Root and Install CWM Recovery on 2013 Nexus 7 (for Android 4.4.3 KitKat KTU84L Firmware)

Google just released the Android 4.4.3 KitKat update, a minor update that is bringing few stability improvements and several new features and apps that are improving the KitKat user experience. As usual, the update was first received by the Nexus branded devices, so the 2013 version of the Google Nexus 7 is currently running on Android 4.4.3 KitKat KTU84L firmware. Now, when installing the official OS, the root access from your tablet was revoked and the stock recovery image reinstalled (only if you had previously gained root access and flashed CWM or any other custom recovery image), meaning that now your device is on its default state.

Well, that’s not bad, but if you are an advanced Android user and want to use your Nexus 7 on full power without dealing with default or factory restrictions, then you need to regain root and reflash a custom recovery image that is compatible with the new Android OS. In that matter, you can anytime use this step by step tutorial as during the following guidelines I will show you how to easily root your 2013 Asus Google Nexus 7 and also how to install CWM recovery on your tablet. Of course, all these operations are now compatible with the Android 4.4.3 KitKat KTU84L software that is running on your handset.

As you will see, completing this tutorial is easy, though you should read all the lines from below in order to make things right. After all, these operations should be considered complex and risky, so try not to mess things up as you can even end up in damaging or bricking your Nexus 7. Anyway, I have explained everything so that even a newbie can complete the proper steps, so if this is your first root experience, don’t panic and just check everything that’s explained during this tutorial.

You should know from the start that gaining root access and installing CWM recovery represents unofficial operations that has nothing to do with Google. So, by performing the same you will lose your 2013 Nexus 7 warranty. This is the negative aspect that comes along with this guide and if you think that you might end up in bricking your tablet while completing the same, maybe the best will be to stop going any further.

On the other hand, gaining root access is quite important as this is the first step to complete when considering in tweaking an Android device. Thus, after gaining root access on your 2013 Google Nexus 7, you will be able to apply operations like:installing a custom ROM firmware, such as CM11, AOKP or ParanoidAndroid,overclock the CPU, install a custom kernel, remove bloatware, add new features, play with the internal settings, remove in built apps and programs and so on. Basically, with root access ensured you can customize, optimize and personalize your Android 4.4.3 KitKat based Nexus 7 with ease.

Now, when you first buy a new device it will be delivered with a stock recovery interface. The recovery interface represents a hidden menu that can be used for performing various operations on your Android tablet or smartphone. Of course the stock recovery offers only limited possibilities, so if you really want to take control over your Nexus 7 you should definitely install CWM or any other custom recovery image. With a custom recovery you can “communicate” with the internal system of your device and you can apply things like: updating with various custom ROMs, installing .zip files, making a hard reset, performing a Nandroid backup, wipe the system, clear cache and lot more.

If you have decided that you must complete this guide, then before heading to the proper steps from below, take your time and read the pre requisites tasks that are listed below – don’t skip this section as it is the most relevant one.

• First of all, don’t go any further without making a backup operation. In this way you can be sure that all of your data is in safe hands.
• Since gaining root access and installing CWM recovery are unofficial and complex operations, while completing the same your data might get corrupted or even wiped out.
• So, basically that’s why you should save everything that’s important for you; on your way, don’t forget to backup the text messages, your contacts lists, your market apps, internet settings and personal data, info and accounts.
• A computer is required as you will use the same for downloading the required files and for running the root and installation process.
• The best will be to temporarily deactivate the security protection from your computer, because the antivirus like programs might interfere with our work.
• Then, on your Nexus 7 you should head towards “menu – settings – developer options” for checking the USB debugging option – in order to properly connect your tablet with your computer.
• Charge your tablet before heading to the steps that are being explained below – if your Nexus 7 gets turned off in the middle of the root / installation process it might also get bricked.
• On your computer install Android SDK and Fastboot: install Android SDK on Windows or set up ADB on MAC OS X / Linux. Also the Nexus 7 drivers must be flashed on your PC.
• This step by step guide is compatible with the 2013 version of the Asus Google Nexus 7 that runs on latest Android 4.4.3 KitKat KTU84L firmware, so don’t apply the root or CWM recovery by using this tutorial unless you own the mentioned Android tablet.

How to Root and Install CWM Recovery on 2013 Nexus 7 (for Android 4.4.3 KitKat KTU84L Firmware)

1. On your computer install Android SDK and Fastboot on the same folder as Android SDK.
2. Then, download the SuperSU package from here and the CWM recovery image from here.
3. The recovery image must be placed on the path: “android-sdk-windows platform-tools directory”.
4. Connect your tablet with your computer and place the SuperSU package on your device.
5. Unplug the USB cord and turn off your Nexus 7 2013. Then enter bootloader mode on your device: press and hold volume down and power buttons for a few seconds.
6. Within android-sdk-windows platform-tools directory, open a command prompt window; just go to the mentioned path and from there press and hold Shift keyboard key while right clicking on a blank space.
7. Connect your Nexus 7 with your computer via USB cable.
8. On the cmd window, type “fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-touch-6.0.4.7-flo.img”.
9. Wait while the process is being completed and then enter recovery mode on your Android device.
10. From recovery just select “install zip from SD card” followed by “choose zip from SD card” and pick the SuperSU package.
11. Wait while your handset is being rooted and in the end select “reboot system now” and you are done.

Good job; you have rooted and installed CWM recovery on your 2013 Google Nexus 7 that runs on Android 4.4.3 KitKat KTU84L Firmware. If you have questions or if you can’t manage to complete the steps from above, don’t hesitate and use the comments field from below for sharing your thoughts and problems with our team and with other users that might want to apply this step by step guide.