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How to Root and Unroot Google Pixel 9a

The Google Pixel 9a, with its vibrant 6.3-inch OLED display, powerful Tensor G4 chipset, and budget-friendly $499 price tag, is a dream device for Android enthusiasts looking to customize their experience. Rooting your Pixel 9a unlocks a world of possibilities, from installing custom ROMs to tweaking performance. However, rooting comes with risks like voiding your warranty and potential app compatibility issues. This step-by-step guide details how to safely root your Pixel 9a using Magisk and unroot it to restore the stock state. Follow these instructions carefully to avoid bricking your device.

Why Root Your Google Pixel 9a?

Rooting grants superuser access to your Pixel 9a’s Android system, allowing you to:

  • Install custom ROMs for a personalized Android experience.
  • Use root-only apps like Titanium Backup or AdAway.
  • Optimize performance by tweaking CPU settings or removing bloatware.
  • Access advanced features not available on stock firmware.

However, rooting may void your warranty, break apps like Google Wallet due to SafetyNet/Play Integrity checks, and risk data loss. Always back up your data before proceeding, as unlocking the bootloader wipes your device.

Prerequisites for Rooting Google Pixel 9a

Before you start, ensure you have:

  • A Google Pixel 9a (model GXQ96 or GTF7P) with at least 60% battery.
  • A Windows, Mac, or Linux PC with a USB-C cable.
  • Enabled Developer Options: Go to Settings > About Phone > Build Number and tap seven times.
  • Enabled OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging: Settings > System > Developer Options.
  • A full backup of your data, as unlocking the bootloader erases everything.
  • Downloaded tools: Android Platform Tools (ADB and Fastboot), Magisk v28.1 APK (from GitHub), Google USB drivers (for Windows), and the Pixel 9a factory image matching your device’s build number (check via Settings > About Phone).

Note

: Rooting is not possible on U.S. carrier-locked models (e.g., Verizon) due to bootloader restrictions. This guide applies to unlocked or global Pixel 9a models.

Step-by-Step Guide to Root Google Pixel 9a

Step 1: Unlock the Bootloader

Unlocking the bootloader is the first step but wipes all data on your Pixel 9a.

  1. Install ADB and Fastboot: Download Android Platform Tools from Google’s developer site and extract them to a folder on your PC.
  2. Connect Your Device: Enable USB Debugging, connect your Pixel 9a to your PC via USB-C, and open a command prompt or terminal in the Platform Tools folder.
  3. Verify Connection: Type adb devices to ensure your device is detected. You should see a serial number.
  4. Enter Bootloader Mode: Run adb reboot bootloader. Your Pixel 9a will restart into Fastboot mode.
  5. Unlock Bootloader: Type fastboot flashing unlock. Use the volume keys to select “Unlock the Bootloader” on your device and press the power button to confirm. Your phone will wipe and reboot.

Warning

: Unlocking voids your warranty in most regions and requires a factory reset. Proceed only if you’re comfortable with this.[](https://www.xda-developers.com/how-to-unlock-bootloader-root-magisk-google-pixel-6a/)

Step 2: Download and Extract Firmware

To root with Magisk, you need the init_boot.img file from your Pixel 9a’s firmware.

  1. Check Firmware Version: Go to Settings > About Phone > Build Number and note your firmware version (e.g., AD2A.241205.008).
  2. Download Firmware: Visit Google’s factory images page and download the full factory image ZIP for your Pixel 9a, matching your build number.
  3. Extract Init_Boot Image: On your PC, extract the ZIP to find a nested ZIP (e.g., image-gxq96-241205.008.zip). Extract this to obtain init_boot.img.

Step 3: Patch Firmware with Magisk

Magisk provides a systemless root, preserving compatibility with most apps.

