[Guide] ROOT Pixel 3 XL Android 9.0.0 (Pie) Unlock/Lock Bootloader + Install Stock Images/TWRP Recovery/Systemless Root

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Homeboy76

Recognized Contributor
Aug 24, 2012
3,883
2,329
Google Pixel XL
Google Pixel 7 Pro
[Guide] Root Pixel 3 XL Android 12 Unlock/Lock Bootloader + Install/Flash Custom ROMs​

Introduction
  1. This Guide is for Pixel 3 XL owners that want to Instal a Custom ROM, and enjoy the benefits of rooting it. The Guide is divided into three parts: Information, Instructions, and Other.
~ ~ ~ Part I - INFORMATION ~ ~ ~
  1. Disclaimer

    1. I assume no responsibility for the malfunctioning/bricking of your phone.
    2. The order of listed items i.e., Custom Kernels, Custom ROMS, etc. Does not indicate my preference for them. It is your responsibility to do the research before selecting an item.
  2. Prerequisites

    1. A Pixel 3 XL phone with an unlocked bootloader.
    2. The latest Custom ROM.
    3. A Computer with the latest SDK Platform-Tools: r33.0.3 installed.
    4. Important Notes:
  3. NEW

    • Waiting . . .
  4. Update(s)

    1. Magisk Alpha - app-release_555a54ec-alpha.apk 2 Sep
    2. Magisk Beta - 25.2 21Jul
    3. Magisk Canary - app-release_a468fd94-25205.apk 11Oct
    4. Magisk Delta - app-release
    5. Magisk Stable - 25.2 21Jul
    6. TWRP - Waiting for Android 12 T.W.R.P
    7. SafetyNet - SafetyNetFix v2.3.1 (Zygisk) 27Jun
    8. SDK Platform-tools - r33.0.3 11Aug
    9. Custom Kernels
      Note: If you want to use a Custom Kernel, please follow the Installation instruction in the OP of the Custom Kernel you want to install.[[/I][/U]​
      b. Elemental X - check the Elemental X Kernel Manager for updates​
    10. Custom Android 12.x ROMs
    11. Custom Android 13 ROMs
  5. My Other Guides
  6. Credits/Thanks/Recognitions

    • Those I may have, inadvertently, forgotten.
~ ~ ~ Part II - INSTRUCTIONS ~ ~ ~
(The Instructions listed below are not steps, they are individual sets of instructions.)
  1. Open a Command Prompt/Boot Fastboot Mode/Boot Recovery

    • Open a Command Prompt on Computer
      1. Open File Explorer, click the platform-tools folder ==> click the folder icon (left side of address bar) to highlight it type cmd and press enter.
      2. Open a Powershell Command Prompt on Computer: Open File Explorer, click the platform-tools folder ==> click the folder icon (left side of address bar) to highlight it type powershell and press enter.
      3. Notes:
        • Enable USB Debugging, on your phone: Settings ==> System ==> Advanced ==> Developer options ==> Scroll down to USB debugging and enable it.
        • When using the Powershell Command Prompt Commands must be preceeded with ./: i.e, ./fastboot devices
        • If you do not want to open a Command Prompt every time you want to use the fastboot command, add the path to the Platform-tools folder to Windows environment variables.
    • Boot fastboot mode (bootloader):
      • Power off phone, press and hold the power and volume down buttons until you see Start.
    • Boot Recovery
      • Power off phone, press and hold the power and volume down buttons until you see Start. Use volume up/down button until you see Recovery mode. Press power button.
  2. Test fastboot

    • Enable Developer Options - Tap Settings > About phone > Build number 7 times or until you should see 'you are a Developer'.
    • Enable USB Debugging - Tap Settings > System > Advanced > Developer options >
      Enable USB Debugging.
    • Open a Command Prompt on your computer in the Platform-tools folder.
    • Boot fastboot mode on your phone (#1)
    • Connect the phone to the Computer.
    • At the prompt type: fastboot devices to verify communication with phone. It should return your phone's serial number.
  3. Unlock Bootloader/Return Phone to Stock/Lock Bootloader

