Root Nexus 7 on Android 4.2.1 JOP40D Official Jelly Bean and Install CWM Recovery [Tutorial]

Google has released Android 4.2.1 (Jelly Bean) as an over-the-air (OTA) update, with a base firmware of JOP40D for the Nexus 7. This update fixes issues like the missing December bug and can be accessed by browsing to Settings > About Tablet > System Update > Check for Update.

Nexus 7 users who have installed and updated devices with Android 4.2.1 may follow this guide to root the device. This root method also installs ClockWorkMod (CWM) Recovery. IBTimes UK reminds its readers it will not be responsible for damage to the device during the process. This guide is meant only for a Nexus 7 running Android 4.2.1 (JOP40D) firmware.

Pre-Requisites

• Ensure appropriate USB drivers are downloaded and enable USB debugging mode
• Ensure back-up of all important data
• Ensure battery has at least 80 percent charge
• Ensure Nexus 7 is factory unlocked

To Root Google Nexus 7 on Android 4.2.1 and Install CWM Recovery

• Download Android SDK and install with USB drivers (to see how to set up Android SDK (Fastboot/ADB on Windows, follow this tutorial)
• Download Fastboot and extract to android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory
  • Note: Skip first two steps, if software is already in place
• Download SuperSU v0.98 (CWM-SuperSU-v0.98.zip) and copy to SD card on Nexus 7
• Switch off tablet
• Download recovery-clockwork-6.0.1.9-grouper.img and copy to android-sdk-windowsplatform -tools directory
• Enter Fastboot Mode on Nexus 7 by pressing Volume Down and Power buttons till text appears on screen - this is Bootloader Mode
• Browse to android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory and open Command prompt (Shift+Right Click > Open Command Prompt)
• Type this command - fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-6.0.1.9-grouper.im - and press Enter
• Choose Recovery from Fastboot menu and enter Recovery Mode
• Scroll to Flash Zip from SD Card and press Power to select
• Use Power button to select Choose Zip from SD Card
• Browse to CWM-SuperSU-v0.98.zip file have copied to SD card, select using Power button and confirm installation on next screen
• After installation process has completed, return to Recovery menu and select Reboot System Now

The Google Nexus 7 is now rooted on Android 4.2.1 (JOP40D) (Jelly Bean) official software and a custom CWM Recovery has been installed. This can be verified with the SuperSU app in the app list. To ensure proper installation, also verify with Root Checker.

[Source: Team Android]