Database Users

[HOW-TO]Unlock the Bootloader on the Nvidia Shield

Introduction
The purpose of this guide is to provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to unlock the bootloader on your Nvidia Shield.
Why Would I want to Unlock my Bootloader?
Unlocking your bootloader allows you to modify all aspects of your device to suite your needs which includes but is not limited to, installing custom Recovery images such as Clockworkmod Recovery or Team Win Recovery Project, installing custom ROM's, custom Kernels, as well as other MOD's and patches.
Will Unlocking my Bootloader Void my Warranty?
Warning: Unlocking your Nvidia Shield's bootloader will void the warranty, please note that even if you re-lock the bootloader the bootloader still show a flag that the device is voided for warranty.
This warning being given please also see this post by JordanKeyes regarding warranty information as it relates to hardware issues or hardware failures.
Unlocking your Bootloader
1. Backup everything on your device that you don't want to loose such any apps (And there respective data), pictures, videos, music, etc. as unlocking your devices bootloader will erase all data on the device. You can fully backup your devices contents without root using ADB's backup command or by using the Holo Backup Tool.
2. Download and install the ADB and Fastboot drivers for your Shield, the drivers can be downloaded here. You can also follow along with wwjoshdew's excellent video tutorial on how to properly install the ADB and Fastboot drivers for your Shield on Windows.
3. Make sure you have ADB and Fastboot setup and installed on your computer. If you haven't already setup and installed ADB and Fastboot a simple ADB and Fastboot installer can be downloaded from here.
4. Fully power off your Shield by long pressing on the Power button until the power menu appears, then select the "Power off" option.
5. Boot your Shield into Fastboot mode using one of the following ways:
5. A. Power on your Shield while simultaneously holding the Power button + Back button + Home button. Release the buttons once the Fastboot bootloader screen appears.
5. B. Run the following ADB command from a command prompt window (USB cable must already be connected from your Shield to your Computer):
Code:
adb reboot bootloader
6.Now that you are at the Fastboot bootloader screen, connect your Shield to your computer using your USB cable. Make sure that your USB cable is plugged into a USB 2.0 port directly connected to your motherboard as sometimes USB 3.0 ports can cause problems and front panel USB connections can be unreliable.
7. Open up a command prompt window (cmd) in the directory where installed ADB and Fastboot to. For example if I installed ADB and Fastboot to a folder on my Desktop which is on my D: drive I would open a command window in "D:\Desktop\Fastboot_ADB".
8. From the command prompt windows enter the following command:
Code:
fastboot devices
If you device is detected and it shows your devices serial number you are ready to move on to the next step. If no device is shown make sure you have the correctly installed the ADB and Fastboot drivers from step number 2.
9. Now that your device is detected by Fastboot the following command is used to unlock your bootloader:
Code:
fastboot oem unlock
10. You will now be presented with the bootloader unlock menu. After reading the disclaimer, use the Back button and the Home button to navigate to the "Unlock" option. Once the "Unlock" option has been highlighted use the Shield button to confirm your selection of unlocking your bootloader. It's important to remember that unlocking the bootloader will wipe all your data from the device, and that a flag showing your warranty is void will appear at the bootloader screen.
11. Once your bootloader has finished being unlocked, you will be taken back to the fastboot bootloader screen. From here you can power off your Shield.
Re-locking your Bootloader
To re-lock your bootloader you can following steps 4-8 of the procedure listed above and when you come to step 9 run the following command instead of "fastboot oem unlock":
Code:
fastboot oem lock
The above command will re-lock your Shield's bootloader. Note: As previously mentioned re-locking your Shield's bootloader will not restore your warranty or remove the warranty void flag on your device's bootloader.
Conclusion
Now that you have successfully unlocked the bootloader on your Nvidia Shield you are free to flash custom Recoveries, ROM's, Kernel's, MOD's etc. enjoy :good:.
If you are stuck with the bootloader unlocking procedure I would recommend checking out this great video tutorial by wwjoshdew.

I'm having an issue unlocking the bootloader. I have the drivers and fastboot install successfully as well as adb and fastboot. I run the command "adb reboot bootloader" which reboots my shield into bootloader but when I run "fastboot devices" nothing shows up. USB debugging is enabled.
When the device is booted normally the command "adb devices" picks up the device. It is only in fastboot that adb commands aren't recognized.
I added a picture, any thoughts?
Edit: followed the instructions in the following video and all is dandy now. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSisjVwcPbE&hd=1

themichael said:
I'm having an issue unlocking the bootloader. I have the drivers and fastboot install successfully as well as adb and fastboot. I run the command "adb reboot bootloader" which reboots my shield into bootloader but when I run "fastboot devices" nothing shows up. USB debugging is enabled.
When the device is booted normally the command "adb devices" picks up the device. It is only in fastboot that adb commands aren't recognized.
I added a picture, any thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look in device manager and check if the PC recognizes the shield as an adb device when in fastboot.
For me i have to switch between using fastboot and being able to copy files to it.

fastboot error
chevyowner said:
Look in device manager and check if the PC recognizes the shield as an adb device when in fastboot.
For me i have to switch between using fastboot and being able to copy files to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi i am having issue with dab and fast boot drivers.
When I install the driver as adb I can't fast boot to install the thor.img but once it reboots It reverts or reinstalls a shield driver and causes confusion and blocks when I want to mount.

gogul1 said:
Hi i am having issue with dab and fast boot drivers.
When I install the driver as adb I can't fast boot to install the thor.img but once it reboots It reverts or reinstalls a shield driver and causes confusion and blocks when I want to mount.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nvidia just released a new set of USB drivers in their Tegra for Android Development Pack which you can download from here. I would recommend installing the development pack and the drivers it includes.

ok
I have done it and these are the new drivers I have under device manager.
Still can't mount though, operation not permitted Usb debugging enabled.
here are the two new drivers which let me get as far as the mount command but no further
View attachment 2210144
and here's it telling me no in abd and fastboot
View attachment 2210148

gogul1 said:
I have done it and these are the new drivers I have under device manager.
Still can't mount though, operation not permitted Usb debugging enabled.
here are the two new drivers which let me get as far as the mount command but no further
View attachment 2210144
and here's it telling me no in abd and fastboot
View attachment 2210148
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From that pic you posted the mount command failed because you were not root.

chevyowner said:
From that pic you posted the mount command failed because you were not root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have updated the original post in my manual rooting procedure thread that includes a new insecure boot.img that has a patched adbd binary to allow the insecure boot.img to provide a root shell when booted from.

shimp208 said:
I have updated the original post in my manual rooting procedure thread that includes a new insecure boot.img that has a patched adbd binary to allow the insecure boot.img to provide a root shell when booted from.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huh??????????
EDIT
Were you trying to answer this post

chevyowner said:
Huh??????????
EDIT
Were you trying to answer this post
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh what I meant chevyowner was since you had responded to that guy's post about him not having a root shell after booting the insecure boot.img I decided to jump in and mention I had updated the original post to include a new updated insecure boot.img that should fix his root shell problem. Sorry for any confusion I caused there buddy!

shimp208 said:
Oh what I meant chevyowner was since you had responded to that guy's post about him not having a root shell after booting the insecure boot.img I decided to jump in and mention I had updated the original post to include a new updated insecure boot.img that should fix his root shell problem. Sorry for any confusion I caused there buddy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem.
I had to change to oil in my car in a parking lot earlier because it was cheaper to change it then it would have been add 3-4 quarts and change it when I got home. My car need 5 quarts of oil. I was not in a a good mood then.

I made two videos on the NVIDIA Shield. Please let me know what you think @shimp208.
How To Unlock the Bootloader: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Am5WYRojMs
How To Root the Nvidia Shield: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4-C0CzKoFs

thx. works nice.

wwjoshdew said:
I made two videos on the NVIDIA Shield. Please let me know what you think @shimp208.
How To Unlock the Bootloader: [
How To Root the Nvidia Shield: []
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sweet thanks

wwjoshdew said:
I made two videos on the NVIDIA Shield. Please let me know what you think @shimp208.
How To Unlock the Bootloader: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Am5WYRojMs
How To Root the Nvidia Shield: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4-C0CzKoFs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried another proggie to root and got jammed up.. following the videos josh did had me rooted in minutes. Great job and thanks!

why?
Code:
C:\Users\Thomas>fastboot oem unlock
...
FAILED (command write failed (Unknown error))
finished. total time: 0.582s
I tried it with the Shield RAM tool, but won't work either..

so, i managed to root and install custom recovery without touching the bootloader. the status still reads as locked, but i am free to mod and install custom roms and such. i used towelroot apk. and flashify to flash the recovery image.

mr.dude5660 said:
so, i managed to root and install custom recovery without touching the bootloader. the status still reads as locked, but i am free to mod and install custom roms and such. i used towelroot apk. and flashify to flash the recovery image.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you find the towelroot apk? Been searching for over a month with no success.
Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk

BTW, bootloader mode on the tablet:
- Hold "Volume Down" -> Press "Power" and continue to hold "Volume Down" until device boots into bootloader mode.
There is no home or back button to press while the device is off.

