[ROOT] Root NVidia Shield Tablet - Lollipop (also locked bootloader)

[sandrodjay]

Hi all,
The original credits for the root go to SuperPichu for the following post: http://xdaforums.com/shield-tablet/development/root-root-lollipop-t2945044

I simply "modified" his process, to make it even more "hassle free"
The process will wipe your data, so remember to backup it.
Besides, I'm not responsible if warranty voids or whatever. Just keep in mind that unlocking the FASTBOOT may void the warranty, as it will displayed when you will unlock it. The fastboot unlock procedure has been taken directly by the NVidia Developer's site, so they actually expect the users to do that - but what you will do next, it's all your responsability

So, the overall procedure looks like:

• Download&Install the "Mini" ADB/Fastboot from here: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=42407269#post42407269 (remember to say yes to create the link on the desktop - it will be useful later)
• Download&Install NVIDIA ADB Drivers from the official Nvidia site: http://developer.download.nvidia.com/mobile/shield/SHIELDTablet_WHQL_USB_driver.zip
• Enable "Developer Mode" on the Nvidia Tablet (Settings -> About tablet -> Tap many times (5+) the "Build number" until the Developer Mode is activated
• Developer Mode -> Enable USB Debugging
• Copy the CWM image and SuperSU (rename it to supersu.zip) where you installed the Mini ADB/Fastboot (default: C:\Program Files\Minimal ADB and Fastboot)
• Click the link created by the Mini ADB/Fastboot installation. It should open a DOS console already at the install folder.
• (In the Windows console) Type "adb reboot bootloader"
• From the rebooted tab, select "Load fastboot protocol" with Volume Keys and push the power switch to confirm
• (In the Windows console) Type "fastboot oem unlock"
• [ATTENTION: This step will wipe your device] Press the "Volume Down" button to select, with the "Power" button, the "Unlock bootloader" option on device
• (In the Windows console) Type "fastboot flash recovery recovery.img"
• On the tablet, select "recovery reboot"
• You should be now on CWM. Simply select "install zip from file" -> install from sideload
• In the console, type "adb sideload supersu.zip"
• On CWM select "reboot system", CWM will ask to keep root => say yes
• Enjoy your rooted tablet

 

[wwjoshdew]

Very nice! I wish there was a way to do this without installing custom recovery (so that we can accept ota updates). The Shield Portable is easier. Just unlock, and run the shield root image. It doesn't install Custom Recovery and is a very similar process to Chainfire's CF Auto Root methods.

 

[markymark567]

Very nice! I wish there was a way to do this without installing custom recovery (so that we can accept ota updates). The Shield Portable is easier. Just unlock, and run the shield root image. It doesn't install Custom Recovery and is a very similar process to Chainfire's CF Auto Root methods.

Well first off I havent had any issues with ota updates on CWM (took kitkat otas). Second, if you really don't want a custom recovery why not just obtain root then flash back the stock recovery??

 

[sandrodjay]

Very nice! I wish there was a way to do this without installing custom recovery (so that we can accept ota updates). The Shield Portable is easier. Just unlock, and run the shield root image. It doesn't install Custom Recovery and is a very similar process to Chainfire's CF Auto Root methods.

To be honest with you, I haven't updated yet - but the OTA seems to work (i.e. it's currently saying that my Firmware is up-to-date, no errors). Just wait a couple of weeks (NVIDIA released a firmware update every month until now :good: ) and I'll let you know if it works

Btw, even if I loose the the root/CWM, it's not a great deal to install it again

 

[An Droid]

FYI, as soon as you root or modify a stock 5.x.x (Lollipop) image, you'll no longer be able to accept OTA anymore without first flashing back to stock (this applies to all devices - although you might be able to manually flash a new update) - I guess we'll find out once 5.0.1 is released for the Shield...

Sent from my SHIELD Tablet using XDA Free mobile app

 

[markymark567]

FYI, as soon as you root or modify a stock 5.x.x (Lollipop) image, you'll no longer be able to accept OTA anymore without first flashing back to stock (this applies to all devices - although you might be able to manually flash a new update) - I guess we'll find out once 5.0.1 is released for the Shield...

Sent from my SHIELD Tablet using XDA Free mobile app

Good to know. ?But we should be able to flash the ota zips via recovery and flash super su and possibly recovery (locked bootloaders, ota can overwrite recovery) just like we did to update to lolli. I usually see zips before I see the ota anyways.

