Unlocking the bootloader and rooting your Google Pixel 7a can provide you with more control and customization options for your smartphone. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of unlocking the bootloader and rooting your Pixel 7a step by step. Please note that unlocking the bootloader will erase your device’s data, so make sure to back up your important files before proceeding.
Before you begin:
- Make sure to back up your Pixel 7a to prevent data loss during the unlocking process.
- Ensure that you have a USB cable and a computer with Android SDK tools installed.
Now, let’s get started:
Enable Developer Options
- Unlock your Google Pixel 7a and go to the home screen.
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap on About Phone.
- Find the Build Number entry and tap it seven times in quick succession. You’ll see a message that says, “You are now a developer!”
- Go back to the main Settings screen, and you should see a new option called Developer Options or System > Developer options.
- Enter the Developer Options menu and enable OEM unlocking. Confirm your action when prompted.
In the Developer Options menu, find the option for USB Debugging and enable it. This will allow your computer to communicate with your Pixel 7a.
Unlock the Bootloader
- Connect your Pixel 7a to your computer using a USB cable.
- On your computer, open a command prompt or terminal window.
- Navigate to the directory where you have the Android SDK tools installed.
- In the command prompt or terminal window, enter the following command to reboot your Pixel 7a into fastboot mode:
adb reboot bootloader - Your Pixel 7a will reboot into fastboot mode, displaying a screen with information about the bootloader.
- To unlock the bootloader, enter the following command:
fastboot flashing unlock. - You will see a confirmation prompt on your Pixel 7a. Use the volume keys to navigate and the power button to confirm.
- Your Pixel 7a’s bootloader will be unlocked, and the device will automatically reboot.
Root Your Pixel 7a (Optional)
Rooting your Pixel 7a allows you to access system files and make advanced customizations. Here’s how to root your device using Magisk:
- Download the latest version of Magisk Manager on your Pixel 7a from the official XDA Developers forum.
- Install the Magisk Manager app.
- Open Magisk Manager and tap on “Install.”
- Choose “Install” again, and then select “Select and Patch a File.”
- Locate the firmware file for your Pixel 7a (usually found in the “Downloads” folder) and select it. Magisk will patch the firmware file.
- After patching is complete, the patched firmware file will be saved in the “Downloads” folder with a name like “magisk_patched.img.”
- Connect your Pixel 7a to your computer via USB.
- Reboot your Pixel 7a into fastboot mode by running the following command on your computer:
adb reboot bootloader - In fastboot mode, flash the patched firmware file using the following command:
fastboot flash boot /path/to/magisk_patched.img - Replace “/path/to” with the actual path to the patched firmware file.
- Once the flashing is complete, reboot your Pixel 7a by entering:
fastboot reboot
Your Google Pixel 7a should now be unlocked and rooted. You can enjoy the benefits of customization and advanced features on your device. Please exercise caution when making system-level changes, as rooting can potentially void your warranty and lead to software instability if not done correctly.
