How to install the AOSP browser on the Google Nexus 7

The release of Google’s Nexus 7 tablet marked the beginning of affordable ultra-fast tablets on the market. Boasting a powerful quad-core processor and NVIDIA Tegra 3 chipset, the Nexus 7 is not just your ordinary tablet. Despite the tablet’s powerful hardware specifications, Google made a lot of changes in the software department. The Google Nexus 7 tablet no longer carries the stock Android browser and users will have to make do with the Chrome Browser.

Even though Chrome is a fantastic Internet browser, it doesn’t support Flash and never will in the near future. Those who are looking for the stock browser can finally do so by sideloading an AOSP browser, courtesy of XDA Developers member Censura_Umbra.

Continue reading the rest of this guide to learn how to install the AOSP browser on the Google Nexus 7 tablet.

Warning

• The instructions in this guide are intended for use with the Google Nexus 7. Applying these instructions on another device or model may produce undesired outcomes.
• The information in this guide is provided for instructional and educational purposes only. There is no guarantee that these instructions will work under your specific and unique circumstances.
• Use these instructions at your own risk. We shall not hold any responsibility or liability for whatever happens to you or your device arising from your use of the info in this guide.
• Read and understand the whole guide first before actually performing the instructions.

Requirements

• Google Nexus 7 tablet
• ES File Explorer File Manager installed on your tablet. You can get a free copy from the Google Play Store.
• Download the AOSP Browser (Browser.apk, 2.1 MB)
• Backup all personal data on your tablet to make sure you have a copy of your personal data (e.g., contacts, SMS, MMS, Internet settings, Wi-Fi passwords, and the like) in case the procedure in this guide erases such data.
  • For backup tips, check our guides on how to sync your data to the cloud and how to create local backups of your mobile data.

Instructions

1. Copy the Browser.apk file to your tablet’s SD card.
2. Launch ES File Explorer File Manager on your tablet.
3. Tap the Menu button on your tablet, select Settings. Enable Root directory browsing by checking the Up to Root Option. Scroll down a bit and check the Root Explorer, then press the Allow button when prompted to give the application root privileges. Lastly, check the Mount File System Option as well. When all of the three options are checked, press the Back button on your tablet to exit the settings.
4. Browse for the Browser.apk file and long-press it. Select Copy, then press the Up button found on top until you reach to the outermost folder or root folder displaying / on top.
5. Head to the /system/app directory, then paste the file in that directory.
   • Important! If you find two files named asbrowser provider.apk and browser provider.odex, rename these files, so that the AOSP Browser can be installed.
6. Long-press the newly pasted Browser.apk file and select the Properties option. Select the Change button and set the following:
   • User: Read, Write
   • Group: Read
   • Other:  Read
7. Press the Ok button to change the permissions and exit ES File Explorer.
8. Reboot your tablet.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed the stock AOSP Android browser on your Google Nexus 7 tablet.