Database Users

Root without Unlocking Bootloader?

Has there been a method created yet to root the Nexus 7 without unlocking the bootloader?
I'd like to load up some of my old settings from my last tablet but don't want to unlock the bootloader just yet...

Should probably be in Q&A section.

No.
Also... what this guy said
jklitten said:
Should probably be in Q&A section.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Helpful hint, if you're making a new thread and it has or should have a question mark it goes in Q & A section
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

danifunker said:
Has there been a method created yet to root the Nexus 7 without unlocking the bootloader?
I'd like to load up some of my old settings from my last tablet but don't want to unlock the bootloader just yet...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just re lock it after you root.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

colonel187 said:
Just re lock it after you root.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I flashed the original boot.king the relocked it. Hopefully the boot.img is okay...
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

None that I've found but you can just lock it again after (if for some reason you want to).
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

I'm also kind of interested in this; my Moto Atrix 2 has a locked bootloader (curse you Motorola) but we were able to root it and get CWM on it pretty easily I think. I'm not at all sure how that worked, and I don't know if the root I gained was "optimal" (is there even a difference?). I'm interested also in seeing if there is a way to get root without unlocking for the Nexus 7 because I don't want to factory reset just yet.
Are you guys sure there is no way? Is it just a fundamental difference between the two devices that prohibits it on the Nexus?

If you unlock, root, install custom rom & kernel and then follow this tutorial to reset it to factory, can you send your device to asus without being discovered?

Possible to get stuck in fastboot?

Hey guys this may seem like a really stupid question... But is it possible to get my Nexus 4 stuck in fastboot mode? This is going to be my second android device and I want to root it. I have a Kindle Fire that when I first attempted to root it got stuck in fastboot mode and was not recognized by my computer. I managed to get on another computer and complete the root, but is there any risk of this happening to my new Nexus 4? Thanks

There are always risks, but it is very low risk with the Nexus. The Kindle is locked down by Amazon thus is a pain to root, while Nexus is a development device made by Google so root is very easy and straight forward. Don't worry about it

Thank you for answering! Can't wait to root it. What do you yhink is the best method?
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire using xda app-developers app

I used mskip's ToolKit http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1995688
but Wug's works too http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2015469
I personally recommend Wug's since it has a graphical interface with a lot less options (much easier to use). There is also a detailed guide on how to install Nexus 4 driver.
For recovery, installing it via ROM Manager/Goo.im after root obtained works best. The ToolKit doesn't seem to flash recovery very well.

Eaffon said:
Hey guys this may seem like a really stupid question... But is it possible to get my Nexus 4 stuck in fastboot mode? This is going to be my second android device and I want to root it. I have a Kindle Fire that when I first attempted to root it got stuck in fastboot mode and was not recognized by my computer. I managed to get on another computer and complete the root, but is there any risk of this happening to my new Nexus 4? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The same happened with my Kindle fire but not the Nexus 4 as it is meant to be unlocked and accessible. Hack on!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

KyraOfFire said:
I used mskip's ToolKit http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1995688
but Wug's works too http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2015469
I personally recommend Wug's since it has a graphical interface with a lot less options (much easier to use). There is also a detailed guide on how to install Nexus 4 driver.
For recovery, installing it via ROM Manager/Goo.im after root obtained works best. The ToolKit doesn't seem to flash recovery very well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
marty331 said:
The same happened with my Kindle fire but not the Nexus 4 as it is meant to be unlocked and accessible. Hack on!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much guys!
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire using xda app-developers app

Downgrade to 4.1.2 possible for nonrooted ?

Hi everyone I was just wondering if its possible to downgrade my nexus from 4.2.1 to 4.1.2 if I'm not rooted. I'm currently not interested in rooting my device so is there a way to do it without rooting/unlocking?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Bump
Sent from my Full Android on PrimoC using xda premium

Follow this http://m.pocketnow.com/2013/01/29/how-to-flash-nexus-to-stock
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

desiresiscool said:
Follow this http://m.pocketnow.com/2013/01/29/how-to-flash-nexus-to-stock
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't flash things because I'm unrooted. So I don't think this method will work. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Anyone know?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

I do not know for sure but I quite doubt it.
I am curious as to why you want to though. Not that there's anything wrong with wanting to downgrade, of course.

