Database Users

How easy is it to root nexus 7?

Hello Everyone,
I am thinking about buying the nexus 7, however I only want to do so to root it.
I have rooted my HTC Incredible and my Kindle Fire, both of those were pretty easy to root.
Is the nexus 7 just as easy?
I have done some looking around I know there is a utility for the nexus 7 similar to the one for the kindle fire.
I have some experience with rooting but am definitely not an expert.
Any input would be appreciated.
Thank you,

There are many ToolKits available, check the Android Development sub-forum and look for "Nexus 7 ToolKit", I'd post a link but I need 10 posts.

dont use toolkits.
without a toolkit.. fastboot oem unlock, flash a custom recovery, flash a custom rom or the su binaries, reboot, and profit. thats all. never any need for a root toolkit on any nexus device.

Your be wise to listen to the senior member than the junior member who uses toolkits. :thumbup:
Especially since he has a similar thread askmg the same thing.
Sent From My N7 via White Tapatalk

simms22 said:
dont use toolkits.
without a toolkit.. fastboot oem unlock, flash a custom recovery, flash a custom rom or the su binaries, reboot, and profit. thats all. never any need for a root toolkit on any nexus device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But doesnt that mean that I will have to run commands?
I am intimidated by commands

ÜBER™ said:
Your be wise to listen to the senior member than the junior member who uses toolkits. :thumbup:
Especially since he has a similar thread askmg the same thing.
Sent From My N7 via White Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that info, I didn't know. I just explained that Toolkits are available if he chooses to use them. After all, he asked how easy is it to root.

Beeg Boy said:
But doesnt that mean that I will have to run commands?
I am intimidated by commands
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1st command.. fastboot oem unlock(this unlocks your bootloader)
2nd command.. fastboot flash recovery recoveryname.img
then use the recovery to flash what you want, a custom rom(it has root) or the su binaries
---------- Post added at 05:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:42 PM ----------
CJHolderUK said:
Thanks for that info, I didn't know. I just explained that Toolkits are available if he chooses to use them. After all, he asked how easy is it to root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
toolkits generally are easy. but its also easier to mess things up. and if you dont know what you are doing in the first place at that point, its easy to turn your device into a real brick. taking a little time to learn the right way will also save you when you mess up your device too, since its generally easy to fix things if you are semi familiar. plus, the people that make the root toolkits also mess up sometimes. so you can do everything right in a root toolkit and still mess up

simms22 said:
1st command.. fastboot oem unlock(this unlocks your bootloader)
2nd command.. fastboot flash recovery recoveryname.img
then use the recovery to flash what you want, a custom rom(it has root) or the su binaries
That does sound pretty easy.
I am going to come to you for help when I get my G7
I keep reading people's posts about their G7 C90 and other numbers, are they talking about serial numbers?
Are we able to look at the package and identify by the serial number when it was made?
So, if we look for a newer serial number we wont run into some of the QA issues people are having?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Beeg Boy said:
simms22 said:
1st command.. fastboot oem unlock(this unlocks your bootloader)
2nd command.. fastboot flash recovery recoveryname.img
then use the recovery to flash what you want, a custom rom(it has root) or the su binaries
That does sound pretty easy.
I am going to come to you for help when I get my G7
I keep reading people's posts about their G7 C90 and other numbers, are they talking about serial numbers?
Are we able to look at the package and identify by the serial number when it was made?
So, if we look for a newer serial number we wont run into some of the QA issues people are having?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ive got mine from an older batch, no issues here.
honestly, it doesnt make a difference to me which method you chose to root your device, its your device. im just tired of reading new threads that people have started because they messed up their devices using a root toolkit, then really messed it up trying to fix it(because they didnt know how). yea, helping them increases my thanks and post counts, but id rather they didnt need that help to begin with :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

simms22 said:
Beeg Boy said:
ive got mine from an older batch, no issues here.
honestly, it doesnt make a difference to me which method you chose to root your device, its your device. im just tired of reading new threads that people have started because they messed up their devices using a root toolkit, then really messed it up trying to fix it(because they didnt know how). yea, helping them increases my thanks and post counts, but id rather they didnt need that help to begin with :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do I need installed on my PC to run the command?
Anything in particular? Or do I just pull up a command line and run it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Beeg Boy said:
simms22 said:
What do I need installed on my PC to run the command?
Anything in particular? Or do I just pull up a command line and run it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
adb/fastboot. this works, its not the most recent but has all that you need. adb for dummies(both adb and fastboot are included) http://www.mediafire.com/?qrjo6bi8ayblj1r
and the driver for your device. when i plugged my device in via usb while it was in tbe bootloader, the android driver installed all by itself(windows7).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

