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For those of you who want full root, here’s how to root your Nexus 7 Android tablet. (This root method works on Jelly Bean Android 4.2, 4.1.1, and 4.1.2.)
Why root your Nexus 7? What is root?
Root is basically full “admin” access your Nexus 7 tablet so you can run rooted (admin) apps, install custom ROMs, and do all sorts of things otherwise not possible. If you are coming from iPod, this is basically jailbreaking equivalent time 100.
This method will work on any Windows, Mac, or Linux computer.
Before we begin, unlocking bootloader WILL ERASE EVERYTHING on your Nexus 7 so do COPY EVERYTHING on your Nexus 7 to your computer before beginning!!!
Step 1. Hold down the Volume Down and Power buttons together for about 30 seconds until your Nexus 7 reboots into bootloader/fastboot mode.
Step 2. You should see an Android guy with belly open. Connect micro-USB cable from your Nexus 7 to your computer.
Step 3. Next, download Nexus7Root.zip below and unzip/extract. You will find a folder called Nexus7Root with all the files you need including drivers for Windows (no drivers needed for Mac or Linux.
Download Nexus7Root.zip
Step 4. For Windows, go to Device Manager and Update the drivers, you should see an Android with exclamation mark. The drivers for Nexus 7 are included in the zip file under usb_driver folder. If you don’t know how to do this, please watch the tutorial video!
For Mac and Linux, skip to Step 6.
Step 5. Once updated with drivers installed, you should see “Android Bootloader Interface”. You are good to go then.
Step 6. Open a command prompt or terminal and type:
cd Downloads
cd Nexus7Root
fastboot oem unlock
For Mac and Linux, please type this before the fastboot command:
chmod 755 *
And also replace all “fastboot” with “./fastboot-mac” for Mac and “./fastboot-linux” for all commands on this page!!!
Step 7. You should see “Unlock bootloader?” screen on your Nexus 7. Hit the Power button. THIS WILL ERASE EVERYTHING!!!
Step 8. Once bootloader has been unlocked, you should see the red letters change to “unlocked”.
Step 9. Reboot your Nexus 7 and you should see the welcome page again, go ahead and sign in.
Step 10. Connect microUSB cable from your Nexus 7 to your computer.
Step 11. Copy the file CWM-SuperSU-v0.94.zip to anywhere on your Nexus 7′s internal storage.
Step 12. Reboot into bootloader/fastboot by holding down Volume Down and Power buttons together for about 30 seconds.
Step 13. Go back to command prompt/terminal and type:
fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-touch-6.0.0.6-grouper.img
fastboot erase cache
Step 14. Use Volume buttons to choose “Recovery mode” and hit the Power button.
Step 15. Once in ClockworkMod Recovery menus, choose “install zip from sdcard”.
Step 16. Choose “choose zip from sdcard”.
Step 17. Choose the file “CWM-SuperSU-v0.94.zip”.
Step 18. Choose “Install CWM-SuperSU-v0.94.zip”.
Step 19. You should get “install from sdcard complete”.
Step 20. Reboot and choose “Yes – Disable recovery flash”.
Step 21. Once rebooted, you will find SuperSU superuser app. Congratulations, you have successfully rooted your Nexus 7!
Step 22. Download and install a rooted app like Titanium Backup app from the Play Store and run it, you should find the Superuser request window pop up!
If you like this tutorial, please subscribe to our e-mail newsletter to get weekly updates on more cool ROMs, hacks, tips, and also personal help from the author Max Lee via e-mail.
Credits – ClockworkMod for Recovery and ChainFire for awesome SuperSU.
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You will need a rooted Nexus 7 to install all ROM/kernels.
