yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] bjamm2:
Anyone else getting issues with flashing the bootloader? I have unlocked and stuck in fastboot mode as my only available option. Recovery doesnt load.

I've factory flashed to google stock image and getting this error - target reported max download size of 536870912 bytes

sending 'bootloader_b' (32728 KB)...

OKAY [ 0.867s]

writing 'bootloader_b'...

FAILED (remote: Verify bootloader image failed on production device.)

finished. total time: 1.375s

I have verizon device, but not sure if it matters.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] cntryby429:
Have you updated your fastboot?
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] bjamm2:
Yes i'm using the 1.036 version which was recommended on another thread.

---------- Post added at 05:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:46 PM ----------

Ive got past the bootloader issue by matching the stock factory image to the flash-all.. however it is stuck in a bootloop still after flashing.

No recovery available but it will go into fastboot without issue.

I tried to flash twrp and flash back to stock but no luck. Will not boot to OS or recovery only manual flashboot seems to work. Whats best way to reset to factory and try again? I'm having no luck.

I am OEM unlocked on verizion pixel. OTA to 7.1.1 from Verizon worked fine until I tried to root and that where the problem started.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] vNocturnus:
Hey all, just want to preface that I'm the kind of person who knows just enough to be dangerous... As in I've been a lurker for a while, used custom ROMs on all my previous phones (Galaxy Player 5.0, S4, S5), but far from an expert.

Anyway, I bought a Pixel at Best Buy, and activated it on Sprint. Pretty shortly after it updated to 7.1.1, before I did much of anything besides adding my google account (didn't enable developer options, unlock anything etc) and immediately started bootlooping on the white google screen.

I've been trying to flash a factory image to my device using adb or fastboot (admittedly not an expert, and mostly just following guides from a guy named TechnoBill on the google forum with a bit of cursory knowledge of adb) however before I can even really get anywhere I'm having issues knowing what build to pull from a google page I can't link because this is only my second post. My device's build is NDE63N and I don't seem to be able to find much information on it at all. Anyone able to enlighten me?
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] maflin18:
You received an OTA, and upon updating it presented you with bootloops? No root, unlocked bootloader, TWRP, sideloading, anything?
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] vNocturnus:
Correct. I did nothing after getting it besides downloading spotify to listen to on my way home, when it downloaded an OTA update. After finishing that, it rebooted and now am in a bootloop. Didn't so much as enable developer options (unfortunately, because now, I think, the bootloader on this phone is completely locked).
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] maflin18:
Can you get into bootloader? (While off, hold volume down and power)
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] vNocturnus:
Yes, I've gone into bootloader > recovery mode to do a factory reset from there, and it had no change. A user from reddit is telling me that I can use adb to re-flash an OTA file off google's website and said that even though my build says NDE63N I can use the NMF62O from developers dot google dot com android ota (/ in for spaces there). In your unprofessional opinion does that sound right?

Sorry if I shouldn't have posted in the noob thread with the bits I do know how to do, by the way, I usually think I'm nooby enough.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] maflin18:
That does sound promising to me. I would download the complete NMF26O factory image from Google's website. After it downloads, unzip it and there should be a batch file called flash-all. Put phone into bootloader and run that file. Hopefully that will do the trick.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] vNocturnus:
Unfortunately my phone's bootloader isn't unlocked so I can't really do anything out of fastboot. I should be able to push it via adb right?
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] maflin18:
Shoot. Yes, you should be able to sideload the OTA zip with adb.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] vNocturnus:
I have sideloaded the NMF26O OTA one and still have the same thing happening. I can't sideload the factory one.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] maflin18:
I know this might sound like a ridiculous solution...but if you just got the phone, and it corrupted itself somehow with an update...I would return it. I would also order directly from Google, especially if you're not using on Verizon anyways.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] vNocturnus:
Yea, I'm going to take it back tomorrow. It's just a hassle I didn't want to deal with. I had originally wanted to buy from Google, but needed to have the phone by 12/31 to get a credit from Sprint, the carrier I'm already pretty tied to.

