How to unlock the Nexus 7 bootloader

By Phil Nickinson  | Jun 27 2012 | 7:27 pm  | 12 Comments

Google Nexus 7

This should really go without saying, given that it's called the ​Nexus​ 7, but we'll go ahead and say it anyway. Yes, you can unlock the Nexus 7 bootloader, then have your way with it however you deem fit.

Unlocking the Nexus 7 is the same as any other Nexus device. You'll need to put it into USB debugging mode, have the Android SDK installed on your computer, and then use the ​fastboot oem unlock​ command. (Relocking is just as easy, too.)

So, no worries on that front.

Also: See our hands-on with the Nexus 7

Phil Nickinson

Phil Nickinson Editor in Chief

"Phil is a recovering print journalist, editor of Android Central, subtitles and street signs."

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There are 12 comments

Grahaman27 says:

EASY. gotta love nexus for that!

crxssi says:

You can also do the same thing on the first Nexus tablet- the USA Xoom WiFi:)

Jezz_X says:

Indeed I guess this one though will be getting all the updates straight from google and not be split into different parts of the world. So you may not want to unlock it to flash other stuff.

joshua.worth says:

Now only if I could win one :-)

RoseIsland says:

But they're so inexpensive!

SparklingCyanide says:

woah, that was quick! lol

Hand_O_Death says:

Remember, to unlock as soon as you get it as when you unlock the device, it erases anything you have on the device.

rmm200 says:

Is there any downside to unlocking the bootloader when I get my tablet?

nexdroid says:

Would love to win one also but have no idea about unlocking and don't want to brick it right from the start....lol

Goat1202 says:

I need a little help. I have USB debugging enabled and updated everything (including the Google drivers) on the SDK (I downloaded it before for my Galaxy Nexus). When I run "fastboot oem unlock," it's "waiting for the device." Any suggestions?

Goat1202 says:

FYI - I saw the "adb reboot-bootloader" command and ran that first. THEN, you run "fastboot oem lock." Finally UNLOCKED!

tkvdog says:

Did Not Work Tried Several Times Got A G-mail Message Stating As Follows

To

Add Cc Add Bcc
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Insert: Invitation
Attachment file
Screenshot_2012-08-19-17-38-02.png (image/png) 582K
bugreport-2012-08-19-17-38-02.txt (text/plain) 3,756K
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nakasi-user 4.1.1 JRO03D 402395 release-keys
(Sent from BugMailer)qq