Get Stock Boot Image for Google Pixel Devices for Rooting

Rooting a Google Pixel device is a transformative process that unlocks the full potential of the hardware and software. To achieve this, we rely on powerful tools like Magisk, which allows for systemless root access, enabling users to modify the system without altering the original partition layout. A critical step in this procedure involves obtaining the stock boot image specific to the exact model and firmware build of the Pixel device. Without the correct boot image, the patching process fails, and the device cannot be successfully rooted.

This comprehensive guide details the precise methods to extract the boot.img or init_boot.img from official Google factory images. We will cover the necessary prerequisites, the step-by-step extraction process using various operating systems, and how to handle different Pixel generations. By following this guide, we ensure that you have the correct base image required to patch with Magisk and flash onto your device.

Understanding the Importance of the Stock Boot Image

The stock boot image serves as the foundation for rooting with Magisk. When we install Magisk, the utility does not modify the system partition directly. Instead, it patches the boot image. This patched image is then flashed to the device’s boot partition. The patched image contains the original kernel and a compressed archive of the Magisk modules and binary, which is loaded into the ramdisk during the boot process.

For Google Pixel devices, the structure of the boot partition has evolved. Older Pixel models (Pixel 5 and below) typically utilize a single boot.img file that contains both the kernel and the initial ramdisk. However, newer Pixel devices (Pixel 6 and above) utilizing the Android Dynamic Partition system often separate these components. These devices frequently use an init_boot.img file, which contains only the initial ramdisk, while the kernel resides in the boot.img. Understanding which file to patch is crucial for a successful root.

Using the correct stock image is non-negotiable. The build number, device codename, and security patch level must match the current firmware on the device exactly. Flashing a mismatched boot image can lead to a bootloop, requiring a full factory image flash to recover the device.

Prerequisites for Extracting the Factory Image

Before we begin the extraction process, we must gather the necessary tools and files. This preparation ensures a smooth and error-free experience.

Essential Software and Tools

• Android SDK Platform-Tools: Required for interacting with the device via Fastboot commands.
• A File Archive Utility: 7-Zip (Windows/Linux) or The Unarchiver (macOS) to handle compressed files.
• Python (Optional): Useful for running specific extraction scripts provided by the community for certain factory image formats.
• A Computer: Running Windows, macOS, or Linux.

Acquiring the Factory Image

We must obtain the official factory image for the specific Google Pixel device.

1. Navigate to the official Google Factory Images for Nexus and Pixel Devices page.
2. Select the correct device model from the list.
3. Locate the firmware version that matches the current build on your Pixel device. You can verify your device’s build number by going to Settings > About Phone > Software Identity (or Build Number).
4. Download the .tgz or .zip factory image file. These files are large and contain the complete set of partitions required to restore a device to stock.

Method 1: Extracting the Boot Image on Windows

Windows users have two primary methods for extracting the boot image: manual extraction using archive tools and using a dedicated Python script.

Manual Extraction using 7-Zip

The factory image for Pixel devices is usually a .tgz file containing a .tar file. This nested compression must be unraveled.

1. Install 7-Zip: Ensure 7-Zip is installed on your Windows system.
2. Locate the Downloaded File: Find the downloaded factory image (e.g., ryzen-ade-3.1.0.zip or similar).
3. Initial Extraction: Right-click the factory image file. Select 7-Zip > Extract Here. This will reveal a .tar file (e.g., image-ryzen-ade.tar).
4. Secondary Extraction: Right-click the newly extracted .tar file. Again, select 7-Zip > Extract Here.
5. Locate the Boot Image: In the folder where the .tar file is located, you will now see a list of partition images. Look for boot.img or init_boot.img.
   • For Pixel 6 and newer: You will typically find init_boot.img. You may also find boot.img (which contains the kernel). For Magisk patching, init_boot.img is often the primary target for the ramdisk patch, though sometimes boot.img is required depending on the specific Magisk version and Android version.
   • For Pixel 5 and older: You will find boot.img.

Using the Pixel Factory Image Extractor Script

For users who prefer automation, the Pixel Factory Image Extractor script is a popular choice. This Python script automates the extraction of the boot.img and vbmeta.img from the factory image.