Thanks for your help!
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] maflin18:
Yes, understandable. Anytime!
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] TonikJDK:
When you get the new one if you want an unlocked bootloader, you need to do that before it updates.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] maflin18:
Not if he's ordering from Google this time
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] vNocturnus:
Yea I'm going to do that. Don't I have to disable OTA updates too? I'm still unclear on if I unlock the bootloader then update OTA, will that relock it?
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] TonikJDK:
Once you unlock it you can take the OTA, it won't relock.

Now if you start modding it the ota's will fail, so I would turn off OTA updates at that point so they don't annoy you. You will manually update at that point.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] vNocturnus:
See that's the dilemma I'm in now. I have one from Google I ordered before I managed to get one from best buy getting here in 4 or 5 days. What I'm not sure about is that if I switch the phones after that point, will I keep my credit because that expires today, and tbh sprint is terrible with customer service, in my experience.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] maflin18:
I'm not familiar with sprint or their credit system, so my best advice would be to try and talk with a representative at a sprint store about your particular situation.

If they won't keep your credit, but you can afford to spend a little extra cash to get the phone from Google, it's definitely worth it if you are wanting to do anything other than keep it completely stock.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] FernBch:
Once you get your new device unlock if you want it unlocked. If it's a Google device don't worry about taking the OTA. Only the Verizon devices are being locked down. If you want TWRP or root you must be unlocked first. Find the appropriate thread for instructions on each task and make sure to read the OP thoroughly.

Also be aware that the unlocking procedure for the Google device and the Pre 7.1.1 Verizon device is different. For Verizon devices ONLY - If the OTA is applied and the device is unlocked it remains unlocked. If the device is locked it is PERMANENTLY locked and cannot be downgraded.

Make note of what build it is on before doing anything. If something goes wrong trying to unlock, etc. you will need that build to restore with. A different build will not work.

If you have to restore from an issue make sure you have the latest fastboot tools, the build must be unzipped into the fastboot folder where your tool is, the device must be booted to fastboot mode, and the USB connected. Because you are recovering from an error run the flash-all.bat without removing the -w. You are there because something went wrong, let the script wipe the device clean and reinstall.

---------- Post added at 12:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:38 PM ----------

One other detail. If you are taking your Pixel to another carrier and you have the Verizon device you are protected from NOTHING. If tou plan on going ro Sprint, AT&T, etc. get your device straight from Google.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] TonikJDK:
Once you are unlocked you have a Google version for all intents and purposes.

I can't imagine the Verizon version ever being force relocked, if that is even possible. First, relocking causes a data wipe. Second they would brick or render unupdatable all the ones that had been modded

Can you imagine the class action lawsuits and FCC fines if Google did that?

Plus there are so few of us unlocking that I doubt they really care.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] RJMorris82:
Hi everyone, I'm excitedly awaiting for my pixel to arrive tomorrow from google and have been doing a ton of research. I'll be using the phone on Sprint and am trying to figure out the best way to use the native hotspot. I have to imagine its the root then build prop file method, but there seems to be a dozen threads on it and they usually reference verizon, so I'm not 100% sure the steps needed for me to achieve the end goal of unlocking my hotspot. I'd appreciate either a link to the thread i should use (like i said there are at least a dozen of them) or some instruction in the reply. Hopefully its easier since I'm getting the phone from google to use on Sprint. Thanks a ton in advance. I know its been talked alot on here, just looking for that definitive process, I don't want to screw anything up.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] kornesque:
Pixel noob here. I can find my way around rooting/roming but this dual boot slot concept is getting the best of me. I have seen unexplainable behavior in TWRP RC1 that kinda knocks my own ideas out of the water so I'd like to see if anyone here is knowledgeable enough on the subject to explain how it works and how to properly use it. I need something definitive like 'if you do this action with slot A active you will get x result'. Kinda sheepish since most others seem to get it, but maybe I messed something up. Thanks to everyone who contributed to these forums, it's gotten me places.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] mac796:
Was wondering if it's still ok for those of us not using twrp but rooting with the boot to root method. That's what I did for the last update and just updated su in play store.I read a couple posts around the forums saying not to do that anymore. I have only flashed twrp image to do a back up or if I want to install mod. This still ok?
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] maflin18:
If you have TWRP installed, you might as well update to the most up to date SuperSU.