Sorry for bump this thread, but i have to.
I want to unlock my bootloader to revert back into KK and then try to do a clean installation of LP. Reading this guide and watching the videos, and also looking into the img downloaded from nvidia, it says i have to install the fastboot drivers. The problem is that i have already installed fastboot and adb drivers since i have some other devices as a Xperia and stuff. For me, there is no Yellow sign as shown in the video, my device is recognized as Portable Device and it already says "Shield Tablet" MTP.
I've tried going into bootloader to see if it prompts any new devices but i got nothing. adb devices show my device, but i'm not sure if i need more.

Help rerooting after 4.3

My wife has a rooted nexus 7 2012 wifi and she unintentionally accepted the ota Android 4.3 update. So of course it unrooted her.
I originally had a hell of a time rooting this tablet using wugfresh nexus toolkit. Took me several days to succeed and the same thing is happening again. My Windows 7 laptop keeps installing the wrong drivers even though I selected the option to disable the auto driver configuration. Also USBDeview never shows the installed Samsung adb drivers yet when I try to install them I am warned they are already installed. It's already been hours and who knows how many retries and reboots!
So even though I'm a newbie I decided to go the Android sdk route.
1. Where do I download the files I need to just root the darn tablet?
2. What do I do next?
Please keep it simple........
Anyone want to walk me through it on the phone?
Thanks

If you are new to using SDK, check this out for a well laid out tut on how to get set up and rooted.

I now have android sdk set up.
What are the commands I should issue to root?
Thanks

now you need to flash a custom recovery then flash a root zip file via windows command prompt...Have you figured out how to interface with your device and the windows command prompt? eg;
-a good first command is "adb devices" and see if it lists your device, if it does your golden...
-then you would issue "adb reboot bootloader"
-once in bootloader you would issue "fastboot flash recovery whateverrecoveryouchose.img"
-then while in bootloader toggle with the volume keys to "recovery" option and press power
-now you will be in your new recovery you just flashed and you can push the zipped root file you chose to the sdcard, "adb push rootyouchose.zip /sdcard/"
-once its been pushed you can flash it in recovery and reboot, and you are now rooted
-this is the latest cwm recovery that you could flash in fastboot as described above
-this would be the root file you want to push then flash in recovery
-this may be of some help, scroll down halfway

Thank you so much for helping. You can't know how much it is appreciated.
-a good first command is "adb devices" and see if it lists your device, if it does your golden...
Got that. It works!!
-then you would issue "adb reboot bootloader"
Worked! Got the Android on his back.
-once in bootloader you would issue "fastboot flash recovery whateverrecoveryouchose.img"
Is recovery image on my pc or the tablet?
Why do I have to indicate the img name here if I will later select it

When I write
Fastboot flash......... Img
I get
Unknown partition 'the image file name'
"error : cannot determine image filename for. '.......'

You need to have downloaded a recovery image, that is what you flash I linked to one on my last post, that file is called "recovery-clockwork-touch-6.0.4.3-grouper.img" so you would issue,
fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-touch-6.0.4.3-grouper.img
"fastboot flash recovery" is telling it to flash a recovery file and "recovery-clockwork-touch-6.0.4.3-grouper.img" is the recovery file in this case to be flashed so, combined its, "fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-touch-6.0.4.3-grouper.img"
I do not use Windows, I use a terminal instead of windows command prompt so I can't be specific as I am not too familiar with windows command prompt. With terminal it is much easier in my opinion but you need to be running nix or Mac OS to have a terminal

OK, still can't get past the final stage in rooting my wife's nexus 2012 nexus 7.
I have the proper drivers installed and it connects fine with my Windows 7 laptop.
From a Windows 7 command prompt
1. "abd devices "
Correctly returns the attached nexus
2. "abd reboot bootloader "
Correctly reboots the tablet
3. **here's where things breakdown :
I downloaded the latest twrp openrecovery img for grouper and renamed it (for simpler typing)
" openrecovery-twrp-grouper.img"
However, when I now issue the command
"fastboot flash recovery openrecovery-twrp-grouper.img"
I get an error :
Cannot open openrecovery-twrp-grouper.img
The same thing happened with the clockwork-touch recovery img. That is why I downloaded the twrp img which I am more familiar with anyway.
So, am I missing a step between rebooting the bootloader and flashing the recovery? After the bootloader is rebooted and I get the Android on his back with an empty belly, do I need to do something else before flashing?
Do I need to put the recovery image somewhere special in the nexus file structure?
I'm stuck.
Thanks

Anderson2 said:
OK, still can't get past the final stage in rooting my wife's nexus 2012 nexus 7.
I have the proper drivers installed and it connects fine with my Windows 7 laptop.
From a Windows 7 command prompt
1. "abd devices "
Correctly returns the attached nexus
2. "abd reboot bootloader "
Correctly reboots the tablet
3. **here's where things breakdown :
I downloaded the latest twrp openrecovery img for grouper and renamed it (for simpler typing)
" openrecovery-twrp-grouper.img"
However, when I now issue the command
"fastboot flash recovery openrecovery-twrp-grouper.img"
I get an error :
Cannot open openrecovery-twrp-grouper.img
The same thing happened with the clockwork-touch recovery img. That is why I downloaded the twrp img which I am more familiar with anyway.
So, am I missing a step between rebooting the bootloader and flashing the recovery? After the bootloader is rebooted and I get the Android on his back with an empty belly, do I need to do something else before flashing?
Do I need to put the recovery image somewhere special in the nexus file structure?
I'm stuck.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, Anderson2...
If I may throw in my couple of cents...
The recovery.img file to be fastboot flashed (TWRP or CWM, it really doesn't matter which) needs be to stored on your PC... on the same PATH as the FASTBOOT.EXE file. The easiest way of accomplishing this, is to copy it directly into the folder that contains your FASTBOOT and ADB executables.
Where this folder is located on your PC depends on how you have fastboot setup, but it's usually stored in a folder called /Platform-Tools (if I remember correctly). But because I've never bothered myself installing the whole Android SDK (of which Fastboot is a part of) on my PC, I'm not sure of it's precise PATH (ie. it's location) but I think it's somewhere in the Android SDK folder.
For myself, I just maintain a simple folder on the Windows desktop containing the FASTBOOT.EXE and ADB.EXE files and a few necessary Windows .DLL files. When I wish to fastboot flash a Custom Recovery, I simply copy the Custom Recovery .img file (TWRP or CWM) into this folder, rename it to recovery.img (renaming it thus makes typing at the command prompt easier, and reduces the scope for potential typos)... boot the Nexus 7 into the bootloader, hook it up to my PC via USB. And then open a command prompt on the folder, and run...
Code:
fastboot devices
This is purely diagnostic, and hopefully confirms a working fastboot connection.
You should see something like this...
Code:
025d2d424bxxxxx fastboot
A serial number followed by the word fastboot. If you see this, you can go ahead and run...
Code:
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
(This command assumes an unlocked bootloader... indicated by an unlocked padlock symbol under the Google logo upon boot. If it isn't, you should unlock it with fastboot oem unlock BEFORE fastboot flashing the Custom Recovery).
My point is, though... the 'recovery.img' to be flashed must be in the same folder as the FASTBOOT.EXE file, or as you have discovered, you will get the error "Cannot open recovery-twrp-grouper.img".
If fastboot can't find it.. it can't open it.
Hope this helps.
Rgrds.
Ged.

