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Hi everyone,
I'm new to "rooting" android devices, although I have jailbroken all my iPhones and "rooted" my palm pre.
As a newbie, it seems the "root toolkit" is the best way to do this? Is this Windows only, or is there a Mac version?
anything else I should read up on / know before rooting? I basically want to root, initially at least, to get sixaxis support and stickmount working.
Thank you all for your help in advance.
First of all, this is the wrong section. You should post inquiries in the q/a section.
In terms of rooting, I personally find the easiest way is to unlock the bootloader, flash a custom recovery such as cwm/twrp, and then install the supersu zip via recovery. You should be able to unlock the bootloader and install recovery via fastboot. After that the rest is just copying a file to the device, booting into recovery and installing a zip file.
Sent from my Nexus 7
Take a peek at the nexus root toolkit thread in this forum...quick and easy.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
The tool kit is windows only, correct?
Any reason to NOT use the tool kit and go with other more manual methods?
An iphone is virtually impossible to "brick" - Is the same true for the N7?
Foxman2k said:
Any reason to NOT use the tool kit and go with other more manual methods?
An iphone is virtually impossible to "brick" - Is the same true for the N7?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would agree with:
evonc said:
In terms of rooting, I personally find the easiest way is to unlock the bootloader, flash a custom recovery such as cwm/twrp, and then install the supersu zip via recovery. You should be able to unlock the bootloader and install recovery via fastboot. After that the rest is just copying a file to the device, booting into recovery and installing a zip file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then you know what is happening, and how it works... so if you run into troubles later, you know what to do.
Hard to brick this device.
Foxman2k said:
Any reason to NOT use the tool kit and go with other more manual methods?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For practice, and maybe the one-click solution is not flexible enough for your means. It's usually dependent on the developer to update it, so do check if it has any limitations.
Also, the ones I've seen are Windows only.
Foxman2k said:
An iphone is virtually impossible to "brick" - Is the same true for the N7?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you don't mess up the bootloader, it should be possible to reflash stuff via recovery or fastboot. Bear in mind there have been exceptions (though that came about because of a serious kernel bug, rather than due to user error) so this can't be a guarantee.
I was new to rooting too, using the nexus toolkit helped me learn a lot about rooting and all the android stuff I wasn't used too!
I really recommend it
spdecoste said:
I was new to rooting too, using the nexus toolkit helped me learn a lot about rooting and all the android stuff I wasn't used too!
I really recommend it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Another recommendation for WUGS rootkit - literally very easy foolproof step by step menus/instructions - only prob I had were the drivers - just manually pointing to driver directory sorted this out.
I made a guide that could help you. http://exzacklyright.blogspot.com/2012/07/nexus-7-guide-for-adbunlocking-rooting.html There's really only 3 commands. I don't recommend toolkits.
exzacklyright said:
I made a guide that could help you. http://exzacklyright.blogspot.com/2012/07/nexus-7-guide-for-adbunlocking-rooting.html There's really only 3 commands. I don't recommend toolkits.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great, will check that out!
Can someone explain to me, in layman's terms, what "unlocking the bootloader" does?
I'm familiar with what "root" technically means as I've been using Linux since back when it had to be loaded on floppys and manualy configuring X LOL. So basically "root" means you have access to super user privileges.
Why is the bootloader locked in the first place? Once it's unlocked can it be locked again?
exzacklyright said:
I made a guide that could help you. http://exzacklyright.blogspot.com/2012/07/nexus-7-guide-for-adbunlocking-rooting.html There's really only 3 commands. I don't recommend toolkits.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This seems to rely on Windows. Any Mac tools available?
Foxman2k said:
Great, will check that out!
Can someone explain to me, in layman's terms, what "unlocking the bootloader" does?
I'm familiar with what "root" technically means as I've been using Linux since back when it had to be loaded on floppys and manualy configuring X LOL. So basically "root" means you have access to super user privileges.
Why is the bootloader locked in the first place? Once it's unlocked can it be locked again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking the bootloader allows you to mess with the bootloaders progression at startup, which gives you the ability to install a custom recovery and gives us the method to gain root access. The bootloader can be unlocked by many different methods - some manual and some "one-click". I'd suggest doing it the manual way first, so you understand the process, and are able to fix it manually if anything goes wrong.