If you'd rather not mess with it though, I don't believe there is anything "wrong" with using the boot to root method. Just not the most up to date.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] mac796:
I never install it just flash the image.if I need to do a back up Would I be better off installing it. I was going to wait for the kinks to be worked out. I guess my question is, is the boot to root method still ok
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] maflin18:
It is still ok, yes. I misunderstood, thought you had TWRP installed. Your use of TWRP is smart for your case.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] aady@141:
My google pixel earpiece not working...Not able to hear what the other person is saying when i am in a call..
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] maflin18:
Have you messed with custom kernels, roms, etc?
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] aady@141:
No sir. I haven't rooted my phone..I am running on stock android 7.1.1...
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] maflin18:
Try rebooting just for kicks. Did it work previously?
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] aady@141:
I rebooted many times but it didn't do anything...
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] maflin18:
Sounds like a hardware issue then. Contact whoever you purchased through, they should replace the device. Unless it was your fault by getting it wet or something of the sorts.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] aady@141:
Ok.Thank you sir...
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] PsiPhiDan:
Don't beat me... I'm on Verizon and just got my Pixel today and I'm still on 7.1! What's the best thread to follow to get this baby unlocked and rooted? I don't care for a custom ROM just yet. Just maybe a kernel and some tweaks.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] TonikJDK:
First post in the thread below, but be sure to check the second to last post. It contains an easier way to download fastboot and adb. Yes, its I. The XL forum, but no difference.

https://xdaforums.com/pixel-xl/how-to/guide-how-to-unlock-root-flash-pixel-xl-t3507886/page13
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] PsiPhiDan:
I've reached my limit of thanks for the day but wanted to say thank you!

In your opinion, is it pretty dummy proof? I'm terrified to mess up my phone but I've done lots of rooting/tinkering in my past. So I'm not new to this bit it used to be much simpler with my older devices (GS3, Evo 4G, etc.).
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] TonikJDK:
Getting the bootloader unlocked is child's play. And you need to get that done before it updates man.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] PsiPhiDan:
Thanks for the help but sadly it's over for me... My day just got ruined. A warning to others who may do the same: rebooting your phone may install the update without telling you. I never once selected an update, and when I tried to reboot to test my adb, the phone came on and said, "finishing update" and sure enough, I'm on 7.1.1.

Ugh.

I am so upset.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] maflin18:
Did you buy pixel through Verizon? Or through Google and use Verizon sim?
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] PsiPhiDan:
Through Verizon ($3.33/mo with S5 trade-in).
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] maflin18:
I'm sorry. I would keep reading around to see if anyone has figured out how to unlock bootloader for Verizon device on 7.1.1. or how to downgrade, although I would avoid that if possible.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] PsiPhiDan:
Yeah, it really sucks. Especially since I now see in Developer Options that there is a switch for automatic updates I could have turned off and probably prevented this. Ugh. I've heard downgrading doesn't get rid of the patch, though. Stupid Verizon. All I could do it replace it with a new one but I'd pay $35 for a restocking fee. Not sure I want to go through all that hassle. Plus I'm not sure they have any more 128GB models in stock.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] FernBch:
Unfortunately it is not possible to downgrade. The OTA blocked that, too. To my knowledge an unlock method for 7.1.1 has not been discovered and is not being worked on. After 8 years of Big Red devices I have never seen a second exploit for an unlock patch found....
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] PsiPhiDan:
I'm going to see if I can get Verizon to replace it. IF it's in stock, that is. :( Only one store within 100 miles of me had it. I'm not confident they have another. But if Verizon will credit me the $35, I'll go suffer through setting up all over again and be EXTRA careful not to have the stupid thing auto-update.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] FernBch:
If they do replace it do not let them activate it. Bring it home, remove the SIM, and read here in the forum. There are a couple that talk of the steps to take to get it unlocked without it updating first.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] PsiPhiDan:
What if they won't let me take it home without activating it?