GedBlake said:
Hi, Anderson2...
If I may throw in my couple of cents...
The recovery.img file to be fastboot flashed (TWRP or CWM, it really doesn't matter which) needs be to stored on your PC... on the same PATH as the FASTBOOT.EXE file. The easiest way of accomplishing this, is to copy it directly into the folder that contains your FASTBOOT and ADB executables.
Where this folder is located on your PC depends on how you have fastboot setup, but it's usually stored in a folder called /Platform-Tools (if I remember correctly). But because I've never bothered myself installing the whole Android SDK (of which Fastboot is a part of) on my PC, I'm not sure of it's precise PATH (ie. it's location) but I think it's somewhere in the Android SDK folder.
For myself, I just maintain a simple folder on the Windows desktop containing the FASTBOOT.EXE and ADB.EXE files and a few necessary Windows .DLL files. When I wish to fastboot flash a Custom Recovery, I simply copy the Custom Recovery .img file (TWRP or CWM) into this folder, rename it to recovery.img (renaming it thus makes typing at the command prompt easier, and reduces the scope for potential typos)... boot the Nexus 7 into the bootloader, hook it up to my PC via USB. And then open a command prompt on the folder, and run...
Code:
fastboot devices
This is purely diagnostic, and hopefully confirms a working fastboot connection.
You should see something like this...
Code:
025d2d424bxxxxx fastboot
A serial number followed by the word fastboot. If you see this, you can go ahead and run...
Code:
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
(This command assumes an unlocked bootloader... indicated by an unlocked padlock symbol under the Google logo upon boot. If it isn't, you should unlock it with fastboot oem unlock BEFORE fastboot flashing the Custom Recovery).
My point is, though... the 'recovery.img' to be flashed must be in the same folder as the FASTBOOT.EXE file, or as you have discovered, you will get the error "Cannot open recovery-twrp-grouper.img".
If fastboot can't find it.. it can't open it.
Hope this helps.
Rgrds.
Ged.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much! That is very helpful. I had assumed the recovery img should be on the tablet. No wonder fastboot could not find it! I'm sure that will solve my problem.
Thank you for helping. I'm slowly learning my way around the adb, fastboot commands as I'm sure I'll need them again when 4.4 unroots me again.

Anderson2 said:
Thank you very much! That is very helpful. I had assumed the recovery img should be on the tablet. No wonder fastboot could not find it! I'm sure that will solve my problem.
Thank you for helping. I'm slowly learning my way around the adb, fastboot commands as I'm sure I'll need them again when 4.4 unroots me again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, problem Anderson2... glad to help.
Adb and fastboot are indeed powerful and useful tools, and I would strongly recommend anybody wishing to 'modify' their Nexus 7 (everything from rooting to flashing Custom ROMs) to familiarise themselves with the fundamentals of their operation... rather than relying on toolkits.
There are actually ways of flashing TWRP or CWM Custom Recoveries directly from the Nexus 7 itself, without recourse to either fastboot or the need for a PC... by using apps like Flash Image GUI or Flashify. But these apps need you to be already rooted, unfortunately.
So to summarize how to acquire root the old fashioned way....
---------------------------------------
1). Unlock the bootloader first with fastboot oem unlock. For security reasons, this will factory reset the device... ie., WIPE everything on it.
...but I assume your Nexus 7's bootloader is already unlocked, given it's been rooted once before.
And so swiftly skipping forward to step 2...
2). Fastboot flash a Custom Recovery (CWM or TWRP) with fastboot flash recovery recovery.img... where 'recovery.img' is the Custom Recovery of your choice. Reboot the device by using the Custom Recovery's own reboot option.
3). Download Chainfire's UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.65.zip root package directly to your Nexus 7. This DOES need to be on the Nexus 7. Most Android browsers (including Chrome) download stuff to the /download folder on the devices internal storage. You'll need to remember the location, for when you come to flash it with either CWM or TWRP.
4). Boot the Nexus 7 into the bootloader. Although you can do it with adb reboot bootloader, you can also do it manually as follows...
- Shut down the Nexus 7 completely.
- Press and hold the VOL-DOWN button... whilst holding, press the POWER-ON button for about 5-10 seconds. The device should now boot into the bootloader.
5). Boot into your Custom Recovery... whilst in the bootloader, use the VOL-KEYS to navigate to the RECOVERY MODE option, and press the POWER BUTTON to select. The device will now boot into either CWM or TWRP Custom Recovery.... whichever one you fastboot flashed earlier.
6). Now to ROOT!
** If using TWRP... tap on the INSTALL button, and then navigate to the /download folder on the Nexus 7's internal storage, and where Chainfires UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.65.zip is awaiting. Tap on it, and Swipe to Confirm Flash.
** If using CWM... tap on the INSTALL ZIP option, followed by CHOOSE ZIP FROM /SDCARD... tap on the folder 0/... this gives you access to the internal storage of the Nexus 7... from which you can navigate to the /download folder, where again, Chainfires UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.65.zip is awaiting. Tap on NO (the first default option) or YES - Install UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.65.zip.
On every screen in the CWM filemanager (by which you navigate) there is ALWAYS a ++++Go Back++++ option at the bottom of the screen. So you can always backout out of anything. In CWM you can also use the VOL UP and DOWN keys to scroll, with the POWER-BUTTON to select an option.
Once you have flashed Chainfire's SuperSU root package, reboot the device with the Custom Recovery's own reboot option.
Upon reboot, and whichever Custom Recovery you're using , it ***MIGHT*** suggest you are unrooted... and offer to fix root for you. Ignore it, and continue to reboot.
---------------------------------------
And that's it... that's how you root a first generation Nexus 7 (2012).
Hope this is of use and... Good luck.
Rgrds,
Ged.

GedBlake said:
No, problem Anderson2... glad to help.
Adb and fastboot are indeed powerful and useful tools, and I would strongly recommend anybody wishing to 'modify' their Nexus 7 (everything from rooting to flashing Custom ROMs) to familiarise themselves with the fundamentals of their operation... rather than relying on toolkits.
There are actually ways of flashing TWRP or CWM Custom Recoveries directly from the Nexus 7 itself, without recourse to either fastboot or the need for a PC... by using apps like Flash Image GUI or Flashify. But these apps need you to be already rooted, unfortunately.
So to summarize how to acquire root the old fashioned way....
---------------------------------------
1). Unlock the bootloader first with fastboot oem unlock. For security reasons, this will factory reset the device... ie., WIPE everything on it. I assume your bootloader is already unlocked.
So swiftly skipping forward to step 2....
2). Fastboot flash a Custom Recovery (CWM or TWRP) with fastboot flash recovery recovery.img... where 'recovery.img' is the Custom Recovery of your choice. Reboot the device by using the Custom Recovery's own reboot option.
3). Download Chainfire's UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.65.zip root package directly to your Nexus 7. This DOES need to be on the Nexus 7. Most Android browsers (including Chrome) download stuff to the /download folder on the devices internal storage. You'll need to remember the location, for when you come to flash it with either CWM or TWRP.
4). Boot the Nexus 7 into the bootloader. Although you can do it with adb reboot bootloader, you can also do it manually as follows...
- Shut down the Nexus 7 completely.
- Press and hold the VOL-DOWN button... whilst holding, press the POWER-ON button for about 5-10 seconds. The device should now boot into the bootloader.
5). Boot into your Custom Recovery... whilst in the bootloader, use the VOL-KEYS to navigate to the RECOVERY MODE option, and press the POWER BUTTON to select. The device will now boot into either CWM or TWRP Custom Recovery.... whichever one you fastboot flashed earlier.
6). Now to ROOT!
** If using TWRP... tap on the INSTALL button, and then navigate to the /download folder on the Nexus 7's internal storage, and where Chainfires UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.65.zip is awaiting. Tap on it, and Swipe to Confirm Flash.
** If using CWM... tap on the INSTALL ZIP option, followed by CHOOSE ZIP FROM /SDCARD... tap on the folder 0/... this gives you access to the internal storage of the Nexus 7... from which you can navigate to the /download folder, where again, Chainfires UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.65.zip is awaiting. Tap on NO (the first default option) or YES - Install UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.65.zip.
On every screen in the CWM filemanager (by which you navigate) there is ALWAYS a ++++Go Back++++ option at the bottom of the screen. So you can always backout out of anything. In CWM you can also use the VOL UP and DOWN keys to scroll, with the POWER-BUTTON to select an option.
Once you have flashed Chainfire's SuperSU root package, reboot the device with the Custom Recovery's own reboot option.
Upon reboot, and whichever Custom Recovery you're using , it ***MIGHT*** suggest you are unrooted... and offer to fix root for you. Ignore it, and continue to reboot.
---------------------------------------
And that's it... that's how you root a first generation Nexus 7 (2012).
Hope this is of use and... Good luck.
Rgrds,
Ged.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you all very much. I greatly appreciate your help.
This post should be a sticky!
One more question, this nexus 7 2012 is my wife's. But I also own a nexus 7I this one a 2013 which is currently rooted with Android 4.3 and twrp Nandroid backups. I'm afraid that when the 4.4 ota upgrade comes along it might again unroot both our tablets. Are the rooting commands or procedures different for the 2013 nexus 7 (other than using a flo recovery img,) or do I do exactly the same as described above?
Again, you guys are wonderful to help us newbies out. Many thanks to all. Wish I could do something in return.

