Nexus 7 Hard Factory Reset Fastboot Bootloader Recovery Mode

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of performing a hard factory reset on the Google Nexus 7 tablet (2013 model) using fastboot mode and recovery options. This method is particularly useful if your device is unresponsive, locked, or experiencing other major issues. Before you begin, ensure that you back up all your important data, as this process will erase everything on the device.

Step 1: Power Off the Device

• Press and hold the Power button until the tablet turns off completely.
• If the tablet is unresponsive, continue to hold the Power button until it shuts down.

Step 2: Access Fastboot Mode

• Press and hold the Power button to turn the device back on.
• As soon as the Google logo appears, press and hold the Volume Down button simultaneously.
• Release both buttons when you see the bootloader screen, which will display the word "Start" with an arrow around it.

Step 3: Enter Recovery Mode

• Use the Volume Up and Down buttons to navigate through the options.
• Scroll until you highlight "Recovery mode."
• Press the Power button to select it.
• You will see an Android robot with a red exclamation mark and the message "No command."

Step 4: Access Android System Recovery

• Press and hold the Power button.
• While holding the Power button, press the Volume Up button once and release both keys.
• You will now be in the Android system recovery menu.

Step 5: Wipe Data/Factory Reset

• Use the Volume buttons to navigate to the option "Wipe data/factory reset."
• Press the Power button to select it.
• Scroll down to "Yes - erase all user data" using the Volume buttons.
• Press the Power button to confirm and start the reset process.

Step 6: Complete the Factory Reset

• Wait for the Android robot to complete the data wipe.
• Once completed, you will see "Data wipe complete" on the screen.
• The recovery menu will reappear.

Step 7: Reboot the Device

• Ensure "Reboot system now" is highlighted in the recovery menu.
• Press the Power button to restart the tablet.
• The device will reboot and take you to the welcome screen.

Additional Tip: Alternative Recovery Access

• If you want to skip the bootloader, you can power off the device, then press and hold the Power button and Volume Up button simultaneously when turning it back on. This will directly take you to the recovery mode.

Conclusion

You have successfully performed a hard factory reset on your Nexus 7 tablet. This method is effective for resolving various issues by restoring the device to its original factory settings. After the reset, follow the on-screen instructions to set up your tablet again, and remember to check the boxes for restoring apps and data from your Google account during setup. If problems persist after the reset, consider additional troubleshooting or flashing the device with factory images.