How to Root and Unlock the Bootloader on Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL

 ### How to Root and Unlock the Bootloader on Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL

The Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL are celebrated for their excellent value, offering a pure Android experience and a great camera at an affordable price. For those looking to enhance their Pixel 3a or 3a XL further through customization, unlocking the bootloader and rooting the device can provide additional control and functionality. Here’s a detailed guide on how to unlock the bootloader and root your Google Pixel 3a or 3a XL.

#### **Disclaimer:**

Unlocking the bootloader and rooting your device will void your warranty and may expose your phone to potential risks, including bricking. Proceed with caution and ensure you have backed up all important data before starting the process.

### **Step 1: Unlocking the Bootloader**

1. **Backup Your Data:**

   - Unlocking the bootloader will erase all data on your device. Back up your important files, including contacts, photos, and settings.

2. **Enable Developer Options:**

   - Go to **Settings** > **About Phone**.

   - Tap on **Build Number** seven times until you see a message indicating that Developer Options have been enabled.

3. **Enable OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging:**

   - Go to **Settings** > **System** > **Developer Options**.

   - Enable **OEM Unlocking** and **USB Debugging**.

4. **Install ADB and Fastboot on Your PC:**

   - Download and install the [ADB and Fastboot tools](https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools) from the official Android developer site.

5. **Boot into Fastboot Mode:**

   - Power off your Google Pixel 3a or 3a XL.

   - Press and hold the **Volume Down** and **Power** buttons simultaneously until you see the Fastboot Mode screen.

6. **Connect Your Phone to the PC:**

   - Use a USB cable to connect your phone to your PC.

7. **Unlock the Bootloader:**

   - Open a Command Prompt or Terminal window on your PC.

   - Enter the following command to check if your device is detected:

     ```

     fastboot devices

     ```

   - If your device is listed, proceed with unlocking the bootloader:

     ```

     fastboot flashing unlock

     ```

   - Confirm the unlock action on your phone when prompted. This process will erase all data on the device.

8. **Reboot Your Phone:**

   - After the unlocking process is complete, reboot your phone using:

     ```

     fastboot reboot

     ```

### **Step 2: Rooting the Device**

1. **Download the Necessary Files:**

   - Download the latest version of **TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project)** for the Google Pixel 3a or 3a XL from the [official TWRP website](https://twrp.me/Devices/).

   - Download the **Magisk zip file** for rooting from the [official Magisk GitHub page](https://github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk).

2. **Flash TWRP Recovery:**

   - Boot your device into Fastboot Mode again.

   - Open a Command Prompt or Terminal window on your PC.

   - Navigate to the directory where you downloaded the TWRP image file.

   - Flash TWRP using the following command:

     ```

     fastboot flash recovery <twrp-image-filename>.img

     ```

   - Replace `<twrp-image-filename>` with the actual filename of the TWRP image.

3. **Boot into TWRP Recovery:**

   - Use the **Volume Down** and **Power** buttons to select **Recovery Mode** from the Fastboot menu.

4. **Transfer Magisk to Your Phone:**

   - While in TWRP, connect your phone to the PC.

   - Transfer the Magisk zip file to your phone’s internal storage.

5. **Install Magisk:**

   - In TWRP, go to **Install** and navigate to the Magisk zip file.

   - Select the Magisk zip file and swipe to confirm the installation.

6. **Reboot Your Phone:**

   - Once the installation is complete, reboot your phone.

### **Verification and Final Steps**

1. **Verify Root Access:**

   - After your phone boots up, you should see the Magisk Manager app installed.

   - Open Magisk Manager to verify root access and ensure that everything is functioning correctly.

2. **Reinstall Your Apps:**

   - Restore your backed-up data and reinstall your apps.

By following these steps, you will have successfully unlocked the bootloader and rooted your Google Pixel 3a or 3a XL. This allows you to take full advantage of the device’s hardware and software, enabling customization through custom ROMs, and using root-specific applications. Always proceed with caution and be aware of the risks involved in modifying your device.