Root Google Pixel 5a 5G Android 14 using Magisk

Root method in your Google Pixel 5a 5G running on Android 14 using Magisk Manager opens up a world of possibilities, but it’s a decision that requires careful consideration. With the end of official updates looming, developers and power users may find rooting beneficial for customization and advanced functionality. However, for the average user, sticking with the official version is generally recommended to ensure stability and security. Before diving into the root process, it’s crucial to understand the implications. Unlocking the Bootloader is the first step towards gaining root access, followed by installing root apps and removing bloatware for a streamlined experience. Remember that rooting may result in losing certain apps, especially those sensitive to security, like banking apps. Proceed with caution and weigh the pros and cons before taking the plunge into rooting your Pixel 5a 5G.

After rooting, you will not get official updates from Google. You must flash the stock firmware to update it and stay with the latest version. So, I advise you not to root your mobile until you have a proper reason. If you are a developer or regular root apps user, follow the guide below 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 5G?

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 8-12 GB RAM and a Google Tensor processor, You can use this mobile without Root for 5 Years If you use it regularly. The software is better than those of other manufacturers, such as 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 and powerful specs and software. So, if you are addicted to some root apps, you can root them. But if you want to test it, I won’t recommend it.

How to Root Google Pixel 5a 5G Android 14 (barbet, International versions)?

Google Pixel 5a 5G 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 5G. However, we will root this device using Magisk in the process below. You can install the Official TWRP using the official app when it is released. TWRP recovery is a custom recovery file we must install on your devices so you can root them successfully. However, the tool required to root this device is the Magisk App.

With the help of TWRP Recovery, you can quickly flash Custom ROMs into your Google Pixel 5a 5G. Once TWRP is available, you can flash it. Before sharing the tutorial, you may want to know that you can easily install root apps with 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 5G.

• 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 5G 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 5G mobile to the computer via a USB cable.

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

• 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 5G.

• 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 “Developer Options” and enable USB Debugging Mode and OEM Unlock. Sometimes, they disable themselves after the boot.

Preparing Patched Boot Image file for Google Pixel 5a 5G

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

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

• Download 7Zip-ZS on your PC. Using 7Zip-ZS, extract the files in the downloaded firmware. 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 (the latest version) or Magisk Canary and install it on your mobile device. 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 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 5G mobile to the computer via a USB cable.

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

• 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 5G. 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. This will erase the saved data on your device. Don’t boot into the OS; read the boot stages below 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 the Power button while holding the Volume Up key.

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

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.