Owning a Nexus device holds many advantages. One of them is the fact you can easy unlock, root and install a Custom ROM. Another advantage is the strong support from the developer community making custom ROM’s, mods and other useful stuff for your Nexus device. Here is how to quickly unlock and root your new Nexus 7 tablet.
Courtesy of XDA Developers senior member WugFresh, there is now available a custom software tool that will help you unlock and root your Nexus 7. The Nexus Root Toolkit is as close as it gets to a fully automated root operation. It’s easy to use, though some may encounter specific problems, and works with all Nexus devices. Before you begin unlocking don’t forget to backup all data as the operation will wipe you device clean.
Download the Nexus Root Toolkit through the Softpedia link. Next, go to Settings – About Tablet – Build Number, on your tablet and find your model number. You will need it to set the Nexus Root Toolkit to your specific device. Now, go to Settings – Developer options, activate USB debugging and slide Developer options to ON.
Now we will use the toolkit. Right click the Nexus Root Toolkit icon on your Windows PC and Run as Administrator. Click on Full Driver Installation Guide – Automatic + Manual. The driver installing process may take some time, depending on your machine and software environment. If it does not work the first time, keep trying. Here is a complete video guide on how to unlock and root:
After the drivers are installed you can unlock the bootloader. Don’t forget that this process wipes all data. Use the volume buttons on your device to select Yes when it will warn you about unlocking it and press the power button to proceed. Following, you can flash a custom recovery. Either choose Clockwork Mod or Team Win Recovery, each with their own advantages, though CWM is far more popular. Next, click on Root. The Nexus 7 will restart, and appear to be done after a minute. During that period it is advisable that you DO NOT TAMPER WIT IT. A prompt will appear after a short time to check for Super User and install Busybox. That is all. You are now rooted. Be careful while installing updates. Some of them may cause you to loose root.
