Rooting your Nexus device gives you admin rights to the tablet while in turn allows you to install custom ROM’s and run rooted apps to change clock speeds, add multi-window support and many other features otherwise locked. There has been a developer named WugFresh who created a program that allows you to easily root, unroot, and flash custom ROM’s to your Nexus smartphone or tablet.
Before we get started take note that the program is a Windows base application so will only run on Windows.
Currently Compatible Devices
Galaxy Nexus: GSM Models (both yakju and non-yakju builds), Galaxy Nexus: CDMA/LTE Verizon Models, Galaxy Nexus: CDMA/LTE Sprint Models, Nexus S: Worldwide, i9020t and i9023 Models, Nexus S: 850MHz, i9020a Models, Nexus S: Korea, m200 Models, Nexus S 4G: d720 Models, Nexus 7: Asus Tablet, Nexus 7 3G: Asus Tablet, Nexus 7 v2 (2013): Asus Tablet, Nexus 7 v2 (2013) LTE: Asus Tablet, Nexus 10: Samsung Tablet, Nexus 4: LG Phone, Nexus 5: LG Phone. If your device is not in this list then you probably shouldn’t attempt this method.
Nexus Root Instructions
- Download and install the Nexus Root Toolkit (Download Link)
- Run the Toolkit and select the correct device and build for your device
- Use the driver guide to configure your drivers
- Backup your devices data (if you need to)
- Unlock your device via the toolkit
- Root your device via the toolkit
- Congrats your Nexus device is rooted!
If you have any issues along the way you can easily see what everything does by mousing over the each control. Mouse over controls will show tooltips that explain everything. You can also just press the buttons you think you need and read what it does before you actually proceed.
Even though this article is focused on Rooting your Nexus device you can also unroot and do so much more with it. One great feature of the root toolkit is the fact that it has an updater so that as new devices are released you will get everything you need to root them as well as soon as available. If you have any issues rooting just drop us a line via comments below and we will do our best to help you out.