It's been a while, but the top custom recovery for Android is now accessible for Google's Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL, which means it’s finally time to dive into root modifications.

TWRP custom recovery enables you to install Magisk and gain root access with just a few taps. It can even rescue you from occasional bootloops through NANDroid backups. Ever since Android 10 was released in 2019, TWRP support has been limited on most devices, including the Pixel 4 — until now.

• Don't Miss: How to Root Android 11 with Magisk — No TWRP Required

Senior XDA developer bigbiff is leading the TWRP development for the Pixel 4, so thanks to them for pushing things forward. It's taken about seven months to get some TWRP functionality for the Pixel 4 and 4 XL, but the future of TWRP on Android 10 looks promising. Hopefully, more developers will join in and bring that same level of dedication when Android 11 arrives later in 2020.

Requirements

• Pixel 4 or 4 XL with unlockable bootloader

• Android 10 installed (not compatible with Android 11)

• On Your Phone? Open These Instructions in Split-Screen View

Unlock Your Bootloader

Unlocking your phone's bootloader allows you to flash unofficial firmware images like TWRP. This action will factory reset your device, so be aware. However, it's a bit involved, so we've created a separate guide to help you through:

• More Info: How to Unlock the Bootloader on Your Pixel 4 or 4 XL

Download TWRP

Now on your computer, you'll need to download the test version of TWRP for the Pixel 4 or 4 XL using the links below.

• Download TWRP 3.4.0-0: Pixel 4 | Pixel 4 XL

Download the Platform-Tools Package

Before you can boot into TWRP on your Pixel 4 or 4 XL, you'll need to grab the latest version of the Platform-Tools Package directly from Google. This standalone package allows you to send Fastboot commands from your phone to your computer. Click the link below corresponding to your current operating system, then extract the platform-tools folder to your desktop for easy access.

• Download Google's Platform-Tools: Windows | Mac | Linux

Dallas Thomas/Gadget Hacks

Boot into Fastboot Mode

Now you'll need to boot your Pixel 4 into its native bootloader menu. There are various ways to do this, but the most universal method is to completely shut down your device, then press and hold both the volume down and power buttons simultaneously. Once you see a screen similar to the image below, you're all set.

Connect Your Phone to Your Computer

While still on the Fastboot screen, go ahead and connect your phone to your computer with a high-quality USB data cable.

Open a Command Window in Platform-Tools

Now, on your computer, you need to open a command window in the platform-tools folder so you can send the TWRP file over to your phone via Fastboot.

If you're using Windows, simply open the platform-tools folder in Windows Explorer, type "cmd" without the quotes in the address bar at the top, then press enter to launch a command window in the correct location.

Dallas Thomas/Gadget Hacks

Mac or Linux users just need to open the Terminal app, then input the following command within that new command window, but don't hit enter just yet.

<code>cd</code>

Press the space bar once after typing the above command, then drag and drop the platform-tools folder onto the command window itself. Now press enter. Doing so will automatically populate the command window with the correct location of your platform-tools folder. Windows users can use this trick as well!

Dallas Thomas/Gadget Hacks

Temporarily Boot into TWRP

At this point, you need to enter the following into your platform-tools command window on your computer to verify your Fastboot connection.

<code>fastboot devices</code>

The serial number from your phone should now be displayed, indicating a successful connection. This step is optional but doesn’t hurt to check the first time around if you're curious.

Now, if you're on Windows, type in the following command, but don't hit enter yet:

<code>fastboot boot</code>

If you're using Mac, Linux, or Windows PowerShell, use this instead (and again, don't press enter):

<code>./fastboot boot</code>

Either way, add a single space to the end of the command, but still don't press enter.

Next, drag and drop the TWRP image file onto the command window to auto-populate it with the full file location. At this point, go ahead and press enter.

This will send the "boot.img" file over to your Pixel 4 within seconds. Your phone will automatically respond by booting into TWRP, then you can enter your PIN or password. Now you should be sitting at the main menu, meaning you've made it.

After booting into TWRP for the first time, you'd typically install the permanent version next, but that's not the case right now. During this test phase for the Pixel 4, you’ll have to temporarily boot into TWRP from your computer using Fastboot each time. So there you have it—you can now boot into TWRP on your Pixel 4. You shouldn't have to worry about pesky bootloops anymore!

Final Notes

• You should not permanently install TWRP directly using Fastboot since it could cause a bootloop—your Pixel 4 lacks a recovery partition. Always opt for temporary booting, never direct installation. The "fastboot boot" command from Step 7 is the only one you should use when dealing with custom recoveries.

• You can't exactly install recovery image files with this specific test version of TWRP. I expect we'll see options to install recovery image files directly from TWRP soon enough.

• Currently, you cannot mount your phone's internal storage from TWRP, which means you can't access your files using a computer. This feature will be addressed in a future update, so stay tuned.

• I'll be updating this guide when newer versions of TWRP become available, especially with the possible inclusion of Android 11 in the future. TWRP developers typically don't work on early Beta builds of Android. Most wait until the final official version is released before they begin exploring possibilities.

Don't Miss: How to Root Your Pixel 4 with Magisk — The Beginner's Guide

Cover image and screenshots by Stephen Perkins/Gadget Hacks

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