Asus Transformer Pad TF701T: root guide
This guide explains step by step how to get root rights on your Asus Transformer Pad TF701T. In the introduction we explain what you should know in advance.
What you should know before rooting the TF701
Before you start rooting, there are a few things to consider:
- To root your Asus Transformer Pad, the boot loader of the TF701T must be unlocked. Not only will all the files on the tablet be lost, the manufacturer's warranty for the Android tablet will also expire. This is irreversible.
- Before you start with the root instructions, you should therefore backup the existing data on the tablet. To do this, either use the pre-installed ASUS app for application backup or alternatively follow our backup instructions. In any case, move the backup files to an external SD card or to your PC so that they are not deleted during the boot loader unlock.
- If you are not yet clear about the advantages and disadvantages of rooting, you should consult our article on the subject. Root rights are very useful, but certainly not necessary for everyone.
First step: unlock the boot loader of the Asus Transformer Pad TF701T
To unlock the boot loader of the TF701, we use the official "Unlock Device App" from ASUS:
- Visit the ASUS support area and select "Android" in the OS selection.
- Now navigate to "Utilities" and scroll down a bit. Here you can see the "Unlock Device App". Click here on the small diskette with the word "Global". Save the file "TF701T_Unlock.rar" on your computer (direct link).
- Unzip the file with an archive management program such as "WinRAR" and copy the extracted APK file to your ASUS Transformer Pad.
- Now install the app with the APK file and open the "Unlock device extras" tool.
- After the license agreement, read again a warning text that explains the consequences of the boot loader unlock. If you are sure, tick the "Agree" button and click "Unlock". You then need to authenticate yourself with your Google password to unlock the Asus Transformer Pad TF701T. [Note: If you have activated the two-step confirmation, you must generate an application-specific password.]
- The device then restarts (several times). This boot process can take longer than usual. Wait for the Transformer Pad to fully boot up. Now the boot loader is unlocked and the TF701T is in the factory state.
Root instructions: let's get started!
- Download and install the Android SDK if you haven't already installed it on your PC.
- In the Android SDK bundle there is usually the folder "platform-tools" with the files "adb" and "fastboot". If you do not find this, you can alternatively download "Minimal ADB and Fastboot".
- Download the file "root.zip" from the XDA developers thread (in the second paragraph) and unzip the ZIP file. Move the extracted content to the Fastboot program folder.
- Activate the developer options on the Asus Transformer Pad and then switch to the "Developer Options" within the system settings. Here you tick the "USB debugging", connect your TF701T to your PC and accept the request on your tablet.
- Open the Windows console and use the commands "cd [folder]", "cd .." and "dir" to navigate to the folder in which you have the Fastboot file.
- With the command "adb devices" you can check whether your TF701T was correctly recognized. If so, turn off your tablet. Then start it by holding down the [Volume Down] + [Power] buttons.
- Enter the following command in the Windows command line: "fastboot boot zImage_dtb ramfs.img.gz" (without quotation marks). Now you can see the individual steps in the terminal window (see screenshot). Wait until the process is finished ("finished") and the tablet has started up again by itself. Never disconnect the cable until the rooting process has been completed by Fastboot.
- With the free Android app "Root Checker" you can check whether the rooting process was successful: Open the app and click on "Verify Root Access". Confirm the request for root rights. Now the app shows in green letters "Congratulations! This device has root access!" on, your Asus Transformer Pad TF701T is successfully rooted.
Now you can enjoy all the advantages of root rights - such as deleting system apps, overclocking the processor or trying out the best apps for root users.