How to Root Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL! [EASIEST METHOD]

Today, I will show you how to easily and quickly root your Google Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL.  Before we begin, rooting involves unlocking bootloader, which erases EVERYTHING on your phone so please make a backup before preceding!

This root method should also work for future Android versions but this guide is based on Android 8.0.0 Oreo.

Android versions supported by this root method(confirmed):

  • Android 8.0 Oreo
  • Android 8.1 Oreo

For Android P, please follow How to Root Pixel 2/Pixel 2 XL on Android P!

Step 1. Go to Settings->System->about phone.  

Step 2. Tap on “Build number” about 5 times until it says you are a developer.

Step 3. Tap the back button and you will see a new menu option called “Developer options”, tap on that.

Step 4. Make sure “OEM unlocking” is checked ON!

Step 5. Power off your Pixel 2/Pixel 2 XL.  Then hold down Volume Down and Power buttons together until you enter the bootloader menu where you will see an Android figure with its belly up.

Step 6. Connect a USB cable from your phone to your computer.

Step 7. Go to our TWRP Recovery page and download fastboot.zip, Windows USB drivers(if using Windows, no drivers needed for Mac/Linux), Magisk, and the TWRP image AND zip file for your Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL.

That’s a total of FIVE files you will need.

Step 8. Unzip fastboot.zip and usb_driver.zip files and you should get two new folders with the files unzipped.

Step 9. Copy over the TWRP image file(file ending in .img) into the fastboot folder.

Step 10. For Windows, install drivers (watch the video tutorial if you don’t know how) and make sure you have “Android Bootloader Interface” in your Device Manager.

Step 11. Open a command prompt/terminal and type:

For Windows:
cd Downloads
cd fastboot
fastboot flashing unlock

For Mac:
cd Downloads
cd fastboot
chmod 755 *
./fastboot-mac flashing unlock

For Linux:
cd Downloads
cd fastboot
chmod 755 *
sudo ./fastboot-linux flashing unlock

*NOTE – This WILL ERASE EVERYTHING ON YOUR PHONE!

Step 12. Go to your phone, use Volume keys to select “UNLOCK THE BOOTLOADER” then hit the Power key to unlock the bootloader.  Your phone should reboot automatically but if it doesn’t hit the Power key to start the phone.

Step 13. After 5-10 minutes, you Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL should boot to the welcome page.

Step 14. Go ahead and sign in then connect your phone to your computer as storage.

Step 15. Copy over the Magisk and TWRP zip files over to your Pixel 2/Pixel 2 XL.

Step 16. Power off your phone then reboot into bootloader mode again by holding down Volume Down and Power buttons together.

Step 17. Next, type the following:

For Windows for Pixel 2 XL, type:

fastboot boot twrp-3.1.1-beta2-taimen.img

For Windows for Pixel 2, type:

fastboot boot twrp-3.2.0-0-walleye.img

For Mac for Pixel 2 XL, type:

./fastboot-mac boot twrp-3.1.1-beta2-taimen.img

For Mac for Pixel 2, type:

./fastboot-mac boot twrp-3.2.0-0-walleye.img

For Linux for Pixel 2 XL, type:

./fastboot-linux boot twrp-3.1.1-beta2-taimen.img

For Linux for Pixel 2, type:

./fastboot-linux boot twrp-3.2.0-0-walleye.img

Step 18. You should now be booted into TWRP recovery, choose “Keep Read Only”.

Step 19. Choose “Install”.

Step 20. Install the TWRP zip file.

Step 21. Install the Magisk zip file.

Step 22. Reboot and you will find Magisk Manager app in your app drawer, tap on it to run.

Step 23. Check of SafetyNet check and if your phone passes, you are fully rooted and also hiding root from AndroidPay and other apps that check for root.  Yes, you can use AndroidPay and apps that block root now!

Step 24. Verify you have full root by installing and running Titanium Backup app on the Play Store.  You should see a Superuser request window like below.  If you do see it, CONGRATS, you have FULLY rooted your Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL!

 

 

Have a question?

Please post all your questions at the new Android Rehab Center at HighOnAndroid Forum, thank you for understanding!

Join the HighOnAndroid VIP Fans List for free help from Max and discounts on Android accessories.

Max Lee

Max Lee is the founder of HighOnAndroid.com. Max makes Android tutorials and review videos for people who want to get high on Android over at his YouTube channel and Korean YouTube channel.