Looking to root your new Nexus 10 and in search of a simple way to do it? You will thank XDA forum member paulobrien then for Superboot, a rooting tool for the Nexus 10 that does the needful without much hassle and requires very little user input.

Superboot works by temporarily booting into a custom kernel, automatically rooting the device on the first boot, then restores the original kernel back again, leaving you with a completely stock but rooted ROM. Rooting does require you to unlock the bootloader on the tablet though, which wipes all the data on it (it can be backed up and restored), but unfortunately that is a requisite to rooting that can’t be avoided.

Continue reading to see how Superboot can be used to root the Nexus 10.

Compatibility

The procedure described below is only for the Samsung Nexus 10. Do not try it on any other device.

Warning!

The methods and procedures discussed here are considered risky, so try them out at your own risk, and make sure to read each step carefully before attempting anything. We will not be held responsible if anything goes wrong.

How to Root Nexus 10 with Superboot

  1. The procedure to root involves unlocking the bootloader on the device, which will wipe everything on the device, including everything on your internal storage. First, backup installed apps and personal data such as contacts, messages, bookmarks, etc, by referring to our Android Backup Guide for help. Then, copy everything from the SD card to your computer, which will also include the apps and data you backed up.
  2. Your tablet’s bootloader will need to be unlocked for root. You can unlock the bootloader on your Nexus 10 by following the guide → here. Make sure you took a backup in step 1 as this will wipe all data from the tablet and reset it to factory settings. Skip this if you already have the bootloader unlocked.
  3. Download and install the Android SDK → from here. This will install the necessary drivers for the tablet on your computer. Skip this if you have already installed the SDK while following step 2.
  4. Download Superboot from the source page.
  5. Extract the contents of the file you just downloaded in step 4 to a convenient location on your computer.
  6. Turn off your Nexus 10. Then, boot into fastboot mode by holding down the Volume Up + Volume Down + Power buttons together till the screen turns on and shows “Start” written in big green letters.
  7. Then, connect your Nexus 10 to the computer with your USB cable, then wait for Windows to finish installing the drivers (drivers will be installed only the first time). For reliability, ensure that you use a USB port at the back if you are using a desktop computer, as the front panel ports can be loose and cause problems.
  8. Go to the folder where you extracted the Superboot files, then double-click on the superboot-windows file to start the rooting procedure, then sit back and relax as the device is rooted automatically.

Your Nexus 10 should now be rooted, and you will be able to use apps that need root access to work, such as file explorers, ad blockers, overclocking apps, and more. Enjoy!