Google Android 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 boot.img

How to root the Google Pixel 5, 5a 5G, 4a (5G) & Pixel 4 XL with Magisk

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.

At a glance

Device family	Google Pixel 5, 5a 5G, 4a (5G) & Pixel 4 XL
Launch software	Android 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 (Stock and Custom ROMs like LineageOS / EvolutionX)
Chipset	Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G 5G / Snapdragon 855 / Snapdragon 730G (Adreno 620 / 640 GPU, Titan M)
Root partition	`boot.img (Legacy Qualcomm Partition - Pre-GKI architecture; init_boot does NOT exist on Pixel 5 and older)`
Firmware format	Official Google Factory Image Zip (image-redfin-.zip / image-barbet-.zip / image-bramble-.zip / image-coral-.zip / image-sunfish-*.zip)
Bootloader unlock	Developer Options > OEM Unlocking + `fastboot flashing unlock` (or `fastboot flashing unlock_critical` on Pixel 4 XL for full bootloader access).
Warranty / security impact	Unlocking the bootloader wipes user data and may disable some hardware-backed features. It can usually be re-locked and re-flashed to stock.

Rooting method

Step 1. Download the stock firmware or factory image that matches your exact build (Official Google Factory Image Zip (image-redfin-*.zip / image-barbet-*.zip / image-bramble-*.zip / image-coral-*.zip / image-sunfish-*.zip)).
Step 2. Extract boot.img from the package.
Step 3. Copy boot.img to the phone, open the Magisk app, tap Install → Select and Patch a File and choose it. Magisk writes magisk_patched.img to your Download folder.
Step 4. Copy the patched image back to your computer.
Step 5. Reboot to the bootloader and flash it, then reboot the device.

Flash command

fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img fastboot reboot

For the full workflow and prerequisites, see the installation guide and boot image patching guide.

If the device bootloops

Recovery

Hold Power + Volume Down -> Fastboot Mode -> `fastboot flash boot boot.img` (stock boot.img from factory image zip).

More options: fix a Magisk bootloop.

Keeping root across updates

For stock firmware: Magisk Inactive Slot install. For custom ROMs: dirty-flash ROM zip + Magisk APK in custom recovery (TWRP/OrangeFox).

See the OTA survival guide for the full procedure.

Google rooting hub

Hub

All Google models covered on this site.

Play Integrity Fix

Module

Restore device integrity for Google Wallet and banking apps after rooting.

Shamiko

Module

Hide root from apps that perform detection checks.

Root method checker

Tool

Confirm which partition to patch and generate the flash command.

Independently written from public upstream documentation. Verify every command against the official Magisk documentation and your exact device firmware before flashing. Not affiliated with the Magisk project.