To my understanding, it's locked so that people who don't know what they're doing can't mess the device up. It's a safety procedure basically.
To relock the bootloader, you just type (I only know how to do this in windows - Linux and Mac work as well al beit differently)
Code:
fastboot oem lock
and you're all set.
Foxman2k said:
This seems to rely on Windows. Any Mac tools available?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Android SDK and ADB tools are equally available on Linux and Mac. You won't have to do the "Adding to Path" thing. All of the ADB commands will be the same, though.
I didn't know anything about rooting at all too, despite having an android phone for more than 2 years.
I went with the one-click root process.
Download this file, plug your Nexus 7, follow the instructions- which means typing Y, N, Y etc
Done in 5 minutes. There's a youtube video on it too. Go check it out.
I still dont know much about the process.. except I'm unlocked and rooted =)
I have a few naive questions
Do I have to do the OEM unlock to root the device? I would prefer not to wipe it.
Assuming I don't hard brick the device, can I go back to stock for warranty work?
Does rooting the device mean I can't get OTA updates from Google? For now I just want to run the stock kernel/rom and get updates. I just want root to run titanium and certain other apps that require root.
I've seen a thread that suggest that the play store (market) doesn't work on rooted devices. Is that true?
Ultra Noob here
So I had my first android-TF700 for about 10 days. Played around with it, read around this site and realized it was a tablet for someone with experience.
So I now have an N10. Charged, not even turned on yet. What should be my next steps? I see a couple toolkits,an auto root, and ASOP-
What would you suggest a noob start with?
I know, I know, turn it on
Thanks!
Depends on what you want to accomplish with the device. If you want to try or at least gain some understanding as to the different features you might be interested in, read the first post of the different ROMs available and see if anything sounds enticing.
I personally use me for taking media with me on the go, be it news or videos, so I don't have to carry a laptop around. I'm on CM10.1 right now but cycle through every rom to see how everything works. Good luck!
Sent from my Nexus 10 using XDA Premium HD app
First step is unlocking the bootloader and installing root and a custom recovery. Even if you don't need it at the moment there will come the time you want to try it. When you unlock the bootloader you will lose all your data so it's the best if you do it at first when you get your tablet.
rauschkugl said:
First step is unlocking the bootloader and installing root and a custom recovery. Even if you don't need it at the moment there will come the time you want to try it. When you unlock the bootloader you will lose all your data so it's the best if you do it at first when you get your tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And how do you unlock the bootloader and install root?
What do you mean a custom recovery?
Are there other ways to root the device with out wiping it? Seems like most android smartphone you can load up an exe or something to shift the su app around or something.
Thanks.. (still waiting for my N10 to arrive.. meanwhile.. still playing with my ICS Bionic)
There are tons of threads here about unlocking the bootloader, rooting and installing a recovery like teamwin or clockworkmod.
rauschkugl said:
There are tons of threads here about unlocking the bootloader, rooting and installing a recovery like teamwin or clockworkmod.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Found the threads. Look easy enough to follow. Something I'm not understanding . What does it mean to install a recovery? whats the purpose of that. I've search and (at least not yet) found a good description of what/why that it. I'm sensing that devices are different (duh!) and I didnt need to install a "recovery" on my Droid Bionic when I rooted it, but this N10 must be different.
With the custom recovery you're able to install zip files, make a backup of your Rom,... You can't do that with the recovery that comes with the nexus 10.
Recovery is like a separate system that you can boot to, if you want to mess with the main Android OS. Like rauschkugl said, you can boot to a custom recovery to flash different ROMs that are distributed in flashable ZIP files. You can also make (or if anything goes wrong, revert to) a complete backup of the device's internal memory.
Ok I am rooted and unlocked with mskip's awesome toolkit and DroidModderX video which really helped.
I picked all in one click option and choose TWRP. I fell asleep when I got to TWRP, so I guess I will have to reboot to the recovery page to pull it up.
After that I have no idea what to do I really haven't played with the N10 much. I was planning to leave it stock for awhile (as suggested by rauschkugl).
