Rooting your Google Pixel 9 Pro unlocks a world of possibilities, letting you customize your device, boost performance, and access features beyond the stock Android experience. With its Tensor G4 chip, stunning 6.3-inch OLED display, and seven years of software updates, the Pixel 9 Pro is a top choice for Android enthusiasts. This step-by-step guide walks you through how to root your Pixel 9 Pro safely, ensuring you can enjoy custom ROMs, advanced tweaks, and more. Follow these instructions carefully to avoid bricking your device.
Why Root Your Google Pixel 9 Pro?
Rooting gives you superuser access to your device’s system, allowing you to:
Install custom ROMs for a tailored Android experience.
Use root-only apps like Titanium Backup or AdAway.
Optimize performance with kernel tweaks or overclocking.
Remove bloatware to free up storage and improve speed.
However, rooting comes with risks, including voiding your warranty, potential data loss, and issues with apps like Netflix due to Widevine L3 downgrades. Always back up your data and proceed with caution.
Prerequisites for Rooting Google Pixel 9 Pro
Before you begin, gather these essentials:
A Google Pixel 9 Pro with at least 60% battery.
A PC (Windows, Mac, or Linux) 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 wipes your device.
Downloaded tools: Android Platform Tools (ADB and Fastboot), Magisk ZIP (latest version), and Google USB drivers (for Windows).
Step-by-Step Guide to Root Google Pixel 9 Pro
Step 1: Unlock the Bootloader
Unlocking the bootloader is the first step to rooting, but it will erase all data on your Pixel 9 Pro.
Install ADB and Fastboot: Download Android Platform Tools from Google’s official developer site and extract them to a folder on your PC.
Connect Your Device: Enable USB Debugging, connect your Pixel 9 Pro to your PC via USB-C, and open a command prompt or terminal in the Platform Tools folder.
Verify Connection: Type adb devices to ensure your device is detected. You should see a device serial number.
Enter Bootloader Mode: Run adb reboot bootloader. Your Pixel 9 Pro will restart into Fastboot mode.
Unlock Bootloader: Type fastboot flashing unlock. On your device, use the volume keys to select “Unlock the Bootloader” and press the power button to confirm. Your phone will wipe and reboot.
Note: Some carriers may lock the bootloader. Check with your carrier or XDA Forums for workarounds if this step fails.
Step 2: Download Firmware and Extract Init_Boot Image
To root with Magisk, you’ll need the init_boot.img file from your Pixel 9 Pro’s firmware.
Check Firmware Version: Go to Settings > About Phone > Build Number and note your firmware version.
Download Firmware: Visit Google’s official factory images page for the Pixel 9 Pro and download the full firmware ZIP matching your device’s build number.
Extract Init_Boot Image: Use a payload dumper tool (available on GitHub) to extract init_boot.img from the firmware ZIP. Alternatively, check XDA Forums for pre-extracted images specific to the Pixel 9 Pro.
Step 3: Install Magisk
Magisk provides a systemless root method, preserving compatibility with most apps.
Download Magisk: Get the latest Magisk APK from its official GitHub page and install it on your Pixel 9 Pro.
Patch Init_Boot Image: Transfer the init_boot.img file to your phone’s storage. Open the Magisk app, tap “Install,” select “Select and Patch a File,” and choose init_boot.img. Magisk will generate a patched file (e.g., magisk_patched_init_boot.img).
Transfer Patched Image: Move the patched image back to your PC’s Platform Tools folder.
Step 4: Flash the Patched Image
Reboot to Bootloader: Run adb reboot bootloader to enter Fastboot mode again.
Flash Patched Image: Type fastboot flash init_boot magisk_patched_init_boot.img (replace with your patched file’s name). This installs the rooted image.
Reboot Device: Run fastboot reboot. Your Pixel 9 Pro should now boot with root access.
Step 5: Verify Root Access
Install Root Checker: Download a Root Checker app from the Google Play Store.
Check Root Status: Open the app and tap “Verify Root” to confirm rooting was successful.
Step 6: Bypass SafetyNet/Play Integrity (Optional)
Rooting may cause apps like Google Pay or Netflix to stop working due to SafetyNet or Play Integrity checks. To fix this:
Enable Magisk Hide: In the Magisk app, go to Settings > Magisk Hide and select apps to hide root from (e.g., Google Play Services, Netflix).
Install SafetyNet Fix: Download the Universal SafetyNet Fix module from GitHub, flash it via Magisk, and reboot.
Clear App Data: For affected apps, go to Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Storage > Clear Data to restore functionality.
Risks and Considerations
Warranty Void: Unlocking the bootloader may void your warranty, depending on your region or carrier.
Data Loss: Unlocking wipes your device, so back up everything beforehand.
App Compatibility: Banking or streaming apps may require SafetyNet workarounds.
OTA Updates: Rooted devices may need manual firmware updates instead of automatic OTAs.
Unrooting Your Google Pixel 9 Pro
If you decide to unroot:
Open the Magisk app, tap “Uninstall Magisk,” and select “Complete Uninstall.”
Reboot to remove root access.
To relock the bootloader, boot into Fastboot mode and run fastboot flashing lock. Note: This will wipe your device again.
Tips for a Smooth Rooting Experience
Stay Updated: Check XDA Forums or Reddit for Pixel 9 Pro-specific rooting tips and firmware updates.
Use Trusted Sources: Download firmware and tools only from official sites like Google or Magisk’s GitHub.
Join Communities: Engage with the Pixel 9 Pro rooting community on XDA for troubleshooting and custom ROM recommendations.
Conclusion
Rooting your Google Pixel 9 Pro in 2025 is a powerful way to unlock its full potential, from custom ROMs to performance tweaks. By following this guide, you can safely root your device and explore advanced Android customization. For the latest firmware or support, visit Google’s factory images page or XDA Forums.
No comments:
Post a Comment