Unlocking and rooting the Nexus 7 is a plus in a few ways. I was very happy with the stock android, but there was somethings that I wanted to run that requires root. Therefore, I was forced to root.

The reason that I needed to root was for:
1. Greenify – an app that will hibernate closed apps, helping you to save some battery life.
2. SMS enabling – I am using the Nexus 7 LTE version and would like to use the SMS feature that Android KitKat 4.4.2 took away.
3. OTG USB Mount – to be able to use my USB Drive on the device.

Let’s get started with rooting and also learn a little adb and fastboot commands.

1. Install the Android SDK to your system. LINK
2. On the device: Navigate to Settings –> About Tablet and press the “Build Number” until you see a pop up message saying that you had enabled the Development option.
3. On the device: Go back to Settings–> Development Options and check USB debugging.
4. Windows: run cmd

adb devices

This will show the device that is connected to your computer. If you can not see your device, then there is a problem with your drive installation.
5. Reboot the device to bootloader mode:

adb reboot bootloader

6. You will need to unlock your device first. Be warned that unlock your device will erase all your files and data. If you forgot to back them up, you may reboot your device and save all the files before continuing.

fastboot oem unlock

7. Once you are unlocked you may install the TWRP recovery.
Nexus 7 2013 Wi-fi
Nexus 7 2013 LTE
Run the command to install the custom recovery

fastboot flash recovery TWRP-FILENAME.zip

8. Download root SU binaries and the app. LINK
9. On the device: Navigate to the recovery using the volume button and power button to enter.
10. On the device: Once you had loaded TWRP, navigate to Advanced–>ADB sideload
11. Run the command:

adb sideload SUPERSU-FILENAME.zip

This is install Root SuperSU on your device.
12. On the device: Navigate to Advanved–>Fix Permission
13. Done!

Your device should now be rooted and ready to use.