Do I need to do any backup or anything with TWRP if it's a new tablet? if so what and how ? Please point me to a tutorial for noob types.
Other question is I have a system update and 6 new updates waiting for me to install, can I go ahead and do that rooted and unlocked with stock ROM and no TWRP backup yet?
Thanks!
EraVulgaris said:
Ok I am rooted and unlocked with mskip's awesome toolkit and DroidModderX video which really helped.
I picked all in one click option and choose TWRP. I fell asleep when I got to TWRP, so I guess I will have to reboot to the recovery page to pull it up.
After that I have no idea what to do I really haven't played with the N10 much. I was planning to leave it stock for awhile (as suggested by rauschkugl).
Do I need to do any backup or anything with TWRP if it's a new tablet? if so what and how ? Please point me to a tutorial for noob types.
Other question is I have a system update and 6 new updates waiting for me to install, can I go ahead and do that rooted and unlocked with stock ROM and no TWRP backup yet?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great questions. You are one step ahead of me on my new N10. I've not turned it on yet, really wanting to, but I dont want to do much to it, until after I unlock/root/ and learn how to make backups. Though since i've got a TBpro license, I'll probably use that. I dont want to tweak the OS. so I think I need root just to be able to run TBpro. I just want to be sure I'll still get OFA updates, and I want to learn more about if and how backup work for a multi-user N10.
EraVulgaris said:
Ok I am rooted and unlocked with mskip's awesome toolkit and DroidModderX video which really helped.
I picked all in one click option and choose TWRP. I fell asleep when I got to TWRP, so I guess I will have to reboot to the recovery page to pull it up.
After that I have no idea what to do I really haven't played with the N10 much. I was planning to leave it stock for awhile (as suggested by rauschkugl).
Do I need to do any backup or anything with TWRP if it's a new tablet? if so what and how ? Please point me to a tutorial for noob types.
Other question is I have a system update and 6 new updates waiting for me to install, can I go ahead and do that rooted and unlocked with stock ROM and no TWRP backup yet?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would suggest straight away that you perform a backup with TWRP, so that if you decide to delve deeper into ROMs and playing with your system files, you'll have a completely stock backup to rely on. Simply boot into recovery and select 'Backup', then you can rename the backup file if you want, then swipe the slider across and wait, then you're done!
When it comes to system updates, you'll most likely have to use your root toolkit to unroot the device, else the update will fail. You can however continue to update all your apps as you normally would. Hope this helped
OK
So I kinda started from the beginning of Droid ModderX's video, picked yes to update the toolkit i had donated- (got an update) accessed TWRP (pain to get to- could I download goomanager now after I have TWRP?) and backed up my stock set up just as you said Huggogguh :good:.
Then I went ahead and touched "install system update" that was hanging around in the upper left corner of my tablet (I'm being really specific for other noobs) and it updated my system to 4.2.1 and my apps. Build number changed to JOP4OD
Looked at root checker app. I am now not rooted, so I will go back through toolkit and choose 4 once I am in fastboot mode to reroot I hope:fingers-crossed:.
Thanks!
EraVulgaris said:
OK
So I kinda started from the beginning of Droid ModderX's video, picked yes to update the toolkit i had donated- (got an update) accessed TWRP (pain to get to- could I download goomanager now after I have TWRP?) and backed up my stock set up just as you said Huggogguh :good:.
Then I went ahead and touched "install system update" that was hanging around in the upper left corner of my tablet (I'm being really specific for other noobs) and it updated my system to 4.2.1 and my apps. Build number changed to JOP4OD
Looked at root checker app. I am now not rooted, so I will go back through toolkit and choose 4 once I am in fastboot mode to reroot I hope:fingers-crossed:.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like a great success then so are you saying that you performed the system update while you were rooted and you retained the root access?
Nope. Got the OTA system update and it knocked me off root. But I got it back easily with the toolkit.
Hi,
I'm expecting my Nexus 4 some time this week and I'd like a little help.
I have a htc one x at the moment. A while after I got it, I decided to unlock it and use custom rom etc.