1. Download the Script: Search for “Pixel Factory Image Extractor” on GitHub and download the repository or the specific script file.
2. Install Python: Ensure Python 3 is installed and added to your system PATH.
3. Run the Script: Place the downloaded factory image (.tgz or .zip) in the same directory as the script. Open a command prompt in that directory and run the script pointing to the factory image file.
4. Output: The script will automatically unpack the nested archives and place the boot.img (and potentially init_boot.img) in an output folder.

Method 2: Extracting the Boot Image on Linux and macOS

Linux and macOS users can utilize the command line for a highly efficient extraction process. The terminal provides native support for handling .tgz and .tar archives.

Terminal Commands for Extraction

We assume the factory image is located in your ~/Downloads directory for this example.

1. Open Terminal: Navigate to the directory containing the factory image.

   cd ~/Downloads
   

2. Extract the TGZ file: Use the tar command to extract the initial archive.

   tar -xvf filename.tgz
   

   Replace filename.tgz with the actual name of the downloaded file.
3. Identify the Inner Archive: The command will extract a .tar file (often named image-*.tar or similar). List the files to verify.

   ls -l
   

4. Extract the Inner TAR file: Now extract the partition images from the inner tar file.

   tar -xvf image-*.tar
   

5. Verify the Boot Image: List the directory contents again. You will now see the individual partition image files.

   ls -l
   

   Look for boot.img or init_boot.img in the list.

Determining the Correct Partition: Boot.img vs. Init_boot.img

As Google transitioned to the Android 12 and 13 base for the Pixel 6 and newer devices, the partition layout changed significantly. This change affects how we root these devices.

Pixel 6, 7, 8, and Fold Series

For these devices, the boot process was split. The kernel (kernel) is stored in the boot.img, and the ramdisk (ramdisk) is stored in the init_boot.img.

• Magisk 23000+ (v24+): Magisk generally patches the init_boot.img for these devices.
• Kernel: You typically do not need to patch the boot.img unless you are installing a custom kernel. For standard root, focus on init_boot.img.

Pixel 5 and Older

For devices like the Pixel 5, 4a, 3a, etc., the traditional layout is used.

• Single Image: The boot.img contains both the kernel and the ramdisk. This is the file you must patch with Magisk.

Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5a

These specific models can be transitional. Always check the extracted files. If both boot.img and init_boot.img are present, check the Magisk documentation or community consensus for the specific Android version installed on the device. However, typically, the boot.img is the target for devices released before the Pixel 6 series.

Preparing the Device for Rooting

Once we have extracted the stock boot image, the next phase involves preparing the Pixel device. This requires unlocking the bootloader, which wipes all data on the device.

Enabling Developer Options and OEM Unlocking

1. Go to Settings > About Phone.
2. Tap Build Number seven times until a message says “You are now a developer.”
3. Go to Settings > System > Developer Options.
4. Enable OEM Unlocking. This is mandatory for unlocking the bootloader.
5. Enable USB Debugging.

Unlocking the Bootloader

1. Connect the Pixel device to your computer via USB.
2. Open a terminal or command prompt and reboot the device into the bootloader:

   adb reboot bootloader
   

3. Once the device is in the bootloader screen (Fastboot mode), verify the connection:

   fastboot devices
   

4. Unlock the bootloader (this wipes data):

   fastboot flashing unlock
   

5. On the device screen, use the volume keys to select Unlock the bootloader and confirm with the power button.
6. The device will reboot and require setup again. Skip the setup or connect to Wi-Fi to proceed with rooting.

Patching the Stock Boot Image with Magisk

With the extracted boot.img (or init_boot.img) and the unlocked bootloader, we can now patch the image.

1. Transfer the Image: Move the extracted boot.img to your device’s internal storage (e.g., the Download folder).
2. Install Magisk App: Download the latest Magisk APK from the official GitHub repository. Rename the file extension from .apk to .zip if necessary for some recovery installations, or simply install the APK directly to the device.
3. Patch the Image:
   • Open the Magisk app.
   • Tap Install (or Select and Patch a File if you already have the image on the device).
   • Select Choose File and navigate to the boot.img (or init_boot.img) you transferred.
   • Tap Let’s Go. Magisk will create a patched image named magisk_patched_[random_suffix].img in your Download folder.
4. Transfer Patched Image: Move the patched image back to your computer’s platform-tools directory for flashing.

Flashing the Patched Boot Image

The final step is flashing the patched image to the active boot partition.

