How to Root Your Nexus 7 in Less Than Two Minutes—Without a Computer

Rooting your Nexus 7 tablet is now easier than ever. Previous rooting methods required connecting your tablet to a computer and using any one of a number of programs and/or ADB commands. Now, it's as easy as downloading an app on your phone and tapping one button.

Who can we thank for this simple root method? George Hotz, better known as Geohot, the infamous hacker known for jailbreaking iOS and being sued by Sony after rooting a PS3. All hyperbole aside, he has literally made rooting easier than ever with Towelroot.

You no longer need to deal with a PC or Mac, special rooting programs, or ADB commands. If you've ever wanted to root but thought it was too difficult or confusing, this is your guide.

The video guide above shows this method using the Samsung Galaxy S5, but the exact same steps will apply to the Nexus 7 (for now, only 2013 models work), as Towelroot is nearly universal for all Android devices. For a detailed explanation of how Towelroot works, check out the full detailed guide from Dallas.

Enable Unknown Sources

In order to acquire the application, enable "Unknown sources" on your Nexus 7. This will allow you to install an application from a source other than the Google Play Store.

Download & Install Towelroot

Install the Towelroot APK from here onto your Nexus. Because of the way this exploit functions, you'll receive an intimidating warning when installing Towelroot, so make certain you understand the risks, then select Install anyway.

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Run TowelRoot

Open the application and tap the huge make it ra1n button. Your device will automatically reboot and be rooted!

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Verify Root

After it reboots, confirm root with an application like Root Checker.

Install SuperSU

Although Roottowel will root your device, it will not install a root manager, which will prevent malicious applications from gaining root access, so install SuperSU off the Play Store from developer Chainfire.

You're now rooted and ready to roll. Geohot has rendered computers obsolete in the rooting process, and has made it so anyone can easily root their device and enjoy its true potential.