How to Root Google Pixel 4 / Pixel 4 XL

Running Android 10 out of the box, here is how you can get more from your Google Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL — by rooting it. Our root Pixel 4 procedure utilizes Magisk to gain root. It is simple as well as reliable. Further, there is no requirement of a custom recovery! Once rooted, users can then utilize root apps, mods, tweaks, custom ROMs and even develop their own root utilities. Since we are using Magisk, support for Magisk modules is built-in as well. Explained in detail, read our complete root Pixel 4 / Pixel 4 XL guide below.

Pixel phones deliver the perfect Android experience just as Google intends. Also, Pixel devices are generally popular with developers due to its long-term software support. All of this then results towards a large repository of tweaks, mods and apps available for the phone, especially root apps. To make use of these apps, however, you first need to root your Pixel 4 / Pixel 4 XL and we have that covered right ahead! As always, before you begin with the procedure, do make a recent back up of all your data.

Why use Magisk to Root Google Pixel 4 / Pixel 4 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 4 / Pixel 4 XL with Magisk

Do make sure you have already done the following things:

• Unlocked Google Pixel 4 / Pixel 4 XL Bootloader
• Configured Fastboot

Complete Step-By-Step Instructions:

Step 1 – Start by downloading the complete image of the firmware running on your phone. Do so by going to your phone’s Setting app and then check the Build Number from the About section. Once you have that, download the exact build from Google’s Factory Image Repository.

Step 2 – Extract the ZIP file you downloaded in Step 1 and from it, transfer boot.img file to your phone’s storage.

Step 3 – Now, install Magisk Manager. Here is the latest APK. Don’t know how to install APK files? Read: How to Manually Install APK Files on Android.

Step 4 – Open Magisk Manager, from the main screen click Install which should be next to Magisk is not installed text. After selecting install, tap on Select and Patch a file. A browser window will open, navigate to the boot.img you copied to your phone. After Magisk patches the boot image, there should be a new magisk_patched.img file in your Downloads folder. Transfer this file back to your PC.

Step 5 – Boot your phone into Fastboot mode. Don’t know how? Read: Boot into Fastboot Mode on Pixel 4.

Step 5.1 – Before next step you would need Platform tools. Download them here and extract them anywhere on your PC.

• Windows: Download platform-tools-windows-latest.zip
• MacOS: Download platform-tools-darwin-latest.zip
• Linux: Download platform-tools-linux-latest.zip

Step 6 – Execute the following command once your phone is connected to your PC and is in fasboot mode:

NOTE: Replace path/to/magisk_patched.img with actual path on your computer

fastboot flash boot path/to/magisk_patched.img

NOTE 2: If you see an error where it says ‘fastboot’ isn’t recognized as a command, make sure you open command window in the folder where you download and extracted Platform Tools in Step 6.

Step 7 – After it completes, execute:

fastboot reboot

That’s it! You should now have a rooted Pixel 4 / Pixel 4 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 4 / Pixel 4 XL device which is also capable of running Magisk Modules along with standard set of root apps and mods.