Like the predecessors, the newly launched Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3XL are fully developer friendly, which means it is easy to unlock the bootloader, install TWRP custom recovery and get root on these devices. Both Pixel 3 and Pixel 3XL go on general sale on 1 November 2018, however the good news is that root method has already been discovered for the device. Topjohnwu, The developer of the systemless root tool Magisk has updated the tool to support Pixel 3 and Pixel 3XL.
Since there’s not a TWRP recovery available for the device yet, the existing rooting method would have required a bit of re-engineering. Fortunately, it is simple with Magisk Manager app. All you need unlocked bootloader, Magisk Manager installed on your Pixel 3 or Pixel 3XL and patched boot.img file.
Read on to know how to unlock bootloader, create patched boot.img file from factory image using Magisk Manager and root Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. Before start, note that rooting your phone should do with extreme care; otherwise you will end-up with a bricked device.
Requirements:
- Backup all important data you have on the phone, including images and media files, as the process will factory rest the device
- ADB and Fastboot must be installed on your PC or download Platforms tools
- Ensure at least 50% battery charge remaining on the phone
Contents
How to Unlock bootloader on Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL
Disclaimer: Follow the instruction at your own risk. We will not be liable if any damage occurs to your device and/or its components. It is recommended for technically talented users only.
1. Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlock options on your phone by going to Developer Options (to enable Developer Options, go to Settings > About phone > and tap on the build number seven times).
2. Connect your Pixel 3 to your PC. Go to ADB installation folder/ Platforms tools folder on your PC and open a command window (press Shift key, right click and choose the open a command window option)
3. Run the command ‘adb devices’ to check the connection with PC. For Linux and Mac, type ./adb devices
4. If you see your device’s serial number, run the command ‘adb reboot bootloader’. This will boot your phone into bootloader mode.
5. The next step is unlocking the bootloader. Run the command ‘fastboot flashing unlock’
6. On your phone, you will get warning about the risk. Using the Volume up choose Unlock the bootloader and press Power button to select it. You phone will factory reset and reboot.
Your Pixel phone’s bootloader is now unlocked. You are ready to get root access on the device.
How to Root Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL
To root Pixel 3 (code-named blueline) and Pixel 3XL (code-named crosshatch), you need patched boot image file. You can get it from latest version of factory image by unzipping it. You can download it from Google’s firmware download page for Pixel devices.
How to get stock boot image file
Download appropriate factory image files for your device and unzip it (use 7zip). You will see a file with a name starting with ‘image-crosshatch’ (for Pixel 3XL) or ‘image-blueline’ (for Pixel 3). Unzip that file too. Inside the unzipped folder, you will see a file named ‘boot.img’. Transfer this file to your phone’s storage.
How to patch stock boot image file for rooting
Download latest Magisk Manager APK from here and install it on your device. Launch the app, go to Settings, tap on Update channel and select Beta. Now, go to Magisk Manager main screen, select Install > Install > Patch Boot Image File.
Now, choose ‘Patch Boot Image File’. A file manager will pop up. Select the boot image you have just saved on your device and let Magisk Manager patch it. It will save the file as “patched_boot.img” in your Downloads folder.
How to Root Pixel 3/Pixel 3 XL using Magisk
1. Copy and paste the patched_boot.img file inside the ADB and Fastboot folder on your PC.
2. Now, connect your phone to your PC and run the below command to boot into bootloader mode:adb reboot bootloader
3. Now, run the below command to flash the patched boot image file: fastboot flash boot patched_boot.img
Your phone will boot into system. Open Magisk Manager and your device should be rooted. Now you can install modules and apps that enquire root permission (Source – XDA)
