[Guide] Root Pixel 4a (5G) Android 11 (R)

[Homeboy76]

[Guide] Root Pixel 4a (5G) Android 11 (R) Unlock/Lock Bootloader + Systemless ROOT
Android Security Bulletin—February 2021
Pixel Update Bulletin—February 2021​

Introduction
This Guide is for Pixel 4a 5(G) owners that want to Root their phone, and enjoy the benefits of rooting it without installing a Custom ROM. However, for those that just can't live without a Custom ROM, take a look at 'Custom ROMs for Pixel 4a 5(G)'.

New

• CalyxOS
• Android 12 Developer Preview
  • Factory Images: Downloads for Google Pixel
  • OTA Images: Apply a device OTA image

Update(s)

1. Factory/OTA Images - 02/01
2. Magisk Stable - Magisk-22.0 0/23
3. Magisk Beta - Magisk-22.0 02/23
4. Magisk Canary - Magisk-22001
5. TWRP - Waiting for T.R.W.P. for Android 11 (R)
6. SafetyNet - SafetyNetFix v1.1.1 01/16
7. SDK Platform-tools - r30.0.5 11/04
8. Custom Kernels
   • Proton Kernel v1.1 01/07
   • CleanSlate R v1.7.5 02/11
   • Zest Kernel ꜰᴏʀ ʙʀᴀᴍʙʟᴇ 02/21
9. Custom ROMs
   • ProtonAOSP v11.3.2 02/04
   • UNOFFICIAL LineageOS v18.1-microG 02/07
   • UNOFFICIAL LineageOS 18.1 02/17

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.

Prerequisites

1. A Pixel 4a 5(G) phone with an unlocked bootloader.
2. The latest Android 11 (R) Factory or OTA Image: "bramble" for Pixel 4a 5(G)
3. Factory Image
   
   
   

   • 11.0.0 (RQ1A.210205.004, Feb 2021)
   • 11.0.0 (RQ1C.210205.006, Feb 2021, T-Mobile, Sprint)
   • 11.0.0 (RQ1D.210205.004, Feb 2021, Verizon)
   • Which one should I use?
4. OTA Image
   
   
   

   • 11.0.0 (RQ1A.210205.004, Feb 2021)
   • 11.0.0 (RQ1C.210205.006, Feb 2021, T-Mobile, Sprint)
   • 11.0.0 (RQ1D.210205.004, Feb 2021, Verizon)
   • Which one should I use?
5. Computer - With the latest SDK Platform-Tools: r30.0.5 installed.
   • Important: Update Platform Tools, regularly, for optimal performance.

Other Guides
[Guide] Pixel 5 Android 11 (R)

Credits/Thanks/Recognitions

1. @topjohnwu - Magisk Canary
2. Those I may have, inadvertently, forgotten.

Index
(NOTE: Numbers 1-11 are not steps, they are individual sets of instructions).

1. Open a Command Prompt/Boot Fastboot Mode/Boot Recovery
   
   
   

   • Open Command Prompt on Computer
     1. Option 1 - Open File Explorer, click the platform-tools folder, press shift, right click, and select open command prompt here.
     2. Option 2 - Open File Explorer, click the platform-tools folder, highlight the directory information in the address bar or click the folder (left side of address bar) to highlight it type cmd and press enter.
        Notes:
        • If your computer only has 'open powershell here' in the context menu. Use option 2.
        • If you do not want to open a Command Prompt every time you want to use fastboot, add the path to the Platform-tools folder to Windows environment variables.
   • Boot fastboot mode:
     • 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: 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
     
     
     

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

     1. Return the phone to Stock before locking the bootloader, failure to do so could brick your phone
     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/Update Factory Image keep or wipe data
   
   
   

   • Important Note(s):
     1. When doing a major upgrade i.e., Android 10 (Q) to Android 11 (R): I recommend doing a clean install. What is a clean install?
        • Doing a Factory reset prior to installing, major, update.
        • Using flash-all.bat file without removing the -w.
     2. Always verify you have the latest version of SDK Platform-Tools installed on your computer before installing the Factory Image: Pixel 4a 5(G) - bramble.
     3. If your phone was rooted, and you want to 'Keep Data'. Do this first unhide Magisk App (if you hid it) then Uninstall Magisk prior flashing the Factory image. Why? The changes in the Factory image may cause Magisk modules to fail. This will cause bootloops.
     4. If you get an error: while flashing, try one of these options:
        • Change the USB port to a non charging USB port.
        • Change the USB cord to one that doesn't have the blue color head.
        • Change Computers.
   • Backup your data
   • Download the latest Factory Image: Pixel 5 - bramble to your Computer.
   • Extract the factory Image to a folder.
   • Flash Factory Image Keep Data
     
     
     

