The rooting method became hard after every Android version until Magisk entered the game. In previous ways of Rooting, we had to wait for the developers to release custom Recoveries like TWRP, which always takes time and requires additional complicated methods. But after Magisk comes, The Rooting becomes easy, and we don’t have to wait for a long time. Since it patches the boot image files and allows us to use root apps, It is enough for regular Roto apps users. It may have restrictions like can’t use Custom ROMs without Custom recovery. But, Since the recent mobiles have powerful specs, We may need only root access instead of a complete ROM change. Google Pixel 5 is a flagship-level mobile other than its upper mid-range processor. It can handle any app. But when you are a regular roto apps user who wants to use Magisk Mods, you can install Magisk on Google Pixel 5 Android 12 using the method below.
After the root, you will not get official updates from Google. You have to 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.
Why should you Root for Google Pixel 5?
We thank XDA Developers- topjohnwu and big biff (Who successfully tested this method). Without their hard work, We can’t make this method. Coming to root, you should have a proper reason and know what you are doing. Yes, with a minimum of 8 GB RAM and a Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G processor, You can use this mobile without root for 3 Years If you use it in regular usage. 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 5 Android 12 (Redfin, International versions)
Google Pixel 5 International Variants has a more flexible bootloader than some 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 5. 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.
You can flash TWRP once it is available. With the help of TWRP Recovery, you can quickly flash the Custom ROMs into your Google Pixel 5. Before sharing the tutorial, you may want to know that you can easily install any 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%
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 5.
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 5 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 simultaneously for some time and connect your mobile with your PC.
Press the Volume Up button to continue when you see the warning message.
Connect the Google Pixel 5 mobile to the computer via 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 and Disconnect and Connect your Google Pixel 5.
- fastboot flashing unlock
- Confirm unlock Bootloader on your Mobile Screen.
After successful unlocking, 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 5 Android 12 using Magisk
- Download Google Pixel 5 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 downloaded firmware using 7Zip-ZS. You will get a lot of data. You should extract another .zip file inside the already extracted firmware to get the boot file. Copy 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 into 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 5 mobile to the computer via 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 and Disconnect and Connect your Google Pixel 5. 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 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 your saved data on your device. Don’t Boot into OS; read below Boot stages before booting.
Boot into Rooted OS
- Press and Hold 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 Volume Up + Power buttons and 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.
Install Magisk App on Google Pixel 5 Android 12
- You can also install Magisk Manager in your Mobile Applications. Install Root checker to check your Root status. Download the .apk file and install it on your mobile.
What More?
In my opinion, you don’t need to install Magisk on your Google Pixel 5 Android 12. If you thought you could Improve Performance By rooting, With the Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G Octa-Core processor and 6 GB RAM. If you don’t know how much RAM you need, You will never use this much RAM. It would help if you did not Boot into Normal OS Booting by pressing the power button after firmware flash. It will boot you to a Non-Rooted environment. If you accidentally urge and boot frequently, Don’t panic; after setting everything, switch off your device and boot into Rooted OS using the abovementioned keys. Don’t Install any apps other than trusted sites on rooted devices. Third-party site apps can contain some background codes. So, Check twice before installing those apps.
Selva Kumar is an Android Devices Enthusiast, Who Can Talk and Write About Anything If You Give a Hint About the respective devices. He is a Computer Science Graduate and Certified Android Developer, Making His Career towards this Technology. He is always eager to try new Android devices — not only Software level but Hardware-level Also. Beyond this, He is a Good Swimmer, Guitarist.