simms22 said:
Beeg Boy said:
adb/fastboot. this works, its not the most recent but has all that you need. adb for dummies(both adb and fastboot are included) http://www.mediafire.com/?qrjo6bi8ayblj1r
and the driver for your device. when i plugged my device in via usb while it was in tbe bootloader, the android driver installed all by itself(windows7).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, thanks for the info.
I installed ADB when I rooted my Kindle Fire, will that work or do I need the file you posted?
I am hoping to get a G7 within the next few weeks.
I hope you are down for helping me should I decide not to use a tool kit.
Thanks for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Beeg Boy said:
Cool, thanks for the info.
I installed ADB when I rooted my Kindle Fire, will that work or do I need the file you posted?
I am hoping to get a G7 within the next few weeks.
I hope you are down for helping me should I decide not to use a tool kit.
Thanks for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
na, if you have adb and fastboot then you dont need the file i posted. let me know when/if you need help

simms22 said:
na, if you have adb and fastboot then you dont need the file i posted. let me know when/if you need help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will do
So, just out of curiosity, is it possible to root any android device using command lines?
I was thinking of buying an off brand android tablet on eBay just to tinker with.
Can I use commands to root that as well?

Beeg Boy said:
Will do
So, just out of curiosity, is it possible to root any android device using command lines?
I was thinking of buying an off brand android tablet on eBay just to tinker with.
Can I use commands to root that as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, the "fastboot oem unlock" is only for nexus devices. google made it easy to unlock the bootloader of any nexus, they made it an option. once you enter that line, you will have a popup on that device that explains that you will lose whatever data, then you press either yes or no. also, you can relock any nexus device with "fastboot oem lock"

I used a toolkit and didn't mess anything up. Took me 30 mins from getting it out o the box.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Mannn121 said:
I used a toolkit and didn't mess anything up. Took me 30 mins from getting it out o the box.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
absolutely, most wont mess anything up, but many will. took me 4 minutes without a toolkit though

way to unlock+root other than adb method???

i am getting my nexus 7 on 18 nov..
i was searching ways to unlock and root it with a way other than adb..please tell me some....

There are a couple of tool kits that do everything for you
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1766475
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1809195

burninghouse said:
i am getting my nexus 7 on 18 nov..
i was searching ways to unlock and root it with a way other than adb..please tell me some....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As the Guy above me said...use Toolkits...but you will get dependent on them eventually and wont be able to do anything without the use of toolkits. How hard is typing 5-6 lines of commands?Anyway even toolkits rely on adb in one way or another.

nba1341 said:
There are a couple of tool kits that do everything for you
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1766475
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1809195
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
among these which is best to use and please also tell me from where can i get step by step procedure to use wug's toolkit?

burninghouse said:
among these which is best to use and please also tell me from where can i get step by step procedure to use wug's toolkit?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The procedure is withing the program. It tells you everything to do

Seriously. Its not adb rooting like you might have been used to. Having to push something and set permissions and all that bull. Its literally 3 commands.
Adb reboot bootloader
Fastboot OEM unlock
Fasboot flash recovery recovery.img
Then flash a superuser package or a custom rom. Save you're self the headache of a toolkit.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus

[Q] Any Way To Root Nexus 10 Without Wipe/Unlocking Bootloader?

Is there any way to root the Nexus 10 without performing a full wipe/unlocking the bootloader similar to the modified script that nhshah7 posted over in the Nexus 7 forum? His method uses a modified "motochopper" script and is really convenient.

kbocek said:
Is there any way to root the Nexus 10 without performing a full wipe/unlocking the bootloader similar to the modified script that nhshah7 posted over in the Nexus 7 forum? His method uses a modified "motochopper" script and is really convenient.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, with superboot. Use the search button to find it.

lKBZl said:
Yes, with superboot. Use the search button to find it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. I saw that listed at the forum entry but was unclear on what was needed. The instructions seem to talk about an unlocked bootloader but that's incorrect. All that was needed was fastboot mode and running the batch file. RootChecker tells me I have root access now.
Thank you for your help.

Now I'll be able to mount NTFS formatted USB sticks to watch movies with StickMount!