     • Open the folder you extracted the Factory Image to and Edit the flash-all.bat file with a file editor i.e., Notepad. Remove the -w from this command: fastboot -w update image-bramble-aa9a.999999.999.zip
       Note: If you do not remove the -w your data and internal storage will be wiped.
     • After, you have edited the flash-all.bat file. Copy/Move these files to the Platform-tools folder:
       1. bootloader-bramble-....img
       2. flash-all.bat
       3. image-bramble-....zip
       4. radio-bramble-....img
     • Open a Command Prompt on your computer in the Platform-tools and type: flash-all at the Command Prompt and press enter.
     • System will reboot when flashing is complete.
     • Do #7 to root/reroot.
   • Flash Factory Image Wipe Data
     
     
     

     • This will wipe your phones Internal Storage.
     • Open the folder you extracted the Factory Image to and Copy/Move these files to the Platform-tools folder:
       1. bootloader-bramble-....img
       2. flash-all.bat
       3. image-bramble-....zip
       4. radio-bramble-....img
     • Open a Command Prompt on your computer in the Platform-tools folder and type: flash-all at the Command Prompt and press enter.
     • The phone will reboot when flashing is complete.
     • Do #7 to root/reroot.
5. ADB Sideload
   
   
   

   • Stock Recovery
     
     
     

     • Full OTA Images for Nexus and Pixel Devices - Updating instructions
   • Custom Recovery TWRP
     
     
     

     • Waiting for Android 11 (R) T.W.R.P
6. Extract/Flash boot.img
   
   
   

   • Extract boot.img
     
     
     

     1. Download the latest Factory image to your phone.
     2. Extract the Factory Image file (bramble-r2d1a.999999.999-factory-99a9a99a.zip) to a folder.
     3. Open the folder and, extract the Image file (image-bramble-aa9a.999999.999.zip) into the folder.
   • Flash boot.img
     
     
     

     1. Flashing the boot.img removes root.
     2. Open the folder you extracted the 'image...zip' file to and copy the boot.img file to your computer's platform-tools folder or to the folder that has fastboot.exe in it.
     3. Boot fastboot mode
     4. Connect the phone to the Computer
     5. Open a Command Prompt and type the following command at the prompt:
        fastboot flash boot --slot all boot.img
     6. Reboot
7. Root/Reroot with Magisk and Pass SafetyNet.
   
   
   

   • Important Note(s):
     1. When doing a major upgrade i.e., Android 10 (Q) to Android 11 (R): I recommend doing a clean install. What is a clean install?
        • Doing a Factory reset prior to installing, major, update.
        • Using flash-all.bat file without removing the -w.
     2. Obtaining ROOT using the Magisk App Beta, Canary or Stable to patch the Stock boot.img.
   • Download files:
     1. Magisk App - Download to your phone
        • Magisk App Beta/Stable
        • Magisk Canary App
     2. Custom kernels - Download to your phone - install with Kernel Manager
        • Important: Unless otherwise directed by Kernel Devloper, Flash the Kernel after Magisk.
        • KERNEL ❯ PIXEL 4A 5G ❯ Proton Kernel v1.1
        • [KERNEL] CleanSlate R 1.7.5 |KCal|AdBlock|SafetyNet|FlashLight|S2S|FingPr [11Feb]
        • Zest Kernel ꜰᴏʀ ʙʀᴀᴍʙʟᴇ by LazorL0rd
     3. Kernel Manager - Download to your phone
        • EX Kernel Manager
   • Patching the boot.img
     
     
     

     1. Do #6 - Extract boot.img
     2. Install Magisk (Beta, Canary or Stable) App
     3. Open Magisk App
     4. Depending on the version of Magisk App installed: Set the Update Channel to Beta, Canary or Stable.
     5. Tap Install (next to Magisk)
     6. Tap, Select and Patch a File
     7. Select the boot.img file you extracted from the latest factory image.
     8. Tap the ✓ (Check Mark)
     9. Tap Let's Go
     10. When you see done, the boot.img has been patched (magisk_patched_xxxxxx.img), and stored in the download folder.
     11. Reboot
     12. Copy the patched boot.img file to your computer's Platform-tools folder or the folder that has fastboot.exe in it.
     13. Boot fastboot mode
     14. Connect the phone to the Computer with USB cord.
     15. Open a Command Prompt in the folder you copied the patched boot.img to.
     16. Type fastboot flash boot "name of patched boot".img without the quote marks at the Prompt and press enter.
     17. Type fastboot reboot at the Prompt and press enter.
     18. Important Notes: If your phone boot loops try one of the following options:
         • Flash the 'stock' boot.img to both slots: fastboot flash boot boot.img --slot all
         • Boot Safe Mode - Press Power Off button ==> Press Power Off until you see boot Safe Mode ==> Press Ok.
     19. Pass SafetyNet: #10 Apps/Mods/Scripts/Tethering/Themes - Other
8. Set Magisk App Update Chanel/Update Magisk
   
