Database Users

Is there any method to root the Nexus 7 without unlock the bl?

is there any method to root the nexus 7 without unlock the bootloader?
i read several posts about rooting n7, but every posts needs to unlock the bl first.
and "Flash Clockwork Mod Recovery" .
but i really don't know what the "cwm" is ! i want to use the stock nexus7 rom with rooted. is the cwm recovery will ruin something original?
could anyone solve my anxiety? thx!

You need to unlock the bootloader in order to root.
WugFresh's toolkit has a friendly interface making this extremely simple:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1766475
Follow the instructions within the toolkit to ensure drivers are correct, backup apps, unlock bootloader, root device.
After doing this your Nexus will still be identical to stock.

mythomasy said:
is there any method to root the nexus 7 without unlock the bootloader?
i read several posts about rooting n7, but every posts needs to unlock the bl first.
and "Flash Clockwork Mod Recovery" .
but i really don't know what the "cwm" is ! i want to use the stock nexus7 rom with rooted. is the cwm recovery will ruin something original?
could anyone solve my anxiety? thx!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep you need to unlock your bootloader to root.
You don't actually need Clock Work Mod recovery in order to be rooted.
In fact, I believe that the Wug Fresh toolkit posted by retrobeans above allows you to root and not install CWM.
Having said that, all CWM does is replace the stock Recovery on your device. This allows you to make backups, flash new ROMs and mods etc. If you never go into it, you will not notice a difference - you will still be running your stock rooted ROM. So i wouldnt be afraid of installing it . Or you can always do it at a later date if you want.

Bootloader can always be relocked with "fastboot oem lock" anyway...
why are you concerned about unlocking, or do you just not understand fastboot?

mythomasy said:
is there any method to root the nexus 7 without unlock the bootloader?
i read several posts about rooting n7, but every posts needs to unlock the bl first.
and "Flash Clockwork Mod Recovery" .
but i really don't know what the "cwm" is ! i want to use the stock nexus7 rom with rooted. is the cwm recovery will ruin something original?
could anyone solve my anxiety? thx!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can use a great toolkit by wugfresh which applies root without cwm. You still need to be unlocked though
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Harry GT-S5830 said:
you can use a great toolkit by wugfresh which applies root without cwm. You still need to be unlocked though
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is there any harm of being "cwm"ed? if not , i will try the easier way of one click root.(btw, i tried the wugfresh's toolkit ,but failed to install the driver...)

CWM (clockwork mod) is just a custom recovery image, from here you can flash files to your phone, wipe data, take full system backups (or restore).
Its a handy way to do key things people require when changing or modifying roms.
If in the future you will want to do any of the above then you will require a custom recovery.
Its not (in my opinion) the best recovery for the nexus 7 though, I use the Team WIN (TWRP) recovery.

You failed to install drivers? Or maybe when you installed Wug's tool it didn't download correctly? If you go and manually install the drivers which come with the tool I don't understand how they would have failed. Not trying to sound condescending or anything so sorry if I do. But Wug's toolkit (I know it's not the only one out there) is extremely easy and efficient. I would try re-downloading and on the driver install part go to
Right Click on computer
Manage
Device Manager, Here you should see a device either not detected or says that it's incorrectly installed blah blah
Right click the device and uninstall
at the top click on "Scan for Hardware Changes" (or something along those lines)
and right click your device when it comes up and the drivers are located wherever you installed his toolkit
I hope this helped and if not then just ignore. :laugh:

mythomasy said:
is there any harm of being "cwm"ed? if not , i will try the easier way of one click root.(btw, i tried the wugfresh's toolkit ,but failed to install the driver...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get the pdanet drivers, cwm is just a custom recovery, for wiping data and caches. Just has a few nice options like backing up full system data and boot.img . No real disadvantage and you can always flash back stock
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Im In Same Situation
is it possible to lock bootloader after and still have root?
Also do you still recive ota updates?

jxer4567 said:
is it possible to lock bootloader after and still have root?
Also do you still recive ota updates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can lock bootloader after.
You can get OTA but you would lose root and also lose your custom recovery, and with a locked bootloader you would be unable to root again
Sent from my Jelly Nexus S

Thank you bummed a little do i still recive ota with unlocked bootloader so i can have it rooted im wanting to keep original recovery no custom recovery but unlocked bootloader will i get ota?

jxer4567 said:
Thank you bummed a little do i still recive ota with unlocked bootloader so i can have it rooted im wanting to keep original recovery no custom recovery but unlocked bootloader will i get ota?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, unlocked bootloader does not affect OTA
Sent from my Jelly Nexus S

