How to Root the Nexus 7 on Android 5.0
The original Nexus 7 has got the Android 5.0 Lollipop update, amongst many other Nexus devices. If you haven’t updated your device to this latest update, do so now as it brings a host of cool features for your device. If you’ve already updated your device, here’s how you can root your device and get the root-only apps working on it (once again!):
Rooting is the process of gaining administrative rights on your Android device. Once we root our Android device, we can then make changes to it to customize it well beyond what it normally can do.
Once you have root access on your Nexus 7, you’ll be able to:
- Remove apps that were preinstalled by your carrier/manufacturer from your device.
- Free up storage space (because of the above benefit).
- Increase battery life (apps that might have been running constantly can be removed).
- Increase performance (after removing apps that are always running, the device will be less bogged down and run smoother).
- Update to a new version of Android (by flashing a custom recovery/ROM, see the end of this procedure for more info on that).
- Tons of other customizations when you use your new found administrative rights to flash a custom ROM (again, see the end of this procedure for more info on that).
Interested? Here’s how to root your Nexus 7:
I. Before You Begin
1. This’ll void the warranty of your device. You’re doing this procedure at your own risk.
2. This only works for the Nexus 7 device.
II. Downloading Required Files
1. Download CF-Root for your device and save it to your desktop.
OR
CF-Root for the WiFi+SIM variant
III. Rooting the Nexus 7 on Android 5.0
1. Extract files from CF-Root over to your desktop by right-clicking on it and selecting Extract here.
2. Head to Menu > Settings > Developer options on your device and enable the USB debugging option.
3. Turn OFF your device.
4. Reboot your device into bootloader mode by holding down Volume UP, Volume DOWN, and Power buttons together.
5. Plug in your device to your PC using the USB cable.
6. Double-click on root-windows.bat located on your desktop and it’ll launch.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions for rooting your device.
8. When it’s done, head over to the Google Play store and download and install Busybox on your device.
9. You’re done!
Congrats! Your Nexus 7 running Android 5.0 is now rooted. It’s been equipped with SuperSU and Busybox so that all the root-only apps work fine on your device.
Maybe you want more than just root-access on your device? Maybe you want a custom recovery that can help you flash a custom ROM on your device? If so, here’s how you can flash one on your Nexus 7:
IV. Flashing a Custom Recovery on the Nexus 7
1. Open Google Play on your device and search for and tap on ROM Manager.
2. Install the ROM Manager app on your device.
3. Once installed, open the app from your app drawer.
4. Tap on Flash ClockworkMod Recovery.
5. Select your device from the list shown on your screen.
6. It should begin the flashing procedure.
7. When it’s done, reboot your device.
8. You’re all set!
Cheers! Your Nexus 7 now has a custom recovery. Go ahead and get a custom ROM flashed on your device and let us know how it works for you!
You can click here to find all of the Nexus 7 How To’s.
You can also find all of the Nexus 7 ROMs we have here.
