Root Nexus 7 on Official Android 4.3 JWR66V Jelly Bean OTA Firmware [TUTORIAL]

Nexus 7 users recently received the latest Android 4.3 JWR66V Jelly Bean Over-The-Air (OTA) update from Google, as part of the new Nexus 7 launch event held in New York. The new OTA update is now available for all Nexus devices including Nexus 4, Nexus 7, Nexus 10 and Google Nexus.

NOTE: Rooting the device is essential to install third-party root apps, system tweaks and gain full system access for installing custom firmware. However, this process will void the device of its warranty which can be reclaimed by reinstalling the latest official firmware.

Key Points to Note

• The SuperSU Rooting tool and these instructions are meant for the Google Nexus 7 model only. Do not attempt installing this firmware on another variant or device, as it may inadvertently hard-brick or damage the device. Verify the device model number by navigating to Settings > About Tablet.
• Back up data and settings via a recommended custom recovery tool such as ClockworkMod (CWM) or TWRP
• Verify appropriate USB drivers are installed for the device on computer (download Nexus 7 USB drivers)
• Ensure USB debugging mode is enabled on tablet by navigating to Settings > Developer Options (if device is running Android 4.0 or later) or Settings > Applications > Development (if device is running Android 2.3 or earlier). If device is running Android 4.2, perform the following steps:
• Go to Settings > About Tablet
• Scroll to bottom of screen and select Build Number
• Tap device's Build Number seven times to unlock or reveal hidden developer options under Settings. Then select checkbox to enable USB debugging mode under Settings > Developer Options.
• Ensure tablet has at least 80% battery charge to prevent unexpected device shutdown (due to battery drain) while installing ROM.
• Ensure both device and its bootloader is unlocked.
• Make sure that the tablet is already running on latest Android 4.3 JWR66V Jelly Bean OTA firmware before you proceed.
• If device is stuck at booting or experiences boot loop issues, Wipe Cache Partition and Wipe Dalvik Cache a few more times before rebooting.
• Instructions provided in this guide are meant for reference purpose only. IBTimes UK reminds readers it will not be held liable if device is damaged or bricked during or after firmware installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

How to Root Nexus 7 and Install CWM Recovery on Official Android 4.3 JWR66V Jelly Bean OTA Firmware

Step 1 - Download Android SDK from Android Developers website and install with USB drivers. Click here to know how to Set Up Android SDK (Fastboot / ADB) on Windows.

Step 2 - Download Fastboot and extract it to android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory. Create a new directory if it does not exist. NOTE: Skip Steps 1, 2 and 3 if required tools are already installed.

Step 3 - Download SuperSU v1.43 (UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.43.zip) and copy it to the root folder on tablet.

Step 4 - Power off the tablet.

Step 5 - Download CWM Recovery 6.0.3.1 or TWRP 2.6.0.0 and copy/paste it to the android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory on computer.

NOTE: Use any of the two custom recoveries: CWM or TWRP on trial basis. If one fails to work, try the other.

Step 6 - Boot Nexus 7 into Fastboot Mode by pressing and holding Volume Down and Power keys together until some text appears on screen. This confirms entry into Bootloader Mode.

Step 7 - Browse to android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory and launch Command Prompt (hold Shift and Right-click on desktop and then choose Open Command Prompt).

Step 8 - Type in the following command and press Enter.

fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-touch-6.0.3.1-grouper.img

Step 9 - Once the command is executed, choose RECOVERY from Fastboot menu and enter Recovery Mode.

Step 10 - In recovery, browse to Flash Zip from SD card option and hit Power button to select it.

Step 11 - Tap Power button again and click Choose Zip from SD card.

Step 12 - Use volume keys to navigate to the UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.43.zip file that you copied earlier to tablet and select it by tapping Power button. Confirm the root installation on next screen and the installation process will begin.

Step 13 - Once the root installation is done, select "+++++Go Back" and tap Reboot System Now from the recovery menu. The tablet will now reboot into the newly installed firmware with root access.

Your Nexus 7 is now rooted on Android 4.3 JWR66V official Jelly Bean firmware with CWM recovery installed. Check for the SuperSU app in device apps list to verify. Download and install Root Checker app to verify if root installation is successful.

ALSO READ: New Nexus 7 Now Available in UK: Where to Buy

[Source: Team Android]