[Nexus 7 (2013) Q&A] TaintedByte:
FAQs - Massive Question Round Up Thread for Flo

፨ INTRODUCTION ፨

Hello! So you got your awesome flashy new tablet but you have a million questions to ask. Maybe it's your first Android tablet. Maybe you're late to the party. Maybe you forgot everything you know.

It's okay. This thread will help you. This thread is not to discourage you from posting a new one but simply to save you time in case your question has been answered but buried over time.

This thread will also help the forum stay fresh and clutter free. However if your question was not answered here, feel free to start your own.

፨ IMPORTANT ፨

There are some things to keep in mind before reading this thread:​

It is impossible to gather all knowledge on this device, therefore this thread will always be incomplete. Please keep in mind that if something is not answered here it does not mean it wasn't elsewhere on the forum. Search before posting.

All of the questions/issues have been researched in depth and a source will be given if applicable. However, there is always a chance some of the information is wrong. Please only attempt a fix if you're comfortable doing so.

This thread will get quite long over time, I recommend you Ctrl+F (or equivalent) and search by keyword.

If you have any suggestions or want to submit a question/answer, PLEASE do so. It makes keeping this updated easier and lets the community participate. Credit will be given.

፨ FAQs ፨

​

Q: How do I unlock my bootloader/root/install a custom recovery?

A: philos64 walks you through the entire procedure. From stock, to unlocked bootloader, root and TWRP. Find his guide here.

Q: Is there a way to unlock my bootloader without losing my data? Thanks to marcusjt.

A: No. When you initiate the bootloader unlock process the data will be lost. It is recommended to unlock the bootloader before you start filling it with data. However if you have already done so you can still back up your apps with an external application, such as TitaniumBackup. Please be aware, however that if you install a custom ROM, it is recommended to not restore previous data and start fresh instead.

Q: I have to relock the bootloader, how do I go about doing that?

A: Just as easy as unlocking. Boot to the bootloader and on fastboot type: fastboot oem lock

Q: What is the difference between root and an unlocked bootloader?

A: An unlocked bootloader allows you to write protected partitions such as system or recovery. This lets you flash custom ROMs (un-official non-stock operating systems that have more functionality such as CyanogenMod, AOKP, ParanoidAndroid, etc.). Root does not mess with partitions, instead it grants you complete control over the OS (Android) itself. It will let you write and edit any file you wish. This lets you run apps like Titanium Backup and Adblock that need to either access or edit system files.

Q: This is my first Nexus device. I was told with my previous device to wait until an unlock or root method is found before upgrading to a new release. Is that the case here?

A: No. With Nexus devices there is no fear of having the bootloader locked down further. It will always be unlocked in the same fashion and root is a flash away.

Q: Will I lose OTA notifications if I root/unlock bootloader/install custom ROM? Thanks to marcusjt.

A: If all you do is root or unlock the bootloader then you will continue to receive OTA notifications from Google. Please be aware that root will be lost if you don't preserve it through your SU app. Most custom ROMs remove the ability to receive official OTA notifications from Google.

Q: What is the name of this Nexus 7? I keep hearing all these different names! Thanks to zaclimon.

A: Our device is named after a previous one with the same name, thus confusion will arise. The official name for it is Nexus 7 (2013), this is what Google calls it. Amazon brought a new name: Nexus 7 FHD presumably after "full high definition". Furthermore, there are two other names that refer to our device, Flo (this thread's title) refers to the board of the device (hardware). While Razor is the device's codename.

Q: Does the Nexus 7 support USB OTG?

A: According to forum members in this thread most OTG uses should work. However be aware that for certain devices external power might be needed.

Q: Is the notification light RGB? Why can I only have it flash white?

A: The software is reporting that the LED on the Nexus 7 is only white (my explanation here). Also, looking at the actual LED we can see that it can only support one color, white.

Q: Where is the NFC sensor? What about the wireless charger?

A: Both the NFC and the Qi coil are located in the middle of the device. X marks the spot, line up the X on the Nexus logo on the back to activate NFC or begin wireless charging.

