Root Google Pixel 3a/3a XL Pie 9.0 using TWRP and Install Magisk

Whenever we receive Official TWRP, the Success rate of rooting is high. In this list, Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL received official TWRP from the hard work of TWRP team. Google Pixel 3a comes with Pie 9.0 version. It will receive regular patch updates and Major upgrades from Google for 2-3 Years; also, it has most of the Flagship features in Pixel Series. So, If you are planned to root, you should know the exact reason. Most of the users root their device because they hate their Manufacturer’s Custom Skin OS. But, Pixel phones have Stock Android, and It is managed directly from Google. Means, you will receive updates first in the Android Market. Coming to Bloatware, Stock Android is mostly Bloatware free. You will receive System updates in the Play Store. So, If you have any bugs any Camera, It can be easily patched by the Play Store Update. If you are a developer and you know what you are doing, follow below steps to achieve root on your mobile.

Why should you Root Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL?

We should thank XDA Developers- ZVNexus, janjan and TWRP team for the root files. Without them, this method can’t happen. If you planned to root your mobile, you should have a proper reason, and you know what you are doing. Yes, with a minimum of 4 GB RAM and Qualcomm SDM670 Snapdragon 670 processor, You can use this mobile without root for 2-3 Years If you use correctly. Don’t root because everybody is saying when root your mobile it can become faster. No. Rooting is to extract some performance from the device. But, you already have Powerful specs and software. So, If you are addicted to some root apps, you can root. But, if you want to test, I won’t recommend it.

How to Root Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL Pie 9.0 (Unlocked Variants)

Google Pixel 3a XL International Variants comes with a flexible bootloader. Some Manufacturer devices come with locked Bootloader. This means that different smartphone variants can be easily rooted. Also, the device can accept to install TWRP recovery or any other custom recovery file/app alike.

TWRP recovery is a custom recovery file which must be installed on your devices because you can root them successfully. In this article, we explained the easiest method to follow and install TWRP recovery on Google Pixel 3a XL. However, the tool required for rooting this device is the Magisk App.

With the help of TWRP Recovery, you can quickly flash the latest version of Magisk into your Google Pixel 3a XL to gain root access. Before sharing the tutorial, you may want to know that, with the TWRP recovery present on your device, you can easily install any custom ROM or firmware. Does it seem complicated? Relax, everything will be explained succinctly in bullets.

Things to check out for;

• Make sure your device battery is charged above 50%

• Backup your current files and data, full 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 aka OEM Unlock. There is no complicated process in Google Pixel 3a XL.

• Download the ADB drivers. Install it in your PC.

• Download Magisk.Zip (Latest Version), Copy it to Your Phone Memory.

• Also, Download and save the TWRP File in your PC and rename it to recovery.img.
• twrp-3.3.1-0-sargo.img (Google Pixel 3a)

• twrp-3.3.1-0-bonito.img (Google Pixel 3a XL)

• Download and save the TWRP Installer files in your mobile.

• twrp-installer-3.3.1-0-sargo.zip (Google Pixel 3a)

• twrp-installer-3.3.1-0-bonito.zip (Google Pixel 3a XL)

Unlock Bootloader using ADB and Fastboot

• Switch off your device. Then, enter into Fastboot mode. To do this; Press and hold down the Volume Down + Power buttons at the same time for some time.

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

• Now, connect the Google Pixel 3a XL mobile to the computer via USB cable.

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

• fastboot devices

• It should display the connected devices. If you didn’t get the device, restart the command prompt and Disconnect and Connect your Google Pixel 3a XL. If you are detected type below commands.

• fastboot flashing unlock

• Hit enter, you will prompt to select an option in your mobile, Select Unlock Bootloader.

• After the process complete, It will boot into the regular operation. Now you have Unlocked Bootloader.

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

Flash TWRP

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

• Press the Volume Up button to continue when you see the warning message and select recovery mode.

• Now, connect the Google Pixel 3a XL mobile to the computer via USB cable.

• Launch the fastboot on your computer. Open a Command prompt on your PC and type below command. (Example- fastboot boot E:/Android/recovery.img)

• fastboot boot path/recovery.img

• After the process complete, It will boot into the temporary TWRP. Don’t Boot into standard OS until we flash magisk.

Install Magisk and Installer in your Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL using TWRP

• Select Wipe->Advance Wipe->Select Cache Data.

• Return to Home of TWRP select Install.

• Select TWRP Installer.Zip.

• After the Installation again Return to Home of TWRP select Install.

• Select Magisk.Zip.

• After the Installation Reboot Your Mobile.

• Don’t use Add more Zips, Install files one by one.

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.