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![JellyBAM ROM for Rooted Nexus 7! [Wifi/3G]](http://i2.ytimg.com/vi/NsEoi2aHlAM/0.jpg)
![AOKP MR1 ROM for Rooted Nexus 7! [Android 4.2.1][Best ROM]](http://i2.ytimg.com/vi/pJDOQnbnrb4/0.jpg)
![CodenameSammy ROM for Rooted Nexus 7! [TouchWiz]](http://i2.ytimg.com/vi/wDSVQUOJiZA/0.jpg)
Hey max can u also do a version using wugfresh nexus one click root toolkit. It looks much easier using his tool. Its on xda at the top
Thanks bro ur the best
I’m having trouble with step 6 in linux. In terminal I type
chmod 755* ./fastboot-linux oem unlock
and the output read chmod: invailid mode: `755*’
I typed ./fastboot-linux oem unlock
the output read
Is anyone else running into this?
Put a space between 755 and *
Hey Max! This is really great! I’m always trying this website (nexus7root.com) for several days now because I know this will be your new website. I’m looking forward getting this super tablet next month and it nice that you already have a site for this. I’m hoping that your youtube channel will be back soon. You were doing a great job! Thanks!
Nexus 7: I followed your video and got mine rooted. I have superuser permission, Titanium Backup Pro and Rom Manager (the free one).
I downloaded CM10 and that seemed to install via Rom Manager. I downloaded GApps and tried to install it with Rom Manager but I get the Android icon with a Red Error Triangle, after a few minutes the device reboots by itself. But, I do not see anything that is different (from stock) in the way of features or Apps.
Using iMac to do this and the Android File Transfer app… I dragged the two files CM10 and GApps to the Download folder in the Nexus.
Note: I did not try to install the Motley CM Kernel – Do I need that also if I don’t want to overclock?… What to do next???
Thanks
Make sure to flash CWM again before running ROM Manager install.
I’m stuck with step 13 though, how can I proceed it from there. Also how can I transfer a file using usb computer connection (step 12). After the tablet is connected to the usb cable, nothing was shown up.
Thanks!!!
I had problems on Step 11, and 12: For Ubuntu users, get “gMTP” from software center. This will allow you to copy files to and from your Nexus 7. Be sure to append “sudo” in front of all “fastboot-linux” commands in the above tutorial, otherwise the command line will show “waiting for device”. I have successfully rooted my Nexus 7 on Ubuntu 12.04, with the help of these instructions and gMTP. Thanks for the tutorial!
I figured it out. Thanks so much
ok great!
After using your steps will I also have CWM recovery permanently? So will I be able to flash ROMs after this using CWM?
yes and you can always use ROM manager to re-install CWM afterwards if you lose it somehow.
Greetings,
It’s worth pointing out that modern Android devices use MTP (media transfer protocol) instead the old USB block mode. Most Linux/BSD/*nix users will have to have mtp related libraries (and a GUI like gMTP) installed for drag&drop file transfer.
I think modern full-featured distros might include support out of the box already, but just a heads up for those having problems.
Hey Max, the zip file link seems to be down. Tried downloading it from three different browsers.
it’s up now.
Awesome, thanks!
Nevermind, it seems to be working now.
A little off topic Max, but do you think it’s better to get the 8gb or the 16gb N7?
It’s personal preference I guess.
If I do this will I still be able to install ota updates?
Yes you should be able to.
hey max do you think you could put up instruction on how to get back to100% stock in case of warranty and such.
Yes will do put an unroot soon!
ok thanks very much
Super simple guide!
thanks alot max!
This works for latest FW 4.1.1?
Thanks!
This works for latest FW 4.1.1?
Thx!
yup!
I am stuck on step 20. How do I disable the recovery flash?
getting stuck at step 13 keep getting, -bash: flashboot: command not found, even after doing the tab trick…. super frustrated, just want cm10!
Aaron, im having the same problem with adding recovery to the terminal. What did you do to get passed this? Any help would be appreciated!!!! I cant move on until i figure this out. Thanks bud!!!
