How to Root Google Pixel XL Android Oreo (Android 8): Google has started to roll out Android Oreo (aka Android 8) for Pixel devices, and a lot of you would want to root Android 8 (Oreo). In this post, we are going to show you how to root Pixel XL on Android Oreo or Android 8.
Warning (android 8 root)
We are not responsible for any bricked devices. You are doing this at your own risk.
Make sure your Google Pixel XL is charged 70-80 percent.
Pre-Requisites (Root Android Oreo)
Make sure you have drivers for Google Pixel XL installed and have Unlocked the bootloader. If you haven’t we have steps for that below. If you have an unlocked bootloader, just follow the pre-requisites below and skip the unlock bootloader part.
Next, please ensure you have enabled USB debugging and OEM unlock. To do so, Navigate to Settings -> About on your Google Pixel XL and tap on build number seven times. Once you see a message saying “You are now a developer” go back to Settings and you will see an option called Developer Options. Open developer options and enable USB debugging and OEM Unlock.
Make sure ADB and fastboot are set up on your computer (Windows, Mac, or Linux) and working. Click the link below to learn how to set up ADB and fastboot on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Download modified TWRP Recovery for Google Pixel XL from the below link, and rename it to recovery-oreo. img, and place it in the platform-tools folder.
Download Modified TWRP Recovery for Google Pixel XL
Download the below files and place the zip files in the internal memory (root directory) of Google Pixel XL.
How to Bootloader Unlock Google Pixel XL
Please note this will factory reset your phone and all your data will be wiped. Make sure to have a backup.
Step 1 – Boot Google Pixel XL into fastboot mode
Turn off your Google Pixel XL. Press and hold Power + Volume Down until you see a Start screen.
You can also boot into fastboot mode while the device is on:-
- Connect Google Pixel XL to a computer using a USB cable.
- Open command prompt (for Windows) or Terminal (for Mac and Linux).
- Navigate to the platform-tools folder and issue the below command.
Windows
adb reboot bootloader
Mac or Linux
./adb reboot bootloader
Step 2 – Unlock Bootloader Google Pixel XL
Connect the phone to the computer using a USB cable and issue the below commands.
Windows
fastboot flashing unlock
Mac or Linux
./fastboot flashing unlock
You should see a screen on your phone asking you to confirm this action, use the volume keys to scroll and the Power key to make your selection. Once the bootloader has been unlocked make sure to reboot.
Windows
fastboot reboot
Mac or Linux
./fastboot reboot
How to Install TWRP Recovery Google Pixel XL
Step 1 – Boot Google Pixel XL into fastboot mode
Turn off your Google Pixel XL. Press and hold Power + Volume Down until you see a Start screen.
You can also boot into fastboot mode while the device is on:-
- Connect Google Pixel XL to the computer using a USB cable.
- Open command prompt (for Windows) or Terminal (for Mac and Linux).
- Navigate to the platform-tools folder and issue the below command.
Windows
adb reboot bootloader
Mac or Linux
./adb reboot bootloader
Step 2 – Flash modified TWRP recovery
Even if you have TWRP recovery already installed, you need to install this modified recovery again.
- Open command prompt (for Windows) or Terminal (for Mac and Linux).
- Navigate to the platform-tools folder and issue the below command.
Windows
fastboot flash recovery recovery-oreo.img
Mac or Linux
./fastboot flash recovery recovery-oreo.img
Congratulations, you just installed TWRP recovery on your Google Pixel. Now we will boot into TWRP and root Google Pixel XL on Android Oreo (Android 8).
How to: Root Google Pixel XL Android Oreo (Android 8 Root)
Once you have installed TWRP recovery, you need to reboot into TWRP recovery and root your Google Pixel XL on Android Oreo (Android 8). Follow the steps below.
Step 1 – Boot into TWRP
- Power off your Google Pixel XL.
- Press & hold the Power + Volume down button for a few seconds. This will boot your phone into bootloader mode.
- Press the Volume down button twice to highlight Recovery mode (in red) on the screen.
- Press the Power button to boot into recovery mode.
You can also boot into TWRP recovery after installing TWRP by issuing the below commands.
Windows
fastboot boot recovery-oreo.img
Mac or Linux
./fastboot boot recovery-oreo.img
Step 2 – Root Google Pixel XL Android Oreo (Android 8) using Super SU
Once in TWRP click on Install, then select SuperSuConfig zip file downloaded in pre-requisites, select Add more zips and then select SuperSU zip file. Next swipe to confirm flashing of zip files.
In the Aroma installer for SuperSuConfig, choose Systemless SBIN. For everything else chose to let SuperSu decide.
Step 3 – Reboot into Android
Click on back, then on Reboot, and then on System and you will boot into Android.
Step 4 – Install SU Hide
Once you have booted into Android, reboot into recovery mode by following step 1 above and install the SU hide zip file, and reboot back into Android.
How to: Check Root Google Pixel XL Android 8 (Android Oreo) / Pixel xl Root
In case you want to check if your Google Pixel XL is rooted or not, download the Root Checker app, open it and click on Verify Root. If you are rooted you will get an appropriate message.
