Root without data loss - Nexus 7 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Is it possible to root 4.2 without data loss?
Thanks
nexus 7, rezound, RAZR maxx, evo

That classic answer: it depends (but should be able to)
What are you on now? Stock, stock but rooted and unlocked? A custom 4.1.2 ROM? What do you want to get to? Stock, stock & rooted. . .
That will help you get a better answer.
Sent from my Nexus 7
Clean ROM 2.5 - leanKernel 0.7

I am on stock 4.2. I ultimately want to be able to freeze apps to gain back control of my data useage. Too many apps are running wild.
nexus 7, rezound, RAZR maxx, evo

I read there was a hack to root without data loss in 4.1.1 (there's a thread on that somewhere) but it was fixed as of 4.1.2
I'm on 4.2 stock as well, but wished I rooted from the get-go so if there is a way I'd like to know.

I just got 4.2 running and from the looks of it I have root access . Updated from 4.1.2 and installed root keeper and no data loss at all

Unlocking boot loader is unneeded for me, I just want to freeze apps.
Thanks
nexus 7, rezound, RAZR maxx, evo

Do it in the right way, i.e. unlock your boot loader. You can also backup your data first and restore it later. Just my 2ยข ...
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

I gave in and unlocked the boot loader and all data lost but I am now rooted
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Related

Updating a Nexus 7 Once Rooted

Alright, to start off, I apologize if there is a thread already on this (I searched but couldn't find anything).
I am a complete noob at rooting and don't know much about it. I plan on rooting my Nexus 7 in order to get Stickmount for additional storage on my device. My worry isn't about that, after I root it, how easy will it be to update it when a update for the Nexus 7 is released? I heard of stuff like flashing a rom with a updated software or flashing a modified firmware. Will tutorials be available for this when the time comes?
Extratex said:
Alright, to start off, I apologize if there is a thread already on this (I searched but couldn't find anything).
I am a complete noob at rooting and don't know much about it. I plan on rooting my Nexus 7 in order to get Stickmount for additional storage on my device. My worry isn't about that, after I root it, how easy will it be to update it when a update for the Nexus 7 is released? I heard of stuff like flashing a rom with a updated software or flashing a modified firmware. Will tutorials be available for this when the time comes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After you root, install OTA rootkeeper from the market. I assume it works with the Nexus 7, not sure why it wouldn't, but this keeps your device from losing root after an OTA. You can also install clockworkmod recovery and install any ROM you want which makes more sense considering this is a nexus device after all
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
hic9582 said:
After you root, install OTA rootkeeper from the market. I assume it works with the Nexus 7, not sure why it wouldn't, but this keeps your device from losing root after an OTA. You can also install clockworkmod recovery and install any ROM you want which makes more sense considering this is a nexus device after all
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i can confirm this works.
i tested out a few different scenarios last night.
booted up device, ran update, unlocked bootloader, put bad boot.img on
restored to factory, rooted, booted, used OTA Keeper, ran update, rebooted and root was gone. ran OTA Keeper to restore and BAM! root was back
hic9582 said:
After you root, install OTA rootkeeper from the market. I assume it works with the Nexus 7, not sure why it wouldn't, but this keeps your device from losing root after an OTA. You can also install clockworkmod recovery and install any ROM you want which makes more sense considering this is a nexus device after all
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just looked up that app, it seems it's already integrated into SuperSu (that's the one I'm planning on getting). I just want to know if it's easy or not to upgrade the device once it's rooted.
OTA rootkeeper is on super Su ???
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
armyboy11b said:
OTA rootkeeper is on super Su ???
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"The application doesn't support original Superuser and not SuperSU for a very simple reason. The same feature OTA protection feature is already present in SuperSU."
That's what it said on the app overview section.
SuperSU Premium has it and it worked for me on my T-Mobile G2x when I updated to new OTA. Don't know if free version has it
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
I'm a noob to this type of stuff so if free SuperSU DOES have the OTA rootkeeper, does that mean I can update my device without any trouble?
If it doesn't, what methods can I take to update it without causing any damage?
Pretty sure its only in the paid version its called survival mode
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA
OP: You should calm down. I mean that in the nicest way possible. This is a Nexus device. You can unlock your device anytime you want. You can simple re-root if you happen to lose root, there well always be a method. If you like to be on stock, you can just flash the updated stock firmware. Chances are someone will pack a nice stock rooted firmware within a couple hours of it being released, possibly before you even get a notification that there is a new update.
Sorry if I came out as panicky, it's just that I never did this before so I don't know what's right from wrong. Well I'm sure I'll get used to it eventually, thanks for the help.