  1. Install Magisk: Download Magisk v28.1 APK from its GitHub page and install it on your Pixel 9a.
    2. (https://androidbiits.com/root-google-pixel-9a-gxq96-gtf7p/)
  2. Transfer Firmware File: Copy init_boot.img to your phone’s storage (e.g., Downloads folder).
  3. Patch with Magisk: Open the Magisk app, tap Install next to Magisk, select Select and Patch a File, and choose init_boot.img. Magisk will generate a patched file (e.g., magisk_patched_init_boot.img) in your Downloads folder.
  4. Move Patched File: Transfer the patched file to your PC’s Platform Tools folder and rename it to magisk_patched.img.

Step 4: Flash the Patched File

  1. Boot into Fastboot Mode: Run adb reboot bootloader to enter Fastboot mode.
  2. Flash Patched Image: In the Platform Tools folder, open a command prompt or terminal and run fastboot flash init_boot magisk_patched.img. Ensure the file name matches exactly.
  3. Reboot Device: Run fastboot reboot. Your Pixel 9a should boot with root access.

Step 5: Verify Root Access

  1. Install Root Checker: Download a Root Checker app from the Google Play Store.
  2. Verify Root: Open the app and tap Verify Root to confirm root access.

Step 6: Bypass SafetyNet/Play Integrity (Optional)

Rooting may break apps like Google Wallet or Netflix due to SafetyNet/Play Integrity checks. To fix:

  1. Enable Magisk Hide: In the Magisk app, go to Settings > Hide the Magisk App, create a new app name, and select apps to hide root from (e.g., Google Play Services, banking apps).
  2. Install SafetyNet Fix: Download the Universal SafetyNet Fix module from GitHub, flash it via Magisk, and reboot.
  3. Clear App Data: For affected apps, go to Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Storage > Clear Data.

How to Unroot Google Pixel 9a

If you want to restore your Pixel 9a to its stock state, unrooting can be done via Magisk or by flashing stock firmware.

Method 1: Unroot Using Magisk

  1. Open Magisk App: Launch the Magisk app on your Pixel 9a.
  2. Uninstall Magisk: Tap Uninstall Magisk > Complete Uninstall. Confirm, and your device will remove root access and reboot.
  3. Verify Unroot: Use a Root Checker app to confirm root is removed.

Method 2: Flash Stock Firmware

Flashing stock firmware fully restores your device but wipes all data.

  1. Download Stock Firmware: Get the official factory image for your Pixel 9a from Google’s developer site, matching your build number.
  2. Boot into Fastboot Mode: Run adb reboot bootloader.
  3. Flash Firmware: Extract the factory image ZIP to get flash-all.bat (Windows) or flash-all.sh (Mac/Linux). Run the script in the Platform Tools folder to flash the stock firmware.
  4. Reboot Device: Your phone will reboot to the stock, unrooted state.

Note

: To relock the bootloader (optional), boot into Fastboot mode and run fastboot flashing lock. This wipes your device again.

Risks and Considerations

  • Warranty Void: Unlocking the bootloader typically voids your warranty, depending on your region or carrier.
  • Data Loss: Unlocking and flashing firmware wipes your device, so back up everything.
  • App Compatibility: Rooting may break apps like Google Wallet unless mitigated with SafetyNet fixes.
  • Bricking Risk: Incorrect flashing can soft-brick (boot loop) or hard-brick (unresponsive) your device. If bricked, flash stock firmware via Fastboot to recover.
  • OTA Updates: Rooted devices require manual firmware updates, as OTAs may fail.

Tips for Success

  • Backup EFS Partition: After rooting, use Magisk to back up your EFS partition (containing your IMEI) and store it securely.
  • Verify Firmware: Ensure the factory image matches your device’s build number to avoid boot loops.

Conclusion

Rooting your Google Pixel 9a unlocks a world of customization, from installing custom ROMs to tweaking performance. This guide ensures you can safely root using Magisk v28.1 and unroot if needed, whether to restore stock firmware or prepare for a warranty claim. Use trusted sources like Google’s developer site for firmware and Magisk’s GitHub for tools.

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