    • Unlock Bootloader

      1. This will erase all user data from the device!
      2. Backup your data
      3. Activate Developer Options: Tap Settings > About Phone > Tap Build Number 7 times or until you see you are a Developer. Tap back > System > Advanced > Developer Options. Enable OEM Unlock and, USB Debugging.
      4. Boot fastboot mode
      5. Connect the phone to the Computer with USB cord.
      6. Open a Command Prompt on your computer and type fastboot flashing unlock and press enter.
      7. You should see a request for confirmation on your phone, use the volume keys to scroll and the power key to select.
      8. Allow the process to complete and then type fastboot reboot at the Command Prompt and press enter.
      9. When your phone reboots disconnect your usb cable.
        Notes: After unlocking your bootloader, you'll see a warning: The bootloader is unlocked and... You will see this warning until, you relock the bootloader.
        Do not relock your bootloader until you have returned the device to Stock.
    • Return Phone to Stock

      • Backup your data/Internal storage
      • Settings > System > Advanced > Reset Options > Erase all data (factory reset)
      • Log in
      • Set up phone
    • Lock Bootloader

      1. Do not lock the bootloader until you have returned the phone to stock. Failure to do so causes bricked phones.
      2. This will erase all user data from the device!
      3. Boot fastboot mode
      4. Open a Command Prompt and type this at the Prompt: fastboot flashing lock
      5. You should see a request for confirmation on your phone, use the volume keys to scroll and the power key to select.
      6. Allow the process to complete, then type this at the Command Prompt: fastboot reboot
      7. Enable Developer Options: Settings > About phone > Tap Build number 7 times or until you see 'you are a developer'.
      8. Tap Back > Developer options and toggle OEM Unlock off.
  4. Install/Flash Custom ROM with @badabing2003 PixelFlasher
  5. ADB Sideload

  6. Set Magisk App Update Channel/Update Magisk

    • Set Magisk App Update Channel

      • Open Magisk App > Tap menu icon > Settings > Update Channel > Select Stable, Beta Canary or Custom.
    • Update Magisk

      1. When Magisk App notifies you of an update:
      2. Tap install.
      3. Select, Direct Install (Recommended)
      4. When it finishes installing
      5. Tap, Save Log
      6. Log location: /storage/emulated/0/MagiskManager/logs/install_log_
      7. Tap, Reboot
      8. Done
  7. Install/Update Magisk Modules

    • Download Modules
    • Install Modules from Storage

      1. Open Magisk
      2. Tap the Modules icon
      3. Tap Install from storage
      4. Navigate to the folder with the Module you want to install.
      5. Tap the Module to highlite it and tap Select.
      6. After it installs, tap the Disc Icon to save the install log.
      7. Tap Reboot
    • Install Modules from Fox2Code/Fox Magisk Module Manager

      1. Open Fox2Code/Fox Magisk Module Manager
      2. Tap the Modules icon
      3. Locate the Module you want to install
      4. Tap Install
      5. After it installs, tap the Disc Icon to save the install log.
      6. Tap Reboot
    • Update Modules

      1. Open Fox2Code/Fox Magisk Module Manager
      2. You, will see the Modules that have Updates.
      3. Tap the Module you want to update.
      4. Tap install.
      5. After it installs, tap the Disc Icon to save the install log.
      6. Tap Reboot
~ ~ ~ Part III - OTHER ~ ~ ~
  1. Custom ROMs

    • Need help with a Custom ROM?

      1. If you are you are trying to install or have installed a Custom ROM, read and follow the Installation Instructions in the OP of the Custom ROM thread.
      2. Search the thread of the Custom ROM you are trying to install or have installed for answer(s)/solution(s) to your question(s)/problem(s): If you don't find a answer(s)/solution(s) to your question(s)/problem(s). Post your question(s)/request(s) for help in the Custom ROM thread you are trying to install or have installed.
      3. If you are trying to install a Addon(s) {Custom Kernel, Magisk, etc.} to the Custom ROM you installed: Search the thread of the Custom ROM you installed or the thread of the Addon you want to add to your Custom ROMfor answer(s)/solution(s) to your question(s)/problem(s). If you don't find an answer(s)/solution(s) to your question(s)/problem(s). Post your question(s)/request(s) for help in the Custom ROM or Addon (Custom Kernel, Magisk, etc.) thread.
    • ROMs
  2. Mods
  3. T.W.R.P. Backup/T.W.R.P Update

    • Waiting for Android 12 T.W.R.P
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: NightBlade13, neemzeey, nay_ and 46 others
jaxenroth

jaxenroth

Senior Member
Apr 28, 2011
814
152
Langhorne, PA
Nice. Root up and running w/o issues. Even got rid of the gesture navigation. 1540218974314.jpg
 
S

State.of.mind

Senior Member
Sep 2, 2011
463
83
Google Pixel 7 Pro
JeromeLeung said:
Read Section 9.A.3. Need to switch your Magisk Manager over to Canary in order to install Magisk 17.4. Stable channel is v17.2 which is what is causing you to see that error.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Thanks. I tried that method. I'm not sure what's causing it. Could it be that I am not typing "fastboot reboot" at the end of the flash? I normally just press start.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Cesium-234
UltraM8

UltraM8

Senior Member
Jan 27, 2015
1,157
4,901
Moscow
Anyone already rooted here? If so pm me pls, I have some questions regarding audio that requires root.
 