Have you tried one the took kits available? Check around in the Nexus 7 original development section. Look for Wuggs.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

Droid117 said:
Have you tried one the took kits available? Check around in the Nexus 7 original development section. Look for Wuggs.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I looked at his toolkit but it basically says that I have to root in order to even use the toolkit so is there a way to downgrade without having to go through that rooting process? For now, I don't want to root my nexus
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Don't try to root it you'll only manage unlocking the boot loader then when you try and root it it will get stuck in fast boot mode I tried about every rooting program but it could be because my Comp is running windows xp lol
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

served24 said:
I looked at his toolkit but it basically says that I have to root in order to even use the toolkit so is there a way to downgrade without having to go through that rooting process? For now, I don't want to root my nexus
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's so easy to just reflash stock and relock the bootloader that you really have nothing to worry about. If you want unrooted stock 4.1.2 just unlock the bootloader, then flash the stock image of 4.1.2, then relock the bootloader after. It's a really simple process.

dstryrwiz said:
It's so easy to just reflash stock and relock the bootloader that you really have nothing to worry about. If you want unrooted stock 4.1.2 just unlock the bootloader, then flash the stock image of 4.1.2, then relock the bootloader after. It's a really simple process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't this void the warranty though? I know it did when i rooted my phone.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Is this even possible or should I stop furthering this question?
Sent from my Full Android on PrimoC using xda premium

served24 said:
Doesn't this void the warranty though? I know it did when i rooted my phone.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If i'm not mistaken, as long as you flash back to 4.2.1(which is the os it came with when u got it out of the box), and then re-lock the bootloader, unroot, then your warranty wont be voided mate. hope I helped.
Sent from my MB860 using xda app-developers app

JohnMacky said:
If i'm not mistaken, as long as you flash back to 4.2.1(which is the os it came with when u got it out of the box), and then re-lock the bootloader, unroot, then your warranty wont be voided mate. hope I helped.
Sent from my MB860 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I've done this plenty of times with my Nexus 7 and even the Verizon Galaxy Nexus. As long as you're on a stock image with a locked bootloader, they won't give you any trouble or claim you voided your warranty, as there's really no way to tell. I've gotten into the habit of unlocking and rooting my device as soon as I get it, and if I find a problem I just revert back to a stock image, relock the bootloader, then send it back in. I have yet to have a single issue.

dstryrwiz said:
Yeah, I've done this plenty of times with my Nexus 7 and even the Verizon Galaxy Nexus. As long as you're on a stock image with a locked bootloader, they won't give you any trouble or claim you voided your warranty, as there's really no way to tell. I've gotten into the habit of unlocking and rooting my device as soon as I get it, and if I find a problem I just revert back to a stock image, relock the bootloader, then send it back in. I have yet to have a single issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you save your stock image?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

served24 said:
How do you save your stock image?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need to worry about saving your stock image. The person above you is talking about saving the stock image to return to after flashing a custom ROM.
There is no way to revert back to 4.1.2 without root access. Doing a factory reset, about the only thing you can do without root, will only return you back to stock 4.2.1
My advice just stay on 4.2.1 whatever your issue is with it.
Otherwise use a toolkit. You will need a PC and the 4.1.2 image. Wugfresh has a website. I would start there.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

ezas said:
You don't need to worry about saving your stock image. The person above you is talking about saving the stock image to return to after flashing a custom ROM.
There is no way to revert back to 4.1.2 without root access. Doing a factory reset, about the only thing you can do without root, will only return you back to stock 4.2.1
My advice just stay on 4.2.1 whatever your issue is with it.
Otherwise use a toolkit. You will need a PC and the 4.1.2 image. Wugfresh has a website. I would start there.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually was just referring to the stock images you can get directly from Google or from goo.im. It's easy enough to just use the 4.2.1 stock image from Google to just restore back to how it shipped, and then relock the bootloader.

served24 said:
Hi everyone I was just wondering if its possible to downgrade my nexus from 4.2.1 to 4.1.2 if I'm not rooted. I'm currently not interested in rooting my device so is there a way to do it without rooting/unlocking?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dstryrwiz said:
It's so easy to just reflash stock and relock the bootloader that you really have nothing to worry about. If you want unrooted stock 4.1.2 just unlock the bootloader, then flash the stock image of 4.1.2, then relock the bootloader after. It's a really simple process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Completely agree with this... I have, on several occasions, reflashed stock, switching between 4.1.2 and 4.2.1 - (for me, it was more of an exercise in learning about fastboot and adb... and making sure I had TRIED AND TESTED factory images on my laptop as contingencies should anything go wrong when I came to start flashing custom ROMs).
-----
You don't need root to flash a factory image... everything is done with fastboot; with the Nexus 7 in FASTBOOT/BOOTLOADER mode (from complete shutdown, press and hold Volume Down button... whilst holding, press the Power Button).
(Root is meaningless anyway, here in FASTBOOT/BOOTLOADER mode, since /dev/block/mmcblk0p3, the SYSTEM partition, hasn't even been mounted yet - so no SU binary available... whether or not it exists, it's sort of irrelevant).
- here, for example, is the flash-all script from 4.1.2 (nakasi-jzo54k)... (Nexus 7, WiFi model only).
Code:
fastboot erase boot
fastboot erase cache
fastboot erase recovery
fastboot erase system
fastboot erase userdata
fastboot flash bootloader bootloader-grouper-3.41.img
fastboot reboot bootloader
sleep 10
fastboot -w update image-nakasi-jzo54k.zip
After running this script (flash-all.bat if in Windows, or flash-all.sh if an Apple user) you can optionally choose to lock the bootloader with... (if you're concerned about warranty issues).
Code:
fastboot oem lock
-----
If it was the case you needed root to run...
Code:
fastboot flash [partition to be flashed] [IMG file to flash]
...you wouldn't be able to flash a CUSTOM RECOVERY like CWM or TWRP... and thus, you wouldn't be able to flash Chainfire's UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.00.zip (http://download.chainfire.eu/310/SuperSU/UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.04.zip) in order to gain root in the first place!... (you see the paradox!).
Rgrds,
Ged.