I figured it out. I need to pay more attention lol. I wasnt putting the ” ./ “
hey max, im using OS X, and im having some issues… i unlocked the boot loader but i cant seem to install clockwork mod recovery touch… your commands arent working on terminal… i did replace fastboot with ./fastboot-mac… is there anything else extra for mac for step 13… thanks
update: i installed CMD-touch-6.0.0.6 but now when i go to recovery it give me an android logo with the stomach open with a warning sign….
update: everything fixed… thank you so much for ur video… btw it feels so much better when u fix everything yourself… instead of letting others do it for u…
k cool good job bud!
Shalmazar
How did you fix? I get the android logo with open stomach and red warning sign too. I watched the video but didn’t see how to fix. The video was for Nexus 10, but I am assuming they are the same process?
Hey Max,
After rooting my swiping left-right menus seem to be laggy. What do you suggest to fix this?
Thx,
xman
Not root related, rooting doesn’t make the menus laggy, must just be the OS.
If i root my nexus 7, can i still do updates, like if android 4.1.2 came out, would i lose root if i updated?
You can re-flash stock recovery to get updates yes. You can re-root or use Root Keeper to get root.
Hi, great stuff thanks!
is it possible to only get root and not flash the recovery?
will this allow me to get OTA updates normally?
thanks for all your effort!
You can reflash stock recovery. I should have that up shortly.
Hi Max,
Thank You for your video, i has root my Nexus 7, but one thing i want to know is “for example”, i has save some photo and some file on my N7, but after i do the Hard reset by “Factory data reset” under the setting, all the file is still here, so how can i do to made my N7 like “NEW” & “Clear”.
Many Thanks,
Gary
You can use the factory reset feature in the stock recovery or CWM recovery instead. But the stock version will erase everything on your storage so make a backup before doing that.
Hi Max,
Thanks again, sorry but how can i get it to the “stock recovery”???
Many Thanks,
Gary
Hey Max,
This worked perfectly. So easy to do, I was able to root my N7 while at work.
Running Codename Android ROM now at your suggestion.
Request: can you do a tutorial on how to choose and install a custom kernel for the N7 along with your recommendations? Maybe even a video review of the popular custom kernels?
Thanks,
Jim
Hey this is great – I’m a mac user, and terminal can be a bit intimidating. This worked like a charm, and I’m quite grateful you put this method up so clearly. Thanks!
If you’re having trouble transferring the file on mac. Go download Android file transfer
What am I missing?
Using linux mint and/or Ubuntu 12.04 and sits at and doesnt recognise the connected tablet?
All commands are correct but no joy using Linux?!
Any pointers?
Got it!
Run the Linux command as SuperUser (sudo in Ubuntu, su in others (I think))
Ta
Hey Max im having a problem copying the supersu zip to my root. It wont let me copy when its PTP and my nexus isnt getting recognized by my computer when I set it to MTP.
Try using AirDroid app from Play Store for temporary fix. Seems like driver problem on your computer.
Hey Max,
I was wondering if instead of installing CWM Recovery I could install TWRP (Personal Preference)? If so would I just replace the step of installing CWM with TWRP?
Yes.
how can i unroot it ??? help please!!!
There’s only damned advertising on that download-page! Where is Nexus7Root.zip ?!?!
sorry try the download link between the last two ads!
I klick everywhere near the “Download Here”. There used to appear a timer but nothing happens. Is the file gone?
It’s there, try another browser if you have trouble.
Hey max, do you think you could put up a video of how to unroot? It would be greatly appreciated!
Yes working on it right now!
Hello,
Thanks for the Rooting guide. on the mac, I have not been able to find a way to disable recovery mode.. How is it done? What happens if i can’t/don’t disable it?
thanks
I rebooted at step 20, but didn’t get the option to disable recovery flash, tablet just went straight to rebooting. You said this would give permanent recovery. If I didn’t get the option did it automatically disable it?
That’s fine if it doesn’t ask you, it might be disabled already if you are on older software versions.
Please help installed paranoid android and wifi wasn’t working so I restored a rom. Any idea on how I can fix it. please. Thank You
Oh most custom ROMs require one reboot, if it doesn’t work just reboot and will work fine after that.
