Nexus 7 2013: How to Root and Install Custom Recovery

Elvind Anderson July 31, 2013 How To Root, Nexus, Nexus 7 2013

Alright, as we all know, the latest version of Nexus 7 is out with latest android platform Android 4.3. Android 4.3 definitely is the best android platform now after added the TRIM feature which helps allocate internal space even more efficient. No doubt, Nexus 7 2013 with HD display is a best tablet gadget in 2013. Root and custom recovery is a must on this awesome gadget. Today, we would like to share how to root your Nexus 7 2 (2013) as well as install custom recovery on it.

Apparently, root for Nexus 7 2013 are available since day one. In this tutorial, you can easily root your new Nexus 7 2013 and install custom recovery. Custom recovery can be used to flash zip file, custom ROM, custom kernel and many more to your device. The very first step to start root and install custom recovery is to unlock  your Nexus 7 2013 bootloader. Need no worry, we will cover al these 3 steps on how to unlock bootloader, how to root and how to install custom recovery on Nexus 7 2013.

Nexus 7 2 or Nexus 7 2013 is one of best android tablet in 2013. It is considerable as a medium high range device. It has a 7.0” (1920 x 1200) Corning HD display. It is equipped by 1.5GHz quad core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, 2GB RAM, 5MP rear and 1.2MP front camera. It comes with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean firmware out of the box.

3 Steps to Unlock Bootloader, Root & Install Custom Recovery On Nexus 7 (2013)

Disclaimer: It’s always a risk to modify your device. We, Android Teen are not responsible for any damage or bricks on your device. Your device warranty may void with any mod. Check your devices warranty’s term & conditions before start. (HTC,Samsung, LG, Sony, Motorola). Use this guide on your own risk, contact us for help if you face problem.

Pre-requisites & Requirements

  1. Nexus 7 (Ensure correct device model and firmware; Check device model – Go to Settings -> About Device -> Model Number)
  2. Windows-based computer or laptop
  3. Download Nexus 7 USB driver for Windows and install in your computer. (Installation guide)
  4. Connect device to computer with USB cable to complete installation.
  5. Skip this step if you have installed the USB driver.
  6. Enable USB Debugging on your device. How to Enable USB Debugging Mode on Android Devices.
  7. Make sure your phone is charged to 60% 80% to avoid battery blackout and interruption during this tutorial.
  8. We recommend you make a backup on your data and media files before the tutorial. You may restore the data and files if necessary.

Reminder: Ensure you have installed the Android SDK driver properly to start. Ensure you meet the requirements before proceed. Contact us if you face problem.

Download

  1. Touch Recovery (TWRP 2.6.0.0) (openrecovery-twrp-2.6.0.0-flo.img | 9.4MB)
  2. Super SU package (UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.43.zip | 1.15MB)

Instructions: How To Unlock Bootloader On Nexus 7 2013

  1. Follow guide here to unlock your Nexus 7 bootloader before start root.

Instructions: How To Install TWRP Recovery On Nexus 7 2013

  1. Once you have completed bootloader unlock, you can proceed to flash TWRP custom recovery.
  2. Download TWRP 2.6.0.0 in a folder in computer.
  3. Rename openrecovery-twrp-2.6.0.0-flo.img to recovery-twrp.img. 
  4. Copy recovery-twrp.img into the root of the folder C:\Fastboot. [Ensure you have setup android SDK]
  5. Goto Windows Start button –> Type cmd in the Search programs and files box.
  6. Type cd C:\fastboot in the command prompt windows.
  7. Boot up your device into Bootloader Mode by press and hold the Volume Up, Volume Down and Power button until Fastboot menu and Start appeared.
  8. Press Volume Up button for several times until Recovery Mode appears on the screen. Press Power button to confirm.
  9. Connect your devices to computer.
  10. Type fastboot flash recovery recovery-twrp.img in the command prompt windows.
  11. TWRP recovery will be flashed to device.
  12. Wait couple of minutes and observe the process.
  13. Now, you have TWRP recovery installed in your device.

Instructions: How To Root Nexus 7 2013 Android 4.3

  1. Download SuperSU package into your device (in either internal or external SD card)
  2. Power off your device.
  3. Boot up your device into Bootloader Mode by press and hold the Volume Up, Volume Down and Power button until Fastboot menu and Start appeared.
  4. Press Volume Up button for several times until Recovery Mode appears on the screen. Press Power button to confirm.
  5.  You should see TWRP custom recovery.
  6. In TWRP main menu, select Install and locate & select UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.43.zip.
  7. Use Swipe to confirm flash button to flash the zip.
  8. You should eventually see “Successful” after flashing.
  9. Press Reboot System.
  10. To check whether you have root access, download root checker below to test.
  11. Enjoy your rooted Nexus 7 2013.
Root Checker on Playboard Best Android Games and Apps (Playboard) |
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By Elvind Anderson
A 18 years old young android enthusiast who loves Android (Big fans of David Beckham too). He enjoys learning, testing and sharing on Android latest technologies. He likes to play around with custom ROM flashing, customize theme, discover new applications, system tweaking and more. Now, he owns Galaxy Note 2, HTC One, Nexus 7, Nokia Lumia 520 and iPhone 5.
  • https://androidteen.com/ androidteen

    Alucal, after survey on your question, i found a method could root your Nexus 7 without recovery installed. However, we are not allow to post about this toolkit here. Here is the link you can get it. Check out the post and let us know if it works for you. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2389107

    • Alucai Vivorvel

      Hey, thanks, but I decided to just go with installing TWRP, so if I want to install CyanogenMod (when they release a more stable version of CM10.2) I can.

      • https://androidteen.com/ androidteen

        Great choice to go towards CynongenMod. Have a good day.

  • https://androidteen.com/ androidteen

    Fedor, the different between windows and mac is the setup of Android SDK. Instead of using Windows Android SDK, you need to download the Mac Android SDK to get drivers support. Process is the same once your fastboot driver is setup. Here is the download link http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html

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