Anderson2 said:
Thank you all very much. I greatly appreciate your help.
This post should be a sticky!
One more question, this nexus 7 2012 is my wife's. But I also own a nexus 7I this one a 2013 which is currently rooted with Android 4.3 and twrp Nandroid backups. I'm afraid that when the 4.4 ota upgrade comes along it might again unroot both our tablets. Are the rooting commands or procedures different for the 2013 nexus 7 (other than using a flo recovery img,) or do I do exactly the same as described above?
Again, you guys are wonderful to help us newbies out. Many thanks to all. Wish I could do something in return.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello again, Anderson2...
Well, you sort of are already doing something in return.... you're asking questions.
Questions that require answers. Those answers, whoever posts them, may be of assistance to somebody else. Somebody else looking for a solution to a similar problem.
I always look upon these forums as a means of sharing. Not everybody can know everything. God knows, I don't know everything.... and I've been messing around with Android for three years now. So don't worry so much about it being a quid pro quo sort of arrangement.
I know what I know primarily as a result of my own experiences and what I've learned here from the many (in most cases, more knowledgeable) posters here on XDA. What you learn today, you can pass on to others, tomorrow (metaphorically speaking). We, all of us, stand on the shoulders of each other.
With regard to the second generation Nexus 7 (2013)... I'm afraid I really don't know much about it... but I'd be surprised if rooting it deviated significantly from rooting the first generation Nexus 7....
Namely...
1). Unlock the bootloader.
2). Flash a Custom Recovery.
3). Using that Custom Recovery, flash some SU root package... probably from Chainfire.
Anyway, I've found this tutorial here...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2382051
...and it appears to follow a very similar template.
The Nexus 7 (2013) forum itself, which is also worth visiting, is located here....
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-7-2013
Rgrds,
Ged.

