In this article, we will show you how to gain root access to the Google Pixel 8 and its Pro model. The steps shown in this article work for both the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro. This process requires a PC since we need to flash a modified boot image file using a simple fastboot command. Before we begin, we must address several requirements in order to complete the tutorial.
Prerequisites for Rooting
The first requirement is to unlock the device’s bootloader, as we cannot complete the Google Pixel 8 root tutorial until we have successfully unlocked the bootloader. We have already written a step-by-step guide on unlocking the Pixel 8 bootloader, which you can check from the link.
Preparing Your PC
The second requirement for this tutorial is that we need a PC with ADB and Fastboot tools installed to execute the fastboot command. We have also written a step-by-step guide on How to Install ADB and Fastboot tools, which you can check as well.
Sideloading the Magisk Manager APK
Next, we need to sideload the Magisk Manager APK file, you can download it directly from the developer’s GitHub page. A Magisk manager is necessary to root any device.
Downloading the Necessary Firmware
Lastly, we need to download the firmware file from Google’s factory images website that matches the same build of the firmware we are currently running on our device.
You must download the firmware file on your PC and extract it. Open the extracted file folder, which will give you a set of files that includes another compressed file that needs to be extracted. Extract the contents of the second zip file, which will then provide multiple files.
Rooting the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro with Magisk
To root the Google Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro, copy the “init_boot.img” file from the files you receive after extracting the second zip file and paste that file onto your device’s internal storage. We need to patch that init_boot.img using the Magisk manager on our device.
Once you copy the “init_boot.img” file onto your device, open up the Magisk app. Tap on the install option at the top section next to Magisk. Then tap on “select and patch a file” at the top section. Once you tap on that option, a file explorer will open from where you need to browse and select the “init_boot.img” file you just copied from your PC. After selecting the file, tap on the “let’s go” option again in the same top section and wait for the Magisk to patch the file correctly.
Flashing the Patched Boot Image
If everything goes correctly, you will see an “All done” message on the screen, and then you will get a newly patched file with the name “Magisk_patched” saved in the download folder on your device. Copy the patched file onto your PC in the ADB and Fastboot tool folder to flash it via the fastboot command.
Once you have copied that file to the PC, the next step is to boot your device into fastboot mode.
To boot into fastboot mode, reboot your device while pressing and holding the volume down button as the device is booting Backup. Once the device is in fastboot mode, connect it to the PC with a USB cable.
Open a Windows PowerShell, command prompt, or terminal in the same ADB and Fastboot tools folder. Type out the command in the Windows PowerShell “fastboot flash init_boot” and the name of that Magisk file you copied from your phone. Ensure you type the word correctly. To make it easier, type Magisk and press the tab key on the keyboard to auto-complete that file name. Press enter on the keyboard. You should see fastboot sending the patched image to a boot partition; this could be “boot a” or “boot b,” depending on how your device is set up.
Completing the Rooting Process
Checking for Root Access
As long as everything went successfully, you should get a finished and total time message on the screen.
After the file has been flashed to the Google Pixel 8 or the Pixel 8 Pro, you can start the phone Backup like regular. Ensure that the “Start” option is highlighted on your device at the top of the selection menu, near the power button. If a different option is highlighted, press the volume button to change that option to “Start,” which is typically highlighted by default.
So, with that option highlighted, press the power button to select that option and wait for the boot cycle to complete. Your device will reboot like usual and even fast, as you didn’t do a factory reset.
Open the Play Store on your device once it boots up, and download the Root Checker app. Open the Root Checker app, give all permissions, and tap on verify root. The Root Checker app will notify you that you have gained root access on your Google Pixel 8 or the Pixel 8 Pro.
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