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ROOT NOT WORKING ANY SUGGESTION?

Root Not Working, Any Suggestion? Comprehensive Troubleshooting and Solutions

We understand the frustration that arises when the rooting process on an Android device does not yield the expected results, particularly when dealing with custom ROMs like Pixel Experience Plus on Android 13. Root access is the gateway to the full potential of the Android operating system, allowing for deep customization, module integration, and system-level modifications. When root fails to function despite a seemingly successful installation via Magisk and TWRP, the issue often lies in the intricate interaction between the custom ROM, the boot image, and the Magisk framework. We have analyzed this specific scenario extensively and will provide a detailed, step-by-step guide to diagnose and resolve the issue of root not working on your device.

Understanding the Pixel Experience Plus and Magisk Ecosystem

Before diving into the troubleshooting steps, it is crucial to understand the architecture of the system you are working with. Pixel Experience Plus is a custom ROM based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), designed to provide a stock Pixel-like experience with additional features. Android 13 introduced specific changes to the boot process and system partitions that can affect how Magisk mounts itself.

Magisk operates by patching the boot.img file found in the device’s firmware. This image contains the kernel and the initial ramdisk (initramfs). When you flash the Magisk APK (renamed to .zip for TWRP installation), it attempts to extract the boot.img from the device or a provided source, patch it, and flash it back. However, on Pixel Experience Plus, the ROM might already include modifications to the boot.img or use a system-as-root (SAR) configuration that requires specific handling.

The Role of System-as-Root (SAR)

Android 10 and later versions largely adopted the System-as-Root (SAR) layout. In this configuration, the system partition is not necessarily mounted as read-write (rw) in the traditional sense. Instead, the root directory (/) is the system partition. This change impacts how Magisk injects its binaries. If the installation method does not correctly recognize the SAR implementation of Pixel Experience Plus, root access will fail to mount, even if the installation log claims success.

Kernel Compatibility and SELinux

The kernel included in the Pixel Experience Plus ROM must be compatible with Magisk’s core components. Additionally, Security-Enhanced Linux (SELinux) is strictly enforced in modern Android versions. If the ROM’s SELinux policy is too strict or if the Magisk version used is outdated, the su binary might be blocked from executing, preventing the root manager (Magisk App) from detecting the binary.

Pre-Requisites for Effective Root Troubleshooting

To proceed with advanced troubleshooting, we require specific tools and files. Ensure you have the following ready before attempting any modifications to avoid bootloops.

  1. A Custom Recovery: We assume TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is already installed, as indicated in your query. Ensure it is the latest version compatible with your specific device model and Android 13.
  2. Magisk App: You need the latest stable Magisk APK. Do not install it as an app immediately; it serves as a source for the installation zip file.
  3. Pixel Experience Plus Firmware: You must have the exact ROM zip file you flashed, preferably the “Plus” variant which includes extra features.
  4. Device-Specific Boot Image: If the ROM zip does not contain a boot.img file directly, you may need to extract it from the firmware payload or download a stock boot image that matches your device’s Android version and security patch level.
  5. ADB and Fastboot Tools: Installed on your PC for command-line interactions with the device bootloader.

Diagnosing the Root Cause: Why Root Fails

When a user reports that the flash was “successful” but root is “not working,” it typically indicates one of three specific failure points. We must isolate which one applies to your specific situation.

Symptom 1: Magisk App Shows “N/A” for Installed Version

This is the most common symptom. It means the Magisk daemon is not running, and the su binary is not accessible. This usually happens because the init scripts responsible for mounting Magisk are not being executed during the boot process.

Common Cause:

Symptom 2: Bootloop or Crash to Recovery

If flashing the Magisk zip causes the device to fail to boot into the OS, the issue is likely a compatibility mismatch between the kernel and Magisk.

Common Cause:

Symptom 3: Device Boots, but No Root Access (App Detects Root but Modules Fail)

Sometimes the Magisk App shows root is installed, but modules do not work, or safety nets fail.

Common Cause:

Step-by-Step Solution: Manual Patching Method

We recommend the manual patching method over the direct TWRP flash method for Pixel Experience Plus on Android 13. This method guarantees that the boot image is perfectly matched to your device’s current state.

Step 1: Extracting the Stock Boot Image

Since you have the Pixel Experience Plus installed, you need the boot.img that corresponds to that specific ROM build.

  1. Download the full Pixel Experience Plus ROM zip from the official source.
  2. Extract the zip file on your PC.
  3. Look for the boot.img file inside. If the ROM uses a super partition, the file might be inside an images folder or within a payload.bin file. You will need a payload dumper tool (like payload-dumper-go) to extract the boot.img from the payload.bin if it is not directly visible.

