How to Install OTA Updates Without Losing Root on Android

Updated on by Admin

Table of Contents

Before getting started, let’s make sure you’re ready. These steps work for most rooted Android devices like the Samsung Galaxy S21, S21 Ultra, Google Pixel 6, Pixel 7 Pro, OnePlus 10, and similar models. Here’s what you need to do first:

  • Turn Off Automatic System Updates:
    Go to Settings > About Phone > Build Number (tap 7 times to turn on Developer Options). Then, go to Settings > System > Developer Options and turn off Automatic System Updates.
  • Backup Your Data:
    It’s always smart to have a full backup ready. Use apps like Titanium Backup or your device’s built-in backup options.
  • Download Necessary Files:
    Download Magisk Zip File, Download TWRP Recovery Image, Download Android SDK Platform Tools

Installing OTA Updates on A/B Partition Devices

If your device has A/B partitions, like many Google Pixel devices, this method will help you update without losing root.

Restore Stock Boot Image

Before you start the update, you’ll need to restore the stock boot image to make sure the update goes smoothly.

  1. Open the Magisk App, tap on Uninstall, and choose Restore Images.
  2. Don’t reboot your device at this point, as it will remove root.

Install the OTA Update

Once the stock images are restored, you’re ready to install the OTA update.

  1. Go to Settings > System > System Update and download the OTA update.
  2. After downloading, don’t reboot your device yet.

Reinstall Magisk on the Inactive Slot

To keep your device rooted after the update, you need to reinstall Magisk.

  1. Open the Magisk App again.
  2. Tap on Install next to Magisk and select Install to Inactive Slot.
  3. Once that’s done, reboot your device.

Your device will now boot into the updated system, and you’ll still have root access.

Installing OTA Updates via ADB Sideload

For devices that don’t have A/B partitions, ADB Sideload is a reliable way to install OTA updates while keeping root.

Download and Prepare Files

  1. Download the OTA update file specific to your device.
  2. Download the Android SDK Platform Tools and extract them on your PC.
  3. Move the OTA file to the platform-tools folder and rename it to ota.zip.

Boot into Recovery Mode

  1. Turn on USB Debugging on your device (Settings > Developer Options > USB Debugging).
  2. Connect your device to your PC and open Command Prompt in the platform-tools folder.
  3. Type the command: adb reboot recovery to boot into recovery mode.

Apply OTA via ADB

  1. Use the volume keys to select Apply Update via ADB in the recovery menu.
  2. On your PC, type: adb sideload ota.zip and press enter.
  3. Once the installation is done, reboot your device.

Installing OTA Updates via Factory Image

If you want to be extra sure everything goes smoothly, flashing the factory image is the most reliable method.

Prepare the Factory Image

  1. Download the Factory Image for your device and extract it into the platform-tools folder.
  2. Extract the boot.img from the image and transfer it to your device.

Flash the Factory Image

  1. Open Command Prompt in the platform-tools folder.
  2. Type the command: adb reboot bootloader to boot into fastboot mode.
  3. Use the command: fastboot flash boot boot.img to flash the factory image.
  4. Reboot your device when the flashing process is complete.

Installing OTA Updates via Android Flash Tool

For Pixel and some other devices, the Android Flash Tool offers a simpler way to get the update installed.

Use the Android Flash Tool

  1. Download the Factory Image for your device.</li >
  2. Connect your device to your PC and visit the Android Flash Tool website.
  3. Follow the instructions on the screen to flash the update.

Reinstall Magisk

After the OTA update, reinstall Magisk by following the steps from the A/B partition method above.

Installing OTA Updates on OnePlus Devices

OnePlus devices have a slightly different method for installing OTA updates.

Restore Stock Boot

  1. Open the Magisk App and tap on Uninstall > Restore Images.
  2. Download the OTA update and move it to your device’s internal storage.

Use Local Update

  1. Install the OnePlus Local Update App and use it to install the OTA update.
  2. Once the update is installed, reboot your device to keep root access.

Reinstalling Magisk After OTA Update

If other methods don’t work, you might need to uninstall Magisk temporarily and reinstall it after the update.

Uninstall Magisk

  1. Open the Magisk App and choose Complete Uninstall.
  2. After uninstalling, install the OTA update as you normally would.

Reinstall Magisk

After the OTA is installed, follow the steps to re-root your device using Magisk.

And that’s it! Updating a rooted Android device doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By following these steps, you can keep your device up-to-date and rooted, without any fuss. Remember, it’s important to go slow and double-check each step to avoid any mishaps. If you ever feel unsure, you can always come back to this guide or check out the linked videos for a little extra help. Ready to get started? Let’s keep that device of yours running smoothly and rooted!

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