Previously, we wrote a step-by-step guide on how to install a new over-the-air update on the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. We did the whole process while our device was rooted with Magisk. As our device was rooted with Magisk, we had to manually install the update as we didn’t receive the OTA update from Google. This prompted us to write another step-by-step guide on rooting the Google Pixel 6 and the 6 Pro if you are on the December 2021 security update.
Preparing the Device
Some steps must be taken to turn off the vbmeta file set with verity and verification. Sadly, updating to this security update so quickly resulted in losing root access because of a change Google had made to the December 2021 security update for both pixel phones.
Thankfully, the developers behind Magisk were able to quickly implement a fix but they needed some time to test out the changes. Those changes have been tested, and we can now regain root access to the Google Pixel 6 and the Pixel 6 Pro on the December 2021 security update. So, we want to show you how to regain root access on your Pixel devices. If this is the first time you are rooting the Google Pixel 6 series, then it is recommended that you follow our original root tutorial. You will need to ensure that verity and verification are disabled with the Vbmeta image file. That is required and it also requires a factory data reset.
However, the point of my previous tutorial was that you can install this new security update without losing your data and regain root access without losing your data. You need to have the Vbmeta image set to disable verify and turn off verification ahead of time.
Rooting the Google Pixel 6 on December 2021 Security Update
Disable verify and verification on your device, then read our previous guide on how to manually install the December 2021 over-the-air security update. After that, you just need to update your version of Magisk to the latest canary build.
Then, patch the boot image file to regain root access to the Google Pixel 6 and the Pixel 6 Pro.
We can do that by going into the Magisk manager application. If your update channel is not already set to Canary, make sure it is. Then, you can update the app using the standard method by just tapping on the update button. It will download the APK and install it for you.
Once you have either updated to the latest version of Magisk or uninstalled your version of Magisk and install a newly downloaded canary build from GitHub, you can then proceed with regaining root access.
Patching the Boot Image
- We do that by tapping the install button at the top section next to Magisk in the Magisk app.
- Then, choose the select and patch a file.
- Next, locate the boot image file on your device. This is the same boot image file that we copied from the December 2021 update factory image firmware.
If you haven’t already, download that firmware onto your PC or phone so that you can go into that compressed file and extract the boot image file. Or you can read our previous guide on how to manually install the December 2021 security update.
We will select that boot image file and patch it with Magisk. Be sure to note the output file name, which you can see right after when the patching is done. Magisk will save the patched file in the download folder.
In our case, the file name is magiskpatched23016, followed by a random string of letters and numbers.
Flashing the Patched Boot Image
- Copy this file from your download folder on your device back to your PC and put it in the ADB and Fastboot tool folder. This is necessary so that we can flash the patched file in fastboot mode.
- Once the file has been copied from the phone back to the PC, we then need to boot the device into fastboot mode.
- Once you are in fastboot mode, make sure your USB cable is connected. Then, open a command prompt in the same ADB and fastboot tool folder where you copied the patched file.
- Type “fastboot flash boot and then the name of that patched file” in the command prompt without the inverted commas.
- If you want to temporarily boot that patched file on your device, remove the “Flash” from the above command. It will temporarily boot this image file and boot your phone into Android, which should give you root access. However, since it is only a temporary boot, it will only be active until you restart the phone.
- So, if you want to temporarily boot this Magisk patched file, which is great for testing, many people will do that just to make sure it works and does not result in a boot loop, and you can do that.
- But if you are more confident and want to flash the patched file permanently, you can type the entire command, “fastboot flash boot ‘and then the name of that patched file,'” in the command prompt without the inverted commas.
- When you are ready, press Enter on the keyboard and the command will be typed correctly in the command prompt.
- The process will start, and it should do two things just like before. It should send that file to the boot partition and then write that Magisk patched file to the boot partition.
- It does not matter if this is boot “A” or boot “B;” it should be automatically detected correctly for you and we should also get two okay messages right there.
- When you see the two “Okay” messages, it means you have successfully patched that firmware file.
Finalizing the Root Process
- Now, head over to your device and make sure that the top option is set to start. You may have it set to something else if you have pressed the volume buttons, and that’s okay; we’re just going to press the volume up button until the start option is highlighted.
- Press the power button to select that option, and you can boot up into Android like normal.
- It will not take longer than normal. Go through the normal boot animation sequence, and it will take you right into Android.
- Once you boot back into Android, open the Magisk app to make sure that Magisk is appropriately installed.
That’s the process. This guide will help you regain root access on your Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro after installing the December 2021 over-the-air security update.
Installing the root checker app from the Play Store can also confirm that your device is rooted.
Experiencing difficulties with your Device, check out our “How To” page on how to resolve some of these issues.
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