Database Users

Rooting Help

I'm not all that savvy at rooting and messing with Androids. I have a rooted Inspire 4G, but the Nexus 7 is a whole different beast. Some of the methods and things I need to do are kind of confusing, and was hoping I could get some help on my most burning questions.
1. What is the best/safest/most reliable way to root the Nexus 7 at the moment? (I have the latest OTA update JR003D)
2. I have many games that I would like to keep the data for. Is there any way to root my Nexus 7 without wiping the tablet entirely? If necessary, what is the best way to back up app data or the entire tablet?
3. Is there any way I can root my device so that I can still receive OTA updates safely without losing root, or at least be able to get root back easily?
If there's some good answers, hopefully other people can benefit from this too. ^.^

1/2. I used this toolkit. Since most ways that root also have you unlock when you do that it will wipe the device. So if you have stuff on /sdcard Id suggest backing it up to your computer and copy over afterword.
3. If you want to stay OTA and keep root, then you will need to flash the stock recovery back (if you use that toolkit since it flashes Clockwork for you) and use voodoo ota rootkeeper. You can do this by
Download ota rootkeeper and backup your root
Download the system image from here
Extract the recovery.img and stick it in your fastboot folder
boot into fastboot and type fastboot erase recovery
type fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
wait for flash
type fastboot reboot-bootloader
reboot the tab, system update then go back into voodoo and restore root and done!! You can then reflash CWM if you want to go custom again in the future, but keep in mind you need to be on stock recovery to take OTA.

u should of just rooted it right out of box so u wouldnt have to lose any data etc... because u havent done anything on it yet.

yeah thats what I did. Saves the hassle.

Hi, and thanks for your instructions. They are very clear.
Do you recommend that I (typical owner) leave my stock recovery image in place for day-to-day use and switch to CWM only when I desire to reflash? How do you do it? Also, should I make a nandroid backup(s) or is that kind of a waste on my 8GB Nexus?
I am familiar with CWM for flashing and backing up (to rem. SD card) for my phone.
I'd like to ensure I'll receive notifications about Nexus 7 updates. At least for a while or until I decide on a custom ROM. If ever.
Again, many thanks.
Sent from my Nexus 7

NeoMagus said:
1/2. I used this toolkit. Since most ways that root also have you unlock when you do that it will wipe the device. So if you have stuff on /sdcard Id suggest backing it up to your computer and copy over afterword.
3. If you want to stay OTA and keep root, then you will need to flash the stock recovery back (if you use that toolkit since it flashes Clockwork for you) and use voodoo ota rootkeeper. You can do this by
Download ota rootkeeper and backup your root
Download the system image from here
Extract the recovery.img and stick it in your fastboot folder
boot into fastboot and type fastboot erase recovery
type fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
wait for flash
type fastboot reboot-bootloader
reboot the tab, system update then go back into voodoo and restore root and done!! You can then reflash CWM if you want to go custom again in the future, but keep in mind you need to be on stock recovery to take OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just followed the 1.5.2 tool kit to unlock, root and install CWM onto my N7.I would like to remove CWM and replace the stock recovery for OTA updates. I followed your instructions and extracted recovery.img from the nakasi JRN84D image. I installed the android SDk and the 4.1 toolkit but I cannot find the fastboot folder, I found the fastboot exceuter but no fastboot folder in sight.
Any tips?

You want it in the folder with fastboot.exe. On my PC this is in platform-tools

Hi SoHaunted. I haven't heard any reply to my own questions so maybe this thread has been buried in the deluge of Nexus 7 topics.
You might want to go to the Nexus 7 Development forum and look at the topic regarding Nexus Root Toolkit v1.5. It is a Windows program that really helps with the different rooting tasks. It installed CWM for me. I also used it to update to a newer version of CWM.

NeoMagus said:
You want it in the folder with fastboot.exe. On my PC this is in platform-tools
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks thats what I needed to know . 1 more thing, does the N7 have to be in bootloader mode before executing fastboot.exe or can it be on?
danny8 said:
Hi SoHaunted. I haven't heard any reply to my own questions so maybe this thread has been buried in the deluge of Nexus 7 topics.
You might want to go to the Nexus 7 Development forum and look at the topic regarding Nexus Root Toolkit v1.5. It is a Windows program that really helps with the different rooting tasks. It installed CWM for me. I also used it to update to a newer version of CWM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the program I used to obtain root and install CWM, What I want to do is remove CWM and replace it with the stock recovery for future OTA updates as I do not plan on installing any roms or kernels at this time, Stock JB is good for me.