With the nexus 4, I just want to root it without disrupting anything if possible. The one thing I don't want to mess up is getting the Ota updates as I couldn't get that to work again on my one x.
So to summarise, I want to root my Nexus 4 whilst retaining the ability to get Ota updates and full functionality as normal. Can anyone help?
You'll need adb/fastboot + the appropriate drivers.
-unlock BL via fastboot,
-flash recovery via fastboot,
-flash SU zip via recovery,
-leave BL unlocked, no reason to relock it.
That's it. Don't remove, or rename any system apps if you want the OTA to apply. You can even flash OTA's via a custom recovery, this will likely be available here prior to you getting a notification.
Good info here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2010312
So there is no way to root the device without unlocking the bootloader and flashing the custom recovery?
I'm basically in the same boat. I'm developing android apps and want to use log reading apps but I don't want to have any custom rom/recovery on the phone.
mseebass said:
So there is no way to root the device without unlocking the bootloader and flashing the custom recovery?
I'm basically in the same boat. I'm developing android apps and want to use log reading apps but I don't want to have any custom rom/recovery on the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know when you are on other phones, you are actually unlocking the bootloader via a exploit or through the manufacturers developer center.
You need a custom recovery in order to obtain root. It is a must need, without it you cannot be rooted.
Only way to change your recovery is to unlock the bootloader. Having a locked bootloader locks it so your recovery can't be changed. So.... You get the idea
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
mseebass said:
So there is no way to root the device without unlocking the bootloader and flashing the custom recovery?
I'm basically in the same boat. I'm developing android apps and want to use log reading apps but I don't want to have any custom rom/recovery on the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can do it via adb with an insecure boot image, outlined here below the CWM method: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1993331&highlight=insecure
If you do it the CWM, or TWRP way you can flash the stock recovery again. You absolutely have to unlock the bootloader however, no way around that.
CF Root is another option: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2025274
i just want to make sure you know that if by some circumstance you lose ota that you can always just download the zip of the update here and flash in recovery. there really is no reason for ota that i can see on a nexus device. its here as soon as its released pretty much.
phermey said:
i just want to make sure you know that if by some circumstance you lose ota that you can always just download the zip of the update here and flash in recovery. there really is no reason for ota that i can see on a nexus device. its here as soon as its released pretty much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Convenience? With CWM it even patches on first boot so you don't lose root or anything so I like being able to do OTA (well the one update so far) vs. having to connect to my desktop.
threeclaws said:
Convenience? With CWM it even patches on first boot so you don't lose root or anything so I like being able to do OTA (well the one update so far) vs. having to connect to my desktop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no reason to connect to desktop if you have recovery. you can come here on your phone or 'chrome to phone' it over. find the thread. click the download link. then reboot in recovery and flash.
phermey said:
no reason to connect to desktop if you have recovery. you can come here on your phone or 'chrome to phone' it over. find the thread. click the download link. then reboot in recovery and flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also could drop it into dropbox but that is all more work than just hitting "install" on my phone, it isn't like updates are released with enough frequency that the amount of work matters but like I said OTA is more convenient for me and CWM made it even more convenient. The OP may have completely different reasons for wanting OTA.
phermey said:
i just want to make sure you know that if by some circumstance you lose ota that you can always just download the zip of the update here and flash in recovery. there really is no reason for ota that i can see on a nexus device. its here as soon as its released pretty much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think you must have missed that part in bold. no reason to be a smart a$$ either when you are the one who didnt know there is no reason to connect to desktop.
remember... the whole reason for this thread in the first place is because the op lost ota on his last phone by rooting it. all i did was try to let him feel at ease.
ORStoner said:
Hi,
I'm expecting my Nexus 4 some time this week and I'd like a little help.
I have a htc one x at the moment. A while after I got it, I decided to unlock it and use custom rom etc.
With the nexus 4, I just want to root it without disrupting anything if possible. The one thing I don't want to mess up is getting the Ota updates as I couldn't get that to work again on my one x.