L

lawtalking

Senior Member
Sep 21, 2010
190
19
I rooted fine this morning, but am getting a "couldn't install a system update" error message. I know otas won't work on a rooted phone, but I do not see any factory images for a new patch or any discussion of a new ota. Anyone not rooted get an update?
 
S

seagypsy59

Member
Oct 3, 2010
9
3
Bellingham
lawtalking said:
I rooted fine this morning, but am getting a "couldn't install a system update" error message. I know otas won't work on a rooted phone, but I do not see any factory images for a new patch or any discussion of a new ota. Anyone not rooted get an update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

It happened to me right after unlocking the bootloader. I let it update because I was curious. I have a Verizon sim in the unlocked variant. It updated the build number to the Verizon version. I pulled the sim, flashed back to Google factory image. Rooted the phone, got some things set up, put the Sim back in, update failed. Screw Verizon!
 
Last edited:
M

masri1987

Senior Member
Jun 27, 2010
5,928
807
Honolulu, Hawaii
Google Pixel 7 Pro
ridobe said:
Show me a picture of your folder where you are launching the flash-all.

Sent from my crosshatch using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

adbreboot.png


It has the nerve to tell me that "image-crosshatch-pd1a.180720.030.zip" could not be found in the directory despite it being right there.
This is a common trend for me trying to execute this.

---------- Post added at 08:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:11 PM ----------
ridobe said:
Show me a picture of your folder where you are launching the flash-all.

Sent from my crosshatch using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and then when i do get it to recognize the image.zip file
I get this result instead
adbreboota716e.png


Update:
So I updated my platform tools and it's working now.
Now to try to root again :|

Final Update:
Updated my entire ADB setup despite it being setup in July, ran the factory image flash-all file, wiped everything, rerooted and i'm back up and running successfully.
Something was missing from my ADB\platform tools setup that the pixels depend on.
 
Last edited:
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    Homeboy76
    [Guide] Root Pixel 3 XL Android 12 Unlock/Lock Bootloader + Install/Flash Custom ROMs​

    Introduction
    1. This Guide is for Pixel 3 XL owners that want to Instal a Custom ROM, and enjoy the benefits of rooting it. The Guide is divided into three parts: Information, Instructions, and Other.
    ~ ~ ~ Part I - INFORMATION ~ ~ ~
    1. Disclaimer

      1. I assume no responsibility for the malfunctioning/bricking of your phone.
      2. The order of listed items i.e., Custom Kernels, Custom ROMS, etc. Does not indicate my preference for them. It is your responsibility to do the research before selecting an item.
    2. Prerequisites

      1. A Pixel 3 XL phone with an unlocked bootloader.
      2. The latest Custom ROM.
      3. A Computer with the latest SDK Platform-Tools: r33.0.3 installed.
      4. Important Notes:
    3. NEW

      • Waiting . . .
    4. Update(s)

      1. Magisk Alpha - app-release_555a54ec-alpha.apk 2 Sep
      2. Magisk Beta - 25.2 21Jul
      3. Magisk Canary - app-release_a468fd94-25205.apk 11Oct
      4. Magisk Delta - app-release
      5. Magisk Stable - 25.2 21Jul
      6. TWRP - Waiting for Android 12 T.W.R.P
      7. SafetyNet - SafetyNetFix v2.3.1 (Zygisk) 27Jun
      8. SDK Platform-tools - r33.0.3 11Aug
      9. Custom Kernels
        Note: If you want to use a Custom Kernel, please follow the Installation instruction in the OP of the Custom Kernel you want to install.[[/I][/U]​
        b. Elemental X - check the Elemental X Kernel Manager for updates​
      10. Custom Android 12.x ROMs
      11. Custom Android 13 ROMs
    5. My Other Guides
    6. Credits/Thanks/Recognitions

