Update Nexus 9 to Android M (MPA44I) Developer Preview 3

Nexus OTAs are a pretty big deal, even when is not the case to be talking about an official release. In such conditions, you should know that the OTA links for the new Android Developer Preview 3 are available, build MPA44I, and I am sure of the fact that you’ll be thrilled to find out that your Nexus 9 is on the list of devices that are ready for this special treatment.

If you don’t want to wait until the Android M update is rolled out over-the-air (it might take a while until this will happen for your Google Nexus 9), then you can learn how to update your Nexus 9 to Android M (MPA44I) Developer Preview 3 via factory images.

However, don’t forget that you must check the info below before starting the update. To be more specific, you have to make sure that the Nexus 9 is rooted and that it has the latest CWM or TWRP recovery installed. Is the handset’s bootloader unlocked? Take care of this aspect now, just as you have to take a backup of all your important data.

Even more, enabling USB Debugging mode is a must and do not forget that the Nexus 9 phone should have at least 60% battery charge to prevent any unexpected device shutdown during the Android M flashing process.

Among your responsibilities there is also the preparation of a computer or a laptop for such a procedure. Disable the security protection which might slow down or completely interrupt the updating operation and verify if correct USB drivers for the device are installed on the computer.

No less important, make sure that you know what you are doing and what this procedure means. The Android M preview system images are not stable releases, they may contain errors and could result in damaging your data or your Google Nexus 9. This is only your responsibility to assume, not mine!

Update your Nexus 9 to Android M (MPA44I) Developer Preview 3 via factory images:

1. From here you have to download the Android 6.0 Factory Image;
2. Use the USB cord to establish a connection between the Nexus device and the computer;
3. Then, you have to shut down the device;
4. You have to boot it into Fastboot mode; in order to do that, you must turn on the phone while pressing and holding the Volume Up, Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously. Release them only when seeing the Fastboot menu and the START displayed on the screen;
5. Extract the downloaded file to your desktop or to any other location that you might prefer over this one;
6. Then, go to the firmware folder;
7. You have to copy/paste all the files to the Fastboot directory;
8. Run the following command by using the factory image files from your Fastboot directory:
   For Windows computers, you have to run the file “flash-all.bat”;
   For Linux computers, you must run the file “flash-all.sh”;
   On Mac, you must run the file “flash-all.sh” using Terminal;
9. At the end of the procedure, your Nexus 9 phone will reboot.

Keep in mind that it might take more than you are used to for the first boot to complete. My advice is to not interrupt the process or you could end up with a bricked device.