How to Root and Install Custom ROM on Google Pixel 9 Pro

 

Disclaimer

Before diving into the technicalities, it's essential to note that rooting and installing custom ROMs will void your warranty, and if done improperly, it may lead to data loss or brick your device. Please proceed with caution, and ensure that you have thoroughly understood the steps.

Prerequisites

Before starting the process of rooting and installing a custom ROM on your Pixel 9 Pro, make sure you have the following ready:

  1. Unlocked Bootloader: The first step in rooting and flashing a custom ROM is unlocking the bootloader.
  2. Custom Recovery (TWRP): You will need a custom recovery like TWRP (TeamWin Recovery Project) installed.
  3. Magisk: This is the tool you’ll use to root your device.
  4. Custom ROM of Your Choice: Download the ROM you want to install (e.g., LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.).
  5. ADB & Fastboot Tools: These are essential for communicating with your device during the unlocking and rooting process.
  6. USB Cable & PC: You'll need a computer and a USB cable to connect your Pixel 9 Pro for flashing operations.
  7. Backup of Data: Rooting and installing custom ROMs will wipe all the data on your phone. Be sure to back up your files.

Step 1: Unlock the Bootloader

Unlocking the bootloader is the first step towards rooting your Pixel 9 Pro and installing custom ROMs.

1.1 Enable Developer Options

  • Go to Settings > About Phone.
  • Scroll down to Build Number and tap it seven times until it says you are now a developer.
  • Go back to Settings > System > Developer options.
  • Toggle on OEM unlocking and USB debugging.

1.2 Boot into Fastboot Mode

  1. Turn off your Pixel 9 Pro.
  2. Press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously to boot into Fastboot Mode.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC using a USB cable.

1.3 Use ADB Commands to Unlock the Bootloader

  • On your PC, navigate to the folder where ADB & Fastboot tools are installed.
  • Open a command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux).
  • Type the following command to ensure your device is detected:
    fastboot devices
    If your device is listed, proceed with unlocking the bootloader by typing:
    fastboot flashing unlock
  • On your phone, you will see a confirmation message. Use the Volume buttons to highlight Unlock the Bootloader and press the Power button to confirm.

Your phone will reboot, and the bootloader will be unlocked. Remember that this step will wipe your data.

Step 2: Install a Custom Recovery (TWRP)

To flash a custom ROM and root your phone, you need to install a custom recovery like TWRP.

2.1 Download the TWRP Image

  • Download the TWRP recovery image for your device from the official TWRP website.

2.2 Flash TWRP Using Fastboot

  • Once again, boot your Pixel 9 Pro into Fastboot Mode by holding the Volume Down and Power buttons.

  • On your PC, in the command prompt, navigate to the folder where the TWRP image is saved.

  • Flash the TWRP image using the following command:

    fastboot flash recovery twrp.img

    (Replace twrp.img with the actual name of the image file you downloaded.)

  • Once the flashing process is complete, boot into TWRP recovery by pressing the Volume Down button twice and selecting Recovery mode using the Power button.

Step 3: Root Your Google Pixel 9 Pro

Rooting your Pixel 9 Pro is crucial for gaining full control over the Android system, allowing you to install powerful apps, remove bloatware, and install custom ROMs.

3.1 Download Magisk

  • Download the latest Magisk ZIP file onto your phone. You can transfer it via USB while in TWRP recovery.

3.2 Flash Magisk

  1. In TWRP recovery, select Install.
  2. Navigate to the Magisk ZIP file that you transferred and select it.
  3. Swipe to confirm the flash.
  4. Once the flashing process is done, tap Reboot System.

Your phone will now reboot, and you will have root access with Magisk.

Step 4: Flash a Custom ROM

After unlocking the bootloader and rooting your Pixel 9 Pro, you’re now ready to flash a custom ROM.

4.1 Download the Custom ROM

  • Download the custom ROM (such as LineageOS, Pixel Experience, or any other) that’s compatible with your device and place it on your phone.

4.2 Boot into TWRP Recovery

  • Turn off your phone.
  • Press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons to boot into Fastboot Mode.
  • From Fastboot, use the Volume buttons to highlight Recovery mode and press the Power button to boot into TWRP.

4.3 Wipe the Existing System

Before installing a custom ROM, you need to wipe the existing system to avoid any conflicts.

  • In TWRP, go to Wipe > Advanced Wipe.
  • Select Dalvik/ART Cache, System, Data, and Cache.
  • Swipe to confirm the wipe.

4.4 Flash the Custom ROM

  1. Go back to the TWRP main menu and select Install.
  2. Navigate to the custom ROM ZIP file you downloaded earlier and select it.
  3. Swipe to confirm the flash.
  4. Once the installation is complete, return to the main menu and reboot your phone.

Your Google Pixel 9 Pro will now boot into the custom ROM you installed. The first boot might take a few minutes, so be patient.

Step 5: Install Google Apps (Optional)

Many custom ROMs do not include Google Apps (GApps) by default, so you may need to install them separately.

  1. Download the appropriate GApps package for your ROM from a trusted source (such as OpenGApps).
  2. Boot into TWRP recovery and flash the GApps ZIP file just like you flashed the custom ROM.
  3. Reboot your device.

Post-Installation: Setting Up Your Custom ROM

After installing the custom ROM, you can start customizing your phone to your liking. You'll likely notice additional features, better performance, and improved battery life depending on the ROM you chose. You can also use Magisk Manager to manage root permissions for various apps.

Conclusion

Rooting and installing a custom ROM on your Google Pixel 9 Pro opens up a world of possibilities. It allows you to customize your device beyond the stock Android experience, install performance tweaks, or even improve the battery life. However, it’s crucial to follow the instructions carefully to avoid bricking your phone. Once you’ve successfully rooted and flashed a custom ROM, you'll have total control over your Pixel 9 Pro, enabling a truly personalized Android experience.

Make sure to always back up your important data, and remember that there are risks involved with rooting and custom ROMs. However, the reward of unlocking your device’s full potential makes it worth the effort!

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