      • Those I may have, inadvertently, forgotten.
    ~ ~ ~ Part II - INSTRUCTIONS ~ ~ ~
    (The Instructions listed below are not steps, they are individual sets of instructions.)
    1. Open a Command Prompt/Boot Fastboot Mode/Boot Recovery

      • Open a Command Prompt on Computer
        1. Open File Explorer, click the platform-tools folder ==> click the folder icon (left side of address bar) to highlight it type cmd and press enter.
        2. Open a Powershell Command Prompt on Computer: Open File Explorer, click the platform-tools folder ==> click the folder icon (left side of address bar) to highlight it type powershell and press enter.
        3. Notes:
          • Enable USB Debugging, on your phone: Settings ==> System ==> Advanced ==> Developer options ==> Scroll down to USB debugging and enable it.
          • When using the Powershell Command Prompt Commands must be preceeded with ./: i.e, ./fastboot devices
          • If you do not want to open a Command Prompt every time you want to use the fastboot command, add the path to the Platform-tools folder to Windows environment variables.
      • Boot fastboot mode (bootloader):
        • Power off phone, press and hold the power and volume down buttons until you see Start.
      • Boot Recovery
        • Power off phone, press and hold the power and volume down buttons until you see Start. Use volume up/down button until you see Recovery mode. Press power button.
    2. Test fastboot

      • Enable Developer Options - Tap Settings > About phone > Build number 7 times or until you should see 'you are a Developer'.
      • Enable USB Debugging - Tap Settings > System > Advanced > Developer options >
        Enable USB Debugging.
      • Open a Command Prompt on your computer in the Platform-tools folder.
      • Boot fastboot mode on your phone (#1)
      • Connect the phone to the Computer.
      • At the prompt type: fastboot devices to verify communication with phone. It should return your phone's serial number.
    3. Unlock Bootloader/Return Phone to Stock/Lock Bootloader

      • Unlock Bootloader

        1. This will erase all user data from the device!
        2. Backup your data
        3. Activate Developer Options: Tap Settings > About Phone > Tap Build Number 7 times or until you see you are a Developer. Tap back > System > Advanced > Developer Options. Enable OEM Unlock and, USB Debugging.
        4. Boot fastboot mode
        5. Connect the phone to the Computer with USB cord.
        6. Open a Command Prompt on your computer and type fastboot flashing unlock and press enter.
        7. You should see a request for confirmation on your phone, use the volume keys to scroll and the power key to select.
        8. Allow the process to complete and then type fastboot reboot at the Command Prompt and press enter.
        9. When your phone reboots disconnect your usb cable.
          Notes: After unlocking your bootloader, you'll see a warning: The bootloader is unlocked and... You will see this warning until, you relock the bootloader.
          Do not relock your bootloader until you have returned the device to Stock.
      • Return Phone to Stock

        • Backup your data/Internal storage
        • Settings > System > Advanced > Reset Options > Erase all data (factory reset)
        • Log in
        • Set up phone
      • Lock Bootloader

        1. Do not lock the bootloader until you have returned the phone to stock. Failure to do so causes bricked phones.
        2. This will erase all user data from the device!
        3. Boot fastboot mode
        4. Open a Command Prompt and type this at the Prompt: fastboot flashing lock
        5. You should see a request for confirmation on your phone, use the volume keys to scroll and the power key to select.
        6. Allow the process to complete, then type this at the Command Prompt: fastboot reboot
        7. Enable Developer Options: Settings > About phone > Tap Build number 7 times or until you see 'you are a developer'.
        8. Tap Back > Developer options and toggle OEM Unlock off.
    4. Install/Flash Custom ROM with @badabing2003 PixelFlasher
    5. ADB Sideload

    6. Set Magisk App Update Channel/Update Magisk

      • Set Magisk App Update Channel

        • Open Magisk App > Tap menu icon > Settings > Update Channel > Select Stable, Beta Canary or Custom.
      • Update Magisk

        1. When Magisk App notifies you of an update:
        2. Tap install.
        3. Select, Direct Install (Recommended)
        4. When it finishes installing
        5. Tap, Save Log
        6. Log location: /storage/emulated/0/MagiskManager/logs/install_log_
        7. Tap, Reboot
        8. Done
    7. Install/Update Magisk Modules

      • Download Modules
      • Install Modules from Storage

        1. Open Magisk
        2. Tap the Modules icon
        3. Tap Install from storage
        4. Navigate to the folder with the Module you want to install.
        5. Tap the Module to highlite it and tap Select.
        6. After it installs, tap the Disc Icon to save the install log.
        7. Tap Reboot
      • Install Modules from Fox2Code/Fox Magisk Module Manager

