select System update or Software update. Click the "Check for Updates" button. If the server responds positively, the system will offer to download the update package. The file size is usually from 1 to 1.5 GB.
After downloading, the phone will prompt you to reboot for installation. The screen will go dark, the logo Android and progress bar will appear. Do not interrupt this processeven if it seems stuck in one place for more than 10 minutes. The system at this moment is re-partitioning the memory partitions.
If the update is downloaded, but the installation gives an error, try clearing the cache of the “Download Servers” application in the Applications → All applications → Show system applications.
If the phone reports that “the system is up to date,” but Are you sure that version 7.0 is available for your model, perhaps the update comes in waves or is blocked by region. Then you should try changing the region in the settings or using the computer method.
Update via computer: Recovery mode and ADB
If the automatic search does not produce results, you will have to use a computer. To do this, you will need a utility ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and drivers for your device. This method allows you to force the installation of a manually downloaded zip archive with firmware.
Download the official firmware image (factory image) from the manufacturer’s website. Unpack the archive into a separate folder on drive C. Connect the phone to the PC in USB debugging mode, which is activated in the section For developers.
Open the command line in the folder with ADB files and enter the command to reboot into recovery mode:
adb reboot recoveryIn the recovery menu (which is controlled by buttons volume) select item Apply update from ADB. Then, at your computer's command prompt, enter the command to transfer the firmware file. The process may take up to 20 minutes depending on the speed of the USB port.
What to do if the computer does not see the phone?
Make sure the correct USB driver is installed. Devices on Qualcomm chips often require the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 driver, while MediaTek requires SP Flash Tool drivers. Try a different USB cable, preferably an original and short one.
Manual installation of firmware via SD card
For devices with a memory card slot, there is an alternative method that does not require constant connection to the computer during installation. You will need a microSD card of at least 4 GB, formatted in the FAT32 file system.
Copy the downloaded firmware file (usually with a .zip extension) to the root directory of the memory card. Do not put it in folders, otherwise the recovery system will not be able to find it. Remove the card and insert it back into the switched off phone.
Boot into Recovery mode by holding down the key combination (most often Volume Up + Power). Select Apply update from SD card and indicate your file. Confirm the action by pressing the power button.
⚠️ Attention: The firmware file must be digitally signed by the manufacturer. Unsigned or modified assemblies (Custom ROM) may not be installed on the stock bootloader without unlocking it, which will entail resetting warranty flags (Knox and analogues).
After installation is complete, be sure to follow the step Wipe cache partition (clearing the cache partition). This will delete temporary files of the old system that may conflict with the new version Android Nougatcausing slowdowns or errors.
Possible errors and ways to solve them
The process of updating old devices rarely goes perfectly smoothly. Users often encounter the “Installation aborted” or “Signature verification failed” error. This means that the integrity of the file is broken or it is not suitable for this board revision.
The table below shows the most common error codes when upgrading from Android 6 to 7 and methods for eliminating them:
| Error code | Probable cause | Method solutions |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | Bootloader version mismatch | Update the bootloader separately before flashing the firmware |
| 40 | Insufficient space in the System section | Clear cache or delete system applications |
| -1 | Damaged file firmware | Redownload the image and check the checksum |
| Bootloop | User data conflict | Perform a full reset (Factory Reset) |
If after the update the phone endlessly reboots (bootloop), you need to enter Recovery and do Factory Reset. This will delete all data, but will restore system functionality. Before doing this, make sure that you know the password for your Google account, as FRP protection will work.
Most installation errors are due to a corrupted download file or insufficient space. Always check the checksums of downloaded images.
Features of the Android 7.0 Nougat interface
After a successful update, you will notice significant changes in the operation of the device. The main novelty is multitasking. Now you can split the screen into two parts, launching, for example, a navigator and a messenger at the same time.
To activate the split screen mode, press and hold the “Recent applications” button (square). Select the first application, then select the second from the list of recent tasks. The border between windows can be moved by changing the size of the active space.
The notification panel has also been improved. Quick settings can now be edited by changing their order and the number of visible tiles. A long press on the settings icon in the curtain instantly takes you to the corresponding section of the menu, which saves time.
The system Doze Mode has become more aggressive. Apps you don't use will be more heavily restricted in background activity, which will have a positive impact on battery life. However, this may delay the arrival of notifications from some instant messengers.
Android 7 introduced the “Night Mode” feature, which colors the interface in dark colors. You can activate it through quick settings or using ADB commands if the manufacturer has hidden this option.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to roll back to Android 6 after updating?
Yes, it is possible, but the procedure is complicated. You will need to find stock firmware version 6.0 specifically for your model and download it via Download mode (for Samsung) or Fastboot (for Nexus/Pixel). Simply pressing the “Reset” button will not return the old version of the system.
Will I lose root access after updating to Android 7?
Yes, the official update will remove the modified bootloader and superuser rights. You can restore Root only after re-unlocking the bootloader and installing the Magisk utility, if it is supported for your version of Android.
Why did the phone become slower after the update?
In the first 24-48 hours, the system optimizes applications for the new version of the ART runtime. During this time, heating and slowdown may occur. If the problem does not disappear after two days, it is recommended to perform a factory reset.
Is it safe to install custom firmware based on Android 7?
Custom firmware (LineageOS, etc.) can extend the life of the device, but they carry security risks. Banking applications may stop working due to SafetyNet protection. Use them only if you fully understand the consequences.
Do you need to format the SD card after the update?
No, forced formatting is not required. However, if the card was used as internal memory (Adoptable Storage), the system may ask you to check its integrity. Data on a regular memory card will remain untouched.