Yeah did it and it worked thanks
If I root the nexus 7 using this method but not install any custom ROMs, will I still be able to receive OTA updates? Thanks!
How do you flash stock recovery?
extract recovery.img from factory firmware and do:
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
Thanks for the easy root instructions. So far, I’ve only encountered one problem. It has to do with apps. Now some are saying they are incompatible with my version. I read it has something to do with the dpi being changed. Do you know of a fix to correct this? Thanks!
Hi
This method also works on 4.1.2?
thanks
Get as far as step 6 with version 4.1.2 and it stops… the command “cd Nexus7Root” is not recognised.
So cant go any further… pity…
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Hi Max,
I’m trying to get root but i’m stuck on step 11, I can’t seem to find my device when it is in MTP and when i put it in PTP it says i can’t copy the file. I’ve doubel checked to make sure the drivers are installed and as far as I can tell they are, what am i doing wrong?
Thanks!
i am stuck at step 14. everything went ok. when i go to recovery and hit the power button as the website said. the nexus 7 just go directly back to android. i am on 4.2
u may find it in the “0″ folder.. try to click on it and u may find it inside. I had the same problem too
what do you mean ? what will we find in there ? i’m stuck as well
i cant get into CWR after step 14…. already tried to flash again and again but nothing changes
u may find it in the “0″ folder.. try to click on it and u may find it inside. I had the same problem too
i accidentaly skipped step 20 – “Yes – Disable recovery flash”… i did a reboot by pressing the power button.. is there something wrong?
max I have a huge Problem. I Followed your steps exactly and when it comes to step where you say to reboot to get to Welcome screen, it gets stuck on the X splash screen. Please help me.
I now tried to reLock the bootloader Reboot then i was going to do this whole process over again but no matter what I do I cannot get pass the Nexus X splash screen. Can some1 please help me.
I figured it out. This wasnt working for some reason.So I went to Nexus tool kit to flash the stock image and instead of getting stuck at the X it booted to the Welcome screen. thanks
does Max even respond here much to help people out like he always says in his vids? i have a feeling if I didnt figure it out myself I would have never gotten response.
Max is one of the few that I actually have gotten a response from. Thanks for all of your time that you give to the rooting community Max!
HI i cant get to the ClockworkMod a green android laying down with a red triangle and a ! on it pops up. I followed all directions I have a nexus 7 with android 4.2
Hey I am running android jellybean 4.2 and I installed the clockwork touch mod and I cleared cache and I go to recovery mode the device stays on the google logo with unlock and the screen flickers then goes black and reboots into the os whats wrong why did the mod not run?
Hi,
thank you for ur guide.. it’s really help me.. i search in google almost all guide were very hard to follow and many step and many things to download.. this is the easiest one i ever seen in web, just need download 1 file frm this site.. i tried root already and successed.. thank you.. ^.^
Does this method work with 4.2?
Hey, max
thanks for all the info abt rooting n7
I have a slight problem after I unlocked the bootloader and rebooted and signed in my pc doesn’t seem to recognise my device for me to copy files over. The PTP mode also not working… what should I do? thanks
im running 4.2 and ive put cwm on the tablet I typed in everything I erased the cache and I tried going into recoverymode but it doesn’t go into recovery mode please help!!!
when i get to step 17 , the CWM supersu file does not appear. I copied and pasted the zip file into my Nexus internal memory. Why does it not show up when i get to step 17?
Uuuummmmm… Maxx i tried to download Nexus7Root.zip but it seems the link is broken, would you kindly put it back up? Coz i’m dying to root my nexus 7…..Thank you in advance!
Testimonial: Max, this guide is awesome. I had searched the internet for about 4 days looking for noob proof instructions that actually work! None of them worked without issues. It was a total pain.
You’re instructions above are excellent! The video is perfect! The root went flawlessly! You are now my one-stop shop for all things root. I have a GS3 (L700) and rooted using your instructions and that was also perfect!