1. Reboot to Bootloader:

   adb reboot bootloader
   

2. Flash the Image:
   • For Pixel 5 and older:

     fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img
     

   • For Pixel 6 and newer:

     fastboot flash init_boot magisk_patched.img
     

   • Note: If you have a boot.img on newer devices (which contains the kernel) and you are using a custom kernel, you would flash that to the boot partition. For Magisk root only, init_boot is usually the target.
3. Reboot the System:

   fastboot reboot
   

4. Verify Root: Once the device boots up, open the Magisk app. It should indicate that Magisk is installed and active.

Troubleshooting Common Extraction Issues

We understand that things can go wrong. Here are solutions to frequent problems encountered during this process.

“File not found” or “Command not found”

This usually indicates that the platform-tools are not in your system PATH or you are not in the correct directory.

• Solution: Ensure you have unzipped the platform-tools folder. Navigate to this folder using cd commands in your terminal before running fastboot or adb commands.

Bootloop after Flashing

If the device gets stuck in a boot cycle, it is likely due to a mismatch between the stock boot image and the firmware on the device.

• Solution: You must re-flash the full factory image using the flash-all script provided in the factory image download. This will restore the device to a stock state. Ensure you download the exact factory image matching your current build number before attempting to root again.

Init_boot.img Missing in Extraction

If you are using a Pixel 6 or newer and do not see init_boot.img after extraction, check the inner archive again.

• Solution: Ensure you are downloading the correct factory image for your specific device codename (e.g., raven for Pixel 6 Pro, oriole for Pixel 6). Sometimes, older factory images or OTA images do not contain all partition files. Always use the full factory image for rooting purposes.

SafetyNet and Play Integrity

Rooting with Magisk usually passes basic integrity checks, but Google’s SafetyNet and Play Integrity API have become stricter. Since we are patching the boot.img or init_boot.img using the Magisk module system, we must configure Magisk properly to hide root from banking apps and games.

1. Magisk Settings: Open Magisk and go to Settings.
2. Hide Magisk App: Enable Hide the Magisk app and rename the app to a random name (e.g., “Settings”).
3. Enforce DenyList: Enable Enforce DenyList.
4. Configure DenyList: Tap Configure DenyList and check the apps you wish to hide root from (e.g., Google Pay, Banking apps).

Updating Firmware with Root Preserved

When a new Android update is released, you cannot simply install the OTA update if you are rooted, as it will overwrite the patched boot image and likely cause a bootloop. To update:

1. Download the new Factory Image: Extract the new boot.img (or init_boot.img).
2. Patch the new Image: Transfer the new stock image to your device and patch it with Magisk (or patch it on your PC using the Magisk app if you have the APK installed on your PC).
3. Update via ADB Sideload (Recommended):
   • Download the full OTA zip for your device (different from the factory image).
   • Reboot to recovery mode.
   • Select Apply Update from ADB.
   • On your computer, run: adb sideload ota.zip.
   • Do not reboot immediately. Instead, flash the newly patched boot.img (or init_boot.img) via fastboot before rebooting:

     fastboot flash init_boot magisk_patched_new.img
     fastboot reboot
     

   This method preserves the Magisk installation and updates the OS.

Advanced: Using Custom Recoveries (TWRP)

While Magisk can be flashed directly via Fastboot, some users prefer installing a custom recovery like TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project).

1. Download TWRP: Find the TWRP image for your specific Pixel device (codename).
2. Flash TWRP:

   fastboot flash recovery twrp_filename.img
   

3. Boot to TWRP: Reboot to recovery immediately after flashing.
4. Install Magisk: Transfer the Magisk ZIP (not APK) to your device. In TWRP, tap Install, select the Magisk ZIP, and flash it.
   • Note: On Pixel 6 and newer, TWRP support is limited due to the A/B partition scheme and dm-verity. Fastboot booting TWRP is often recommended over permanent flashing.

Conclusion

Extracting the stock boot image is the cornerstone of rooting a Google Pixel device. By meticulously matching the firmware version, understanding the distinction between boot.img and init_boot.img, and following the correct extraction and flashing procedures, we can successfully gain root access. Whether you are using a legacy Pixel or the latest generation, the process requires precision and adherence to the specific partition layout of your device.

We recommend always backing up your data before attempting to unlock the bootloader, as this process wipes the device. With the correct stock boot image and Magisk, your Google Pixel becomes a powerful, customizable device ready for advanced modifications, custom kernels, and the vast ecosystem of Magisk modules available at Magisk Module Repository.