Also, Verizon is telling me to factory reset the device to return to Android 7.1. No way that works, right? Too simple, and everyone else would do that. Somehow the update must block the dePixel8 method even when factory reset?

---------- Post added at 02:48 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:58 AM ----------

Okay so I got approved by Verizon for a replacement with no charge! Man, I love having 7 lines on my account and many years of being with them... I throw my weight around and it works splendidly! :)

So I need to really make sure that this thing doesn't update this time because I'm not going to do all that again...

#1: Try and not let them even activate? If they do, should I remove the SIM card once I'm at home, prior to using dePixel8?

#2: Do I need to reboot in the process of unlocking the bootloader?

#3: I'll try unselecting "auto-updates" in Developer options. Does anyone know if that actually prevents it from updating?

Any other tips to avoid another catastrophe? :)
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] TonikJDK:
If they turn it on at the store they will instantly check for updates and update it. That's what they do. You have to stop that.

When you get it home don't SIM it or hook it up to wifi. Unlock it first.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] PsiPhiDan:
My one I'm typing on right now wasn't updated by them. I specifically told them not to and they didn't do anything (weren't prompted to either). Once the phone was on, I saw a notification that said "7.1.1 update information" but I never clicked it. I verified I was still on 7.1 (I was) and never touched the notification. Finally, upon restarting the phone somewhat accidentally (was trying to reboot onto bootloader to test ADB), it took a LONG time to boot, then when I got to my home screen it said "finishing update" and in seconds it was over. 7.1.1.

So I'm wondering if they force me to turn it on and install SIM, can I still avoid taking the update if I just don't restart the phone? Do I ever NEED to restart the phone during the unlock process? Maybe I'll just reboot into bootloader with ADB to avoid messing that up again...

I'll try and make sure the SIM is not in and WiFi isn't connected when I'm home. I still wonder if the update is already there if it can still update without network connection...
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] maflin18:
Update from factory is not already in there. They should just hand you the phone as they did before. Also, update will not auto download over data unless approved, because it is a large file size. So, they can insert sim at store.

If, in some crazy scenario, they connect it to wifi and it downloads the update, just don't power down. The update will be on the inactive slot at this point. (when you reboot, you'll boot to the updated slot). Go home, enable OEM unlocking, adb debugging in settings. Enter bootloader from PC (adb reboot bootloader). And follow bootloader unlock instructions.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] jesssiii:
Wouldn't that command be:

adb reboot bootloader?
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] maflin18:
Yes, that's what I get for posting at 2am haha
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] PsiPhiDan:
Awesome, thanks so much! I called and they agreed not to put in SIM. I'm on my way now to get it!! :victory:

---------- Post added at 09:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:39 PM ----------

To confirm, once I've unlocked the bootloader, I'm safe, correct? I don't need to root or install TWRP to prevent Verizon from locking anything down?
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] TonikJDK:
Correct.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] PsiPhiDan:
Last question. Guy at Verizon said all their phones have the SIM pre-installed. Should I just remove it before turning on then? Hopefully that would prevent the update...?
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] TonikJDK:
Yes, remove it and don't hit wifi. Just to be sure.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] PsiPhiDan:
Just got my bootloader unlocked with dePixel8 (on phone #2)!! Thanks to everyone on here who helped out. Turning off WiFi was the key to it all. I actually kept the SIM in with no issues.