        1. Open Fox2Code/Fox Magisk Module Manager
        2. Tap the Modules icon
        3. Locate the Module you want to install
        4. Tap Install
        5. After it installs, tap the Disc Icon to save the install log.
        6. Tap Reboot
      • Update Modules

        1. Open Fox2Code/Fox Magisk Module Manager
        2. You, will see the Modules that have Updates.
        3. Tap the Module you want to update.
        4. Tap install.
        5. After it installs, tap the Disc Icon to save the install log.
        6. Tap Reboot
    ~ ~ ~ Part III - OTHER ~ ~ ~
    1. Custom ROMs

      • Need help with a Custom ROM?

        1. If you are you are trying to install or have installed a Custom ROM, read and follow the Installation Instructions in the OP of the Custom ROM thread.
        2. Search the thread of the Custom ROM you are trying to install or have installed for answer(s)/solution(s) to your question(s)/problem(s): If you don't find a answer(s)/solution(s) to your question(s)/problem(s). Post your question(s)/request(s) for help in the Custom ROM thread you are trying to install or have installed.
        3. If you are trying to install a Addon(s) {Custom Kernel, Magisk, etc.} to the Custom ROM you installed: Search the thread of the Custom ROM you installed or the thread of the Addon you want to add to your Custom ROMfor answer(s)/solution(s) to your question(s)/problem(s). If you don't find an answer(s)/solution(s) to your question(s)/problem(s). Post your question(s)/request(s) for help in the Custom ROM or Addon (Custom Kernel, Magisk, etc.) thread.
      • ROMs
    2. Mods
    3. T.W.R.P. Backup/T.W.R.P Update

      • Waiting for Android 12 T.W.R.P
    View
    4
    H
    Homeboy76
    Reserved 1
    View
    4
    H
    Homeboy76
    rhewins2268 said:
    Wow... Who needs this thread anyway... Clearly policed by Nazis.
    My comment was on topic.
    This is root thread which states install twrp.
    Another opinion does not make it off topic.
    You've lost your mind if you think otherwise.
    Now police this one too.
    Click to expand...
    Click to collapse
    Yes, this thread is a Guide fo rooting the Pixel 3 XL phone.
    Yes, it provides instructions for rooting with Magisk by installing T.W.R.P. (#7).
    Yes, It provides instructions for rooting with Magisk without installing T.W.R.P. (#8).
    So, your opinion/method is already in the OP.
    View
    4
    Badger50
    Badger50
    TheFuzz said:
    Just right click and choose edit, should open in notepad, just have to find the text, delete, save, all set.
    Click to expand...
    Click to collapse

    You are correct :good:

    Raul Fresh said:
    Thanks for answering my questions, guys. I really am already more clear about how to update
    , just to be sure, every time an update comes up, should we reinstall twrp / root / kernel on the phone? Or is there some way to install the actions keeping these changes? I still don't understand why you have to remove the -w in the file.
    Click to expand...
    Click to collapse

    The reason for removing the -w is so that your data/phone don't get wiped!! It's kinda like installing an ota on a stock phone, only your just doing it manually. Been doing updates this way for the last 3 years on my 6p and P2XL without issues. Here's a quick little reference guide I made a while back that I still use. Maybe it can be of some use for y'all going forward :cool:
    View
    4
    jcmm11
    jcmm11
    Homeboy76 said:
    I noticed your status is 'RC', congrats and appreciate your input.
    So, if you flash-all the latest factory image and it removes 'Magisk'. Why would you have to uninstall 'Magisk Manager' to install Magisk via twrp?
    Click to expand...
    Click to collapse
    Magisk has a number of parts. The "core", if you will, is found in the boot image, so when you flash a stock image you remove that part and Magisk will no longer function.

    The installed modules etc are found in /data/adb/. If you run the un-installer these will be removed, which will force you to reinstall all modules.

    Magisk Manager is the user interface to all this, and can also be used to patch a boot image, which is then flashed to install Magisk (handy if no TWRP for device). You don't have to uninstall it, you could just upgrade it on its own - but with this latest update apparently some people are having some problems (see Magisk threads) so, if you're going to flash Magisk anyway, you may as well remove Manager and have it installed via the zip. Although I suspect that most of the issues they're having are caused by not unhiding the Manager - which leads to issues if you try to update it in that state.
    View

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