In the last few years, there has been an addition of a few new players in the foldable smartphone domain. However, if there was one name that the fans were eagerly awaiting to enter this domain, then it was definitely Google, and that is just what happened with the release of Google Pixel Fold.
While the new Fold isn’t perfect, it is a good start, especially with the prospect to root Google Pixel Fold and take things up a level. You get a clean stock OS experience, guaranteed fast OS updates, an impressive camera, and more.
Google Pixel smartphones are very active in the custom development scene and the same applies to the Google Pixel Fold. Once you root Google Pixel Fold, you will be able to optimize your phone, gain administrative privileges, open up a plethora of tinkering opportunities, and more. I
f you’re looking to learn how to root Google Pixel Fold, then this is the perfect guide for you. In this guide, you will get to know how to root Google Pixel Fold using Magisk Patched Init_Boot.
Steps to root Google Pixel Fold using Magisk Patched Init_Boot
Step 1: Install Android SDK
Firstly, you’ll need to install the Android SDK Platform Tools on your PC. It’s the official ADB and Fastboot binary offered by Google. You’ll need to download it and extract it to a convenient location on your PC.
Step 2: Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking
To start off, you’ll need to enable Developer Options on your smartphone. Go to settings -> About phone -> tap on build number 7 times -> Return to Settings -> System -> Advanced -> Developer options -> Finally enable USB debugging and OEM Unlocking.
Step 3: Unlock the bootloader
There is often an element of confusion regarding this step but to put it into perspective, you’ll need to unlock the bootloader on your device. Remember, unlocking the bootloader on your Google Pixel Fold will mean wiping off all the data on your phone and nullifying the device’s warranty.
Step 4: Get Google Pixel Fold Init_Boot.img
- To start off, you’ll need to download the factory image for your Pixel Fold from the link mentioned below –
Google Pixel Fold [felix] Factory Image
- You should ensure that you download the same version that is installed on your smartphone currently
- Once downloaded, you’ll need to extract it to any convenient location on your PC
- Then, head over to the Images folder and you’ll get the init_boot.img
- Now, copy it and transfer it to your device
Step 5: Patch Google Pixel Fold Init_Boot using Magisk
- Download and install the Magisk app
- Launch it and tap on the Install button beside Magisk
- Then, you should choose “Select and Patch a File”
- Navigate to the stock init_boot file before selecting it
- Tap on the “Let’s Go” option at the top right
- The init_boot file will be patched and placed under the Downloads folder
- Transfer the file to the platform-tools folder on the PC
Step 6: Boot your device to Fastboot Mode
- Connect your phone to the PC via USB cable
- Ensure that USB debugging is enabled
- After that, head over to the platform-tools folder and type in CMD in the address bar before hitting Enter
- It’ll launch the Command Prompt
- Type in the following command in the CMD window for booting your device to Fastboot Mode
adb reboot bootloader
- Then, type in the below command to verify the Fastboot Connection
fastboot devices
- If you’ve got a device ID followed by the fastboot keyword, the connection will be successful
Step 7: Root Google Pixel Fold via Magisk Patched Init_Boot
- Type the following command in the CMD window for flashing the patched init_boot.img file –
fastboot flash init_boot magisk_patched.img
- Ensure that you’re replacing magisk_patched.img with the appropriate name of the patched init_boot.img file
- If this command didn’t work, you’ll have to manually flash the init_boot to both slots via the below command –
fastboot flash init_boot_a magisk_patched_boot.img fastboot flash init_boot_b magisk_patched_boot.img
- You have root Google Pixel Fold and your smartphone will now boot to the rooted OS