Go back to stock?

Should I go back to stock? Because I just went back to stock on my phone and I had a Rom for about 4 months but on stock everything seems so much more awesome. It feels more stable, smoother, better battery, and just a great experience, so should I go back to stock or stay on a Rom? For those that are on stock how smooth and fast is it?
Sent from my VS920 4G using Tapatalk 2
I did the same thing myself, google is updating alot atm and if a new version of android comes out with the new lg phone due at the end of the month the nexus 7 will get it quickly.
what the devs do here is great but maybe for your rocking a stable stock firmware might be a good idea while the devs here get all new bits incorperated
I mean with a unlocked bootloader going back into the custom stuff is a breeze
Are you on a stock Rom posted here or did you take the OTA update?
Sent from my VS920 4G using Tapatalk 2
azoller1 said:
Are you on a stock Rom posted here or did you take the OTA update?
Sent from my VS920 4G using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i just flashed the Factory Images from here https://dl.google.com/dl/android/aosp/nakasi-jzo54k-factory-973f190e.tgz
I also used adb back command and seems to have worked from here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1420351 , you will need the lasted sdk updated/installed
( have yet to check every game to see if that data was saved, but bards tale game save came back)
also if you know all commands to root manually that works or just use wugs tool and hit up the root but non permanent cwm button that also works
i would just do a titiumim backup and move the folder over to your computer and restore after you got everything flashed to stock and rooted. then restore apps from that
Yeah ill just flash the image then unlock it and them root it and just stay stock rooted with a kernel
Sent from my VS920 4G using Tapatalk 2

[Q] best way to root 4.1.2?

