Root Root without wipe? Bootloader already unlocked.

[OhThatEthanGuy]

So way, way back when I got my Nexus 7 last summer, I downloaded the ADB & unlocked the bootloader, because I thought I might one day want to root, & from what I read it sounded like the unlocking was the part that wiped all the data.

Now, finally, I DO want to root, but despite reading dozens of threads, I cannot seem to find a definite answer as to whether flashing a custom recovery wipes any data. I get the impression that it does.

Given that my bootloader IS already unlocked, what is the best way for me to gain root, without data loss?

Thanks in advance!

P.S. my Nexus 7 is stuck on 4.2.1 with a corrupted contacts/people app that seems to prevent me from installing the OTA update to 4.2.2.

 

[Rxpert83]

If the bootloader is already unlocked, it won't wipe

Just skip over the step of unlocking your bootloader and continue the root process from there

 

[John Bean]

Correct. It's worth mentioning that there's no need to flash a custom recovery in order to root either, it's only needed if you want to use its features for something else. In any case the only action that wipes data is unlocking the bootloader.

Actually even unlocking the bootlloader isn't mandatory for simple rooting (just to allow the use of "root only" apps, say), although in this case that's a moot point since it's already unlocked.

 

[OhThatEthanGuy]

Correct. It's worth mentioning that there's no need to flash a custom recovery in order to root either, it's only needed if you want to use its features for something else. In any case the only action that wipes data is unlocking the bootloader.

Actually even unlocking the bootlloader isn't mandatory for simple rooting (just to allow the use of "root only" apps, say), although in this case that's a moot point since it's already unlocked.

O.K., thanks!

Btw, does re-locking the bootloader also cause a wipe? As I understand it, an unlocked bootloader is a security risk, & apparently BootUnlocker does not work with N7...

 

[Rxpert83]

O.K., thanks!

Btw, does re-locking the bootloader also cause a wipe? As I understand it, an unlocked bootloader is a security risk, & apparently BootUnlocker does not work with N7...

Relocking will not wipe, only unlocking.

Unless youve got some insider trading or top secret fbi documents on your tablet, I wouldn't really consider leaving it unlocked a security risk. Most people leave it unlocked

 

[scary alien]

I'd also like to add that having your bootloader unlocked gives you added advantages due to additional fastboot commands being available:

1. the ability to soft boot recoveries (or other bootable images for that matter) without actually have to flash them (you'll need your PC when you do this, of course)

2. more options for recovering your device should you experience issues (not as critical for a Nexus device like the N7 since you can always unlock, but having it unlocked will allow you to preserve data as previously mentioned).

Cheers!