[TUT] [MAC] Unlocking your Kindle Fire HDX 7 Bootloader

Hello, welcome to my to my guide on how to unlock your Kindle Fire HDX 7's bootloader. This guide is for mac.
I will be nicknaming the Kindle Fire HDX 7 as thor.
I will be assuming you have TWRP and flashed the .3.2.3 bootloader upgrade and ADB/Fastboot.
Steps:
Go and get python 2.7.X (X = Doesn't matter.)
Open up a terminal window and paste this command in:
ruby -e "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/master/install)"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now, press enter.
So, now what to do? Well, heres the next thingy
Type this in the terminal:
brew install gcc
brew install mpc
brew install mpfr
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Done.
Now type:
pip install gmpy2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BAM! You should now have GMPY2 installed.
Now, download this:
cuberHDX.py
Place on desktop.
Open up a ADB Window and type:
./adb shell
cat /sys/block/mmcblk0/device/manfid
cat /sys/block/mmcblk0/device/serial
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now, type the last 2 digits of your manfid and serial.
M = last 2 digits of Manfid Serial = Your serial code
MMSERIAL
Okay, now open up a terminal window and go to your desktop/folder with cuberHDX.py
Type in this:
./cuberHDX.py 0xMMSERIAL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This will make a file called 0xMMSERIAL on your desktop, if not do a search for it on your computer.
Next drag that file into where your fastboot is
Now, type in this:
./fastboot -i 0x1949 devices
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your device should pop up.
./fastboot -i 0x1949 flash unlock 0xmmssssssss.unlock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Next, wait 5 seconds.
Now, check your screen if it says UNLOCK CODE CORRECT, or something similar. If it doesn't, make a new file with the correct MMSERIAL Code.
./fastboot -i 0x1949 reboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BAM! you now have a unlocked bootloader THOR.
If any problems please type in the comments below.

MinerBoy004 said:
I will be assuming you have TWRP and flashed the .3.2.3 bootloader upgrade and ADB/Fastboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where can I find that particular bootloader? It's not coming up in my searches.
Many Thanks in advance!

SilverLynx said:
Where can I find that particular bootloader? It's not coming up in my searches.
Many Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here. Make sure you understand the prerequisites before flashing update (or risk a brick).

Davey126 said:
Here. Make sure you understand the prerequisites before flashing update (or risk a brick).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I should have left well enough alone. Bricked it.
Thought I have all the requisites.
Welp, now I have new search term! Unbrick
I'm an idiot sometimes.

SilverLynx said:
I should have left well enough alone. Bricked it.
Thought I have all the requisites.
Welp, now I have new search term! Unbrick
I'm an idiot sometimes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Judging by your sig, you must of had 13.4.5.2 installed. You can't unbrick now, cause you fried your device not reading my guide right.

Little help please
haven't done anything on android for a while but I'm not completely hopeless i promise. i understand everything necessary in this guide but i am a little confused, i have 13.3.2.2, what is the best procedure to get to a rooted 3.2.3 and TWRP installed? i don't want to accidentally go over 3.2.3 and not be able to unlock.
another note, are we talking 14.3.2.3 or 13.3.2.3? Mine is 13.3.2.3, just an fyi

cpiddy said:
haven't done anything on android for a while but I'm not completely hopeless i promise. i understand everything necessary in this guide but i am a little confused, i have 13.3.2.2, what is the best procedure to get to a rooted 3.2.3 and TWRP installed? i don't want to accidentally go over 3.2.3 and not be able to unlock.
another note, are we talking 14.3.2.3 or 13.3.2.3? Mine is 13.3.2.3, just an fyi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure your device is in airplane mode so it won't attempt to download any OTA updates in the background.
For root access, you can just use towelroot. From there, you can find instructions for TWRP on this thread. thor is the codename for the HDX 7, while apollo references the 3rd generation HDX 8.9 (so you'll obviously want the first one). Alternatively — instead of using adb — you could also flash it straight from the device itself using Flashify.

EncryptedCurse said:
Make sure your device is in airplane mode so it won't attempt to download any OTA updates in the background.
For root access, you can just use towelroot. From there, you can find instructions for TWRP on this thread. thor is the codename for the HDX 7, while apollo references the 3rd generation HDX 8.9 (so you'll obviously want the first one). Alternatively — instead of using adb — you could also flash it straight from the device itself using Flashify.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the response. How do i run towel root, without internet access i can't go to the site and i don't have a file explorer to open the apk if i add it manually?

cpiddy said:
Thank you for the response. How do i run towel root, without internet access i can't go to the site and i don't have a file explorer to open the apk if i add it manually?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should obviously be fine if you enabled WiFi for a few minutes, but you can install apps directly through adb.
https://developer.android.com/tools/help/adb.html#commandsummary

Getting there
So i have rooted and installed twrp... i am to the fast boot step. I enter the first fast boot command and it does not return anything. just goes to a new line like nothing happened.