SoHaunted said:
thanks thats what I needed to know . 1 more thing, does the N7 have to be in bootloader mode before executing fastboot.exe or can it be on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It needs to be in the screen with the Android where it lists the info on the bottom and says start with the green arrow, after holding the volume buttons and power.
danny8 said:
Hi, and thanks for your instructions. They are very clear.
Do you recommend that I (typical owner) leave my stock recovery image in place for day-to-day use and switch to CWM only when I desire to reflash? How do you do it? Also, should I make a nandroid backup(s) or is that kind of a waste on my 8GB Nexus?
I am familiar with CWM for flashing and backing up (to rem. SD card) for my phone.
I'd like to ensure I'll receive notifications about Nexus 7 updates. At least for a while or until I decide on a custom ROM. If ever.
Again, many thanks.
Sent from my Nexus 7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That method I posted was how to flash the stock recovery back to take OTA. If you are familiar with how to use CWM since you flashed it might as well just stick with it. Really only want to stay stock if you want the OTA's then just use rootkeeper

[Q] Question about CWM Recovery

Since none of the Root Toolkits were working for me, I've gone ahead to try to root through the command prompt.
I have a question about CWM Recovery though. I've flashed it on my Nexus 7, but not permanently since adb always hangs. (Which is why the toolkits weren't working for me). Everytime I reboot my Nexus 7, I have to re-flash the recovery.
My question is: Is there another way to make the CWM Recovery permanent? Not through adb? Would I be able to first root my Nexus, and then make the CWM permanent another way?

You're losing cwm every reboot because you happened t to overlook the fact that, to make it permanent, you need to delete the script that reverts you to stock recovery upon reboot. Read one of the routing guides stickied in the dev forum and follow the instructions. Easy as pie.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD

well, you dont use ADB to install recovery, you use FASTBOOT
once you are rooted, you could go the easy way and install GooManager and use TWRP instead of CWM...or use ROM Manager to flash cwm
*hint: the reason its not sticking is because of a file you didnt delete in the /system partition.....

najaboy said:
You're losing cwm every reboot because you happened t to overlook the fact that, to make it permanent, you need to delete the script that reverts you to stock recovery upon reboot. Read one of the routing guides stickied in the dev forum and follow the instructions. Easy as pie.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was following this thread here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1741395
In order to make it permanent, I need to run adb which always hangs on me as stated above. Hence why I was looking for an alternate route.
Pirateghost said:
well, you dont use ADB to install recovery, you use FASTBOOT
once you are rooted, you could go the easy way and install GooManager and use TWRP instead of CWM...or use ROM Manager to flash cwm
*hint: the reason its not sticking is because of a file you didnt delete in the /system partition.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know you use Fastboot to install the recovery, though you use adb to make the recovery permanent.
I think I might try out GooManager and flash TWRP after I am rooted. Thanks!

Daniuhl said:
I was following this thread here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1741395
In order to make it permanent, I need to run adb which always hangs on me as stated above. Hence why I was looking for an alternate route.
I know you use Fastboot to install the recovery, though you use adb to make the recovery permanent.
I think I might try out GooManager and flash TWRP after I am rooted. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need adb to make it permanent. Use a root file explorer or a terminal emulator
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD

[Q] Root

How to root nexus 7 with out install custom recovery...? which is the easy and safe method..?

Just download wugfresh' Nexus root toolkit. You can uncheck the custom recovery method under the root button.
But without a custom recovery you can't make backups, restore one or flash a custom without a PC. I don't recommend rooting without a custom recovery.
If you want a custom recovery after rooting without one, just get goo manager from the play store!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

Try this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2233852

sdelange99 said:
But without a custom recovery you can't make backups, restore one or flash a custom without a PC. I don't recommend rooting without a custom recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
x1000
If you take the time to understand the motochopper (no bootloader unlock) root process, you will easily realize that a backup can be taken of the pre-existing recovery even (safely) when the (rooted) OS is running. You can do this just before installing a custom recovery.
Code:
dd if=/dev/block/platform/sdhci-tegra.3/by-name/SOS of=/sdcard/stock-recovery-ver.Xxx.img
Once you have a safe (read: not the copy stored on the tablet) backup of the stock-recovery-ver.Xxxx.img file, you can flash a custom recovery and then restore back the saved copy at any time by reversing the roles of the input file (if=) and output file (of=) in the above "dd" command.
If you assume that "all I really need is this little root thingy and a few tweaks here and there, but no backups." you will end up regretting that decision. It is a better plan to assume that something will go wrong, and plan for that as if it were a certainty.
The more certain you are about not needing such protection, the more likely the chances are that you actually will need it.
good luck

gijokmr said:
How to root nexus 7 with out install custom recovery...? which is the easy and safe method..?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wug's will currently install 2.4.1.0 TWRP I think, but if you want to at a later time you can flash 2.5.0.0 via fastboot later. And as others said above, you'll want a custom recovery to be even 'safer', and it's a Nexus 7, it would be very hard for you to hard-brick it.
PS: Is your signature big enough?

Help I bricked my nexus

I was using the tool kit here: [NEXUS 4 TOOLKIT V2.0.0]
I got the drivers to work and i unlocked my device then when the root procedure came around my device failed to flash the unsecure boot img.
so i went to download N-Cry's toolkit to root from their. This also refused to work now my phone will not boot. I can get to the google screen with the unlock logo and fastboot.

