How to Root Google Nexus 9 and Unlock Bootloader

Renowned XDA developer, Chainfire has shared a rooting method for new Google Nexus 9 tablet using the latest SuperSU v2.18.

While the root process is an easy version, it took a few hours for the developer because of the first firmware on the new Android version as well as the 64-bit. The developer is yet to update CF-Auto-Root framework to patch the kernels live on Android 5.0 or support 64-bit.

Interested users may refer to the tutorial below to root the Nexus 9. But to gain root access, you need to unlock the bootloader of the device. The tutorial explains thoroughly about unlocking bootloader and rooting.

IBTimes UK will not be held liable for any damage to the device.

Key points

• Create a backup of all important data of the tablet.
• Ensure that the Nexus 9 has above 80% charge.
• Install required USB drivers for your PC.
• The SuperSU root package works only with Nexus 9. Do not use this for any other device. Also, do not use any older version of SuperSU on Nexus 9.
• Unlocking bootloader will void the warranty of the device.

How to Unlock bootloader of Nexus 9

Step-1: Navigate to Settings>> About phone. Enable developer options by tapping the Build Number seven times. You should see a message saying You are now a developer. You should now get the Developers options under Settings above the About phone menu. Tap the Developer option to enable it

Step-2: Under Developer options click on Enable OEM unlock, also enable USB Debugging option

Step-3: Download and extract adb-fastboot.zip on your PC

Step-4: Connect the Nexus 9 to the PC using USB cable. Ensure that you have installed proper drivers

Step-5: A pop-up might appear prompting you to Allow USB debugging on Nexus 9. Accept it by pressing OK

Step-6: Go to the Fastboot files folder and open a command prompt inside the folder by pressing Shift+ Right click in an empty space inside the folder and select Open command windows here from the context menu

Step-7: Reboot Nexus 9 into Bootloader Mode. Power off the device then hold the Volume Down and Power buttons for a few seconds.

Or, you can reboot the tablet by executing the following command

• adb reboot bootloader

Step-8: In Bootloader/HBOOT mode, highlight the FASTBOOT option using the Volume keys and select it pressing the Power button to enter Fastboot Mode

Step-9: In fastboot mode, type in the following command

• fastboot oem unlock

Step-10: Unlock the bootloader by pressing Volume up button

Step-11: Once the unlock process is completed, the device will automatically reboot

How to root Nexus 9

Step-12: Download the root package and extract it

Download link: Nexus9-root-SuperSU-v2.18.zip

Step-13: Copy the contents of the rooting package into the ADB and Fastboot folder

Step-14: Connect the Nexus 9 to the computer. Boot into bootloader/fastboot mode by entering the following command

• adb reboot bootloader

Step-15: Type the following command to boot from inject.img

• fastboot boot inject.img

Step-16: Flash the patched kernel using the below mentioned command to root the Nexus 9

• fastboot flash boot patched.img

Step-17: Reboot the Nexus 9 using the following command

• fastboot reboot

Your Nexus 9 should be rooted now. Open the app drawer to check for SuperSU app. Further, to verify the root access, you can install Root Checker app from Play Store.

[Source: DroidViews]