Boot device into fastboot
Sent from my Kindle Fire HDX 7 using XDA Free mobile app

Would've helped if i actually put it in fast boot mode. I now have an unlocked boot loader. Thank you both for your help, it is greatly appreciated.
---------- Post added at 02:58 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:57 AM ----------
MinerBoy004 said:
Boot device into fastboot
Sent from my Kindle Fire HDX 7 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, just got it. Thanks again, very simple*and straightforward.

NP
Sent from my Kindle Fire HDX 7 using XDA Free mobile app

Re-lock bootloader and unroot

How can I re-lock boot loader, unroot and restore to factory?

http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6p/general/guides-how-to-guides-beginners-t3206928

I'd suggest using the Nexus Root Toolkit. It's pretty much the most fool-proof option.

Jarret123 said:
How can I re-lock boot loader, unroot and restore to factory?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why bother?

Fraught said:
I'd suggest using the Nexus Root Toolkit. It's pretty much the most fool-proof option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the most foolproof option is knowing how to use fastboot, and doing it yourself.

tech_head said:
Why bother?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because I'm having calling issues so I have to return it

Manually rooting or unlocking or vice versa is stupid easy on this phone. Maybe I'm paranoid, but when it's this simple I trust my own keystrokes more than the best toolkit.
That aside, is there anything else that should be done to erase any evidence the device was rooted when returning a device? There have been on other devices and I can't find a thread confirming it either way.

Fraught said:
I'd suggest using the Nexus Root Toolkit. It's pretty much the most fool-proof option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it isn't. The only fool-proof option is doing it yourself. These toolkits are known to cause problems.

Jarret123 said:
How can I re-lock boot loader, unroot and restore to factory?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's all in my guide:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6p/general/guides-how-to-guides-beginners-t3206928

Heisenberg said:
It's all in my guide:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6p/general/guides-how-to-guides-beginners-t3206928
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very, very much!

Soulfly3 said:
the most foolproof option is knowing how to use fastboot, and doing it yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heisenberg said:
No it isn't. The only fool-proof option is doing it yourself. These toolkits are known to cause problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think you guys know what "fool-proof" means. Hint hint, gathering and putting to use specialized knowledge is close to the opposite of fool-proof. A fool can press two buttons in a window and wait for a dialogue window to finish, but a fool can't use ADB and fastboot commands.
Also, I use the Nexus Root Toolkit occasionally myself, and it can handle flashing stock, unrooting, and locking the bootloader more than easily.

Fraught said:
I don't think you guys know what "fool-proof" means. Hint hint, gathering and putting to use specialized knowledge is close to the opposite of fool-proof. A fool can press two buttons in a window and wait for a dialogue window to finish, but a fool can't use ADB and fastboot commands.
Also, I use the Nexus Root Toolkit occasionally myself, and it can handle flashing stock, unrooting, and locking the bootloader more than easily.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except when it causes problems and soft bricks a phone, and this was my point. Plus, the only way to truly know for sure whether everything is going to happen as it should is by ensuring it by doing it yourself, then virtually nothing can go wrong.

Fraught said:
I don't think you guys know what "fool-proof" means. Hint hint, gathering and putting to use specialized knowledge is close to the opposite of fool-proof. A fool can press two buttons in a window and wait for a dialogue window to finish, but a fool can't use ADB and fastboot commands.
Also, I use the Nexus Root Toolkit occasionally myself, and it can handle flashing stock, unrooting, and locking the bootloader more than easily.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've seen many instances on this forum where people soft bricked and hard bricked their phones using toolkits, including NRT. A fool can press buttons and blindly hope for the best or he can follow a simple guide, learn and understand ADB and Fastboot and not be a fool anymore. It's almost impossible to brick your phone using fastboot.

The Nexus Root Toolkit (NRT) is very, very good. The only issue I had was that the USB driver that was loaded (this was loaded BEFORE installing the toolkit) was incorrect. But the Toolkit even has notes about correcting this, and those were spot-on. I would trust the NRT to unroot the phone. My guess (YMMV, no guarantees here) is that it works fine, just as it did when rooting my phone. Clearly, some care is always in order.