Step 2: Patching the Boot Image via Magisk App

  1. Transfer the extracted boot.img to your device’s internal storage.
  2. Install the Magisk App (APK) on your device. Rename the file extension from .apk to .zip if you plan to flash it, but for patching, we need the app installed.
  3. Open the Magisk App.
  4. Tap on Install > Select and Patch a File.
  5. Navigate to the boot.img file you transferred.
  6. The app will create a new file named magisk_patched_[random_string].img in your Downloads folder.

Step 3: Flashing the Patched Boot Image

Transfer the patched image back to your PC.

For A-only Devices (Non-A/B Partition):

  1. Reboot your device into Fastboot Mode (adb reboot bootloader).
  2. Flash the patched image:
    fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img
  3. Reboot:
    fastboot reboot

For A/B Partition Devices (Most modern devices):

You need to flash to both slots or determine the active slot.

  1. Check active slot: fastboot getvar current-slot
  2. Flash to the active slot (replace a or b accordingly):
    fastboot flash boot_a magisk_patched.img
fastboot flash boot_b magisk_patched.img
  3. Reboot.

Step 4: Verification

Once the device boots, open the Magisk App. It should now display the version number next to “Installed” (e.g., v27.0). If it does, root is active. You can further verify by installing a module from the Magisk Module Repository or by running su in a terminal emulator.

Advanced Troubleshooting: Resolving Specific Pixel Experience Issues

If the standard manual patching does not work, we need to address specific quirks of Pixel Experience Plus.

Handling Dynamic Partitions (Dynamic/Logical Partitions)

Pixel Experience Plus often utilizes dynamic partitions (Super Partition). If you flash the patched boot image via fastboot, ensure that the vbmeta partition is disabled to prevent bootloops caused by verified boot enforcement.

Command:

fastboot flash vbmeta --disable-verity --disable-verification vbmeta.img

Note: You need the vbmeta.img from your firmware. If missing, you can often use an empty file or one from a stock ROM.

The “Magisk in Recovery” Alternative

In rare cases where the standard Magisk installation fails on specific Android 13 builds, you can use a Magisk recovery build. However, this is less common for standard TWRP users. The primary solution remains the manual patching of the boot image.

Conflict with ROM Built-in Root Management

Pixel Experience Plus sometimes includes specific gapps or root management scripts. Ensure that you have not previously flashed any other root manager (like SuperSU or KernelSU). If you have, perform a clean flash of the ROM (Wipe Data/Cache/System) and start the rooting process from scratch.

Post-Installation: Ensuring Stability and Module Functionality

Once root is confirmed working, the next step is to ensure the stability of the system and the functionality of modules downloaded from the Magisk Module Repository.

Configuring the Magisk DenyList (Zygisk)

With Android 13, hiding root is critical for banking apps and Google Play Integrity.

  1. Open Magisk App > Settings.
  2. Enable Zygisk.
  3. Go to DenyList.
  4. Select the apps you want to hide root from. Toggle the switches on for system apps like Google Play Services and Play Store if necessary.

Installing Modules Safely

When browsing the Magisk Module Repository hosted on our site, always read the description carefully. Some modules may be incompatible with Android 13 or Pixel Experience Plus.

Troubleshooting Common Errors

“No Magisk Installation Detected”

If the Magisk App opens but claims no installation:

  1. Verify the active slot is the one you flashed.
  2. Check if the file system is read-only in TWRP. Mount > Ensure System is mounted.
  3. Try flashing the Magisk zip again via TWRP after flashing the patched boot image (only if instructed by specific community guides for your device).

Modules Not Activating

If you install a module from the repository but it doesn’t work:

  1. Check the Magisk Log (Magisk App > Logs). This often indicates if a script failed.
  2. Ensure the module supports the specific architecture of your device (ARM64 is standard for Android 13).
  3. Some modules require “service.d” scripts to run. If SELinux is in enforcing mode, these might be blocked. Ensure the module is compatible with enforcing SELinux.

Conclusion

Rooting a Pixel Experience Plus device running Android 13 requires precision. The “flash successful but not working” scenario usually stems from a mismatch between the ROM’s boot image and the Magisk patch, or a failure to account for dynamic partitions and verified boot. By utilizing the manual patching method via the Magisk App and ensuring that the verified boot is disabled where necessary, you can achieve stable root access. Always rely on the Magisk Module Repository for compatible modules to enhance your device’s functionality safely. If issues persist, extracting logs via adb logcat immediately after a failed boot is the most effective way to identify the specific blocking mechanism.

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