So to summarise, I want to root my Nexus 4 whilst retaining the ability to get Ota updates and full functionality as normal. Can anyone help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just use the nexus 4 toolkit, follow it's directions/steps - Can't get any easier or less impact than that. Install Drivers, unlock bootloader and root. Done. OTA still work, install busybox from the play store if needed.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1995688
phermey said:
i think you must have missed that part in bold. no reason to be a smart a$$ either when you are the one who didnt know there is no reason to connect to desktop.
remember... the whole reason for this thread in the first place is because the op lost ota on his last phone by rooting it. all i did was try to let him feel at ease.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wasn't being a smart ass nor was I unaware of other ways to get an OTA update, you said there was no reason for OTA on a nexus device and I responded why someone would want it.
clockcycle said:
Just use the nexus 4 toolkit, follow it's directions/steps - Can't get any easier or less impact than that. Install Drivers, unlock bootloader and root. Done. OTA still work, install busybox from the play store if needed.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1995688
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't use toolkits take the time and learn how to do it yourself so if you get into situations where you messed something up you know how to fix it as you know how adb and fast boot will work.
Toolkits are not worth the short cut
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Can I just unlock the bootloader, fastboot boot not flash cwn and install root from there.
Also, how does unlocking bootloader affect warranty?
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
ORStoner said:
Can I just unlock the bootloader, fastboot boot not flash cwn and install root from there.
Also, how does unlocking bootloader affect warranty?
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the best way to do it. Yes you can fastboot boot cwm so it'll be temp and just install supersu zip. Regarding warranty for bootloader, it originally came locked so should you need to return it, warranty will be voided if you unlock it. However, it would really be just fastboot oem lock if you need to relock it. The state won't show relocked if you do it. It'll be plain locked
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Hi all,
After deeply snorkeling in the whole forum I ended up realizing that (perhaps) there's no answer for my question. So, I think now I'm able to post it here (since I'm so new in this forum that I'm not able to post in Development thread).
Ok, here is my issue:
I recently got my brand new N716G (JB 4.2.1), so far so good it has everything I need, except by game playing experience in some games: using a touch screen for playing some games is really anoying... The good news is that my gamming experience could be improved a little bit if I use my PS3 joystick, but again I got frustrated by the (again) anoying USB cable... I didn't give up and continued my journey to joy, by doing some extra research. I ended up finding a really nice tool on google play: "sixaxis controller" but it is required to root my device in order to run this software in my N7.
Since I just want to root my N7 in order to allow "sixaxis controller" to work, I need something really simple.
I've found that "Asus google Nexus 7 Toolkit" from mskip could help me on this but I've to be honest: I've never rooted an android device before.
Of course, I read almost the whole thread (link) in order to learn what I'm going to do and now I'm pretty sure that I really need to root my tablet but I'm not interested (at least now) on putting a custom ROM nor tweak any configuration. Also, I want to keep my tablet stil able to keep updating by itself whenever a new android version is coming (OTA) after rooting it (I know I'd need to re root after OTA but I might avoid that by installing another tool from google play that avoids that).
So, by using that tool I guess I would need to perform the following steps:
a) 1. Install Google Nexus drivers on your PC
b) 2. Back up your device
c) 3. Unlock your loader
d) 4. Root your device
e) 4.2. Root device + Install busybox
f) 2. Restore backup
Steps a) and b) are done. I didn't continue because I don't know if there's something else I've to do... Do I really need to flash a recovery? How should I continue? In my specific case, what sequence should I have to follow in order to succeed? Just a,b,c,d,e,f and that's all?
I know there's a "1-click for all" option but I don't know if that will fit my needs...
By the way, thanks for reading up to here and many thanks in advance... For sure, any help or tip will be highly appreciated.
Nico.
easiest way to gain root, and without a toolkit.. fastboot oem unlock(unlocks the bootloader), fastboot flash a custom recovery, flash the su binaries in that custom recovery, reboot.
simms22 said:
easiest way to gain root, and without a toolkit.. fastboot oem unlock(unlocks the bootloader), fastboot flash a custom recovery, flash the su binaries in that custom recovery, reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi simms22,
thank you for your reply!
Sorry but I don't understand. Do you mean that I can root my N7 manually by fastboot it and then flash a custom recovery? How?
I'd rather let an application (or script) to perform such actions for me since I'm really new on this and I just want to avoid any brick
Thanks again!
