How to Root Google Pixel 6, 7, 8, 9 and Fold Series | Step-by-Step

Does rooting my Pixel void my warranty?

Yes, it does. The act of unlocking the bootloader is a permanent, logged technical event. While you can relock the bootloader, the initial unlock status is recorded in the device’s security module. A service center technician can and will see this log, and they will reject your device for warranty repair on the grounds of tampering.

Will I lose my data if I root my phone?

Yes, you will lose all data. The security feature of unlocking the bootloader mandates a complete data wipe. The final step of the root process also includes a recommended factory reset to ensure a clean install. You must back up your device before starting Step 1.

Why do I have to flash both boot.img and init_boot.img?

Modern Pixels use a split boot process for security. init_boot.img contains the initial ramdisk and instructions for the first part of the boot process. boot.img holds the main kernel and core boot files. For root to work, Magisk must inject its code into the earliest part of the boot sequence. Flashing only one will lead to a failed boot or an incomplete root.

My phone is stuck on the Google logo after flashing. What should I do?

Boot the device back into Fastboot Mode (Power + Volume Down). Flash the original, unpatched boot.img and init_boot.img files using fastboot flash commands. The device will then boot into a clean, unrooted state. You can then re-attempt the rooting process carefully.

How do I unroot my Google Pixel and pass security checks again?

The most reliable way is to flash the full stock factory firmware. Download the full factory image ZIP, modify the flash-all script to remove the -w flag (which wipes user data), and run it while in Fastboot Mode. This re-flashes every system partition with clean, Google-signed files, completely removing all traces of Magisk.

How difficult is it to root a Google Pixel 7 or Pixel 8?

It’s not “difficult,” but it is precise. The key is precision, not difficulty. You must have the correct stock firmware file and execute the commands exactly as written. Because these phones use the modern A/B partition system, the old, simple rooting methods don’t work.

How do I unroot my Google Pixel and go back to normal?

The best way to fully unroot your device is by flashing the full, official stock firmware back onto your phone using fastboot. This completely overwrites the modified boot files and all system partitions with Google-signed, clean files. Flashing the full factory image is the only method that guarantees every trace of root is gone.

If I root my Google Pixel, will I stop getting official updates (OTAs)?

Yes, you will. Once you root your Google Pixel, your phone’s system integrity check will fail whenever an OTA update tries to install. After rooting, you must manually install every new security patch or Android version by downloading the new factory image, re-patching the new boot files, and re-flashing them yourself.

Will rooting my Google Pixel help fix security patch bugs or slow performance?

Yes, it can. While rooting doesn’t directly fix Google’s bugs, it gives you the power to apply patches and optimizations that Google hasn’t released yet. By flashing a custom kernel after you root your Google Pixel, you can often fix things like excessive battery drain, thermal throttling, or scheduler issues.

Is it possible to root a carrier-locked Google Pixel?

Technically, you can root a carrier-locked Pixel, but only if you can unlock the bootloader first. Many carriers (like Verizon) lock the bootloader and disable the “OEM Unlocking” option in Developer Options. If this option is grayed out, you cannot proceed with the first step of this guide.