The Nexus 7 tablet offers Android 4.1 Jelly Bean at an affordable price and with an easy access and unlock package.
One of the best things about owning an Android tablet is the ability to root the Nexus 7 and install tweaks and hacks to add extra functionality.
While Jelly Bean provides support for many of the reasons I root my Android phones, the first thing I did when I unboxed my Nexus 7 was unlock the Nexus 7 bootloader and root the Nexus 7.
From there, I can install new ROMs and customizations and run apps that require root access. Unlocking the bootloader voids the warranty, but this process is relatively safe and the same tool can lock the bootloader and return the Nexus 7 to stock if you need a warranty replacement for hardware damage.
rooting Nexus 7, Nexus Root Toolkitis the closest you can get to the automatic 1-click root and unlock tool. The tool performs the following actions.
The hardest part is installing the drivers, which may take a few tries, but the Nexus 7 Root Toolkit will help you fix any issues.
To get started, download and install the Nexus 7 Root Toolkit in the default location.
You don’t need to find out the model of your Nexus 7 before you get started.
Next, open Developer Options and USB Debugging.
Open developer options to root Nexus 7.
Right click on the Toolkit icon and Run as Administrator.
Click on Full Driver Installation Guide – Auto + Manual.
Nexus 7 Toolkit roots and unlocks Nexus 7.
Follow the steps to install the drivers. This guided process can be tried several times, just make sure you follow the instructions and in about 10 minutes you should be ready to root your Nexus 7.
The video below covers the entire process of unlocking and rooting Nexus 7 on both device and computer. If you have a handy Windows 7 computer, I recommend using it.
You can unlock the Nexus 7 after the drivers are installed.
To do this, click Unlock in the toolkit.
This will delete everything on the Nexus 7, so it’s a good idea to do this as soon as you get the Nexus 7.
When prompted, use the power button on the Nexus 7 to confirm the unlock that looks like the image below.
Confirm that you want to unlock the Nexus 7 bootloader.
Once this process is complete, you are ready to root the Nexus 7.
If you want to install Clockwork Recovery, choose Persistent CWM under Root. if you want to install Team Win Rescue Project, select Do not flash CWM. I chose to follow of liliputing use suggestion and touch friendly TWRP custom recovery.
Click root.
The Nexus 7 will reboot and after a minute it will look like it’s done. — DO NOT unplug or use.
After a short while, Toolkit will ask you to check for Super User and install Busybox to verify that the Nexus 7 is rooted.
Confirm both are working and you now have an unlocked and rooted Nexus 7.
Installing additional Nexus 7 updates directly on your device may cause you to lose root.
