Nexus 9 Android 5.0 Update: How To Root New Google Tablet Running Latest OS [TUTORIAL]

That was quick: the Nexus 9 and Android 5.0 Lollipop were released just two days ago but there is already a root available for the Google 8.9-inch tablet running the latest OS thanks to famed XDA developer Chainfire. Android Police noted that Android 5.0 Lollipop, the latest version of the Android mobile operating system unveiled by Google in June during its developers conference, brings added security enhancements that should have made it harder to hack. Similarly, the Nexus 9’s 64-bit software should have made rooting harder and yet a root was found within 48 hours of the software and tablet’s general release.

For the uninitiated, rooting an Android device allows user to make software tweaks, download root access and install custom ROMs that can help improve performance. Rooting will void the warranty on your device and improper rooting could brick your tablet. Chainfire’s CF-Auto-Root tool has yet to be updated to support 64-bit, so the Nexus 9 root, which should only be used on the Nexus 9 device, requires more rooting know-how than the relatively foolproof auto-root, so please proceed with caution. 

Since Chainfire’s Nexus 9 root has probably arrived before you’ve even gotten your hands on the new Google tablet developed with HTC and many root apps will have issues with Android 5.0 and 64-bit, you might just want to save this rooting guide for future reference. Chainfire’s Nexus 9 root is free to download but consider donating if it works for you. Here’s how to root the Google Nexus 9 running Android 5.0 Lollipop with Chainfire’s Nexus 9 root:

Step One: Ensure that you’re working with a Nexus 9 tablet. The SuperSu v2.18 is a custom build for the Nexus 9 and should not be flashed on any other device. Make sure your Nexus 9 has at least 50 percent battery and backup all the data you want to keep before proceeding.

Step Two: Enable OEM unlocking and USB debugging from Developer options in your Nexus 9’s settings. If you don’t see Developer options, go to Settings > About tablet and tap Build Number repeatedly until you see a message that says you’re now a developer. Connect your tablet to your computer via USB cable.

Step Three: Download and unzip CF-Root for Nexus 9 and save the files to your computer. Make sure that you have Android’s ADB and Fastboot tools installed on your computer andunlock the bootloader on your device. Open Command Prompt on your computer.

Step Four: Reboot your Nexus 9 into bootloader by typing the “adb reboot bootloader” command in the Command Prompt box. Once in fastboot mode, type the “fastboot oem unlock” command, which will erase all your data then return you to the bootloader menu.

Step Five: Boot the inject.img file that you downloaded in Step Three by typing the “fastboot boot inject.img” command in the Command Prompt box. Your Nexus 9 should turn off and on automatically. Next install the patched kernel, which is the other .img file you download by typing the “fastboot flash boot patched.img” command.

Step Six: Finally reboot your Nexus 9 device one last time by either typing “fastboot reboot” in the Command Prompt box on your computer or holding the power button on your Nexus 9 until you’re prompted to select the reboot option from the bootloader menu. When your Nexus 9 reboot, you should be able to find the SuperSU app in your app drawer indicating that you now have root access on your Android device. Verify that your root was successful with the Root Checker app.