Trying to install a custom ROM or trying to root your Pixel? Here is how you can install TWRP recovery on Google Pixel and Nexus phones. TeamWin’s custom recovery provides a plethora of features and functionality. From the ability to install third-party ZIP files such as custom ROMs to full TWRP backups, it is the one fundamental mod that every enthusiast should try out. If you have a Pixel phone, in the tutorial ahead, we will explain how to download and install TWRP custom recovery.
The installation process for TWRP on Google Pixel / Nexus phones utilizes ADB and Fastboot — which means you would need access to a computer for this guide. After sucessful implementation of TWRP, users can then proceed to flash root, custom ROM and other system mod packages on their devices. Further, this singular guide covers TWRP download and installation steps for all compatible Google Pixel and Nexus models.
Why Install TWRP Recovery on Google Phones for Root?
Google Pixel and Nexus phones have always been characterized developer focused or enthusiast devices. Through these phones, Google ensures that they deliver the optimal software and hardware experience for its users. More, these devices are always first in line for latest software and security updates as they are maintained by Google themselves.
As important as the official software experience is, Android enthusiasts always look forward to root and modifying the system on their own. This is where TWRP custom recovery comes in. This single utility opens the gate for further system modification. More, on its own, TWRP offers various important features that are otherwise not available within the stock recovery such as advance data partition formatting and system backup.
Download TWRP for Google Pixel Phones
The following are TWRP images that you can download for Google phones. To install these packages, you can read ahead for the complete steps.
| Name | Model | Download |
|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel 4 | flame | twrp-3.4.0-0-test7-flame.img |
| Google Pixel 4 XL | coral | twrp-3.4.0-0-test8-coral.img |
| Google Pixel 3a | sargo | twrp-3.3.1-1-sargo.img |
| Google Pixel 3a XL | bonito | twrp-3.3.1-0-bonito.img |
| Google Pixel 3 | crosshatch | twrp-3.2.3-0-crosshatch.img |
| Google Pixel 3 XL | blueline | twrp-3.2.3-0-blueline.img |
| Google Pixel 2 | walleye | twrp-3.2.0-0-walleye.img |
| Google Pixel 2 XL | taimen | twrp-3.2.1-0-taimen.img |
| Google Pixel | sailfish | twrp-3.0.2-0-RC1-fastboot-sailfish.img |
| Google Pixel | marlin | twrp-3.0.2-0-RC1-fastboot-marlin.img |
| Huawei Nexus 6P | angler | twrp-2.8.7.0-angler.img |
| LG Nexus 5X | bullhead | twrp-3.0.0-bullhead.img |
| Motorola Nexus 6 | shamu | openrecovery-twrp-2.8.5.0-shamu.img |
| HTC Nexus 9 | flounder | twrp-2.8.7.0-flounder.img |
Installation ZIP Files
For some phones, it is necessary to flash installation ZIP files after booting TWRP. Download the installation ZIP file from below and copy it to your phone’s storage.
| Name | Model | Download |
|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel 3a | sargo | twrp-installer-3.3.1-1-sargo.zip |
| Google Pixel 3a XL | bonito | twrp-pixel3-installer-bonito-3.3.1-0.zip |
| Google Pixel 3 | crosshatch | twrp-pixel3-installer-crosshatch-3.2.3-0.zip |
| Google Pixel 3 XL | blueline | twrp-pixel3-installer-blueline-3.2.3-0.zip |
| Google Pixel 2 | walleye | twrp-pixel2-installer-walleye-3.2.0-0.zip |
| Google Pixel 2 XL | taimen | twrp-pixel2-installer-taimen-3.2.1-0.zip |
| Google Pixel | sailfish | twrp-pixel-installer-sailfish-3.0.2-0-RC1.zip |
| Google Pixel XL | marlin | twrp-pixel-installer-marlin-3.0.2-0-RC1.zip |
How to Install TWRP Recovery on Google Pixel Phones
Once you have downloaded the required TWRP recovery IMG file for your phone, you can proceed to this part. Here we explain the tutorial on how to install TWRP recovery on Google Pixel and Nexus devices. We highly recommend you to read through the entire guide first before actually flashing it on your phone.
Things to Remember:
- Make sure the bootloader of your phone is unlocked.
- Your computer is configured with correct USB drivers for Google phones.
- Enable Developer Options by going to Settings>About Phone and tapping on build number multiple times.
- Enable USB Debugging in Settings>Developer Options. Make sure that the USB Debugging is checked.
- Backup all the data as installing a custom recovery might delete all of your data.
- Charge your phone up to 50% first and make sure your phone does not shut down during the procedure or it might damage your phone.
NOTE: Make sure you have already unlocked the bootloader of your Google Pixel phone. If not, please read this first: How to Unlock Bootloader on Google Pixel / Nexus Phones.
Complete Step-By-Step Instructions:
Step 1 – Download Android SDK from the Android Developers website and install. Also set it up with downloading platform-tools and USB drivers package in SDK. Tutorial given here: How to Set up ADB and Fastboot on Windows.
or
Step 1 – Download ADB / Fastboot – Android SDK Platform Tools separate package and install on your computer.
Step 2 – Connect your Google phone to your computer using a USB cable.
Step 3 – Download TWRP from the links attached above and save it into the same directory as the extracted Fastboot/ADB package files.
Step 4 – Navigate to the same directory now as where you have Fastboot (i.e. Step 1) and on Windows: Open Command Prompt (Shift + Right-click > Open Command Prompt). For Mac OS X and Linux, use Terminal to navigate to this directory.
Step 5 – Type in the following command and press Enter.
adb reboot bootloaderStep 6 – Wait for your phone to boot into bootloader mode. You can boot your phone in bootloader mode by pressing and holding Volume Up + Power key.
Step 7 – Once your phone is in bootloader mode, type in the following command and press Enter.
For Pixel Phones:
fastboot boot FILE-NAME.img For Nexus Devices:
fastboot flash recovery FILE-NAME.img NOTE: Make sure to change FILE-NAME with the actual file-name of the TWRP recovery you downloaded for your device.
Step 8 – Your Pixel phone will now enter TWRP recovery and from here, you can install the Installer ZIP file on your Pixel phone. If you have a Nexus device, simply enter the following command:
fastboot rebootBy the end of the tutorial, you should be booted into TWRP on your Google Pixel / Nexus phone. Use it to root your device, create TWRP backups and much more.
Once you exit TWRP, you can read: How to Enter Recovery Mode on Google Devices to regain access.
To anyone that has read this article, I am trying to save you from breaking your phone. There is a very flawed piece of information in this article. In the download section, the Pixel 3 is listed as crosshatch and the Pixel 3 XL is listed as blue line. Those are opposite. Cross hatch is actually the Pixel 3 XL and blue line is the Pixel 3. If you install crosshatch update on a blue line or vice versa it will break your phone. So make sure you download the right one.