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

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

[Q] New to modding, easiest way to install Kernel?

Hey guys, getting my Nexus 4 for Christmas and looking to install Franco Kernel.
I was wondering the best way to install it, I have searched for tuts but nothing is clear. I know he has an app for his kernel, does this require root to use? It doesn't mention it.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Go here and download the All In One script: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1995688
You're going to need to unlock the bootloader (will wipe your phone), so follow the steps in doing that.
Next, you'll need the latest CWM Recovery: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1995440
Follow those steps. Then download the Franco kernel .zip from its appropriate thread and flash it in CWM.

Shnew said:
I was wondering the best way to install it, I have searched for tuts but nothing is clear. I know he has an app for his kernel, does this require root to use? It doesn't mention it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First thing I'm going to tell you - Go back and read the OP. Because he actually does have instructions in it (Although very minimal).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=34375927&postcount=1
Here's the quick and simple of how to do it.
1. Download the Nexus 4 Toolkit -- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1995688 (READ THE OP COMPLETELY)
2. Unlock the bootloader.
3. Install custom recovery.
4. TAKE A BACKUP!
5. Transfer kernel files to device.
6. Use recovery to flash files.
7. Hold breath while booting.

DO NOT USE TOOLKITS. Especially if you're new to modding.
That's like saying, I want to overclockmy computer. Just give me a toolkit where I can one click and overclock my computer.
Read more here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1469909
Do it the proper way and download ADB drivers
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1514942 (enable USB debugging)
set up ADB environment
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot oem unlock
unlock bootloader on phone
download clockwork recovery or TWRP (i suggest TWRP)
put the .img file of recovery into your /platform-tools/
fastboot flash recovery <name-of-file>.img
then boot into recovery and there you can flash your ROM, gapps, kernel.
In the long run, IT WILL PAY OFF because eventually YOU will be faced with a problem with your phone and you won't be able to recover your phone because you dont know basic fastboot or adb commands all simply because you wanted to use a toolkit. People are already asking on how to use adb / fastboot in Q&A, we can reduce the clutter by not having people use toolkits and actually learning how adb / fastboot works when it isn't a very complicated thing to do at all

netsyd said:
4. TAKE A BACKUP!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure the boot partition is checked when you are backing up. To return to the stock kernel, (if you ever need to) you will need to restore this backed up boot image.
Sent from my Nexus 4

Can I just root and use the stock recovery to flash franco kernel? I want to be able to download ota from google in the future...

hophamson said:
Can I just root and use the stock recovery to flash franco kernel? I want to be able to download ota from google in the future...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no you need custom recovery

Unlock the bootloader, install a custom recovery and flash the zip.
Sent from my Nexus 4, powered by CyanogenMod via XDA Developers app.

[Q] Help update to stock 4.2.2 from custom rom 4.2.1

Hi
First of all, this is don't habitual for me since I used to read related post (and more if an update has just arrived) but I just could not find an specific instructions (sorry if I am being too demanding) to go from custom 4.2.1(PA) to stock and finish with rooted 4.2.2, there are a lot of several procedures or recommendations to perform the update :S
well this is what I have planed
- return to stock 4.2.1 (using nexus toolkit)
- download and flash manually the update to 4.2.2 (first try to use the ota update option)
- get root... how??? lol
- restore my apps/data
Since I will return to stock I think I will lose root, that is ok but only if i can root the nexus again, Will I be able to get root on 4.2.2? or I have to root in 4.2.1 and keep it (in some way) at the time I update to 4.2.2
Srryforbad/basicenglish:silly:

Rooting every nexus is the same. Flash/boot a custom recovery and flash supersu.zip. it doesn't matter what OS version its on.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD

Pirateghost said:
Rooting every nexus is the same. Flash/boot a custom recovery and flash supersu.zip. it doesn't matter what OS version its on.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok, I think I have missing that simple thing...
I don't have to worry about get the bootloader locked again therefore I just have to flash a recovery and SU when I have my N7 on 4.2.2, but...flash from... bootloader I guess, well, I will check that.
Thanks!

Learn the manual way of doing it and don't rely on toolkits. There are many tutorials walking you through the entire process
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD

SLver said:
ok, I think I have missing that simple thing...
I don't have to worry about get the bootloader locked again therefore I just have to flash a recovery and SU when I have my N7 on 4.2.2, but...flash from... bootloader I guess, well, I will check that.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To elaborate on Pirateghost's points...
After flashing the 4.2.2 update... you will lose your recovery (CWM or TWRP)... but getting your recovery back is also part of how you (re)gain root.
As I have posted elsewhere...
Rooting is really simple.
(You will need an unlocked bootloader for this).
Get a custom recovery .img for your device...
Either CWM - http://www.clockworkmod.com/rommanager
...or TWRP - http://www.teamw.in/project/twrp2/103,
...it matters little which...
-----------
fastboot flash it.
-----------
Get Chainfires SU .zip package here http://download.chainfire.eu/310/SuperSU/UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.04.zip
Flash it using the custom recovery you've just fastboot flashed..
Reboot... and you're rooted.
-----------
...and that's it basically... you have root, a custom recovery from which you can flash ROMs, perform nandroid backups, etc.
But fastboot is the key... learn how to use it, and you will never need to be reliant on anybodies toolkit.
Rgrds,
Ged.

[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