Model Manual Android 14 (Upside Down Cake) Compatibility → Verified Working

Google Pixel 5, 5a 5G, 4a (5G) & Pixel 4 XL Root Guide

Fastboot rooting manual for Qualcomm-based Google Pixel devices including Pixel 5 (redfin), Pixel 5a (barbet), Pixel 4a 5G (bramble), Pixel 4 / 4 XL (coral/flame), and Pixel 4a (sunfish). Explains the vital distinction: these legacy devices use boot.img instead of init_boot.img.

Hardware & Partition Specifications

Before flashing, confirm your device matches these exact kernel and partition specifications:

Hardware Parameter Target Specification Engineering Details
SoC / Chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G 5G / Snapdragon 855 / Snapdragon 730G (Adreno 620 / 640 GPU, Titan M) Hardware processing platform and architecture
Target Partition boot.img (Legacy Qualcomm Partition - Pre-GKI architecture; init_boot does NOT exist on Pixel 5 and older) The exact partition image that must be patched in Magisk
OS Compatibility Layer Android 14 (Upside Down Cake) Layer → Kernel specifications, SEPolicy patching & 16KB memory page rules
RAM Page Alignment 4KB Standard Memory Page (Legacy Qualcomm architecture prior to Android 15 16KB GKI requirements) Virtual memory kernel standard (Android 15/16 compatibility)
Firmware Package Official Google Factory Image Zip (image-redfin-*.zip / image-barbet-*.zip / image-bramble-*.zip / image-coral-*.zip / image-sunfish-*.zip) Official OEM stock ROM packaging format
Unlocking Method Developer Options > OEM Unlocking + `fastboot flashing unlock` (or `fastboot flashing unlock_critical` on Pixel 4 XL for full bootloader access). Bootloader unlocking requirement and tool
AVB / dm-verity Standard AVB 2.0 (No vbmeta patch needed) Android Verified Boot verification enforcement

Step-by-Step Rooting Procedure

Phase 1

Unlock the Google Pixel 5, 5a 5G, 4a (5G) & Pixel 4 XL Bootloader

Enable Developer Options by tapping Build Number 7 times in Settings → About Phone. Navigate to Settings → System → Developer Options and toggle on OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging.

Unlocking Method: Google
Developer Options > OEM Unlocking + `fastboot flashing unlock` (or `fastboot flashing unlock_critical` on Pixel 4 XL for full bootloader access).
Phase 2

Extract the Stock Partition Image

Obtain the official stock firmware archive matching your exact software build number. Extract the required partition image:

Extraction Command
$unzip factory_image.zip && unzip image-*.zip boot.img
Phase 3

Patch Partition in the Magisk App

1. Download and install the latest official Magisk v30.7 APK onto your Google Pixel 5, 5a 5G, 4a (5G) & Pixel 4 XL.
2. Transfer the extracted stock boot.img (Legacy Qualcomm Partition - Pre-GKI architecture; init_boot does NOT exist on Pixel 5 and older) to your device's Download folder.
3. Open Magisk, tap Install on the top card, and choose Select and Patch a File.
4. Select your file. Magisk will patch the ramdisk and output magisk_patched_[random].img to your Download directory.
5. Transfer the patched image back to your PC via USB.

Phase 4

Flash Patched Image

Connect your device to your computer in bootloader/download mode and execute the verified flashing command:

Flashing Command
#fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img

Emergency Recovery & Bootloop Prevention

If your device fails to boot after installing an incompatible module, use this model-specific hardware recovery procedure:

Hardware Safe Mode Keycombo

Recovery Action: Hold Power + Volume Down -> Fastboot Mode -> `fastboot flash boot boot.img` (stock boot.img from factory image zip).
OTA Maintenance: For stock firmware: Magisk Inactive Slot install. For custom ROMs: dirty-flash ROM zip + Magisk APK in custom recovery (TWRP/OrangeFox).

Related Guides & Next Steps

Continue setting up your rooted Google Pixel 5, 5a 5G, 4a (5G) & Pixel 4 XL with essential modules and protection:

Android 14 (Upside Down Cake) Layer

OS Layer

Deep dive into 16KB kernels, init_boot partitioning, and Play Integrity bypass rules.

Next Step: Read OS Guide →

Google Rooting Hub

OEM Hub

Browse all supported Google smartphones, firmware guides, and OEM tools.

Next Step: View OEM Hub →

Play Integrity Fix (PIF)

Module

Pass MEETS_DEVICE_INTEGRITY attestation and unblock Google Wallet on Google Pixel 5, 5a 5G, 4a (5G) & Pixel 4 XL.

Next Step: Setup PIF →

Fix Magisk Bootloops

Recovery

Emergency safe mode and ADB module wipe tutorial without data loss.

Next Step: Learn Safe Mode →
Technical Verification Notice: This guide has been verified against Magisk v30.7 and stock Google Pixel 5, 5a 5G, 4a (5G) & Pixel 4 XL firmware partitions on 2019-2021.