 

[w.0.o.t]

Just keep in mind that unlocking the FASTBOOT may void the warranty, as it will displayed when you will unlock it.

I have contacted NVIDIA today, asking steps to move back to Kitkat. I was given instructions to unlock the bootloader, and was assured it will not void the warranty. The assistant was being meticulous regarding this, since she asked around for her colleagues' advice before giving me the information.

So if I ever need to send in for warranty, all I have to do is reflash the factory image to get rid of the root and I'll be all set. If they make a fuss about me having an unlocked bootloader, I'll have a chat transcript to back me up. You guys may want to do the same too.

 

[321jurgen]

Thank you worked great!

 

[Character Zero]

FYI, as soon as you root or modify a stock 5.x.x (Lollipop) image, you'll no longer be able to accept OTA anymore without first flashing back to stock (this applies to all devices - although you might be able to manually flash a new update) - I guess we'll find out once 5.0.1 is released for the Shield...

Sent from my SHIELD Tablet using XDA Free mobile app

Just took 5.0.1 (wasn't rooted or anything). So I was thinking if I flash the CWM, then do a stock backup, then proceeed to root I should be able to restore the backup when a new OTA comes out since it will be unrooted and stock. Then I can update, install recovery if needed, make another unrooted stock backup, for the next time then reroot, right?

 

[cyraxx84]

Should work, but after restoring your stock backup you will need the stock Recovery too to update ota.

 

[sorenjul]

Hi

There is no need to flash the custom recovery if you don't want to. Just do a fastboot boot recovery <recovery.img>. I did that because i didn't want to change to another recovery.
After the reboot you will revert to stock recovery.

\Sorenjul

 

[eurominican]

Just to make sure, if you unlock the bootloader through "fastboot oem unlock" theres no way to reverse it in case need to send in for warranty repair, just like samsung devices with the stupid KNOX e-fuse? Or you can just revert everything (flash stock image/recovery and then fastboot oem lock)?

 

[Bogdacutu]

Just to make sure, if you unlock the bootloader through "fastboot oem unlock" theres no way to reverse it in case need to send in for warranty repair, just like samsung devices with the stupid KNOX e-fuse? Or you can just revert everything (flash stock image/recovery and then fastboot oem lock)?

Unlocking the bootloader doesn't void the warranty (and even if it did, they would still be able to figure out if you've unlocked it before, even after relocking)

 

[Granger77]

Help

Anyone else not able to download supersu.zip the page wont load

 

[Granger77]

Anyone else not able to download supersu.zip the page wont load

NM sorry just went it opened instantly, maybe to much traffic

 

[cyraxx84]

Just to make sure, if you unlock the bootloader through "fastboot oem unlock" theres no way to reverse it in case need to send in for warranty repair, just like samsung devices with the stupid KNOX e-fuse? Or you can just revert everything (flash stock image/recovery and then fastboot oem lock)?

Ofcourse you can relock and go to 99.999% stock. 99.9% bacause after un- & relock there will be a little sign which shows nvidia that your bootloader was unlocked but you can't remove it. But as far as i know it doesn't void your warranty!

 

[oleg77]

root method LTE compatible

Hello,
I'm expecting a 32GB tablet (LTE/4G device) soon. Does your ROOT method work for the LTE model, or is it just for the 16GB (wifi only) device ?
Thank you.

 

[Granger77]

Driver issues

I cant for the life of me get my win 7 64bit pc to install the drivers I've tried uninstall and going through manually with the naked driver method and it still says the device doesnt need it his tutorial is for win 8 am I missing something, I'm losing my mind over here I want this thing rooted so bad I'm losing sleep, and google has been useless

 

[eurominican]

Ofcourse you can relock and go to 99.999% stock. 99.9% bacause after un- & relock there will be a little sign which shows nvidia that your bootloader was unlocked but you can't remove it. But as far as i know it doesn't void your warranty!

Ty for info and reply.

Unlocking the bootloader doesn't void the warranty (and even if it did, they would still be able to figure out if you've unlocked it before, even after relocking)

Got it. Thanks!

Hello,
I'm expecting a 32GB tablet (LTE/4G device) soon. Does your ROOT method work for the LTE model, or is it just for the 16GB (wifi only) device ?
Thank you.

Same here. I got mine on sale with the controlller. I suspect its the same on both wifi only and LTE version.

 

[crazygoldfish]

Can i follow this guide to unlock and root 5.0.1?