Header Banner
gadgethacks.mark.png
Gadget Hacks Shop Apple Guides Android Guides iPhone Guides Mac Guides Pixel Guides Samsung Guides Tweaks & Hacks Privacy & Security Productivity Hacks Movies & TV Smartphone Gaming Music & Audio Travel Tips Videography Tips Chat Apps
Home
Nexus 7

The Definitive Guide on How to Restore Your Nexus 7 Tablet (Even if You've Bricked It)

Mar 30, 2013 06:40 AM
Apr 9, 2013 07:45 PM
Welcome screen on a tablet device.

Something went wrong and your Nexus 7 is freaking out on you. Maybe you flashed a bad ROM or ZIP file, or maybe it's just bugging, and it's time to restore your tablet back to a working condition. Thankfully, you've already made a backup of your Nexus 7!

Note: If you don't have a back up, don't worry! I've still got you covered. Just scroll down to the Restoring to Factory Stock section below, and be sure to back upbefore you start messing around with other ROMs next time!

Whether you just need to restore your tablet with an Android OS backup made with TWRP, or need to go even further and take your Nexus 7 back to factory settings, I'll show you how. Let's begin!

Restoring Your Nexus 7 with TWRP

You'll need a custom recovery for this.

If you don't have one or know what TWRP or a custom recovery is, head over to my definitive guide to soft-modding your Nexus 7 to get started. It's a must read for any Nexus 7 user.

Begin by powering off your device, then press and hold both the power and volume down button to boot into TWRP.

Tap on Restore, then choose your restore package that you made when backing up.

Hand holding a tablet displaying a system information screen.

Then just Swipe to Restore.

Smartphone displaying a settings menu on a wooden surface.

That's it! Your Nexus 7 will restore to the last time you made that backup!

Restoring Your Apps

This does not require root or a custom recovery.

Download and install App Backup and Restore (free) from Google Play onto your device. Launch it and tap Archived. Check the apps you want restored and tap Restore at the bottom.

App management interface displaying Facebook, Google Play Music, Jetpack Joyride, and Messenger with status indicators.
Install blocked notification on a mobile device.
App management interface displaying Facebook, Google Play Music, Jetpack Joyride, and Messenger with status indicators.
Install blocked notification on a mobile device.

If the install is blocked, enable Unknown Sources in Settings -> Security.

Device administration settings showing the option to allow installation of apps from unknown sources.

That's it! Your apps will then restore back to your Nexus 7!

Restoring to Factory Stock with Toolkit

If you need some serious fixing, it's probably best to go back to the factory settings. Maybe you're just tired of custom ROMs. Well, here's how to restore your Nexus 7 to its out-of-the-box state—no mods, no hacks, no tweaks.

On your PC, begin by downloading the Nexus 7 Root Toolkit. Install the toolkit by clicking "Next" through the various prompts.

Once the installation is complete, go ahead and run the toolkit. A window will pop up asking for your device model. Choose your device from the list along with its OS version and click "Apply".

Android device compatibility selection interface for Nexus 7 tablet.

Head over to "Initial Setup" and click "Full Driver Installation..."

Initial setup options for driver installation: Automatic and Manual.

Follow the guide provided in the toolkit to install the required drivers for your Nexus 7. I recommend "Driver Solution #3", but any of the three options should work. The toolkit has a built-in guide with pictures that will aid you in installing the drivers.

USB Driver Configuration Guide window displaying settings and options for device management.
The Definitive Guide on How to Restore Your Nexus 7 Tablet (Even if You've Bricked It)
USB Driver Configuration Guide window displaying settings and options for device management.
The Definitive Guide on How to Restore Your Nexus 7 Tablet (Even if You've Bricked It)

Now with the drivers installed, make sure they're working by testing them over in the "Step 3" tab. The toolkit will verify if the drivers are properly installed and working.

Boot into fastboot mode by powering off your Nexus 7, then press and hold both the power and volume down buttons. Plug in your Nexus 7 to your PC with the USB cable.

Android robot on a tablet screen with a start option.

On your PC, click "Flash Stock + Unroot" in the toolkit. The toolkit will download the factory Android OS your Nexus 7 shipped with.

The rest will be automated by the toolkit. Here it is flashing the factory OS and then rebooting your device all fully restored.

Bootloader installation process shown on a black screen with text output.
Booting process screen for a freshly flashed stock device.
Bootloader installation process shown on a black screen with text output.
Booting process screen for a freshly flashed stock device.

Your Nexus 7 tablet all restored! You can now unplug it from your PC. SUCCESS!

Welcome screen of a tablet device.

Tell us if it worked for you!

The next big software update for iPhone is coming sometime in April and will include a Food section in Apple News+, an easy-to-miss new Ambient Music app, Priority Notifications thanks to Apple Intelligence, and updates to apps like Mail, Photos, Podcasts, and Safari. See what else is coming to your iPhone with the iOS 18.4 update.

Related Articles

Comments

No Comments Exist

Be the first, drop a comment!