ALSO READ: 45 Amazing Tips, Tricks and Hacks for Nexus 7 While rooting does have its advantages, some of you might not be comfortable with a rooted Nexus 7 and you might be wondering if there’s a way to go back to stock firmware without root access. If you’re looking for an easy way to unroot Nexus 7, then continue reading to find out how you can unroot Nexus 7 in just several minutes. In this guide, I’ll show you how to unroot the 2013 second generation Nexus 7 using your computer.
Why Unroot Nexus 7 2013?
The unrooting process is risky and might seem a bit complicated to some users. If you’re not sure whether you want to unroot your Nexus 7, then consider the following factors in order to make up your mind.
Install regular Over The Air updates on your Nexus 7. After unrooting the device, you’ll be able to install OTA updates normally like you used to before rooting your device. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy the latest features and bug fixes.Unrooting your tablet is also the smart thing to do if you want to sell your device. A potential buyer would probably want to get an unrooted Nexus 7 with the original firmware installed.If you want to send your Nexus 7 for repairs under warranty, then you’ll need to unroot it. If you give the manufacturer a rooted device, chances are that your warranty claim will be rejected.
Tips before you Unroot Nexus 7
Make sure that you use the method mentioned below at your own responsibility. Unrooting is a risky process and if anything goes wrong, you might end up with a bricked Nexus 7. We won’t be responsible for any damage to your device. Also, this method is not guaranteed to work on all devices. If you’ve made up your mind on unrooting the Nexus 7, then follow these tips before proceeding with the unrooting process.
Charge your Nexus 7 at least 70% so that your tablet doesn’t run out of power during the unrooting process.Make sure that your Nexus 7 is synced with your Google account. This way, you’ll get some of the data back when logging into your Google account after the unrooting process.Create a backup of all your important files. There are many great backup apps available on the Google Play Store. You can also check out our list of the best Android backup apps.
Nexus Root Toolkit
Nexus Root Toolkit is a popular app for Windows computers that lets users do various things on their Nexus devices, including rooting and unrooting. The app is really easy to use and you’ll be able to unroot Nexus 7 in just several minutes. You don’t need to enter any commands manually in command prompt. Follow the steps below to unroot Nexus 7 2013.
Step 1 – Install Nexus Root Toolkit on your Windows PC
Download the Nexus Root Toolkit app on your Windows PC. You can download the app through this link. Once downloaded, install the app on your PC.
Step 2 – Select your Model
Once you are done installing the app, you should see a Your model type popup. Select your model name from the dropdown menu below Select the device you have. Make sure that you select the Nexus 7 v2 version. The v2 version is the 2013 model. Select your tablet’s build number in the dropdown menu below Select the android build you are currently running. In order to find out about your build number, go to About tablet in Settings. Click on the Apply button once you have made the selection.
Step 3 – Enable USB Debugging on your Nexus 7
Go to Developer options in Settings and enable the USB debugging option. If you can’t see Developer options, then go to About tablet in Settings and keep tapping on Build number until you see a popup message saying You are now a developer. You’ll now see the Developer options menu in Settings.
Step 4 – Connect your Nexus 7 to your Windows PC
Connect your Nexus 7 to your PC using a micro USB cable. If you see a popup on your Nexus 7 asking to allow USB debugging, select the Always allow from this computer option and press OK.
Step 5 – Download Dependencies
Select the Download + Update All File Dependencies option if you see a dependency popup on your PC.
Step 6 – Install Drivers on your PC
Once the relevant files have been downloaded, click on the Full Driver Installation Guide – Automatic + Manual button in Nexus Root Toolkit. The Toolkit will now display different steps. Follow these steps in order to install the drivers on your PC.
Step 7 – Unroot your Nexus 7
Once the drivers are installed, click on Flash Stock + Unroot and press OK to continue. If you see a Which factory image popup, select the image based on your build number and choose Automatically download + extract the factory image selected above for me. Press the OK button to continue.
Step 8 – Enable USB Debugging on your Nexus 7
Once your device reboots after the flashing process, enable USB debugging by following Step 3.
Step 9 – Lock the Bootloader on your Nexus 7
Click on OEM Lock in Nexus Root Toolkit and press OK to continue. Your tablet will automatically reboot once the process is complete. That’s it! You have successfully unrooted your Nexus 7.
Conclusion
Rooting any Android smartphone or tablet gives you access to so much more stuff from installing apps that require root access to flashing custom ROMs and mods. While rooting definitely takes the experience of many users to the next level, some of you might want to go back to the stock interface without root access once you’re done playing around with your tablet. Further Reading: 8 Best Cases for Google Nexus 7 (2013 version) Before unrooting the device, make sure that you’re willing to take full responsibility as you can end up bricking your tablet if something goes wrong. Follow all the instructions properly and feel free to shoot any questions in the comments section below.
