How to Install TWRP on Google Pixel 3a

TWRP — Team Win Recovery Project. In simple terms, this is a custom recovery or a program for restoring Android-based devices. Recovery refers to creating a full backup of all data, including the bootloader, user applications and settings, system data, and so on. The backup can be accessed at any time. It is worth installing TWRP on Google Pixel 3a only if you assume that you cannot restore the device in the standard way.

Note that some manufacturers embed TWRP into their operating systems by default. Moreover, this is legal, since TWRP — an open source program that anyone can use for free. Also, our editorial staff strongly recommends that you do not use the functions of overwriting the operating system without knowledge of the issue. If you delete Android from your device, you probably won't be able to restore it yourself.

Once again, the main and safe function — is to back up your data! There is no need to remove Android from your device and install another operating system!!! Don't click on the «Wipe» button just like that!!!!! Now we proceed directly to the installation.

About the official TWRP app and where to download it

If you have already studied the article on the topic, then you have come across a mention of the Official TWRP App. Only here's the problem, if you bought a phone a year or two ago, you won't be able to install it. Why? Yes, because on modern Android this application is not available, as it was developed for earlier versions of the OS.

So if you can't find the app in your Google Play, then:

1. We strongly recommend that you abandon the idea of installing TWRP! Seriously, you can kill your phone, and we don't want to be responsible for it.
2. If you are still persistent enough, then go to the official website — Official application TWRP — and download the «.apk» file.
3. Also, carefully! CAREFULLY!!! Read this excerpt from the official website: «The initial version of the app does not support firmware on Pixel due to the Pixel's A/B sections. In addition, the app may not support searching and firmware images from external storage».
4. Think again if you need TWRP at all (and aren't you afraid to kill your smartphone).
5. If you have finally decided, then install TWRP by running the «.apk» file. If at this stage you encounter any error, then do not try to install the official application further, since your device does not support it.

What to do after installing the TWRP application

Now remains a small matter:

1. Open the application. Carefully! CAREFULLY!!! We read all the warnings from Team Win and tick the boxes opposite the items confirming our desire to destroy our smartphone with our own hands.

2. Click on «TWRP FLASH».
3. A window will appear in which we will be asked to grant the application Root-rights. By the way, did we say that for the normal operation of the application, you will need superuser rights? If you don't have them, then read about the ways to get them in our other guide. And if you don't want to get Root-rights, then close this article, because nothing will work without them.
4. Next, click on «Select Device». In the list that opens, you need to find your smartphone. If it is not there, then you will not be able to install TWRP, since Team Win has not yet added support for your model!
5. If you find your smartphone, then immediately after selecting it, the application will automatically redirect you to a website from which you can download an image of the modified environment. Actually, we need to download this file. It must have the extension «.img»!
6. After downloading the file, open the application again and click on «Select a file to flash..». A menu opens where you need to find the downloaded «.img».
7. Next, click on «FLASH TO RECOVERY». And we confirm our intention.
8. After a short period of time, you will receive a message «Flash Completed Successfully!». We congratulate you, too, you got your hands on a tool to mock your smartphone!

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