Root nexus 4 without unlocking bootloader

Hi all,
I used to be a hard core iOS user and just boarded on android wagon with my nexus 4 version 4.2.1. I am still learning my ways around android coolness and stumbled upon apps like display control for nexus 4 or titanium backup etc which require root access.
Can I just root and install these apps or any other apps which needs root access without unlocking the boatloader (From what I have heard it will wipe phone and is only useful if there is a need to install custom roms...which I have no use for as of now..just root)
Thanks in advance.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

I'm pretty sure you need to unlock bootloader to root..
I recently rooted and was able to back up everything.. I dont think I lost anything when I restored my backup

You only need to unlock the boot loader if you are going to flash custom ROMs. Other you can leave it locked and just root it.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

The short answer is that you must unlock.
The long answer is that in theory you could achieve root without unlocking but in practice any other method is just too difficult.
No one is going to make the effort when backing up all your files, unlocking, then starting again with an empty phone, is about a million times easier.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

Use a new app called carbon backup. No need for root. It backs up app data etc...
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Backup your apps + data (photos) with titanium backup, then copy the folder to your computer or sync with Dropbox. After unlocking bootloader (wipe) just copy /sync The folder back
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

calanizzle said:
Backup your apps + data (photos) with titanium backup, then copy the folder to your computer or sync with Dropbox. After unlocking bootloader (wipe) just copy /sync The folder back
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Titanium requires root

Read this if you want to have root with a locked bootloader.
But you still have to unlock and lock
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2010312
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

I was under the same situation, but part of learning is breaking stuff.
I had to reinstall the stock rom in my phone twice in the first week, and lost all my settings in the process, I would just say that rooting is worth the process and the pain.
And carbon backup does not require root

I have unlocked and rooted my Nexus 7, and I plan to do the same with my Nexus 4, so I'll go ahead and ask the question here.
Once I unlock and root, could I, and should I relock the bootloader, and if so, will it wipe all data again, but leave it rooted? In other words, I want to root, but have heard that leaving the bootloader unlocked is a bad idea. If the response applies to both my 4 and 7, please advise.

wvcadle said:
I have unlocked and rooted my Nexus 7, and I plan to do the same with my Nexus 4, so I'll go ahead and ask the question here.
Once I unlock and root, could I, and should I relock the bootloader, and if so, will it wipe all data again, but leave it rooted? In other words, I want to root, but have heard that leaving the bootloader unlocked is a bad idea. If the response applies to both my 4 and 7, please advise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bootloader unlocked may void warranty.
Unlock bootloader. Root phone. Relock bootloader.
But when u install an OTA u have to do the same process again because
u lose root.

Unjustable said:
Bootloader unlocked may void warranty.
Unlock bootloader. Root phone. Relock bootloader.
But when u install an OTA u have to do the same process again because
u lose root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I unlocked, rooted, but didn't relock, will relocking wipe my tablet/phone again?

wvcadle said:
If I unlocked, rooted, but didn't relock, will relocking wipe my tablet/phone again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe it's only when unlocking. But can't tell 100% sure