So only if i install custom recovery i lose ota just im wary with nexus 7 alot more important than v845
Sent from my Vodafone 845 using xda app-developers app

Sorry fellows, but you are wrong There IS a method to root the Nexus 7 without unlocking the bootloader.
Then you can have root without wipping your data, for instance, as happens when you unlock your BL. And with root you can unlock the BL without wipping your data too. All thanks to efrant with his awesome tutorials! It is in the Galaxy Nexus Forum, but me and some others have reported to be working on the Nexus 7 too.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1894717 -- Root without unlocking
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1731993 -- Unlock BL without wipping

Let me sum it up.
Can i root without unlocking bl? yes.
Can i unlock bl without full wipe , when i do it the first time? no.
So u install pdanet drivers(i know, i had driver problems on my old win xp company laptop), then unlock bl, root. Thats it. u dont need to install CWM(btw, I prefer TWRP).
OTA updates n recovery: As far as i know, u will receive OTA updates whether u have CWM or not, but when u click install for the update, if u have CWM/TWRP, it wont install. It will install properly only if u have stock recovery.
OTA updates n root: U will get n will be able to install updates whether or not u have root. But u will lose root if u install the update. Re rooting is esy if u already have an unlocked BL, but theres an app "voodoo ota rootkeeper", that makes a backup of your root status b4 update n then restores it after update. N its free!! Nice, huh?
Unlocking BL shindig: So u would have 2 reasons for not wanting to keep ur BL unlocked. First, if anything goes wrong(very very very unlikely, believe me I have done a lot of crap on this phone, its extremely hard to brick), u need to return it in BL locked state. Second: Security. If your phone gets stolen n ur BL is unlocked, some guy could easily flash CWM n flash a custom rom n access all your data. For both cases, I suggest a very useful technique.
1.Unlock BL.
2.Root
3.Relock BL.
4. Install app https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.segv11.bootunlocker. This app will let u unlock BL from within a rooted phone without having to wipe your whole phone. If you are confused at this point, let me explain further, in case something happens to your phone n u need 2 return, u can just return it, if BL is locked, there wont b any issues. Also, if your phone is stolen, the theif wont b able to access it without completely wiping ur phone(unless he is a xda member n knows about that app!!! lol).
Got it?

Lennyuk said:
CWM (clockwork mod) is just a custom recovery image, from here you can flash files to your phone, wipe data, take full system backups (or restore).
Its a handy way to do key things people require when changing or modifying roms.
If in the future you will want to do any of the above then you will require a custom recovery.
Its not (in my opinion) the best recovery for the nexus 7 though, I use the Team WIN (TWRP) recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think The peeps who also agree twrp is much better than CWM is grown to the point where is the preimanant force for custom backup now. This Dev is 100% correct in my opinion also

does flashing stock rom remove root or re-lock bootloader?

as topic states....i want to flash store rom to make sure everything is deleted since settings factory reset did not do so. however, i want the bootloader to stay unlock and phone to retain root. thanks in advance!:victory:

Boot loader will stay unlocked, root will be deleted if you're wiping /system.
Sent from my A100 using xda app-developers app

There is an app that will save your root.. It is voodoo something.. Will find it and tell you..
Voodoo ota root protector - search the play store.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

If you flash factory image via fast boot you will lose root and custom kernel. Boot loader will stay open until you lock it again using toolkit or from factory image command via fast boot.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

pdkenji said:
If you flash factory image via fast boot you will lose root and custom kernel. Boot loader will stay open until you lock it again using toolkit or from factory image command via fast boot.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
don't use toolkit. the command to relock bootloader is,
fastboot oem lock

zephiK said:
don't use toolkit. the command to relock bootloader is,
fastboot oem lock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't bother locking your bootloader. You'll just have to wipe everything the next time you go to root the phone or flash anything

hoponpop said:
Don't bother locking your bootloader. You'll just have to wipe everything the next time you go to root the phone or flash anything
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pay attention. He was responding to the post he quoted and telling that member the proper way to lock a bootloader.

[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

Unlock boot loader without wipe data

I am testing work very well
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.segv11.bootunlocker
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

somboons said:
I am testing work very well
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.segv11.bootunlocker
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After youve unlocked it to root. So you still lose your data the first time you unlock it.