Nico.
IlNiCoLiNo said:
Hi simms22,
thank you for your reply!
Sorry but I don't understand. Do you mean that I can root my N7 manually by fastboot it and then flash a custom recovery? How?
I'd rather let an application (or script) to perform such actions for me since I'm really new on this and I just want to avoid any brick
Thanks again!
Nico.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats the problem, since youre new. by letting something else do it for you, you learn nothing. so when it comes time for simple maintenance, you get stuck, possibly ruining your device. rooting any nexus is easy, it was designed to be easily "rooted". all you need is to install fastboot onto your computer, and make sure the drivers are installed. there are a few threads here that explain how to do it. then, with one line(three words), you unlock the bootloader. with another four word line you flash the recovery. then all youndo is flash the su binaries zip imnthat custom recovery and reboot. anyways, it still comes down to it being your choice how you want to root your device
Agree with simms. I used a toolkit when I first got my Nexus because I thought there's no way I'll be able to figure it out and I'll probably brick the thing. Then when I had to figure out how to use adb for something else I had no idea and was starting from scratch.
Basically, go ahead, it's easy.
+1 for no toolkit. My first rooting experience was on my HTC IncS which involved downgrading HBOOT, doing everything manually, and the like. I'm glad that was the case as it certainly provided me a challenge at the time but it forced me to learn at least the basics of adb and fastboot. (although I certainly know more now) You should try to gain root manually as it is actually very easy on the Nexus 7 and the basic knowledge you will gain will stand you in good stead if you ever have any problems or want to delve into custom ROMs or kernels in the future.
simms22 said:
thats the problem, since youre new. by letting something else do it for you, you learn nothing. so when it comes time for simple maintenance, you get stuck, possibly ruining your device. rooting any nexus is easy, it was designed to be easily "rooted". all you need is to install fastboot onto your computer, and make sure the drivers are installed. there are a few threads here that explain how to do it. then, with one line(three words), you unlock the bootloader. with another four word line you flash the recovery. then all youndo is flash the su binaries zip imnthat custom recovery and reboot. anyways, it still comes down to it being your choice how you want to root your device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right. I guess I'll give that tool a try and see what happens.
Thank you for your patience!
Nico
I'm going to throw one thing out there. If you install super user and busy box THEN restore a backup, all you have done is unlocked your boot loader and flashed custom recovery. Install super user/busy box after you restore your backup. Also, you posted in the right section. If you had posted this in development you would have been flamed. Big time.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
I think there are some basics that I must learn before even rise an opinion here
Is there any tutorial or something you'd recommend to start with?
I don't know, may be "android rooting for noobs" or "teach yourself android basics in 21 days"
Thanks!
Nico.
As a fellow noob, I thought you'd appreciate a simpler answer. I'd like to learn more but it can be confusing having all these different methods to consider. I've just unlocked the bootloader and rooted the device using the toolkit. You can go ahead with steps c, d, e & f Nico. You don't need to install a custom recovery unless you plan on flashing a custom rom. I'm sticking with the official OTA updates for now so I've stuck with the stock recovery.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
For future reference read all these links
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2070419
Used wugfresh toolkit with not one single problem and its simple...in fact I even rooted my galaxy nexus with the same toolkit.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
FlexiPack said:
As a fellow noob, I thought you'd appreciate a simpler answer. I'd like to learn more but it can be confusing having all these different methods to consider. I've just unlocked the bootloader and rooted the device using the toolkit. You can go ahead with steps c, d, e & f Nico. You don't need to install a custom recovery unless you plan on flashing a custom rom. I'm sticking with the official OTA updates for now so I've stuck with the stock recovery.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, FlexiPack! You really made my day with your reply.
Regarding the back up, I was not able to back up the virtual SD from the back up menu (0 files were backed up) but I did a complete applications backup (including system files and SD card). I don't know what was the difference but at the end, the .bak file was noticeably bigger. Hence I assumed that in fact all SD contents were backed up.
How was your experience with the backup option and after restoring your data? Did you lost something?
Again, thank you!
Nico.