Hello, my girlfriends new Nexus 7 for some reason wont update to 4.2, its stuck on 4.1.2. So whats the best way to root it on 4.1.2? And afterwards, its possible to flash 4.2 on it, correct? Ive rooted a couple of different phones and customized them, but I want to make 100% sure I dont screw up her second love lol. Thanks for the help!:cyclops:
What is 4.3?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
dparrothead1 said:
What is 4.3?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry, meant 4.2 LOL
Try Wug's Nexus Root Toolkit. It does a great job and walks you through each step.
thats the one I was looking at! I wasnt sure if I should use that one, or the other Toolkit, but the other one seemed a little more confusing. Thanks!
Wugfresh worked great for me this weekend.
The only unexpected headache was having to deal with device driver issues since I was rooting the n7 on a laptop that I used to root my Galaxy tab a year ago. There were 6-7 Samsung drivers that I had to remove and then reboot the laptop.
Still an easy process but the driver situation made the process take longer than expected (maybe an hour total).
Still, a lot faster and more newb friendly than rooting in 2009
Sent from my HTC Sensation using XDA Premium App
Toolkits are fail. Learn to use adb and fastboot. That way you can be sure of exactly what your doing to your phone and fix it if necessary. It may sound daunting at first but in the long run it's much better.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
zidane1341 said:
Hello, my girlfriends new Nexus 7 for some reason wont update to 4.2, its stuck on 4.1.2. So whats the best way to root it on 4.1.2? And afterwards, its possible to flash 4.2 on it, correct? Ive rooted a couple of different phones and customized them, but I want to make 100% sure I dont screw up her second love lol. Thanks for the help!:cyclops:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dr.m0x said:
Toolkits are fail. Learn to use adb and fastboot. That way you can be sure of exactly what your doing to your phone and fix it if necessary. It may sound daunting at first but in the long run it's much better.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Completely agree with this...
-----------
Hi, zidane1341...
Rooting is really simple.
(You will need an unlocked bootloader for this).
Get a custom recovery .img for your device...
Either CWM - http://www.clockworkmod.com/rommanager
...or TWRP - http://www.teamw.in/project/twrp2/103
...it matters little which.
-----------
fastboot flash it.
-----------
Get Chainfires SU .zip package here http://download.chainfire.eu/310/SuperSU/UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.04.zip
Flash it using the custom recovery you've just fastboot flashed...
Reboot... and you're rooted.
-----------
Having said all that though, I don't see how root will facilitate an upgrade of your girlfriends N7 from 4.1.2 to 4.2...
For that you will need the factory stock image for your device, available here http://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images.
There is a thread here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1907796, that details how to flash factory stock images.
-----------
On a final note... it's kind of puzzling why your girlfriends N7 isn't being automatically upgraded to 4.2.
When I flash back to stock, (as I do, from time to time), I use JOP40C (4.2) and as soon as I get a WiFi connection, I get 'nagged' about upgrading to JOP40D (4.2.1), which I always allow. And it does so without problems.
If your girlfriends N7 is running (even at the slightest level) a modified version of JellyBean, then the automated update procedure from Google's servers will fail.
Rgrds,
Ged.
Well I know from personal experience, after I rooted my optimus I could upgrade to a newer version of android, I can just flash 4.2 after rooting correct? I called Asus and they said to send it in, but they didn't know what was wrong. My girlfriend is pretty mad about that, so I was thinking I could bypass that by doing it myself.

Losing root after OTA.

Hello,
Being new to the Nexus series I am curious to know how things work with OTA. I never got those one that SGSII. So I've looked through a few threads and I do not see a clear answer to the question of "do you lose root after OTA update? Assuming your stock rooted nothing else changed. No custom recovery. If you do lose root. How do you get it back? Can you just use one of the toolkits to fix it? Do you have to wait until the devs figure out HOW to root this particular version again? Again someone without a custom recovery just a stock rooted phone. Thanks for your help. I'm just debating in staying stock without a recovery. I tried several roms and now I'm back to stock and I kinda like it....
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
jcnbama said:
Hello,
Being new to the Nexus series I am curious to know how things work with OTA. I never got those one that SGSII. So I've looked through a few threads and I do not see a clear answer to the question of "do you lose root after OTA update? Assuming your stock rooted nothing else changed. No custom recovery. If you do lose root. How do you get it back? Can you just use one of the toolkits to fix it? Do you have to wait until the devs figure out HOW to root this particular version again? Again someone without a custom recovery just a stock rooted phone. Thanks for your help. I'm just debating in staying stock without a recovery. I tried several roms and now I'm back to stock and I kinda like it....
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have stock and a custom recovery then your custom recovery might be able to keep root for you. Alternatively you could try OTA rootkeeper but that is not guaranteed to work. I was rooted stock with a custom recovery when I received the 4.2.2 update and it installed fine through my recovery but after that I lost root and my custom recovery.
You can use voodo root keeper from play store, it saves root and can be restored after update. It has worked every time I have used it :thumbup:
sent from my N7 :smokin:
Gigabitex2 said:
You can use voodo root keeper from play store, it saves root and can be restored after update. It has worked every time I have used it :thumbup:
sent from my N7 :smokin:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great! That seems easy lol. I guess that works across multiple Android versions?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
It has worked on my nexus7 from version 4.1 to 4.2.2 and on my n4 I've used it for 4.2, 4.2.1 and 4.2.2. Just remember to save root/ unroot before update and restore after you receive ota. Hopefully it will work for keylime but only time will tell.
sent from my N7 :smokin:

Any reason to unlock the bootloader?

