Want to root Google Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL? This is just the perfect guide! Explained ahead are complete steps that show how to gain root on new Google Pixel 3 smartphones using TWRP custom recovery and Magisk. For every Android enthusiast, root is quite an important utility which adds extra functionality to any Android device. Seeing how Pixel line packs pure stock Android, it is the prime candidate for development as well as experimentation. For our devices, we love to run root apps from Play Store and you can have them installed as well with this guide. For Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL devices, follow the below mentioned tutorial to gain root.
The utilities that we will require to implement this procedure include TWRP custom recovery and Magisk root package. Both of these packages have been recently updated to work with Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. Once completed, your smartphone will be eligible to run root apps, custom ROMs and all the goodies that come with it. As with any system modification, before doing it, we advise that you back up all your data from your Pixel 3 / Pixel 3 XL.
Why use Magisk to Root Google Pixel 3 / Pixel 3 XL?
For root, there are a couple of options you can choose from. However, the most reliable, secure and efficient still remains to be Magisk. All of these properties are integrated into Magisk by continuous testing of the app in various scenarios and devices. Further, Magisk follows a systemless approach. Simply put, Magisk doesn’t modify the system partition hence allowing for a more cleaner install which can be removed easily if need be.
Also, unique to Magisk, are the Magisk Modules which you can install and operate using Magisk Manager app. These modules add in functionality to your smartphone and also allow you to modify certain functions to your needs. As said previously, you wont be able to run these modules on any other root utility.
Looking to download latest Magisk ZIP package for your device? Read: Download Magisk (All Versions)
How to Root Pixel 3 / Pixel 3 XL on Android 9.0 Pie
Do make sure you have already done the following things:
- Unlocked Google Pixel 3 / Pixel 3 XL Bootloader
- Configured Fastboot
- TWRP Custom Recovery should be Installed
Complete Step-By-Step Instructions:
NOTE: You need to have a custom recovery installed.
Step 1 – Download Magisk Root (Magisk-v17.3.zip) for Pixel 3 / Pixel 3 XL to your computer.
Step 2 – Connect your Pixel 3 / Pixel 3 XL device to your computer using the USB cable.
Step 3 – Now copy/paste the downloaded Magisk-v17.3.zip files to your internal storage. Make sure the file is in the internal storage root (not in any folder).
Step 4 – Then turn OFF your phone and disconnect from the USB cable.
Step 5 – Now to get in the Recovery Mode (TWRP Recovery). Switch ON the phone while pressing and holding Volume UP + Power buttons together.
NOTE: Screenshots of the Team Win Recovery Project (TWRP Recovery) may change as new versions are released.
Step 6 – Once finished, tap on the ‘Install’ button from the list, choose the Magisk-v17.3.zip file that you copied to your phone memory in Step 3.
Step 7 – Confirm installation on the next screen by swiping on the “Swipe to Confirm Flash” option. The installation procedure should start now as show below.
That’s it! You should now have a rooted Pixel 3 / Pixel 3 XL device. You can go to MagiskManager app to verify.
To make sure you have correctly installed the above root method and it’s working, verify with Root Checker as given in the link.
That’s pretty much it! You should now have a rooted Google Pixel 3 / Pixel 3 XL device which is also capable of running Magisk Modules along with standard set of root apps and mods.