Hello there guys, I too am a utter android noob and this my my first android device. I'm basicly in the same boat as the poster, all I want to do is root. No custom ROM and flashing of any sort. All I want to accomplish is root to enable USB OTG.
I know there are apps that enable reading such as Nexus media importer but I want to be able to read and write data to external storage via USB (Flas drives, external hard drives and cameras and the sort)
What I've discovered the first big step (after installing drivers and the lot - which is all rather simple) is to unlock the bootloader if I'm correct? But in this process the device will format? I honestly dont want to format my device. I'm totally confused and put off by the whole process.
Another question, what is a good backup program to use - of course for unrooted devices.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
smartass145 said:
Hello there guys, I too am a utter android noob and this my my first android device. I'm basicly in the same boat as the poster, all I want to do is root. No custom ROM and flashing of any sort. All I want to accomplish is root to enable USB OTG.
I know there are apps that enable reading such as Nexus media importer but I want to be able to read and write data to external storage via USB (Flas drives, external hard drives and cameras and the sort)
What I've discovered the first big step (after installing drivers and the lot - which is all rather simple) is to unlock the bootloader if I'm correct? But in this process the device will format? I honestly dont want to format my device. I'm totally confused and put off by the whole process.
Another question, what is a good backup program to use - of course for unrooted devices.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Toolkit you can backup the whole thing to your comp
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
VonEsch said:
Toolkit you can backup the whole thing to your comp
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, and formatting to unlock the bootloader?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
This is kind of a rant but applies here: Don't be afraid to unlock, install custom recoveries, and root.
I hear so many people say, "I just want to be stock... but I want all these features". I can't understand why people hold on to this "stock" state so dearly. It's like device virginity (and it is since you "can't" [mentally] really ever go back). There are so many features and updates that are worth enjoying today. At least, a custom recovery is critical for backups.
I understand this stuff isn't for everybody... but if you are reading this, you aren't grouped with everybody.
player911 said:
This is kind of a rant but applies here: Don't be afraid to unlock, install custom recoveries, and root.
I hear so many people say, "I just want to be stock... but I want all these features". I can't understand why people hold on to this "stock" state so dearly. It's like device virginity (and it is since you "can't" [mentally] really ever go back). There are so many features and updates that are worth enjoying today. At least, a custom recovery is critical for backups.
I understand this stuff isn't for everybody... but if you are reading this, you aren't grouped with everybody.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me vanilla android offers me everything I need at the moment. All I want more from it at the moment is USB OTG functionality - which it has its just been locked by Google for this device.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
For all people who call themselves noobs, you really aren't cuz you now know certain things better than the average user.
Trust me, I saw a Customer buying Note 2 today, and when the sales guy told him that it's jelly bean, the retort was "what's that!!!"
And yes, all nexus devices are the easiest lot to root, unroot, unlock and then relock.
Trust me, Google and xda are your best friends.
Just remember one thing, backup before anything, you can always revert then!!!
You guys (noobs as you yourself call) have already jumped, now swim...
One most important thing, search, read, and take the plunge...
All forums have at the least one tutorial stickied!!!
As regards adb, fastboot, google, read, and trust me, you'll not be stuck for more than an hour!!!
Just my 2 cents, actually more!!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
It really is like that. But once you start you can't stop. I started by rooting my original android phone ( there were no toolkits and no problems) and ended up with two nexus devices compiling unofficial nightlies for them. I didn't even boot stock on my 7 before I flashed twrp. There's a whole world of fun if you're willing to get your feet wet. If you can stop with just root you're a stronger person than I.
Hi guys,
Just installed the 4.2.2 update on my Nexus 7, but I decided I wanted to go further. I have had plenty of android devices in the past, but I was always cautious about rooting them in fear of messing up. Well, after reading up about the benefits of rooting I think it's worth a try. I have read up on the basics of what rooting is and how to do it, but there are so many roms and kernels out there I have no idea where to begin!
So I saw an article on a website I frequent that has a guide on how to root the Nexus 7 with the newest update.
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/4...7-official-android422-jdq39-jellybean-ota.htm
What do you think about using this guide?
