Check the Nexus 7’s charger, cable, and charging port, then restart the tablet before considering a factory reset for persistent slow charging or battery drain. Keep the 2012 and 2013 models separate: they have different batteries and final Android versions. Both are discontinued devices with internal batteries that are not designed for a simple user swap.
The short version
- Model: The 2013 Nexus 7 has a 3,950 mAh battery; the 2012 model has a 4,325 mAh battery.
- Charging: Test a compatible cable and adapter before changing software.
- Recovery: Use the Nexus 7 button sequence, not a Samsung or Pixel sequence.
- Reset: Back up first because a factory reset erases internal storage.
Identify the Nexus model
The 2012 Nexus 7 was discontinued in 2013 and ended on Android 5.1.1. The 2013 Nexus 7 was discontinued in 2015, with Android 6.0.1 as its final official Android version. Do not expect either tablet to offer an upgrade to a modern Android release through its original update system.
The 2013 model’s quoted battery life was up to nine hours of HD video playback or ten hours of web browsing or reading. That was not a promise of nine hours under every workload. Battery capacity and those original estimates also do not diagnose the condition of an individual tablet.
Check the charging connection
Use a compatible power adapter and cable, and make sure both ends are securely connected. Check the tablet’s charging port for dust or lint. Try charging another device with the same accessories, then try another compatible cable or adapter with the Nexus 7.
If the battery is fully drained, Google’s general Android troubleshooting recommends charging for at least 30 minutes before restarting. Charging indicators vary by device, so do not rely on a particular light appearing. The 2013 Nexus 7 also supports Qi wireless charging, but that capability does not apply to the 2012 model.
Restart the tablet
Restart the Nexus 7 and check its charging behavior again. Google’s archived Nexus instructions say an unresponsive tablet can be restarted by holding Power for several seconds. A restart is a troubleshooting step, not a way to restore a worn battery’s capacity.
Open recovery only when needed
If Settings will not open and a reset is necessary, use the Nexus 7 recovery sequence. Turn the tablet off, hold Volume down, then also hold Power until the tablet turns on and displays Start. Press Volume down twice to highlight Recovery, then press Power.
The Android robot and No command message are part of this sequence. Hold Power and press and release Volume up once to reveal the recovery menu. Entering Recovery is separate from choosing an operation that erases data.
Back up and reset
A factory reset erases internal storage, installed apps, and app data, so back up needed files first. Keep the tablet connected to a power source during the reset. On Android 5.1 or later, you also need the Google Account credentials associated with the tablet to complete setup afterward.
The following action erases the tablet’s local data. When Settings works, open Settings, then under Personal select Backup & reset > Factory data reset > Reset tablet. Enter the screen lock when asked, then tap Erase everything and select the reboot option after erasing finishes.
A reset from Recovery also erases all user data. Use the volume buttons to highlight wipe data/factory reset and press Power, then select Yes - erase all user data and confirm. After completion, use Power to choose the reboot option.
Arrange battery service
If charging remains unreliable after accessory checks and a restart, seek a repair assessment before erasing the tablet solely to improve charging. Both Nexus 7 generations have internal, non-removable batteries. Have battery replacement assessed as a service task rather than opening the tablet as a routine troubleshooting step.
Updated October 2026: Separated the Nexus 7 models, corrected recovery steps, and removed unsupported cache and KitKat claims. The original article was published in July 2018.