[Beginners Guide] Unlock & Custom ROM your TF300

I have been asked to port my "Beginners Guide" from the TF700 forum for the TF300. Since both tablets are very similar, that was not too hard to do
If I have missed to update a link specific for the TF300, do let me know please.
And the standard disclaimer: I am not responsible if you misunderstand instructions I give here, if my instructions are wrong, if you forget to charge the battery and the tablet dies halfway through a flash or if your house goes up in flames. YOU DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK
These instructions assume that you are on the latest Asus bootloader: 10.6.1.27.5
To determine which bootloader you currently have:
From an "Off" state, boot the tablet with Volume Down and Power into the bootloader menu. Read the small script in the upper left. You'll see
US_epad-10.6.1.27.5-20130801" or similar.
US or WW, JP, CN is your SKU or region
10.6.1.27.5 is your bootloader version
20130801 is the build date (and immaterial in most cases).
First things first:
Backup everything on your tablet you care about to an external microSD or your PC. Don't worry about your apps. You can always install them from the Play Store.
This is just common sense. It is not inherently risky to flash custom ROMs. But something can wrong at any time and you have to be careful. If you are, this is a safe procedure.
Basically the process of flashing a custom ROM on the TF300 involves three steps:
1) Unlock the bootloader using Asus' Unlock tool
2) Install a custom recovery on the tablet
3) Flash a custom ROM of your choice using said custom recovery​
Unlocking the bootloader
Your tablet should be fully charged at this point!
Make sure "USB debugging" is checked in Settings > Developer Options (if you don't see it, go to About Tablet and tap 7 times on Build Number)
Go to Asus website: https://www.asus.com/support/Download/28/1/0/9/8BmzkQ4yoz5WzBrW/32/
Choose "Android" for OS and look for the "Utilities" on the resulting page.
Download the Asus Unlock Tool v7 (not v8! It says v7 is for ICS but it'll work fine on JB - see below)
The tool downloads as a .rar file which is an archive you have to decompress. 7zip is a free and very good Windows tool that will do it for you
On your tablet, in Settings > Security check "Unknown Sources"
Copy the .apk you extracted from the .rar archive to your tablet.
Find the apk in your tablet's file browser, tap it and let it install
Open the app and follow the instructions. You will loose your warranty as soon as you click "I agree".
Update 2/15: Google added another wrinkle: It now checks even sideloaded apps and refuses to install them if they are considered not secure. The Unlock tool seems to fail their test. v8 does not install at all anymore. v7 will install if you allow "less secure apps" in your Google account settings. On the web - not your Google account on the tablet
July 2015: And another wrinkel... It seems to be pretty consistent now that the Unlock Tool hangs on the Google account password step. I suspect something changed on the Google side. It probably doesn't allow the tool to check/compare the password anymore. There have been quite a few security changes lately and the unlock tool never gets updated so I suspect that Google now is blocking access by the tool to it's servers.
The work-around is easy enough: Delete the Google account from the tablet (Settings > Accounts), then run the tool again. If that doesn't do it, do a factory reset from Settings, reboot and during the initial setup establish a WiFi connection but skip the google account setup, then run the tool
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This can be a 5 Minute operation that goes without a hitch or a very frustrating experience with lots of error messages. There is no definite rhyme or reason for this. For some people it works like a charm, for others it works after 15, 25 or 55 attempts, for some never.... This problem is widely discussed on several forums. Google it if you hit that roadblock.
To check if you are unlocked, boot the tablet and read the tiny script. It should say:
The device is unlocked.
Installing a custom recovery on your tablet
I highly recommend you choose TWRP as your custom recovery. If you want CWM, you are on your own.
To push TWRP to your tablet you need to set up "Fastboot" between your tablet and your PC. Fastboot is a protocol that enables you low level access to your tablet.
Practice/Background
Power down your tablet and disconnect it from the dock
Push and hold the Volume Down key (left side of the rocker) and the Power key until you feel the tablet vibrate twice. Let go when you see the tiny script. Read it and it tells you that your tablet is now in fastboot mode and you will see three icons (I assume again you are on a JB 4.2 bootloader. In older bootloaders you had 4 icons and had to select the USB icon to get into fastboot mode):
RCK - (which should be flashing) is your recovery (the stock recovery at this point, but once TWRP is installed this is one way to get into it)
Android - is your system, selecting it boots you back to into your ROM.
Wipe Data - stay away! Especially with custom software installed never, ever use this option!
To toggle between the three icons use Volume Down, to select one use Volume Up. Try it but do not push Volume Up when the 'Wipe data' icon is flashing!​
Installing ADB and fastboot plus the necessary drivers
For a working ADB/fastboot connection from PC to tablet you need:
a) Asus device drivers – if you connect the tablet to your PC and it's recognized as a portable device you should be ok. If not, download the Asus Sync Utility from their support/downloads site and install it to get the drivers, then uninstall the program from your PC if you don't want it. The drivers will stay.
b) Fastboot and ADB drivers which will be installed if you run the tool below.
Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10:
Download and run this cool little tool [TOOL] [WINDOWS] ADB, Fastboot and Drivers - 15 seconds ADB Installer v1.1 - xda-developers (don't forget to hit the Thanks button)
The tool installs the adb and fastboot.exe to a folder on your C:\ drive (look for adb) and the corresponding drivers. Takes about 15 seconds.
On Windows 8 and 10 you need to turn off the driver verification feature. Here's a great video on how to do it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afrvSGiMAtk
Or - even better - here's a quick command line toggle to achieve the same (thank you @Jack_Hardin):
Jack_Hardin said:
If you're running W10, you can disable Device Driver Signing without following the procedure in the linked video, but by (more simply) right-clicking on the Start button, selecting Command Prompt (Admin) and then typing:
Code:
BCDEDIT /set nointegritychecks ON
Doing the same with OFF at the end of the string, as easy to guess as it looks, will reenable them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jack_Hardin said:
Win XP (and all other Win versions if the above does not work for some reason)
I recommend the "ADB Install Tool" mentioned above or the 'Minimal ADB Fastboot Tool': [TOOL]Minimal ADB and Fastboot [7-18-13] - xda-developers
Either works fine.
If you need the drivers, get them here and install manually in Device Manager:[ADB/FB/APX Driver] Universal Naked Driver 0.72 (We dont need no stinking HTC Sync) - xda-developers
Win7 and Win8 users seem to have the best luck wth the drivers sbdags provided here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2646279
It's fine if you want to use his Recovery Install Tool from that thread. But I highly recommend you familiarize yourself with basic fastboot commands! There are lots of tuturials all over the web.
Linux:Check out this site https://code.google.com/p/adb-fastboot-install/
iOS:[GUIDE] Set up ADB and Fastboot on a Mac easily (With Screenshots!) - xda-developers or:
http://htc-one.wonderhowto.com/how-...-mac-os-x-send-commands-your-htc-one-0151178/
The fun begins
Fastboot does not play well with USB 3.0, so use a USB 2.0 port for this. And no hubs and such....
Boot the tablet into fastboot mode and connect it to your computer via the original USB cable
In Windows Explorer navigate to the folder that contains your adb.exe and fastboot.exe
Win 7/8: Shift + right click and select "Open command window here".
For Win XP click here
select 'Run' from the Start menu, type
Code:
cmd
and hit Enter. In the resulting command prompt type
Code:
cd C:\adb\ [I](or whatever the path to your fastboot folder is..)[/I]
In the command window on your PC type:
Code:
fastboot devices
If that command returns a string of numbers and letters, you are good as gold.
Click me: View attachment 3070087
If it returns: "No devices found", fastboot is not working - yet - and you have to troubleshoot.
Getting the correct drivers working can be the hardest part of this exercise. If your computer does not "see" the tablet in fastboot, try to uninstall the existing driver (if any) in Device Manager and manually install the drivers I linked to above. And if Windows does not cooperate at all, PM me and I can hook you up with a Puppy Linux live CD with fastboot/adb set up already.
Let's assume everything is good:
On your computer go here: https://dl.twrp.me/tf300t/
Download the latest version of TWRP.
FYI ONLY: If, for whatever reason, you want to format your data partition:
Formatting /data starting with TWRP 2.7.x and later takes a lot longer than in previous versions (up to 90 minutes). LET IT FINISH. DO NOT INTERRUPT THE FORMATTING.
Rename the file to twrp.blob and place it into the same directory as your fastboot.exe. Note: More recent versions of TWRP download with an .img extension. Leave the extensions as is, rename the first part to watever is easy to type
Again check the connection with
Code:
fastboot devices
If you get the connection, in the command window type:
Code:
fastboot -i 0x0B05 flash recovery twrp.blob
or
Code:
fastboot -i 0x0B05 flash recovery twrp.img
This will flash the recovery to the recovery partition
If it is successful type:
Code:
fastboot reboot
and let the tablet boot up normally.
You may get a dialog in TWRP offering to root the stock rom. You can accept or cancel it - doesn't matter. I assume you are going to install a custom rom and they are rooted anyway.
Create a nandroid
Your almost there! You are now on the stock ROM with a custom recovery installed.
Power the tablet down and boot into the bootloader menu with Volume Down and Power buttons.
With RCK flashing, push Volume Up and you should boot into TWRP. Familiarize yourself with the many options of the touch based interface without executing anything yet. TWRP is very user friendly. You basically cannot do anything of consequence "by accident", so don't be shy.
To create your Nandroid (a full system backup) touch "Backup", leave the default selection as they are and swipe the button to create a nandroid of your current system.
This is a very healthy habit to develop: You always want to have a nandroid of your last working system squared away so that you can do a simple restore if you flash something that does not work, or something goes wrong during a flash. With a working recovery and a good nandroid you are minutes away from a working system if you soft brick your tablet.
Hint:
It's a good idea to have at least one good nandroid on external media. Sooner or later you will format your data partition and if you're like me, you may forget to backup your nandroids in the heat of the moment..
Installing a custom ROM
From here on out it's as easy as downloading the installation file of your custom ROM, booting into TWRP, choosing "Install" and navigating to the zip of the ROM you want to flash.
If you see a "signed" in the zip file name (best_rom_ever_signed.zip), make sure you check "verify zip signature" under the "Install" menu. Some devs sign their ROM zips - a better way to ensure file integrity than md5 sum.
Whatever you decide to flash: READ THE OP of the corresponding thread and make sure you have the correct bootloader and the required recovery installed! I can't stress this enough! If you are not sure, DO NOT FLASH!
Look for the ROMs in the Development section of the XDA forum for this tablet: http://forum.xda-developers.com/transformer-tf300t/development
It is mandatory to do a Factory Wipe in TWRP before installing a custom ROM or going from one ROM base to another (a so called clean install).
If you choose 'Wipe' in TWRP, all you have to do is swipe the button - 'Factory Wipe' is the default selection under the 'Wipe' menu. You will loose your apps, but it will not wipe your /data/media/ folder where your files, pictures, etc live.
If you do this right before flashing the custom ROM, make sure you have the zip file of your custom ROM on your microSD - not on your internal SD where it may get wiped....
Once you installed a custom recovery NEVER EVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES - AND I REPEAT: NEVER! - use the 'Wipe Data' option from the bootloader menu or the "Factory Reset" option in Settings > Backup&Restore.
In your custom recovery you have the option to wipe, backup and restore every partition on your tablet selectively or collectively. Any wiping, any backup and any restore of the system, data, recovery or boot partitions MUST be done in your recovery (or in fastboot)!
You can safely use Titanium Backup or Asus Backup for apps and settings, but that's it. For everything else use your recovery.
FREE ADVICE
There are alternative methods to flash a recovery to your device using apps like GooManager (currently not supported anyway), TWRP Manager or Flashify from the Play Store which do it right from your tablet. These apps "save you the trouble" of getting ADB and fastboot set up and working on your PC. These methods still exist and they do work - mostly - and if you have root. But I would not recommend them.
If you are not willing to invest the time to learn the basics about ADB and fastboot (google "adb fastboot xda tutorial") and install the necessary drivers on your PC, you should not be flashing anything to your tablet!
GET ADB AND FASTBOOT WORKING!
Sooner or later you will do something stupid (I have done it and so will you) and ADB/fastboot may save your bacon IF you had it working when you didn't really need it.
Hit the 'Thanks' button and rate the thread 5 stars if this helped you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Save it for later

Mine

sbdags said:
@stamatis could we sticky this please.
Brilliant post Bernd :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can we make that happen here to @stamatis
Thx Josh

Nice one Bernd! :good::good:

boot sequence
Hi,
Is normal to see three TUX and some phrases at the power on ?
Can I hide it ?
tnkx
Nicola

You mean the penguins?
That's normal I'd you're running a Rom that uses _that's preinit scripts. You can't hide them - why would you?

thank you SO much
I love you!
Wow, I've never had so much trouble rooting a device before! And days ago, I rooted my T700 without any problems. So, I guess I should have expected the hubby's TF300T to be problematic! Recoveries didn't work, I tried multiple ones. Eventually, I had a recovery that didn't recognize any partitions. I used fastboot to erase them all and put the stock ROM back on--wouldn't boot up. This thread was an immense help! I've moved the other recoveries and ROMs into my non-working folder!
Thanks again!
Lynne

Awesome
What a well written guide! I have a decent understanding of fastboot and adb (although minimal experience), and I perfectly understood every step.
My advice to all newbies like me.... Read stuff ALL of the way through (and understand it), BEFORE stepping off in it.