   
   

   • Set Magisk App Update Chanel
     
     
     

     • Open Magisk App > Tap Settings icon > 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/Download
     7. Tap, Reboot
     8. Done!
9. Custom ROMs
   
   
   

   • Need help with a Custom ROM?
     • First, read and follow the Installation Instructions. The installation instructions are in the OP.
     • Second, if you have a problem Installing it, Search the thread of the Custom ROM you are trying to install for a solution to problem: If you don't find a solution post your request for help on the thread.
   • ROMs
     • Alpha/Beta
       
       
       

       • Waiting
     • Official
       
       
       

       • ROM ❯ PIXEL 4A 5G ❯ OFFICIAL ❯ ProtonAOSP 11.3.2
     • Unofficial
       
       
       

       • [ROM] [UNOFFICIAL] LineageOS 18.1 - microG Edition
       • [ROM][UNOFFICIAL][bramble] LineageOS 18.1
10. Apps/Mods/Scripts/Tethering/Themes
    
    
    

    • Tulsadiver's Mods
      
      
      

      1. 3Minit Battery and 3Minit Clock
      2. Clock Mods - Remove Navbar Mod
    • Other Mods
      
      
      

      1. [MODULE] MagiskHide Props Config - SafetyNet, prop edits, and more - v5.3.6 by Didgeridoohan
      2. MAGISK MODULE ❯ Universal SafetyNet Fix 1.1.0
         • Download Universal Safety Fix 1.1.1 from the link above.
         • Open Magisk App => tap Modules icon => tap Install from storage => navigate to the file => tap Select.
         • When it finishes installing tap Save log => tap Reboot
         • Open Magisk App tap Setup icon => enable MagiskHide => tap back arrow => tap Superuser icon => tap MagiskHide => Hide all Google apps => Exit Magisk App => Reboot.
         • Open Settings => Apps & Notifications => See all apps => Google Play Store => Stirage & cache => Clear Cache => Clear Storage => Reboot.
      3. (Module) 2-Button Navigation mode
      4. Disable left back gesture
      5. (Substratum) Pixel gesture navbar theme
11. T.W.R.P. Backup/Restore
    
    
    

    • Waiting for Android 11 (R) T.W.R.P.

 

[rmckay1763]

As this is my first device that supports unlocking the bootloader, before I proceed with root, I want to make sure I can return to stock with a locked bootloader if desired. Based on my understanding of the directions, 1) wipe phone 2) flash stock image 3) relock bootloader will safely return the phone to its original state after rooting and/or installing a custom rom. Am I understanding correctly? Thanx.

 

[Homeboy76]

As this is my first device that supports unlocking the bootloader, before I proceed with root, I want to make sure I can return to stock with a locked bootloader if desired. Based on my understanding of the directions, 1) wipe phone 2) flash stock image 3) relock bootloader will safely return the phone to its original state after rooting and/or installing a custom rom. Am I understanding correctly? Thanx.

Do #3 Return to stock

 

[kha1rul]

Just unlocked the bootloader on my 4a 5G and I'd like to ADB Push all sdcard files from my old phone to the 4a 5G before I do the initial setup. Is this possible?

Command Prompt tells me adb is unauthorized (was authorized until I unlocked the bootloader).

 

[rmckay1763]

Do #3 Return to stock

okay, I just wanted to make sure I did not do anything irrevocable. thanks for putting together a comprehensive guide.

 

[Homeboy76]

Just unlocked the bootloader on my 4a 5G and I'd like to ADB Push all sdcard files from my old phone to the 4a 5G before I do the initial setup. Is this possible?

Command Prompt tells me adb is unauthorized (was authorized until I unlocked the bootloader).

Do you have the latest SDK Platform-tools?
There is a link in the OP - Prerequisites , if you need to update it.

 

[Homeboy76]

@LastQuestion
If your phone had root and you did #4 'Keep data' to install the latest factory image. Your bootloop is probably caused by a rouge Magisk module.
That is why I, always, recommend uninstalling Magisk before installing/updating the factory image.

Do you have the latest SDK Platform-tools r 30.0.5? If not, there is s link in the OP - Prerequisites to get the latest SDK Platform-tools.

Have you tried flashing the stock boot.img to both slots to stop the bootloop?
fastboot flash boot --slot all boot.img

If flashing the stock boot.img stops the bootloop and your phone boots.
- boot Safe Mode
- Reboot - To remove all residual files, Magisk modules, etc.
- If your phone has the latest factory image do #7 to root/reroot. Otherwise, Do #4 'keep data', then do #7 to root/reroot.

 

[kha1rul]

Do you have the latest SDK Platform-tools?
There is a link in the OP - Prerequisites , if you need to update it.

