Google Android 13 / 14 / 15 init_boot.img (GKI 2.0)

How to root the Google Pixel 7, 7 Pro & Pixel 7a with Magisk

Fastboot rooting instructions for Pixel 7, 7 Pro, and 7a. Explains the transition to GKI init_boot.img, Tensor G2 power management modules, and Play Integrity bypass.

At a glance

Device family	Google Pixel 7, 7 Pro & Pixel 7a
Launch software	Android 13 / 14 / 15
Chipset	Google Tensor G2 (ARMv8.2-A, Titan M2)
Root partition	`init_boot.img (GKI Architecture)`
Firmware format	Official Google Factory Image Zip (image-panther / image-cheetah / image-lynx)
Bootloader unlock	Developer Options OEM Unlocking + Fastboot (`fastboot flashing unlock`)
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-panther / image-cheetah / image-lynx)).
Step 2. Extract init_boot.img from the package.
Step 3. Copy init_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 init_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 -> fastboot flash init_boot init_boot.img

More options: fix a Magisk bootloop.

Keeping root across updates

Magisk App -> Install to Inactive Slot (After OTA)

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.