Also some side questions:
1.) Is there a way to backup my Nexus 7's unrooted state before I begin, so if I decide to go back to unrooted I can easily do so?
2.) Should I root my Nexus 7 on the 4.2.2 ota, or downloading it here on the forums? ( I assume they are slightly different)
3.) I don't want to ask what is your favorite rom, but what would you say is the most popular one around here? My biggest needs are stability, as well as better battery and performance.
Please excuse me if my questions seem strange or obvious. I've tried reading up more on this subject but quite frankly I don't understand it. I probably will get the hang of it. I was once a beginner to PC building but eventually I made myself a monster rig and overclocked the hell out of it. But since I'm thinking of rooting tonight, I would really appreciate it if someone would be kind enough to help me out! Thanks
Apav said:
What do you think about using this guide?
Also some side questions:
1.) Is there a way to backup my Nexus 7's unrooted state before I begin, so if I decide to go back to unrooted I can easily do so?
2.) Should I root my Nexus 7 on the 4.2.2 ota, or downloading it here on the forums? ( I assume they are slightly different)
3.) I don't want to ask what is your favorite rom, but what would you say is the most popular one around here? My biggest needs are stability, as well as better battery and performance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The guide looks fine from what I skimmed, I would follow the toolkit found here though. It does everything for you basically.
1) Unlock your bootloader, install CWM, then nandroid backup from there. Transfer your backup to your PC.
2) No point in rooting your current rom if you are switching out.
3) I don't know which roms are the most popular but I switch between these two:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1800268
-best customizing options and on the fly phone/phablet/tablet UI changing
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2098139
-stable, smooth and fast. Performance rom here.
Now you should hold off flashing these until the devs have integrated 4.2.2 into them, shouldn't take long...they are both working on them!
coolloser said:
The guide looks fine from what I skimmed, I would follow the toolkit found here though. It does everything for you basically.
1) Unlock your bootloader, install CWM, then nandroid backup from there. Transfer your backup to your PC.
2) No point in rooting your current rom if you are switching out.
3) I don't know which roms are the most popular but I switch between these two:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1800268
-best customizing options and on the fly phone/phablet/tablet UI changing
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2098139
-stable, smooth and fast. Performance rom here.
Now you should hold off flashing these until the devs have integrated 4.2.2 into them, shouldn't take long...they are both working on them!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! So the tutorial I linked is just to unlock the bootloader but not to install a ROM correct? Then why is SuperSU included in this guide?
Apav said:
Thanks! So the tutorial I linked is just to unlock the bootloader but not to install a ROM correct? Then why is SuperSU included in this guide?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
because some people just want Root on stock?
rooting =/= rom
Thanks guys! Last question. Should I have restored my Nexus 7 to factory settings before I updated to 4.2.2, or before I root? I know with the 4.2 update a lot of people recommended doing it since it increased performance. That was a bigger update though, so probably not, but I just want to be sure before I root that it would or wouldn't make a difference.
From what I've seen the easiest way to root the Nexus is 'Nexus Root Toolkit' which does the whole job with a couple of clicks of the mouse (you run it from Windows).
(Note: at the time of writing NRT v.1.6.2 doesn't support 4.2.2 so wait a couple of days before trying it and it will be updated.)
1) Do a full backup (MyBackup Pro is excellent for unrooted devices) as the process wipes your Nexus back to factory settings.
2) Connect your Nexus to the PC and copy the backup (the 'rerware' folder) to your PC (I'd copy everything, just to be safe).
3) Install and run Nexus Root Toolkit on the PC, enter the details for 'Your model type' and run the 'Full Driver Installation'.
4) Click 'Unlock', let it do its thing, then click 'Root' and after a while you'll have a fully rooted device.
5) Install MyBackup Pro on the Nexus, copy the 'rerware' folder back to the Nexus and restore it.
It really couldn't be easier and it works a treat.
Once you're rooted you'll find Titanium Backup is a better app as it can backup more stuff but it only works on rooted devices.
Or you could spend the 15 minutes to learn the right way and you would understand the process that takes place with the click of that 'magical button'.....then you wouldnt have to wait for a toolkit to update...
KNOWLEDGE REALLY DOESNT HURT.