My Nexus 7 (2013) will be arriving today. I unlocked the bootloader on my Galaxy Nexus to flash TAKJU, since the Canadian version of Android was updated by Samsung (a dumb situation that delayed updates), so it made sense to unlock.
I don't flash ROMs or tinker in any way - I only want the device to have the latest version of stock Android. Is there any compelling reason to unlock the bootloader of the Nexus 7, before I start loading my apps and configure my Google accounts?
I suppose if I leave it locked the device will have greater security.
I think the best reason is so you can flash custom recovery and make backups. You could also root and do all the good things that come with that.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4
Reasons for me:
+ Titanium Backup
+ Browser replacement (to stock browser, not chrome)
+ Custom Recovery (for backup and restoring)
I have the LTE version, so therefore there is no custom rom yet.
I just unlocked the bootloader to temporary boot TWRP and create a Nandroid backup.
nex86 said:
Reasons for me:
+ Titanium Backup
+ Browser replacement (to stock browser, not chrome)
+ Custom Recovery (for backup and restoring)
I have the LTE version, so therefore there is no custom rom yet.
I just unlocked the bootloader to temporary boot TWRP and create a Nandroid backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How can you have a LTE version its not sold yet?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
Andrew149 said:
How can you have a LTE version its not sold yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Available in Europe.
Most unlock to install/try different ROMs. Also, recall that when you do unlock at a later time, it does wipe your device; so may be worthwhile to unlock right now while you're still setting it up so you don't have to go through that again.
ChrisAG said:
My Nexus 7 (2013) will be arriving today. I unlocked the bootloader on my Galaxy Nexus to flash TAKJU, since the Canadian version of Android was updated by Samsung (a dumb situation that delayed updates), so it made sense to unlock.
I don't flash ROMs or tinker in any way - I only want the device to have the latest version of stock Android. Is there any compelling reason to unlock the bootloader of the Nexus 7, before I start loading my apps and configure my Google accounts?
I suppose if I leave it locked the device will have greater security.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) unlocking process will trigger factory reset for security, so best to do it before you install everything, if you will ever need it in the future
2) even if you never root or make any changes, one day you will probably need to restore factory images, in which case you'll need to be unlocked
I think the main reason is the erase that unlocking causes. If you unlock right away, you don't lose anything or need to back and restore sdcard, etc.
Good answers so far, plus I also unlock in order to flash OTA updates as soon as they are linked to in this forum.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 4
Well there aren't any reasons on not to do it?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
Someone can bypass your lockscreen.
sfhub said:
Someone can bypass your lockscreen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not a problem: I have the lock screen turned off too .
Best reason to unlock your bootloader asap:
So you don't have to lose all your data later if you decide to root.
Unlocking your bootloader will wipe all your data but effectively doesn't do anything so you still get OTA updates and 100% stock.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Enables you to use apps such as adaway and LMT...
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
nex86 said:
Reasons for me:
+ Titanium Backup
+ Browser replacement (to stock browser, not chrome)
+ Custom Recovery (for backup and restoring)
I have the LTE version, so therefore there is no custom rom yet.
I just unlocked the bootloader to temporary boot TWRP and create a Nandroid backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Done need to unlock to get the stock browser anymore heres the thread about http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2385928
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
nex86 said:
Reasons for me:
+ Titanium Backup
+ Browser replacement (to stock browser, not chrome)
+ Custom Recovery (for backup and restoring)
I have the LTE version, so therefore there is no custom rom yet.
I just unlocked the bootloader to temporary boot TWRP and create a Nandroid backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is unlocking bootloader necessary to root Nexus 7? Can I just root the N7 without unlock?
Sent from my ST25i using xda app-developers app
Kumczak said:
Is unlocking bootloader necessary to root Nexus 7? Can I just root the N7 without unlock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, must unlock bootloader or the system partition is write protected and any root you tried to install would be lost at next reboot.

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