A Complete Guide: Install Official OTA Updates on Rooted Google Pixel Devices
In this blog post, we will explore the process of applying official OTA updates on rooted Google Pixel devices. We’ll focus on devices like the Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 6, Pixel 6A, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 5a 5g, Pixel 5, Pixel 4a 5g, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 4 and 3 XL. If you’re someone who loves customizing their Android experience with root access but still wants to receive and apply the latest system updates, this guide is for you.
In our recent blog, we showed you how to unlock the bootloader and rooting your Pixel 7 or 7 pro with Magisk. Android officially releases bugs fixes and security patch level on monthly basis and if you’re concern about installing the OTA updates while maintaining the root access then read the complete step-by-step guide below.
How to install OTA updates and keep root access
Installing OTA updates while preserving root access can be a challenge for users who have rooted their devices. However, with the right approach, it is possible to enjoy the benefits of both the latest system updates and root privileges.
By following these instructions, you can keep your device up to date while maintaining the customization options and enhanced functionality that root access provides. Let’s dive in and learn how to strike the perfect balance between system updates and root access.
Step 1: Preparing Your Device
- Uninstall modules that modify the system: If you have any modules installed that modify the system, it’s crucial to uninstall them before proceeding. This can be done through the Magisk Manager app. Reboot your device after uninstalling.
- Disable other non-system modifying modules: If you have other modules that don’t modify the system, it’s recommended to disable them temporarily. If you’re unsure which modules modify the system, consider uninstalling all modules to be safe.
- Reboot your device: After uninstalling or disabling the necessary modules, reboot your device to ensure all changes take effect.
Step 2: Restoring Images and Checking for Updates
- Open Magisk Manager: Launch the Magisk Manager app on your rooted Google Pixel device.
- Uninstall Magisk: In the Magisk Manager, navigate to the settings and select “Uninstall Magisk.” Choose the “Restore Images” option. This restores the stock images on your device.
- Check for system updates: Go to your device’s settings, then navigate to the system section. Look for the “System Update” option and check for updates. If there is an available update, proceed to install it.
At the end of the update process, you’ll be prompted to Reboot your device. Please do not reboot your phone at this point.
Step 3: Patching the Inactive Slot
- Install Magisk again: Open the Magisk Manager app once more, and this time select “Install” to reinstall Magisk.
- Select “Install to inactive slot after OTA”: During the installation process, you will see an option that says “Install to inactive slot after OTA.” Choose this option to patch the inactive slot with the new update.
- Reboot your device: After the installation is complete, reboot your device to activate the changes.
Step 4: Verifying the Update and Restoring Root Access
- Verify the update: After the device reboots, go to the system settings and navigate to “About phone” or “About device.” Check the Android version to ensure that the update was successfully applied.
- Check Magisk status: Open the Magisk Manager app again and verify that Magisk is installed. You should see the Magisk version displayed. At this point, your device should still be rooted.
- You can confirm root access by installing the root checker on your phone and run it to verify root status.
- Reinstall modules (optional): If you had any modules installed previously, now is the time to reinstall them using Magisk Manager.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully updated your rooted Google Pixel device with the latest OTA update while keeping the root access. This process allows you to enjoy both the benefits of root access and the latest system improvements provided by official updates.
We hope this guide has been helpful to you. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy updating and customizing your Pixel device!
About the Author Imran Aftab
Hello, I'm Imran Aftab, a tech enthusiast using Android, iOS, and Windows. Hardware expert for Gaming & Crypto mining rigs. I have been writing on tech since 2013, starting with ohguideme, then Androidcentral. I have written and published several guides and tutorials on how to root Android, flash custom ROM, recovery, and jailbreak iPhone, and have written several guides on how to bypass FRP. I also worked in a phone repair shop, so I have pretty good experience with mobile software and troubleshooting. So, all the guides you see here have been tested and confirmed to work.
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