Stick with Android 7.1 (LineageOS 14.1). Android 10 is too heavy. Use the 2012 model for offline music, photo frames, or retro emulation. Final Thought The Nexus 7 is a testament to how great hardware can outlast software support—if you’re willing to get your hands dirty. Updating to Android 10 isn’t a one-click process, but for the 2013 model, it’s the best thing you can do. Your old tablet will thank you with another few years of loyal service.

Have questions or get stuck? The XDA Developers forums for "Nexus 7 2013" and "LineageOS 17.1" are still active and full of helpful veterans.

Google officially stopped supporting the Nexus 7 (both 2012 and 2013 models) years ago. The last official version was Android 5.1 (for the 2012 model) and Android 6.0.1 (for the 2013 model). To get Android 10, you must install a custom ROM (a third-party operating system). This process requires an unlocked bootloader and a custom recovery. Breathing New Life into the Nexus 7: The Complete Guide to Android 10 The Google Nexus 7 was, in its heyday, the perfect 7-inch tablet. It was affordable, fast, and pure Android. But time hasn’t been kind. If you’ve dug your old Nexus 7 out of a drawer, you’ve likely been greeted by a painfully slow, outdated interface running Android 5.1 or 6.0. Most modern apps won’t even install.