New 2013 Google Nexus 7 and USB Ethernet Adapters

UPDATE: Both generations of the Nexus 7 (2012 and 2013) work with Plugable USB Ethernet adapters if they have been upgraded to the current Android version (5.1 as of this writing).

The new 2013 Google Nexus 7 (“Gen 2” or “flo”) has a bug where USB Ethernet adapters won’t work — they’ll appear to be recognized, but won’t get a DHCP address.

This is with Android 4.3, builds JSS15J and JSS15Q at least.

There is an open bug on this issue, we we’re hopeful that Google will fix quickly with an update:
https://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=58868

Until then, it’s important to realize that USB Ethernet adapters won’t work. So far, there is no evidence of this affecting other devices (e.g. the original Nexus 7 is not yet affected).

In combination with a USB OTG cable, it’s common to use USB Ethernet adapters to get wired network connectivity for performance (2-3x wireless) and security reasons.

For advanced users familiar with rooting devices and flashing custom ROMS, the latest CyanogenMod builds should now have this fixed.

7 comments on “New 2013 Google Nexus 7 and USB Ethernet Adapters”

  1. Stuart

    V4.4.3 (KitKat)supports RJ-45 connections with OTG cable, but like earlier versions it has to be rooted and you cant use DHCP. You can use the commands (as a super user). – Turn off wifi first.

    ifconfig eth0 192.168.x.x netmask 255.255.255.0 up
    route add default (Your gateway) dev eth0

    setprop net.dns1 (your dns server)
    The problem is if the tablet goes into sleep mode you’ll have to reenter the details.

  2. RC

    FYI, I got 2013 Nexus 7 (Wifi) and updated to Lollipop (5.0.2) and ethernet works without root. Using OTG cable and ethernet adapter

    • Michael Quinlan

      This is great news. Google broke Ethernet connectivity on my 2012 Nexus 7 with the lollipop ota, but my 2013 Nexus 7 hasn’t gotten the update yet, so it doesn’t work. Tablets are great portable network diagnostic tools, and anything that interferes with network connectivity is a problem.

  3. trevor sansom

    Will Nexus 7 (mk2) work with OTG cable & your Plugable USB 2.0 Ethernet Adapter?

    • David Roberts

      Thanks for asking! The Nexus 7 second gen works with all our USB Ethernet adapters. However, unless you need the OTG cable for connecting another device, I recommend our USB2-OTGE100 which has a micro USB connector on it.

  4. Bill M

    I updated my Nexus 7 to Marshmallow. Has ethernet support been removed from Marshmallow? I cannot find ethernet settings nor can I get the OTGE100 to work.

Comments are closed.