How to Install Official TWRP Recovery on Google Pixel C and Root it

The Google Pixel C (codenamed: dragon) was released in October 2015 with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow and later received an update to Android 8.0 Oreo. Recently, the device has gained official TWRP recovery support. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of installing TWRP Recovery on the Google Pixel C. The guide includes written instructions and a video tutorial to help you complete the installation quickly. Make sure to download the necessary files before following the instructions for installing TWRP Recovery and rooting your Google Pixel C.

Before starting the process, it’s important to note that you will need to unlock the device’s bootloader. Smartphone manufacturers typically provide locked bootloaders for security reasons, so you’ll need to unlock the bootloader to install any third-party files. Once the bootloader is unlocked, you can proceed to install TWRP Custom Recovery on your Google Pixel C device and root it. TWRP Recovery allows for Nandroid backups, system/data/cache wipes, and more.

In terms of specifications, the Google Pixel C features a 10.2-inch True LTPS IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2560 x 1800 pixels. It is powered by the Nvidia Tegra X1 paired with 3GB of RAM and comes with 32/64GB of internal storage, without support for microSD cards. The camera setup includes an 8MP primary camera with LED dual-tone flash on the rear and a 2MP front camera for selfies. The device is backed by a 9240mAh battery.

TWRP Recovery and its Advantages

Team Win Recovery Project (TWRP) is an open-source custom recovery image for Android devices. It features a user-friendly, touchscreen-enabled interface that empowers users to install third-party firmware, create system backups, and perform various other functions that are often not supported by stock recovery images.

Advantages of TWRP Recovery:

• Flash Custom ROMs: Easily flash custom ROMs on your Google Pixel C, giving your device new features and improvements.
• Modding Capabilities: Install modding zip files effortlessly to customize and enhance your phone’s functionality.
• Xposed Modules: Use TWRP to flash and manage Xposed Modules, unlocking additional customization options.
• Rooting and Unrooting: Conveniently root or unroot your device using TWRP Recovery with the flashable SuperSU zip.
• Magisk Installation: Seamlessly install Magisk on your Google Pixel C for systemless root and other enhancements.
• Nandroid Backup: Create and restore comprehensive Nandroid backups easily, safeguarding your system and data.
• Image Flashing: Flash image files directly onto your Google Pixel C using TWRP Recovery, including boot and recovery images.
• Bloatware Removal: Remove unnecessary pre-installed apps (bloatware) effortlessly with TWRP Recovery.
• Performance Tweaks: Adjust your device’s performance by underclocking or overclocking as needed.
• Wipe Options: Easily wipe cache, data, and other partitions to optimize your device’s performance or prepare for a fresh installation.

How to Install Official TWRP Recovery on Google Pixel C (dragon)

Before going to the TWRP installation process, make sure to follow all the pre-requirements mentioned below properly.

Pre-Requirements:

• The file and guide are supported for the Google Pixel C (dragon) model only. Don’t try it on other devices.
• Google Pixel C bootloader should be unlocked.
• A PC/Laptop and a USB cable are required for this process.
• Take a Full Backup of Device Data (No Root).
• Charge your device battery to full.
• Download All Required Files:
  • No Verity opt Encrypt
  • Download SuperSU Zip – For root using SuperSU
  • Download Magisk Zip – For root using Magisk
  • USB Drivers: Google USB Drivers | Qualcomm
  • Download ADB and Fastboot and install it on your PC

TWRP Recovery Details

Method: ADB and Fastboot Tool

After downloading all the required files, drivers, and tools, follow the installation process.

• First of all, enable the Developer Options and USB Debugging mode on your device.
• Head over to the device Settings > System > About Phone > then tap on the Build Number for seven times to enable Developer options mode.
• Now, go to the Developer options in the Settings menu and turn on the toggle to enable USB debugging.
• Next, open the ADB & Fastboot folder on your computer. Then press and hold the Shift key and right mouse click to open the command window.
• Turn off your device > Press and hold the Volume Up + Power button together for a few seconds to enter into Fastboot mode.
• Connect your device with the PC via a USB cable and type the following code on the command windows and hit enter:

adb reboot bootloader

• Now, your device is connected successfully as a fastboot device.
• Type the following command and hit enter to check the fastboot device connected or not:

fastboot devices

• Now, in order to install TWRP Recovery on your phone, type the following command and press enter:

fastboot flash recovery twrpname.img

• To just boot, you can use the command fastboot boot twrpname.img
• That’s it. You’ve successfully installed the TWRP Recovery on the Google Pixel C device. Now, you have to flash the Root.

What is Root?

Smartphone Rooting is the unofficial way to enable an administrator or superuser access to your device system and subsystem. Therefore, the user can easily tweak, change, edit, or delete system files and apps easily.

With the help of rooting, you can uninstall bloatware, increase device performance, reduce battery draining, install Xposed modules, and more. However, smartphone rooting will void the device warranty and you may not get software OTA updates anymore. An improper way of rooting can also brick your device easily. Therefore, make sure to follow the guide properly.

The advantage of Rooting:

• You can get access to all files on your Google Pixel C, even the files present in the root directory of your phone.
• You can increase the performance of your Google Pixel C by overclocking.
• By rooting you can increase battery life by underclocking Google Pixel C.
• Uninstall Bloatware on Google Pixel C.
• You can block Ads on any Android applications such as Youtube and other game-related applications.

Also Read: Top 5 Adblock Plus Alternatives for Android

• By Rooting Google Pixel C, you can View, Edit, or Delete any system file inside the root directory.
• You can install the Xposed Framework and many Xposed module support.

Steps to Root Google Pixel C

Guide to Root Google Pixel C via SuperSU

Guide to Root Google Pixel C via Magisk

We assume that this full-depth installation guide will be helpful to you. For any queries, feel free to ask in the comments below.