Root Google Pixel 5a Android 13 using Magisk

Rooting your Google Pixel 5a running on Android 13 can open up possibilities for regular root app users and developers. With Magisk, rooting your device can be relatively straightforward, but it does require following several steps carefully. Before you begin, it’s important to note that rooting your device can void its warranty and expose it to security risks. So, proceed with caution and at your own risk. This article will provide step-by-step instructions on rooting your Google Pixel 5a using Magisk.

After the Root, you will not get official updates from Google. You must flash the Stock firmware to update and stay with the latest version. So, I advise until you have a proper reason, don’t root your mobile. If you are a Developer or Regular root apps user, you can follow the below guide to achieve Root on your mobile. The following method is Magisk Root. So, you can’t install custom ROMs. But you can install all Root apps.

Why should you Root for Google Pixel 5a?

We thank XDA Developers- topjohnwu and KaptinBoxxi (Who successfully tested this method). Without their hard work, We can’t make this method. Coming to the Root, you should have a proper reason and know what you are doing. Yes, with a minimum of 6 GB RAM and a Google Tensor processor, You can use this mobile without Root for 3 Years If you use it regularly. Software is better compared with other manufacturers, Custom skin OS. Don’t root because everybody says it can become fast when you root your mobile. No. Rooting is to extract some performance from the device. But you already have Optimized Powerful specs and software. So, If you are addicted to some root apps, you can root. But if you want to test it, I won’t recommend it.

How to Root Google Pixel 5a Android 13 (Barbet, International versions)?

Google Pixel 5a International Variants has a more flexible bootloader than carrier-locked devices. This means that We can easily root different smartphone variants. The device can also install TWRP recovery or any custom recovery file/app.

This article explained the easiest method to follow and install Magisk on Google Pixel 5a. But In the below process, we will Root this device using Magisk. You can install Official TWRP using the official app when it is released. TWRP recovery is a custom recovery file we must install on your devices because you can root them successfully. However, the tool required for rooting this device is the Magisk App.

With the help of TWRP Recovery, you can quickly flash the Custom ROMs into your Google Pixel 5a. You can flash TWRP once it is available. Before sharing the tutorial, you may want to know that you can easily install root apps with the Magisk on your device. Does it seem complicated? Relax; We will explain everything succinctly in bullets.

Things to check out for;

• Make sure your device battery is charged above 50%

• Please back up your current files and data and complete the data loss process (save them on external storage).

Pre-Requirement Steps

• Enable USB Debugging Mode and OEM Unlock on your mobile. To do this, go to settings >>> about >>> Tap on the “Build Number” 7-10 times consistently to enable “Developer Options,” then go to the “Developer Options” and enable USB Debugging Mode, OEM Unlock. There is no complicated process in Google Pixel 5a.

• Download the ADB drivers. Install it on your PC.
• Also, download the regular Partition Fastboot drivers and Install Them on your PC. Use these drivers to flash the Boot image file.

Unlock Bootloader Google Pixel 5a using ADB and Fastboot

• Switch off your device. Then, enter Fastboot mode. To do this, press and hold down the Volume Down + Power buttons simultaneously for some time and connect your mobile to your PC.

• Press the Volume Up button to continue when you see the warning message.

• Connect the Google Pixel 5a mobile to the computer via a USB cable.

• Launch the fastboot on your computer. Open a Command prompt on your PC and type the below command.

• fastboot devices

• If you are detected, type the below command and hit Enter. It should display the connected devices. If you didn’t get the device, restart the command prompt, Disconnect, and Connect your Google Pixel 5a.

• fastboot flashing unlock

• Confirm unlock Bootloader on your Mobile Screen.

• After the successful unlock, your device will automatically reboot to the standard OS.

• Check again to enable “Developer Options,” then go to the “Developer Options” and enable USB Debugging Mode, OEM Unlock. Sometimes they disabled themselves after the boot.

Preparing Patched Boot Image file for Google Pixel 5a

• Download Google Pixel 5a Firmware and save it on your PC (Factory Image file, not OTA). Your Current OS version and Downloaded Version should be the Same.

• You can use Phone Info to know your firmware version.

• Download 7Zip-ZS Install on your PC. Extract the files in the downloaded firmware using 7Zip-ZS. You will get a lot of data. To get the boot file, you should extract another .zip file inside the already extracted firmware. Copy the boot—img file to your mobile.

• Download Magisk Manager (Download the Latest version) or Magisk canary and Install it on your mobile. Open Installed Magisk and Select Install in Magisk; it will ask For the zip file and Patch Boot Image File. Select the Boot Image file.

• Navigate to your copied Boot Image File and patch the file in .img format.

• Wait for the process to complete; in the end, you will get a magisk patched .img file. The .img file will be in the same folder where you have the boot. img.

• Copy the magisk_patched—img file to your PC. Rename the file to boot.img again.

Flash Patched Recovery Image using ADB and Fastboot

• Switch off your device. Then, enter Fastboot mode. To do this, press and hold down the Volume Down + Power buttons simultaneously for some time.

• Press the Volume Up button to continue when you see the warning message.

• Connect the Google Pixel 5a mobile to the computer via a USB cable.

• Launch the fastboot on your computer. Open a Command prompt on your PC and type the below command.

• fastboot devices

• It should display the connected devices. If you didn’t get the mobile, restart the command prompt, Disconnect, and Connect your Google Pixel 5a. If you are detected, type the below command and hit Enter.

• fastboot flash boot –slot all boot.img

• After completing the process, Press the Volume Down+ Power button to exit Fastboot mode. Immediately Press the Volume Up + Power buttons when the screen goes off to boot into Recovery mode.

• After entering Stock recovery mode, Go to Wipe Data/Factory Reset and Select Yes to wipe data. It will erase the saved data on your device. Don’t Boot into OS; read below Boot stages before booting.

Boot into Rooted OS

• Press and Hold the Volume Up + Power buttons, and release all the keys once the Bootloader warning appears. You have to set up your device like a new device. You can select the root status using the Root Checker.

• Stock Recovery Boot – Press and Hold the Volume Up + Power buttons release keys while holding the Volume Up key.

• You will see Magisk Manager in your App drawer. You can install Magisk Manager on your mobile if you can’t find the app.

Selva Ganesh

Selva Ganesh is the Chief Editor of this Blog. He is a Computer Science Engineer, An experienced Android Developer, Professional Blogger with 8+ years in the field. He completed courses about Google News Initiative. He runs Android Infotech which offers Problem Solving Articles around the globe.