I do have the latest.

 

[Homeboy76]

I do have the latest.

@kha1rul
Ok!
I never used adb push files from and old device to a new device.
What is your old device?
Maybe one of these links will help:
- ADB Android Device Unauthorized
- ADB Android Device Unauthorized
Or
You could copy the files from your old device to your computer. Then copy them from your computer to your Pixel 4a (5)

I shouldn't matter how you transfer the files as long as you get the files transfered.

 

[kha1rul]

@kha1rul
Ok!
I never used adb push files from and old device to a new device.
What is your old device?
Maybe one of these links will help:
- ADB Android Device Unauthorized
- ADB Android Device Unauthorized
Or
You could copy the files from your old device to your computer. Then copy them from your computer to your Pixel 4a (5)

I shouldn't matter how you transfer the files as long as you get the files transfered.

I wanted to push because it's much more reliable and faster than MTP.

Regarding my previous dilemma, I made a noob mistake, didn't press power+UP to get into recovery!
Even so, problem is it seems that stock recovery only allows sideload, not push, if I'm not mistaken?
So I decided to set up the device and install the apps, and THEN do adb push.

The problem I have now is that there are certain files which can't be pushed for permission reasons, and the whole operation then stops. Is there a way to get adb to simply skip those files and only do the ones it can?

 

[Homeboy76]

I wanted to push because it's much more reliable and faster than MTP.

Regarding my previous dilemma, I made a noob mistake, didn't press power+UP to get into recovery!
Even so, problem is it seems that stock recovery only allows sideload, not push, if I'm not mistaken?
So I decided to set up the device and install the apps, and THEN do adb push.

The problem I have now is that there are certain files which can't be pushed for permission reasons, and the whole operation then stops. Is there a way to get adb to simply skip those files and only do the ones it can?

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[Master Cylinder]

Great work, AGAIN!!

 

[lu270bro]

Thanks for the write-up. Just got one of these as I dropped my old phone, and I was due anyways. So question regarding Safetynet. I went ahead and went with the latest Feb factory image, patched the boot and rooted with Magisk, then tried the safety net and attestation fails. Anybody have the feb patch and passing safetynet? if so what was the sequence you used? thanks

 

[gladi8r]

Thanks for the write-up. Just got one of these as I dropped my old phone, and I was due anyways. So question regarding Safetynet. I went ahead and went with the latest Feb factory image, patched the boot and rooted with Magisk, then tried the safety net and attestation fails. Anybody have the feb patch and passing safetynet? if so what was the sequence you used? thanks

You need Universal Safetynet fix v 1.1.1 Magisk module.

 

[Homeboy76]

Thanks for the write-up. Just got one of these as I dropped my old phone, and I was due anyways. So question regarding Safetynet. I went ahead and went with the latest Feb factory image, patched the boot and rooted with Magisk, then tried the safety net and attestation fails. Anybody have the feb patch and passing safetynet? if so what was the sequence you used? thanks

- Root with Magisk patched img
- Open Magisk Manager install SafetyNet module
- Reboot
- Open Magisk Manager Enable Magisk hide
- Hide Google Play store, Google pay, etc
- Clear cache and storage for the above apps
- Reboot

 

[lu270bro]

- Root with Magisk patched img
- Open Magisk Manager install SafetyNet module
- Reboot
- Open Magisk Manager Enable Magisk hide
- Hide Google Play store, Google pay, etc
- Clear cache and storage for the above apps
- Reboot

yeah, im an idiot, got it sorted before i seen your post but thank you tho. stupid freakin basic crap.......i never did magisk hide and have it repackaged. I did have to use the universal zip, but once i did all that, worked perfect. but again, thank you very much

 

[Natakranta]

Just unlocked the bootloader on my 4a 5G and I'd like to ADB Push all sdcard files from my old phone to the 4a 5G before I do the initial setup. Is this possible?

Command Prompt tells me adb is unauthorized (was authorized until I unlocked the bootloader).

Not sure if you still need it, but might be usefule for others.
Unlocking bootloader wipes everything including ADB prompt for your computer. You need to boot system, open developer options , enable ADB debugging and grant access to your computer again when the little popup window appears.

 

[ggkameleon]

Hi ! Please help me my Pixel 4a 5g unlock bootloader Root Magisk and I have update of MAgisk I make it but bootloop !? And my usb debogging not check... And Test to flash-all but permission denied ?
I don't know how do to restart it ? Please

 

[fremont85]

I'm looking to buy one of these (used) and was wondering if the G025E variant is able to be bootloader unlocked or not?

 

[fremont85]

I'm looking to buy one of these (used) and was wondering if the G025E variant is able to be bootloader unlocked or not?

In case anyone else is curious... Yes, the G025E variant is able to be bootloader unlocked.