WARNING. As is normally the case, this WILL factory reset your device.
- Install the Android SDK (and Google USB driver).
- Enable USB debugging on the Nexus 7.
- Unlock Developer Options by going to Settings > About Tablet and clicking on the build number seven times.
- Go to Settings > Developer Options and check USB debugging. Click OK on the warning.
- Connect the Nexus 7 and reboot the Nexus 7 into the bootloader.
- Open a command line / terminal and navigate to your SDK platform-tools directory.
- Enter
adb reboot bootloader
and hit enter.
- Once the Nexus 7 boots to the bootloader, unlock it
- At the command line / terminal enter
fastboot oem unlock
and press enter. - On the Nexus 7, use the volume up button to select 'Yes' on the 'Unlock bootloader?' screen.
- Press the power button to save your choice and verify on the next screen that you see 'LOCK STATE - UNLOCKED' at the bottom.
- Use your volume keys to select 'Start' and click the power button to factory reset and reboot.
- At the command line / terminal enter
- Enjoy your unlocked bootloader!