SCREW YOU, VERIZON!!

:laugh:
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] TonikJDK:
Lol, very happy for you man. Congrats.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] PsiPhiDan:
Quick question now that I'm reading into all this ROM/kernel/TWRP business (lots of reading and prepping!):

At what point do you lost your data on your storage? So I'm downloading all these files (ROM, TWRP zip, etc.) but I was just wondering if I'll lose those in any steps along the way and be stuck. Or are my music files, pictures and downloaded files all safe while flashing ROMs, updating kernels, rooting, installing TWRP, etc?
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] maflin18:
For your user data:

Flashing TWRP: safe

Rooting: safe

ROMS: Flashing the ROM itself does not erase user data. However, before flashing a ROM, it is necessary to wipe user data beforehand, in able to cleanly install the ROM.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] PsiPhiDan:
But by user data, do you mean like account, apps, WiFi, etc.? Because I mean physical files in the storage like FLAC audio files and photos and such. I'd have to back that up to a computer each time I want to flash a ROM?
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] maflin18:
Storage contains folders where contents from things like TWRP, titanium backup, app folders for files, etc.

User data contains all of your apps and their data.

You do not need to export your TWRP or titanium backups (If you have enough room in your phone), because they are in storage and this is never wiped.

If you want to keep all of your apps and their data, just make sure to create a titanium backup of all user apps.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] PsiPhiDan:
So is my storage always safe then?

Edit: Nevermind - missed that last sentence you wrote.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] maflin18:
Unless you perform a flash-all. This I am almost certain, restores everything to factory, including storage.

If you need to at any point use flash-all to get yourself out of a jam, just edit the file to remove "-w", and this will restore everything to factory but keep all of your data.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] FernBch:
You could always do like I did. New device - new system - don't know everything about it yet = backup to PC then mod, TWRP, SU, etc. If it gets wiped I have a backup, if it doesn't even better.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] PsiPhiDan:
Haha, yes I basically did. I just wondered if I'd lose the TWRP file and SU file I put on my phone.

So I unlocked the bootloader and nothing more... Can I take the OTA to easily update to the most current radio/kernel/software before installing Pure Nexus? Seems much easier than all the sideloading I'm reading about.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] FernBch:
You're good. Since you are unlocked the OTA will not relock you. It's also smart to wait for root and TWRP, the update will fail because of them. I did it the lazy way (downloaded from Google, flashall.bat, and start fresh).
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] LemonsJuice36:
Ok I've looked everywhere and can't find a solution. I'm on Verizon with a google store pixel. I was running rooted stock with unlocked bl and my phone app had a tab for visual voicemail. Since then I switched over to the pure nexus rom with the "V" vendor image. Now my phone app doesn't have a tab for VVM and I had a friend leave me a voice mail and got no notification. Is there any way for me to get Verizon Visual Voicemail back on my current set up?
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] maflin18:
Yup. Go to settings>apps. You'll see you actually have 2 phone apps. Uninstall the Google one (only one it'll let you uninstall), and use the system one. Visual voicemail will then work.

There are very subtle differences between the two, and I wish we could use the more up to date Google one, but it seems there is a bug that needs to be fixed for VVM + PN ROM. I'm sure [MENTION=4395895]BeansTown106[/MENTION] is aware of this and will fix it soon. Until then, use system phone app.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] acidspider:
OK, so I got my pixel today and updated it to 7.1.1 then only to find out I couldn't unlock my bootloader, luckily I have reported it faulty to ee who will send me another tomorrow, my question is if I unlock the bootloader first then can update via the other and still be unlocked and then go on to root the device?
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] maflin18:
Yup. Once unlocked, you will not be relocked.
[Google Pixel Questions & Answers] DaRkRhiNe:
So i have a pixel with G-2PW4100 model on 7.1.1 and NMF26U build number. I am running it on Vodafone sim in India and haven't put verison sim ever. Is there any chance for me to unlock the phone??