Thanks to all folks for taking the time to contribute here.
OK..so what I am hearing is that I can unlock the boot loader for root but that's not mandatory. Correct? Is not t advisable ?
Also will I lose ota updates if I
1) just root, no unlocking boot loader
2) root + unlocking boot loader
Again I have no idea on androids world of custom Roms and kernels
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

anx.sap said:
Thanks to all folks for taking the time to contribute here.
OK..so what I am hearing is that I can unlock the boot loader for root but that's not mandatory. Correct? Is not t advisable ?
Also will I lose ota updates if I
1) just root, no unlocking boot loader
2) root + unlocking boot loader
Again I have no idea on androids world of custom Roms and kernels
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to unlock bootloader to root. I don't believe there's an exploit for rooting with a locked bootloader for jellybean.
You won't lose ota if you unlock and/or root. Just make sure the phone is only rooted and no system files are modified
Flowed and Tapped from my Nexus

anx.sap said:
Hi all,
I used to be a hard core iOS user and just boarded on android wagon with my nexus 4 version 4.2.1. I am still learning my ways around android coolness and stumbled upon apps like display control for nexus 4 or titanium backup etc which require root access.
Can I just root and install these apps or any other apps which needs root access without unlocking the boatloader (From what I have heard it will wipe phone and is only useful if there is a need to install custom roms...which I have no use for as of now..just root)
Thanks in advance.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to unlock the bootloader if you want to root. But you can side load apps (Not using Play Store) without rooting.
Unless the app requires root for the app to function correctly.

Thanks so much guys. I went ahead and unlocked the boatloader followed by root. I used the wugfresh toolkit and it was a cakewalk. I didnt install any custom recovery.
The only problem is dolphin browser beta has stopped working now. It was great before.
Also, should I re lock the boot loader...and how.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

I found the cause. The ad block plus app is no blocking the dolphin beta browser.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

You only need to re lock it if you return it for warranty. The stickies have many guides showing how.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

juicyjones said:
You only need to re lock it if you return it for warranty. The stickies have many guides showing how.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+ back to stock first
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

Got Nexus today, fully updated, will toolkit work?

Can I use the Nexus toolkit to unlock n root, latest firmware not listed. Is it still supported?

mockneygeeza said:
Can I use the Nexus toolkit to unlock n root, latest firmware not listed. Is it still supported?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd recommend learning to do it manually rather than a toolkit, that way this will never be an issue again. It's very easy to do. See here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2382051. The entire instruction set is in the very first post.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4

oldblue910 said:
I'd recommend learning to do it manually rather than a toolkit, that way this will never be an issue again. It's very easy to do. See here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2382051. The entire instruction set is in the very first post.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is not manually rooting. It uses auto root (and has superfluous steps), which is silly for a nexus device.
This is how you root "manually":
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2536420
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk 4

xdhall said:
That is not manually rooting. It uses auto root (and has superfluous steps), which is silly for a nexus device.
This is how you root "manually":
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2536420
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DOH! I used the wrong link. I should have checked. Thanks for saving me!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4

thanks alot guys, just didnt wanna brick it on the day i got it :crying:

mockneygeeza said:
thanks alot guys, just didnt wanna brick it on the day i got it :crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Np.
Just holler if you have any questions.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk 4

mockneygeeza said:
thanks alot guys, just didnt wanna brick it on the day i got it :crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We're here to help, man. Try it manually and let us know if you run into any problems. It's basically impossible to hard brick a Nexus device. Almost anything can be recovered from.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4

I have used the wugfresh toolkit to root on latest firmware (KRT16S) and it works fine. Just select the "any build" option. Don't know about unlocking though, as my device was unlocked from 4.3
However, I do remember that I was able to unlock my 7 using the wugfresh toolkit BEFORE there was even an option for "nexus 7 2013" so it will probably work ?
Or you could do it the way everybody else here is saying, instead of the newb way ? (but I prefer the newb way)

dragonboydbboy said:
I have used the wugfresh toolkit to root on latest firmware (KRT16S) and it works fine. Just select the "any build" option. Don't know about unlocking though, as my device was unlocked from 4.3
However, I do remember that I was able to unlock my 7 using the wugfresh toolkit BEFORE there was even an option for "nexus 7 2013" so it will probably work ?
Or you could do it the way everybody else here is saying, instead of the newb way ? (but I prefer the newb way)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Toolkit was updated and supports latest kitkat, I prefer the easy way. Not that I wouldn't of tried the other method. I've rooted plenty... Just wanted the easy option. Took a while to sort out.. As I had just factory restored my laptop. Anyways that's for all ur help guys, all sorted here!

Wugfresh is what I used. Works flawlessly. Very fast an simple ?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

mockneygeeza said:
Toolkit was updated and supports latest kitkat, I prefer the easy way. Not that I wouldn't of tried the other method. I've rooted plenty... Just wanted the easy option. Took a while to sort out.. As I had just factory restored my laptop. Anyways that's for all ur help guys, all sorted here!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really don't understand how a toolkit can be "the easy way" on a nexus device. Run two fastboot commands and press one button and you've done it manually. You never have to worry about someone else's code working or compatibility for future updates. And it's the same for any nexus device.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk 4

Well it's all good, I'm happy...the toolkit was coded by a legend.. Who I've donated too in the past.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Xparent BlueTapatalk 2