Q: How do I take a screenshot?

A: Press power and volume down at the same time for a couple of seconds.

Q: Does the tablet have a magnetic screen on/off feature like its predecessor?

A: kpa2727 has confirmed that the tablet does indeed have a magnetic sensor for the display. The smart cover sensor is located on the bottom left of this device.

Q: Does it contain haptic feedback? (Vibration)

A: No, just like the previous N7 this one does not have any rumble feedback.

Q: Do I need an official wireless charger to charge my tablet without wires?

A: The Nexus 7 is Qi compatible which means that any Qi certified charger will work. Official or otherwise.

Q: Can I pair my Wiimote controller to my Nexus 7?

A: Since Google updated the bluetooth stack to Qualcomms in Android 4.2, Wiimotes and the like have not been able to pair. This is no different on the Nexus 7 running Android 4.3+ (or any other 4.x build). UPDATE: A new app hit the market that allows this for 4.x, however an external USB OTG adapter is needed (must be a EDR dongle with a CSR chipset).

Q: How come Google Wallet won't install? Play store says my device is not compatible.

A: The new Nexus 7 is missing the secure element required in order for Wallet to work at all. A Google rep has confirmed that the Nexus 7 lacks the hardware, this cannot be fixed through software. UPDATE: As of Android version 4.4, Wallet will begin to work with the Nexus 7 thanks to the new HCE feature.

Q: Why does GPS lock up on me?

A: This issue occurs on early builds of the software. Starting with build JSS15Q this has been fixed so all that needs to be done is update to the latest OTA or ROM based on this build. However if you would not like to update, sfhub has a solution in his thread that allows the GPS issue to be fixed without updating your OS.

Q: The touch screen is sometimes inaccurate and I get phantom touches, especially with multi-touches, why?

A: Different digitizer hardware were used on our N7 so depending on what touchscreen hardware you have this might be an issue. Not everyone will experience this and the latest JSS15Q update has fixed the problem for some users. If the update does not fix your issue, sfhub has a post located here that aims to fix the problem for most people.

Q: Wireless charging is not working, why?

A: Some early built tablets have an issue with the wireless connector. If you do not want to void your warranty simply get it exchanged. Otherwise if you're bold enough to open your tablet, tkdsl explains how to fix the issue (the four connectors are each pair to the right of the circle in this picture).

Q: The speakers are making a static/buzzing/white noise sound when my volume is low, is my unit defective?

A: No, it's not defective, this is the way the hardware was built. If you want to know what causes the issue, siraltus has a very good explanation here.

Q: I'm stuck in a bootloop/my tablet wont get past the startup animation. What can I do?

A: If you think you have soft bricked your device, ATGAdmin has a one click restore tool located here. It will restore your tablet to it's condition out of the box.

Q: What ROM, kernel or mod should I use? There are too many options!

A: Options are always good! While no one can tell you what works best for you, philos64 has created a repository of ROMs, kernels and more to make it easier to find than wading through the forum. His thread is located here. Thanks to pelago for informing me about the updated thread.

Q: Can my Nexus 7 (2013) Data Version place phone calls/send texts through mobile data?

A: It will likely not be available out of the box. Or at all. If devs take interest it

MIGHT

be possible. The previous Nexus 7 can only send SMS but no GSM calls however, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 can do both. Bottom line is: don't expect this, it will likely never happen, consider this before purchasing the tablet.

Q: Does the Nexus 7 (2013) have an IR (Infrared) blaster for TV control?

A: No, it does not.

Q: My question isn't answered here, what can I do?

A: Well that depends on what your situation is. Here are a couple of helpful tips, though:

If your question is a general one about the tablet (how do I X?) then first SEARCH the forums. Try different key words. If that doesn't answer your question, feel free to make a new thread.

If you don't want to start a thread and have stage fright, feel free to post your question here. Also, if you know the answer to a posted question, please answer it -- this thread is for the community to work together.