ok im a bit lost... i have rooted both Nexus 7s, nook hd and hd+, a tf101, and a few tv boxes.. so im not sure why this is hanging up... im trying to root and install the TWRP recovery on a tf300... followed the instructions and even have the char string that means... every thing should be good to go.... have checked that the twrp is in the dir of adb... but when i try to push the twrp.blob to the tf300, it just give me.. this error..
c:\adb>fastboot devices
015d14febf64041b fastboot
c:\adb>fastboot -i 0x0B05 flash recovery twrp.blob
sending 'recovery' (6800 KB)...
FAILED (command write failed (Invalid argument))
finished. total time: 0.002s
so.. at this point i not sure what else to trouble shoot... the tablet is in fastboot mode.. adb sees the tablet.. at least that is what the char string confirms.... so any help would be very much appreciated.. just a bit lost on this...
chris

scuzzo said:
ok im a bit lost... i have rooted both Nexus 7s, nook hd and hd+, a tf101, and a few tv boxes.. so im not sure why this is hanging up... im trying to root and install the TWRP recovery on a tf300... followed the instructions and even have the char string that means... every thing should be good to go.... have checked that the twrp is in the dir of adb... but when i try to push the twrp.blob to the tf300, it just give me.. this error..
c:\adb>fastboot devices
015d14febf64041b fastboot
c:\adb>fastboot -i 0x0B05 flash recovery twrp.blob
sending 'recovery' (6800 KB)...
FAILED (command write failed (Invalid argument))
finished. total time: 0.002s
so.. at this point i not sure what else to trouble shoot... the tablet is in fastboot mode.. adb sees the tablet.. at least that is what the char string confirms.... so any help would be very much appreciated.. just a bit lost on this...
chris
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The bootloader is unlocked yes ?
What is your bootloader version ?
Try a different USB port ?
Thx Josh

lj50036 said:
The bootloader is unlocked yes ?
What is your bootloader version ?
Try a different USB port ?
Thx Josh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hello,
bootloader is unlocked or at least it says it is at the boot screen.. "your device is unlocked"..
real time... just swapped ports... its says it pushed the recovery.... so... will continue along this path.... and see how it goes.... i think its good to go... just as you suggested... port swap... cool... i bought this just so i could root it and put the kit kat kis rom on it.... thanks for your help and big ups to OP.... great guide ...
thanks again.!

Nice guide!
I've been wanting to put a custom rom on my transformer for a long time. This guide worked like a charm.
The only problem I had was when I tried to flash TWRP recovery, but switching USB port fixed that problem.
I flashed the latest CM12.1 nightly and it works fine.
Many thanks!

Help please, I'm stuck!
I'm trying to flash recovery,
after typing:
fastboot -i 0x0B05 flash recovery twrp.blob
I got this on tablet screen:
"Starting Fastboot USB download protocol"
for about 25-30 already and nothing happens, any ideas?
thanks

You won't see anything on the tablet screen, but what does the command window say?
Go back, read the guide again, it's all in there....
Sent from my K00C using Tapatalk

berndblb said:
You won't see anything on the tablet screen, but what does the command window say?
The command window didn't say anything, just blinking cursor after my command line
Go back, read the guide again, it's all in there....
Sent from my K00C using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mishka79 said:
I'm trying to flash recovery,
after typing:
fastboot -i 0x0B05 flash recovery twrp.blob
I got this on tablet screen:
"Starting Fastboot USB download protocol"
for about 25-30 already and nothing happens, any ideas?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks,
After writing the question, I've restarted my tablet and did all the steps again.
The second time everything worked as it should. :good:
thanks for your great guide

Really great guide
Amazing guide thanks for the help

Thank you for this good tutorial but I have one question.
I'm a newbie here, here is my dilemma: I've flashed CM android 5.1.1 successfully from stock 4.2. (Thanks for this detailed tutorial), but I lost my root privileges, now I can't use my root apps. How do I apply root to this ROM? My device is an ASUS TF300T. I've tried Kingo Root and King Root but no success.
I would really appreciate your help and inputs.
Cheers!

ANDROIDYER said:
I'm a newbie here, here is my dilemma: I've flashed CM android 5.1.1 successfully from stock 4.2. (Thanks for this detailed tutorial), but I lost my root privileges, now I can't use my root apps. How do I apply root to this ROM? My device is an ASUS TF300T. I've tried Kingo Root and King Root but no success.
I would really appreciate your help and inputs.
Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not used CM in quite a while but I think you have to enable root in Developer Options. I think it is not enabled by default.
If hat does not work you can go to Chainfire's website and download the flashable SuperSU and just flash it in recovery

Thanks and a couple of notes on TF300T
Thanks so much for the great guide. My 300TF was nearly bricked due to slowness and freeze-ups. I'd stopped using it. The process worked and am now running KatKiss. Couple of problems and their solutions for anyone who may have the 300TF:
-When trying to "Unlock Bootloader" I kept getting to "enter Google password" but when I did so (correctly) it was not accepted. The solution was to do another factory reset and NOT install google services. Didn't ask for password after that.
-Used fastboot command line to install "twrp.blob" but nothing happened and it timed out. I had to take out other usb connect programs first (in my case "easy-tether" and my LG phone connect app.) After that everything went as per your guide.
Thanks again
Geneg

And now what i do with my Axon 7?

Hello everyone. Meanwhile you excuse me for imperfect English but I use translator, my English language is rusted...
I have a A2017G, I have managed to unlock the bootloader, install TWRP and SuperSu on 6.0.1 version But then I have had the nice idea to update to 7.1.1 then have put update. zip file (renamed), in SD card, turn off the terminal, enter into TWRP but it Disappear!!! Only Originale...io recovery make flash and device updated to B09.
I want to install TWRP and SuperSu and put alternative ROMs but I can't do anything! If I open PowerShell window in adb folder and command "ADB reboot bootloader", the device reboot and appear a screen where to " your devices software can't be checked for corruption, please lock the bootloader", ecc ecc, If I squeeze volume on, it will get into recovery, if I don't do anything it reboot normally.
I can not get into fastboot mode, I fail to install TWRP. What is the best way to go back? or reset everything and start again? I have tried to downgrade from Nougat to MM via SD but after about 1 minute of analysis I aborted the installation....
However the phone will work normally even without all these things but I have purchased ZTE for modding and I don't bear to have half fatto...in work the most difficult thing to be unlocking the bootloader and I do this thing...

Let me link you my ingenious, allmighty Axon 7 Companion Thread.

Try to install twrp with MiFlash if you can enter edl mode

macerf said:
Hello everyone. Meanwhile you excuse me for imperfect English but I use translator, my English language is rusted...
I have a A2017G, I have managed to unlock the bootloader, install TWRP and SuperSu on 6.0.1 version But then I have had the nice idea to update to 7.1.1 then have put update. zip file (renamed), in SD card, turn off the terminal, enter into TWRP but it Disappear!!! Only Originale...io recovery make flash and device updated to B09.
I want to install TWRP and SuperSu and put alternative ROMs but I can't do anything! If I open PowerShell window in adb folder and command "ADB reboot bootloader", the device reboot and appear a screen where to " your devices software can't be checked for corruption, please lock the bootloader", ecc ecc, If I squeeze volume on, it will get into recovery, if I don't do anything it reboot normally.
I can not get into fastboot mode, I fail to install TWRP. What is the best way to go back? or reset everything and start again? I have tried to downgrade from Nougat to MM via SD but after about 1 minute of analysis I aborted the installation....
However the phone will work normally even without all these things but I have purchased ZTE for modding and I don't bear to have half fatto...in work the most difficult thing to be unlocking the bootloader and I do this thing...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your phone works normally
You don't have fastboot
You have stock recovery
If this is the case then most surely you have EDL working...
Install TWRP from EDL mode:
This is taken from Controllerboy's guide
BE SURE THAT WINDOWS SHOWS FILE NAME EXTENSIONS!
A) Flashing TWRP Recovery to your device.
Q: Why do I need TWRP?
A: TWRP is a custom recovery system. It lets your backup your system in case anything goes wrong. It also lets you flash custom ROMs and zip files containing patches like viper4android or A.R.I.S.E. (audio) and root your device via SuperSU.
0) Boot up a windows computer with a 64bits processor. Verify your Axon 7 is charged at least 75%. Temporarily disable your antivirus software to allow axon7tool to work.
1) Backup all the data of your phone's internal memory that you don't want to lose. Copy it to your PC
2) Download the axon7tool from here: http://www.filedropper.com/axon7tool-15-win64
3) Download minimal adb and fastboot from here: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=457095661767103465
4) Unzip the minimal adb and fastboot file, place the folder with the files in it somewhere you can easily find it
5) Place the axon7tool exe in the same folder as adb.exe and rename it to "axon7tool.exe" (it's easier to work with that way)
6) Download the TWRP .img and .bin files from here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4...nlaZU1NRldoRjA
7) Place the TWRP .img file in the same folder as "adb.exe" and "axon7tool.exe", rename it to "recovery.img"
8) Make a copy of the "recovery.img" file and name it "recovery.bin". Leave it in the same folder
9) Go to settings in your phone and go to "About Phone". Tap "Build Number" 7 times to make the Developer Options available
10) Go to "Developers options" and tick "Allow OEM unlock" and "Android Debugging"
11) Connect your Axon 7 to your PC
12) Open a command window by holding shift and right-clicking in a blank space in the folder where the "adb.exe", " axon7tool.exe", "recovery.img" and "recovery.bin" files are located. Click "Open command window here"
13) Type "adb devices" and hit enter. You should see one device with some code listed
14) Type "adb reboot edl" and hit enter. Your device will reboot to EDL mode. It appears to be off, but it is in fact in EDL mode.
15) Go to Device Manager on your pc and verify your Axon 7 is listed as "QUSB_BULK"
16) In command, type "axon7tool -r gpt boot recovery" and hit enter
17) After it is executed, your phone will reboot. Wait until it has fully booted.
18) In command, type "adb reboot edl"
19) Verify you now have 3 backup files in your ADB folder for gpt, recovery and boot. These are backup files in case something goes wrong
20) In command, type "axon7tool -w recovery"
21) Wait until it finishes
22) Your phone should reboot
23) Shut down your phone and boot it to TWRP by holding both the power and volume up button to verify you have TWRP
24) TWRP might ask you for a password. If it does, simply tap cancel. It will ask you if you want to modify system. Swipe to agree
NOTE: if you have problems connecting to your phone as QUSB_BULK, download Zadig and replace your drivers with WinUSB ones. If axon7tool doesn't recignise your device even when connected as QUSB_BULK, try killing adb.exe via task manager before retrying.