Thanks so much for your time and effort!
when i type fastboot oen unlock its says fastboot is not recognized as an internal or external command operable programme or batch file
now what can i do am stuck open here can not continue
you are the man, great help, best regards
omg this video isn’t good! you are doing to much.if your working on one thing stick to it. You go from Windows to mac and then Linux. your confusing me and others then u say type 755 * but before what and on which computer .dam man ya falling off.
Hi, Does this tutorial works on a nexus 7 with Jelly Bean 4.2.1? i’m afraid to get a brick after this process, and if it’s not, what do you recomend for root a jelly bean 4.2.1??
Thanks for the how to, excelent page.
Hey,
Does this method work on jellybean 4.2.1 build JOP40D?? I wanna root my Nexus 7 but dont wanna brick it. I’ve rooted my galaxy nexus using your other videos. So im not new to the whole rooting thing but just wanted to know if this is the video to follow to root my 4.2.1 nexus 7.
Thanks
SHey max does it matter if its the nexus 7 WiFi or nexus 7 with WiFi and mobile network
Can it both be rooted.
I noticed it listed JB 4.1.1 and 4.1.2, but it only listed 4.2 and not 4.2.1 or 4.2.2. Will this method work for 4.2.1 and 4.2.2?
Id assume it would
Hy!
Please help me. It is appaer at the step 13 that cannot determine the image file name for recovery……!?What is the problem? Thank you in advance!bye
hi
Please help me
after
fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-touch-6.0.0.6-grouper.img
fastboot erase cache
at the 13 step
When a hit the power button , my nexus reboot
Hi.. help me please, my OS is Ubuntu 12.10 i tried to root my nexus 7, but in the terminal, after i write ./fastboot-linux oem unlock appear and no more, i think that te pc didn’t recognize the tablet, but you say that for linux i don’t need drivers, so please help me, what can i do? i have Android 4.2.2
Thanks
Hi.. help me please, my OS is Ubuntu 12.10 i tried to root my nexus 7, but in the terminal, after i write ./fastboot-linux oem unlock appear ”waiting for device” and no more, i think that te pc didn’t recognize the tablet, but you say linux don’t need drivers, so please help me, what can i do? i have Android 4.2.2
Thanks
I have 4.2.2 OTA. How do I obtain root?
Hey, I am getting an invalid partition error when I try to install your recovery-clockwork-touch-6.0.0.6-grouper.img . I have tried both image files and keep getting the same message. Is this because I am running the 4.2.2 OS? Please HELP!!
Great tutorial – only thing I would change is this: Step 6 instructions are in the wrong order.
the line:
fastboot oem unlock
should come very last!
This is what is written currently:
Step 6. Open a command prompt or terminal and type:
cd Downloads
cd Nexus7Root
fastboot oem unlock
For Mac and Linux, please type this before the fastboot command:
chmod 755 *
And also replace all “fastboot” with “./fastboot-mac” for Mac and “./fastboot-linux” for all commands on this page!!!
Hey max, i can’t put anything onto the nexus. It shows up as a camera and won’t let me put anything on the root dir. I have installed the drivers am i missing something?
Hi, I’m getting stuck on step 6. My Nexus7Root file is at C:\Users\Admin\Desktop\LPdemo\Downloads\Nexus7Root when I go there on cmd everithing works fine until that. When i write …Nexus7Root>fastboot oen unlock it doesen’t give me the same thing that it gives to you, instead ite gives me a large list of commands and options like:
update reflash device from update.zip
flashall flash boot + recovery + system
flash [ ] write a file to a flash partition
So how can I move from that? Can it be that because I first used WinRAR instead of 7zip that that could have screwed it up? On my nexus it reads now…
FASTBOOT MODE
PRODUCT NAME – grouper
VARIANT – grouper
HW VERSION – ER3
BOOTLOADER VERSION – 4.18
BASEBAND VERSION – N/A
SERIAL NUMBER – blaablaablaablaa
SIGNING – not defined yet
LOCK STATUS – LOCKED
What should I do?
I figured it out already. I was supposed to write oem not oen. Thx Johnny Quikkick