UnderZone7 said:
I was using the tool kit here: [NEXUS 4 TOOLKIT V2.0.0]
I got the drivers to work and i unlocked my device then when the root procedure came around my device failed to flash the unsecure boot img.
so i went to download N-Cry's toolkit to root from their. This also refused to work now my phone will not boot. I can get to the google screen with the unlock logo and fastboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try wiping data/factory reset then try to boot.

simms22 said:
try wiping data/factory reset then try to boot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do i do that?

UnderZone7 said:
How do i do that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do you have a custom recovery installed? you would do it in the custom recovery. if you dont, you might have to flash the factory image via fastboot http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2010312
doing everything the right way instead of a root toolkit is easier and faster, you just need to do a little reading first.

simms22 said:
do you have a custom recovery installed? you would do it in the custom recovery. if you dont, you might have to flash the factory image via fastboot http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2010312
doing everything the right way instead of a root toolkit is easier and faster, you just need to do a little reading first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The root part wasn't working so I never go to the flashing recovery

UnderZone7 said:
The root part wasn't working so I never go to the flashing recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So flash one

UnderZone7 said:
The root part wasn't working so I never go to the flashing recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as said above, flash one now via fastboot.
the right way to root a nexus in general terms.. fastboot oem unlock via fastboot, flash a custom recovery via fastboot, flash either the su binaries or a custom rom via your new custom recovery, reboot and profit. thats all that needs to be done when using any nexus, thats one reason we buy nexus devices

I don't think people understand what "brick" really means.
Sent from my iPad 4

Know why I love the XDA community so much?
Because after the 1 millionth "I bricked my Nexus, what do I do??" thread with someone who might not have done all the research they should have before flashing their device, XDA will still post helpful advice and generally help out, instead of posting comments like "omg read before you flash!!!".
And as stated above OP, try to stay clear of toolkits and stuff, at least starting out. That way, you learn a lot about what's going on in the background, and learn how you can prevent things from going wrong, and what to do when they do go wrong. I highly recommend reading at least the first 4 posts in this thread. It is extremely helpful.

simms22 said:
as said above, flash one now via fastboot.
the right way to root a nexus in general terms.. fastboot oem unlock via fastboot, flash a custom recovery via fastboot, flash either the su binaries or a custom rom via your new custom recovery, reboot and profit. thats all that needs to be done when using any nexus, thats one reason we buy nexus devices
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for all your help. I used the guide got fastboot and the drivers working and I was able to flash a rom.

[Q] Root 4.3 without toolkit and custom recovery?

I've been searching the forums and the rest of the net looking for a how to root a Nexus 7 without using a toolkit (using fastboot/adb instead). I'm in the process of learning as much as I can about the operating system itself but haven't gotten to the point yet where I know how to root a device on my own.
What I'm wondering is:
1. All the guides on rooting the N7 include flashing a custom recovery, then SuperSU, so on and so forth. Is there any way to avoid having to flash CWM or TWRP to root an N7?
2. Is there any where I can learn how to root my device without a toolkit?
If I've somehow missed an obvious thread on the subject, I apologize.

keithD9 said:
I've been searching the forums and the rest of the net looking for a how to root a Nexus 7 without using a toolkit (using fastboot/adb instead). I'm in the process of learning as much as I can about the operating system itself but haven't gotten to the point yet where I know how to root a device on my own.
What I'm wondering is, all the guides on rooting the N7 include flashing a custom recovery, then SuperSU, so on and so forth. Is there any way to avoid having to flash CWM or TWRP to root an N7? If I've somehow missed an obvious thread on the subject, I apologize.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing SuperSu is very simple with TWRP.
1. Install Fastboot (and adb)
2. Go here: http://teamw.in/project/twrp2/103
3. Download the latest image (at time of writing, 2.6)
4. Open up the terminal (Unix/Linux) or command prompt (windows)
4.1 (If you haven't unlocked bootloader, you will need to type "fastboot oem unlock". WARNING! THIS ERASES ALL DATA
5. Type "fastboot flash recovery recoveryfilename.img" and replace recoveryfilename.img with the name of the image downloaded.
6. Install SuperSu
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you aren't keen on unlocking bootloader, see this thread here. It is, however, a glitchy, no good (IMHO) method which could brick your nexus and may not be compatible with all android versions.
Also, be warned, my instructions aren't bulletproof, you might be better following instructions from one of the many threads about rooting/unlocking bootloader of the nexus 7, incase of typo/stupidity on my behalf! Here is one thread for CWM http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1741395

Do I need TWRP or CWM in order to root though? Or can you still root with stock recovery?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

keithD9 said:
Do I need TWRP or CWM in order to root though? Or can you still root with stock recovery?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You would need custom recovery but you don't have to flash it permanently. You can use the command 'fastboot boot recovery nameofrecovery.img'
It will merely boot the device into a temporary custom recovery for you to root it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus

Aha, and there we have it. Finally clicked. I'm positive someone must have said the same thing but in a different way. Thanks for the info!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app