Hello and thanks for the guide.
I have tried this system... be gone everything OK up to number 16... when I type "Axon7tool -r gpt boot recovery ", the command window should be written "Failed to connect "... and yet the device is in EDL mode.
Be all right, on Device Manager be seen as "QUSB_BULK ", the cable being original, all steps 1 to 16 be ok...io no longer know what to do.

macerf said:
Hello and thanks for the guide.
I have tried this system... be gone everything OK up to number 16... when I type "Axon7tool -r gpt boot recovery ", the command window should be written "Failed to connect "... and yet the device is in EDL mode.
Be all right, on Device Manager be seen as "QUSB_BULK ", the cable being original, all steps 1 to 16 be ok...io no longer know what to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Easy. Hold all 3 keys (power, vol up and down) until Device Manager refreshes (you'll see it as the list of devices contracting), and close CMD. Open it again and do step 16 again

Choose an username... said:
Easy. Hold all 3 keys (power, vol up and down) until Device Manager refreshes (you'll see it as the list of devices contracting), and close CMD. Open it again and do step 16 again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello and thanks for the advice. Unfortunately it does not change anything.. I have done exactly as you say but the result does not change anything...io have connected the device, Open command window, type "adb devices ", is viewed as "Cd07b2e9 device ", I type "adb reboot EDL ", it restarts in EDL, then go to management Devices and is viewed as "QUSB_BULK ", Run command "Axon7tool-r GPT boot recovery " but it says "Failed to connect ", then I'll return to Device Manager, hold volume up & Down & Power, Icon disappears and returns after a few seconds, close window and launch command "Axon7tool-r GPT boot recovery " but still give "failed to connect "...
So, recapping: I have bootloader unlocked, I can get into EDL but PC does not see device although on Device Manager it exists...
I now launch device into the wall... problem solved.

if you really slammed it against the wall, i would love to buy the back housing and speaker grills. hopefully, you were just illustrating frustration (it is a frustrating scenario), and will reach a resolution, but if you actually did smash it, i could use some parts.

kitcostantino said:
if you really slammed it against the wall, i would love to buy the back housing and speaker grills. hopefully, you were just illustrating frustration (it is a frustrating scenario), and will reach a resolution, but if you actually did smash it, i could use some parts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course I'm kidding... have just purchased this device, have a great hardware but the software does not go well for nothing. I have had a dozen phones, I changed about 60 ROMs, so for me it is not difficult to change the software...ma in this case have problems. Is it possible that I fail to solve this problem? Be a way to reset everything and start from scratch? Okay, the bootloader be unlocked but not be any other way to go back? I have seen many guides but not able to solve the problem. I fail to make flash of TWRP, fail to do downgrade to MM....io hope someone help me... thanks.

are you using a USB 2.0 or 3.0 port? it may not apply to this scenario, but with Motorola and RSD Lite, I always had to use usb 2.0 ports or it wouldnt see my device when flashing.
also, the steps @choose an username listed out are the best way to start from scratch, but obviously you have to be able to have your computer see the phone in the desired mode.
@DrakenFX has several guides in the axon 7 forums that should help once the computer sees the phone as well.

I use USB 3.0 with original cable ... but if you now tell me that maybe this is my problem, then I use USB 2.0. Thank you...

Good morning...
Nothing to do... I put the original cable on USB Port 2.0, have redone procedure from window PowerShell, on command "adb devices " Everything OK, on command "adb reboot EDL " It enters EDL mode, but then all the procedures are failed... if command "Axon7tool-R recovery GPT boot "I always get out of the inscription " Failed to connect ", it remains in EDL and I just have to reboot... I replaced the drivers with Zadig 2.3 but did not change anything... are there any other moors to make flash of TWRP? exist lthough an app that do this? I remember that for LG G3 I'll fix everything with an app...

Cant install TWRP-MATA_2 error: cannot load 'C:\ADB\recovery.img': No such file or...

I'm a noob but a respectful one. I'm embarrassed to have to post in this forum asking for help on what should be such a simple problem but I'm three days and 500 google searches closer to insanity.
I just want to install TWRP on my Essential Android which I bought from Best Buy but activated on T-Mobile.:
Product - Mata
Variant - Openus
Bootloader Version - mata-84f7cce
Baseband Version - 2.0.c4.M2.0.3
Secure Boot - yes
Device State - unlocked
I've installed ADB and fastboot on my computer and made it system wide using the PATH variable in Windows 10 Pro System Properties "Environment Variables"
I have all the proper Windows usb drivers from the Essential website and I have activated Developer Options, OEM unlocking and USB Debugging on my phone. I've removed the pin so the device doesn't lock.
I'm using the original USB C cable from Essential plugged directly into my new HP all n one USB C slot.
I've copied the twrp image and pasted it into C:\ADB\ along with my minimum adb\fastboot install. I then opened a powershell there. Both the "adb devices" and "fastboot devices" commands show my phone is being recognized and that I am indeed in FastBoot Mode.
I originally left the twrp image name as downloaded: "twrp-mata_2" but when "fastboot flash recovery C:\ADB\twrp-mata_2" resulted in "error: cannot load 'C:\ADB\recovery.img': No such file or directory"
I renamed it and ran the command:
"fastboot flash recovery C:\ADB\recovery.img"
Same error.
Please help

There is no recovery partition on the device.
To flash TWRP, you'll need to fastboot flash boot, then boot to recovery from fastboot on your device. Once in TWRP, you'll need to flash a boot image before restart. TWRP isn't persistent, so you'll have to do this every time.
Unless you're looking for a custom ROM, the easiest way to root is just to patch a stock boot image with magisk and flash it from fastboot.

MackHoncho said:
I'm a noob but a respectful one. I'm embarrassed to have to post in this forum asking for help on what should be such a simple problem but I'm three days and 500 google searches closer to insanity.
I just want to install TWRP on my Essential Android which I bought from Best Buy but activated on T-Mobile.:
Product - Mata
Variant - Openus
Bootloader Version - mata-84f7cce
Baseband Version - 2.0.c4.M2.0.3
Secure Boot - yes
Device State - unlocked
I've installed ADB and fastboot on my computer and made it system wide using the PATH variable in Windows 10 Pro System Properties "Environment Variables"
I have all the proper Windows usb drivers from the Essential website and I have activated Developer Options, OEM unlocking and USB Debugging on my phone. I've removed the pin so the device doesn't lock.
I'm using the original USB C cable from Essential plugged directly into my new HP all n one USB C slot.
I've copied the twrp image and pasted it into C:\ADB\ along with my minimum adb\fastboot install. I then opened a powershell there. Both the "adb devices" and "fastboot devices" commands show my phone is being recognized and that I am indeed in FastBoot Mode.
I originally left the twrp image name as downloaded: "twrp-mata_2" but when "fastboot flash recovery C:\ADB\twrp-mata_2" resulted in "error: cannot load 'C:\ADB\recovery.img': No such file or directory"
I renamed it and ran the command:
"fastboot flash recovery C:\ADB\recovery.img"
Same error.
Please help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should try using a Type-C to USB cable, I ran into the same issue trying to flash mine using supplied cable, once I tried the USB to Type-C it worked. :good:

