How to Install the Pixel 7 Monthly Security OTA Update while Keeping Your Data

For those Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro users who’ve rooted their devices, monthly OTA updates might seem like a hassle. But worry not, today I’ll guide you on how to seamlessly install these updates without losing any of your data and then regain root access.

Deactivating Magisk Modules

Magisk Modules are extensions or modifications that can be installed on Android devices to provide additional functionality or customization. Before updating, it’s essential to deactivate these modules to ensure the OTA update installs without hitches.

Steps:

1. Launch Magisk Manager: Tap on the Magisk app icon to open it.
2. Navigate to Modules: Within the app, you’ll find a tab labeled ‘Modules.’ This is where all your installed modules are listed.
3. Deactivate: For each module listed, there will be a toggle switch or checkbox. Make sure to switch off or uncheck these boxes for each of the modules.
4. Reboot: After all modules are deactivated, restart your device. It ensures the changes take effect and no module functions at startup.

Other Root Modifications

If you’ve been using a rooted device for a while, there’s a chance you’ve made changes that go beyond Magisk modules. It might be tweaked via Xposed Framework, custom scripts, or system modifications.

Steps:

1. List of Modifications: Begin by creating a list or mentally recalling all the root-specific modifications you’ve applied.
2. Revert Changes: Navigate to each modification and undo them. This might involve uninstalling apps, deleting scripts, or restoring system files.
3. Backup: For safety, always have a backup of your device before making or undoing root modifications. Tools like TWRP can help with this.
4. Check Stability: After undoing the modifications, use your phone normally for a bit to ensure it’s stable.

Accessing Google Factory Images

Google Factory Images are official firmware versions provided by Google for it’s range of devices, including the Pixel series. These images allow you to manually update or restore your device software.

Steps:

1. Open a Web Browser: On your computer, launch your preferred web browser.
2. Visit the Google Factory Images Page: Type ‘Google Factory Images’ in your search bar or navigate directly to the official website.
3. Select Your Device: The website categorizes firmware based on device models. Scroll or navigate to find ‘Pixel 7’ or ‘Pixel 7 Pro’.
4. Choose the Version: Once inside the device category, a list of firmware versions will be displayed. Choose the version you wish to download. It’s typically recommended to select the latest or the one matching your required update.
5. Download: Click on the ‘link’ next to the chosen version to download it to your computer.

Remember, this site is not only useful for OTA updates but also if you ever need to revert to a stock version of Android for your device.

Android Flash Tool Process

The Android Flash Tool is an official web-based tool provided by Google, allowing you to flash builds from the Android CI to supported Pixel devices or AOSP on an emulator. Here’s how you’d typically use it:

Steps:

Access the Android Flash Tool: Open your web browser and navigate to the Android Flash Tool website. Bookmark this site if you’ll be using it regularly.

Connect Your Device: Using a USB cable, attach your Pixel 7 or 7 Pro to the computer. Ensure that you’ve previously enabled USB debugging on your device and that it’s recognized by the computer.

Grant ADB Permissions: A pop-up may appear on your phone. Grant USB debugging permission. This step allows the Android Flash Tool to communicate with your phone.

Select Your Device: The tool should now display your connected device. Click or tap on your device’s name to select it.

Configuration: Ensure the ‘wipe data’ option remains unchecked to retain your data. There will also be options to ‘disable verity’ and ‘disable verification’. These are typically for users wanting to flash custom kernels. Unless you’re doing that, leave them unchecked.

Initiating the Update

Now, with everything set up, it’s time to start the actual update process.

Steps:

Choose the Firmware: On the Android Flash Tool interface, you’ll be presented with a list or dropdown of available firmware versions for your device. Select the appropriate version (e.g., the latest OTA update).

Start Flashing: After selecting the firmware, click on the ‘Start’ or ‘Flash’ button on the tool. It will initiate the update process.

Monitor Progress: As the tool updates your device, it will display progress indicators. Ensure not to disconnect your device during this process.

Completion: Once the tool indicates that the process is complete, your Pixel 7 or 7 Pro will reboot. After the reboot, it will be running the selected firmware version.

Downloading the Firmware

After successfully updating your device, you might want to download the firmware for manual flashing or backup purposes.

Steps:

Revisit Google Factory Images Site: Head back to the Google Factory Images page on your browser.

Locate Your Device Model: Scroll or navigate to the ‘Pixel 7’ or ‘Pixel 7 Pro’ section.

Find the Version: Look for the specific firmware version you just installed or wish to download.

Download: Instead of the ‘flash’ option(used in the Android Flash Tool), there will be a ‘link’ or ‘download’ option next to the firmware version. Click on this to start downloading the firmware package to your computer.

Remember to store the downloaded firmware in a safe location on your computer, especially if you plan to use it in the future for manual flashing or backup reasons.

Rooting, Round Two

Having updated your device, the next crucial step for many enthusiasts is regaining root access. Rooting, as you likely know, provides elevated permissions to modify the system’s software. Here’s how you get that root access back:

Steps:

1. Prepare the Boot Image: Navigate to the location where you stored the downloaded firmware. Extract the firmware package, and within it, you’ll find the boot.img file. This is the boot image you’ll be patching.
2. Patching with Magisk:

• • Transfer the boot.img file to your Pixel 7 or 7 Pro.
  • Open the Magisk Manager app on your device.
  • Choose the option to patch a file and select the transferred boot.img file.
  • Magisk will then patch this boot image, and the result will be a magisk_patched.img file, which you’ll find in your device’s storage.

1. Transfer the Patched Image: Connect your device to the computer and move the magisk_patched.img from the device storage back to your PC.
2. Flash the Patched Image:

• • Restart your Pixel 7 or 7 Pro in Fastboot Mode.
  • Using the command prompt or terminal on your computer, navigate to the directory containing the magisk_patched.img.
  • Use the command fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img to flash the patched boot image to your device.
  • After the process completes, use a fastboot reboot command to restart your device.

1. Verify Root Access: Once your device is back up, open the Magisk Manager app and ensure that it shows your device as being rooted.

Wrapping Up

Post flashing, reboot your device. Voilà! You’ve successfully updated your device, retained your data and regained root access. Now, feel free to reactivate any Magisk modules and install any additional mods as needed.

With this guide, you’re all set to enjoy both regular updates and the benefits of a rooted Pixel 7 or 7 Pro.

Experiencing difficulties with your Device, check out our “How To” page on how to resolve some of these issues.