Downloads

1. TWRP: Asus Nexus 7 2012 Wi-Fi | Asus Nexus 7 2012 3G
2. Latest Magisk from the official github repo

1. Boot into the bootloader by holding Power + Vol Down for about 10 secs
2. Connect your device using a usb cable to your computer
3. If you see LOCK STATE - UNLOCKED, skip this step, otherwise you need to unlock your bootloader by running this command from your computer. Accept and wait while device resets. *this will wipe your device
   

   fastboot oem unlock

4. Your bootloader should now be unlocked, running this will give you access to twrp without installing it
   

   fastboot boot path/to/twrp-recover.img

5. Now you have two pathways:~
   • Normal: Use your touch screen to install magisk.zip file you downloaded from github and you're done
   • Broken Screen/Digitizer: From your computer while twrp is open, type this command. * assuming that you renamed magisk archive to magisk.zip and copied it to your sdcard with adb push
     

     adb shell twrp install /sdcard/magisk.zip

If, in the unlikely event, you do mess up rooting your tablet, you can easily re-flash to factory using the factory stock images available at the links below...

Nexus 7 - WiFi only
https://developers.google.com/android/images/#nakasi

Nexus 7 - WiFi and 3G
https://developers.google.com/android/images/#nakasig

Every single guide i found went through a little bit too much, in this guide i'll show you how you can root your device without installing custom recovery with 5 easy steps. I am going to assume that you already have android platform tools installed on your computer

Downloads
1- TWRP: Asus Nexus 7 2012 Wi-Fi | Asus Nexus 7 2012 3G
2- Latest Magisk from the official github repo

Steps

1- Boot into the bootloader by holding Power + Vol Down for about 10 secs.
2- Connect your device using a usb cable to your computer.
3- If you see LOCK STATE - UNLOCKED, skip this step, otherwise you need to unlock your bootloader by running this command from your computer. Accept and wait while device resets * this will wipe your device

4- Your bootloader should now be unlocked, running this will give you access to twrp without installing it.

5- Now you have 2 pathways
Normal: Use your touch screen to install magisk.zip file you downloaded from github and you're done
Broken Screen/Digitizer: From your computer while twrp is open type this command. * assuming that you renamed magisk archive to magisk.zip and copied it to your sdcard

Reboot, Have fun

Hi, pushqrdx...

A nice and concise guide, and whilst it's perhaps a little late in the day (the Nexus 7 is, after all, some 7 years old now ~ where does the time go!), I always think that the more of these guides there are, the better.

For example, someone might have just picked up an old Nexus 7 somewhere second hand, and might be looking for such instructions as yours.

I also like the way you've updated the procedure for Magisk. The last time I rooted anything, let alone a Nexus 7, was with Chainfire's SuperSU root package. But of course, root is done via Magisk these days, so yours is a nicely updated guide.

And you've also provided a contingency scenario for a damaged screen/digitizer - not something I've had to deal with myself.

-------------------------

I hope you don't mind me adding a little additional tip for anyone reading this...

If, in the unlikely event you do mess up rooting the Nexus 7, you can easily reflash back to factory using the factory stock images available at the links below...

Nexus 7 - WiFi only
https://developers.google.com/android/images/#nakasi

Nexus 7 - WiFi and 3G
https://developers.google.com/android/images/#nakasig

-------------------------

So, in conclusion then, a straightforward and concise guide that covers all the basics to rooting the Nexus 7 - kudos to you sir for writing it.

Kind Rgrds,
Ged.

Hi, pushqrdx...

A nice and concise guide, and whilst it's perhaps a little late in the day (the Nexus 7 is, after all, some 7 years old now ~ where does the time go!), I always think that the more of these guides there are, the better.

For example, someone might have just picked up an old Nexus 7 somewhere second hand, and might be looking for such instructions as yours.

I also like the way you've updated the procedure for Magisk. The last time I rooted anything, let alone a Nexus 7, was with Chainfire's SuperSU root package. But of course, root is done via Magisk these days, so yours is a nicely updated guide.

And you've also provided a contingency scenario for a damaged screen/digitizer - not something I've had to deal with myself.

I have a Asus Nexus 7 2012 Wi-Fi. I have managed to unlock the bootloader and, using adb, checked the devise is authorised. When I try to run 'flash-all', I get stuck at '<waiting for a device>'.

PS C:\Users\OFFICE PC\Desktop\Nexus 7 KitKat\nakasi-ktu84p> .\fastboot flash-all
< waiting for any device >

I cannot fix this problem so I went to your tutorial, I have downloaded twrp and magisk. Do I run these from CMD?. Also, where is twrp-recover.img?

I have a Asus Nexus 7 2012 Wi-Fi. I have managed to unlock the bootloader and, using adb, checked the devise is authorised. When I try to run 'flash-all', I get stuck at '<waiting for a device>'.

PS C:\Users\OFFICE PC\Desktop\Nexus 7 KitKat\nakasi-ktu84p> .\fastboot flash-all
< waiting for any device >

I cannot fix this problem so I went to your tutorial, I have downloaded twrp and magisk. Do I run these from CMD?. Also, where is twrp-recover.img?

EDIT: The 'twrp-recover.img' is the name you give to the TWRP which you downloaded.

However, I face now an issue, probably due to a wrong understanding.

I wanted to use an android device as a basic (dedicated) terminal for an HW I'm building and I remembered that I've some devices in may attic. One of them was an old Nexus 7 (2012).

Battery was dead... So I changed it, but booting was looping. :-{

Starting with this tuto, I've installed fastboot on my PC and I've been able to start twrp-3.3.1-0-grouper.img on the Nexus.

Then came the problem. I did not find (somewhere in my drawers) the OTG adaptor for the Nexus7.
Before being able to buy one, I had to stop the process with (as far as I remember) a stop command in twrp.

For a stop it was a stop! ... as I'm now unable to PWR-ON the Nexus !

No reaction at all!

Which advise could you give me, in order to solve this issue? If possible.

Thank you.