MackHoncho said:
I'm a noob but a respectful one. I'm embarrassed to have to post in this forum asking for help on what should be such a simple problem but I'm three days and 500 google searches closer to insanity.
I just want to install TWRP on my Essential Android which I bought from Best Buy but activated on T-Mobile.:
Product - Mata
Variant - Openus
Bootloader Version - mata-84f7cce
Baseband Version - 2.0.c4.M2.0.3
Secure Boot - yes
Device State - unlocked
I've installed ADB and fastboot on my computer and made it system wide using the PATH variable in Windows 10 Pro System Properties "Environment Variables"
I have all the proper Windows usb drivers from the Essential website and I have activated Developer Options, OEM unlocking and USB Debugging on my phone. I've removed the pin so the device doesn't lock.
I'm using the original USB C cable from Essential plugged directly into my new HP all n one USB C slot.
I've copied the twrp image and pasted it into C:\ADB\ along with my minimum adb\fastboot install. I then opened a powershell there. Both the "adb devices" and "fastboot devices" commands show my phone is being recognized and that I am indeed in FastBoot Mode.
I originally left the twrp image name as downloaded: "twrp-mata_2" but when "fastboot flash recovery C:\ADB\twrp-mata_2" resulted in "error: cannot load 'C:\ADB\recovery.img': No such file or directory"
I renamed it and ran the command:
"fastboot flash recovery C:\ADB\recovery.img"
Same error.
Please help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@barteringram is right, no recovery partition.
Your command needed is this.
Fastboot flash boot whateveryounamedtwrp.img.

fastboot flash boot_a/boot_b yourTWRP.img
The above command worked for me. Use boot_a or boot_b depending on what you have. In addition use a separate type C cable to your PC instead of stock type C cable and remove all USB accessories plugged in the PC. I know its crazy but working with this phone may require you to do some unexplainable stuff.

MackHoncho said:
I'm a noob but a respectful one. I'm embarrassed to have to post in this forum asking for help on what should be such a simple problem but I'm three days and 500 google searches closer to insanity.
I just want to install TWRP on my Essential Android which I bought from Best Buy but activated on T-Mobile.:
Product - Mata
Variant - Openus
Bootloader Version - mata-84f7cce
Baseband Version - 2.0.c4.M2.0.3
Secure Boot - yes
Device State - unlocked
I've installed ADB and fastboot on my computer and made it system wide using the PATH variable in Windows 10 Pro System Properties "Environment Variables"
I have all the proper Windows usb drivers from the Essential website and I have activated Developer Options, OEM unlocking and USB Debugging on my phone. I've removed the pin so the device doesn't lock.
I'm using the original USB C cable from Essential plugged directly into my new HP all n one USB C slot.
I've copied the twrp image and pasted it into C:\ADB\ along with my minimum adb\fastboot install. I then opened a powershell there. Both the "adb devices" and "fastboot devices" commands show my phone is being recognized and that I am indeed in FastBoot Mode.
I originally left the twrp image name as downloaded: "twrp-mata_2" but when "fastboot flash recovery C:\ADB\twrp-mata_2" resulted in "error: cannot load 'C:\ADB\recovery.img': No such file or directory"
I renamed it and ran the command:
"fastboot flash recovery C:\ADB\recovery.img"
Same error.
Please help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stop the presses!
Please do not use that old ass version of TWRP...
Many many fixes since then...
Please read and familiarize yourself with
http://mata.readthedocs.io/en/latest/
And also realize that you will not ever have persistent TWRP

TWRP-Mata_11.img is what you should be flashing and you have to flash it via fastboot Everytime you want to enter twrp. Then you have to flash a stock boot.img Everytime you reboot the system from twrp.

droidstyle said:
TWRP-Mata_11.img is what you should be flashing and you have to flash it via fastboot Everytime you want to enter twrp. Then you have to flash a stock boot.img Everytime you reboot the system from twrp.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am semi new to this community, so I am unsure if it's doing this because I am rooted or not but I've got twrp permanently installed... So from my understanding Slot a can hold your os and slot b basically hold your twrp you just need to remember when you need to switch back.... How I installed was fast booted twrp to slot a, then in twrc switched to slot b to install rom, then switch back to slot a and did a reboot to recovery... Boots into twrp, I switched back to slot b to flash gapps, then restart system... Once inside os and everything is set up if you are rooting reboot to bootloader and flash the patched boot. Img with fastboot on pc... Then reboot system... Now when you want to use twrp all you have to do is reboot bootloader, fastboot to switch to slot a, and then boot recovery... Then Twrp will load then switch to slot b and you are good to go!

barteringram said:
There is no recovery partition on the device.
To flash TWRP, you'll need to fastboot flash boot, then boot to recovery from fastboot on your device. Once in TWRP, you'll need to flash a boot image before restart. TWRP isn't persistent, so you'll have to do this every time.
Unless you're looking for a custom ROM, the easiest way to root is just to patch a stock boot image with magisk and flash it from fastboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you in advance for answering about three questions as of yet forthcoming... done this b4? lol
BTW, yes, I intend to install magisk, root and AOSip 8.1.
Anyway, I got past the original problem, kinda.
My problem arose from having too many adb installations in too many places on my windows machine.
I deleted everything, installed a single instance, put everything in a single folder on my desktop, opened a windows powershell there and then adb/powershell was able to find the twrp file.
Next problem was a "no such partition" error which was solved by a google search and specifying the slot location in the flash command.
NOW I have twrp recovery installed but the touchscreen doesn't work so its useless. AAAAAARRRRGHH!
Should I post a new thread or is this still OP?
I'm still in the same boat as my goal is a working TWRP recovery....
please advise

A_Pac1 said:
You should try using a Type-C to USB cable, I ran into the same issue trying to flash mine using supplied cable, once I tried the USB to Type-C it worked. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worth a try I guess but I am maintaining a solid connect to my PC and all other commands seem flawless. My problem has evolved now. I have installed twrp but now the touchscreen wont work.

rignfool said:
Stop the presses!
Please do not use that old ass version of TWRP...
Many many fixes since then...
Please read and familiarize yourself with
http://mata.readthedocs.io/en/latest/
And also realize that you will not ever have persistent TWRP
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might have just solved my newly evolved issue (got twrp installed but now touchscreen doesn't work)
Will get on it and let you know.
Quick question; What do you mean twrp is not persistent? Does that mean I have to install it and install magisk and whatever rom from twrp on the first shot before rebooting? At what point does twrp disappear?
What other pitfall, tips or tricks should I be aware of?

MackHoncho said:
You might have just solved my newly evolved issue (got twrp installed but now touchscreen doesn't work)
Will get on it and let you know.
Quick question; What do you mean twrp is not persistent? Does that mean I have to install it and install magisk and whatever rom from twrp on the first shot before rebooting? At what point does twrp disappear?
What other pitfall, tips or tricks should I be aware of?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not persistent as in it won't survive the flashing of the stock boot.img.

MackHoncho said:
Thank you in advance for answering about three questions as of yet forthcoming... done this b4? lol
BTW, yes, I intend to install magisk, root and AOSip 8.1.
Anyway, I got past the original problem, kinda.
My problem arose from having too many adb installations in too many places on my windows machine.
I deleted everything, installed a single instance, put everything in a single folder on my desktop, opened a windows powershell there and then adb/powershell was able to find the twrp file.
Next problem was a "no such partition" error which was solved by a google search and specifying the slot location in the flash command.
NOW I have twrp recovery installed but the touchscreen doesn't work so its useless. AAAAAARRRRGHH!
Should I post a new thread or is this still OP?
I'm still in the same boat as my goal is a working TWRP recovery....
please advise
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same issue with using an older version of Mata TWRP... You need to install TWRP-MATA_11

Solved
My Windows 10 machine isnt set to show file extensions.
was trying to fastboot twrp-11 as I named it; recovery.img
fastboot wanted recovery.img.img
please laugh hardily

aer0zer0 said:
@barteringram is right, no recovery partition.
Your command needed is this.
Fastboot flash boot whateveryounamedtwrp.img.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!! You would not believe how long I've been trying to solve this problem! Now I can get on with tweaking and personalizing my Oneplus 6T!

vonstarr said:
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!! You would not believe how long I've been trying to solve this problem! Now I can get on with tweaking and personalizing my Oneplus 6T!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So op6t is easier (I just bought one)
Fastboot boot nameoftwrp.img
It'll boot twrp without flashing it to the phone. Makes life easier. Mata doesn't have this option.