In thread in my country , I saw tut for unlock boot loader without lose data in first time In nexus 10 I think in nexus 7 2013 work too but I did not test it yet.
the method is
1. Put recovery image to sdcard.
2. Download
http://download.chainfire.eu/372/SuperSU/UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.86.zip
Save to sdcard
3. Boot to bootloader and use command
fastboot boot recovery.img
4. Install zip file for root
5. Reboot
6. Install BootUnlocker and Open
You can unlockboot loader without lose data
#### I did not it yet ####
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

somboons said:
the method is
1. Put recovery image to sdcard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which recovery image should be used for that? Standard recovery, CWM, TWRP?

CWM or TWRP can use
Sent from my LG-D802 using Tapatalk

somboons said:
In thread in my country , I saw tut for unlock boot loader without lose data in first time In nexus 10 I think in nexus 7 2013 work too but I did not test it yet.
the method is
1. Put recovery image to sdcard.
2. Download
http://download.chainfire.eu/372/SuperSU/UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.86.zip
Save to sdcard
3. Boot to bootloader and use command
fastboot boot recovery.img
4. Install zip file for root
5. Reboot
6. Install BootUnlocker and Open
You can unlockboot loader without lose data
#### I did not it yet ####
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This method is not working...

You can't fastboot boot something without an unlocked bootloader

Michealtbh said:
You can't fastboot boot something without an unlocked bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And you cant unlock your bootloader without wiping...

somboons said:
I am testing work very well
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.segv11.bootunlocker
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep, I installed it too...
however one important thing you should not forget (copy/past from a review) :
"Works great but be careful Once you have unlocked and rooted your phone this app works great to lock the bootloader again. But use caution when updating OTA. I allowed an OTA update to Android 4.4.2 while locked and I lost root access (expected) but because I didn't unlock before the update, I am now locked without a way to unlock unless I wipe the phone. Great app. Just make sure you know what it does and how to use it."
--> unlock before to apply an OTA

Nexus 7 2012 stuck in safe mode

When I restart Nexus 7 it always boot up to safe mode. Tablet first shows bootloader menu and when I choose to start, it boot in to safe mode. It looks like volume down button is always pressed on but it don't work - does nothing in bootloader menu, and in safe mode.
I don't use it for some days. I don't remember the tablet being flooded or hit. It just appears. First I thought that it was caused by some bug in LineageOS. I made factory reset, and when it does nothing I set u Android 5.1 again but that also didn't work.
Do you have any idea why this is happening?

You mean you are always booting into recovery when starting up the device? This may happen if there is no valid boot.img / system.img installed. How did you install the current system on your device? Do you have an unlocked bootloader? Do you have the latest bootloader (4.23) installed on your device?

AndDiSa said:
You mean you are always booting into recovery when starting up the device? This may happen if there is no valid boot.img / system.img installed. How did you install the current system on your device? Do you have an unlocked bootloader? Do you have the latest bootloader (4.23) installed on your device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Last thing I did is option Flash Stock + Unroot in Nexus Root Toolkit.
Yes I have bootloader 4.23.

Sorry, but I don't know what the toolkit is doing and whether everything went as expected .. that's the disadvantage of using toolkits.
Best would be to learn how to install and to use fastboot and after that you can decide either to flash stock factory image again or to upgrade to one of the custom ROMs available for the Nexus 7.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Labs

AndDiSa said:
Sorry, but I don't know what the toolkit is doing and whether everything went as expected .. that's the disadvantage of using toolkits.
Best would be to learn how to install and to use fastboot and after that you can decide either to flash stock factory image again or to upgrade to one of the custom ROMs available for the Nexus 7.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you don't understand me. Nexus Root Toolkit have nothing to do with this. It works 3 years with my Nexus 4 and 1 year with Nexus 7. This problem appeared long after installation of LineageOS.
Ok, I installed Android 5.0 manually and I still have this problem.

Did you notice any error messages while flashing the stock image? Did you do a factory reset after returning to stock?
I am still thinking that your bootloader is closed and you are not really flashing / changing the ROM, but flashing fails and you are remaining in the same state as before. Just as an idea ...
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Labs

I would do one step at a time assuming fastboot and adb work. Search for adb minimal. Download stock zip to same directory. Run fastboot oem unlock. Unzip stock zip and try running flash-all.bat it flashes compatible bootloader and stock zip. If that doesn't work img files are inside stock zip and can be flashed separately.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

Sorry for leaving you like that.
I took the risk and ordered flex cables with volume buttons. Now the tablet works fine. I'm sorry for the trouble.