yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] carnivalrejectq:
Question. Thinking about unlocking my bootloader and rooting but how do updates work after that? Can I not seamlessly switch to developer preview or get monthly security updates for stock after that because of twrp?
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] Homeboy76:
Once you unlock your bootloader OTA are a thing of the past. Unless you sideload the OTA. To update your firmware/factory image you must: Download the latest factory image, and use the flash-all.bat to install it.

It is easy, check out this thread: [Guide] Pixel XL Android 8.1.0 (OREO) Unlock/Lock Bootloader + Install Stock Images/Custom kernels/TWRP Recovery/Systemless ROOT + June Security Patch
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] andydg12:
Phone-

Pixel XL

Unlocked Bootloader

Pure Nexus 7.1.2

Magisk Rooting

I ran into an interesting problem last night. I was going to make a backup with TWRP before I upgrade to an 8.1 ROM (I've been lazy about updating), so I changed the security from having to enter in a PIN to just swiping. I attempt to reboot into recovery and nothing happens, it just reboots like normal. I think "whatever that's odd... I'll look into that later." Phone boots up and I go to setup security (PIN and fingerprint). I put in the first PIN, it asks to confirm, I do it again and as I hit enter my phone freezes and reboots. Now it boots like normal, but never asks for a PIN after booting, just the swipe up to unlock, as far as I can tell, all my files are accessible. But when I go in to setup the security again, it's still set as swipe and when I tap on it, it asks for my PIN. I enter my PIN and "Settings Has Stopped" message appears every time. Everything else is normal except I still can't get into TWRP.

I tried using the Skipsoft Toolkit to push TWRP without flashing it, the Toolkit does put the phone into fastboot but TWRP locks up at the splash screen. I didn't know what to do so I though, guess I'll just do a factory reset. I go to do a factory reset and it asks for my PIN and I get the "Settings Has Stopped" message again.

After doing some Googling I've found that I could wipe my phone through Google's Device Manager, but what sort of wipe is this? Does it re-lock the bootloader? I've heard that's bad. I've seen I could also do some sort of wipe with ADB, but again I don't know how far this goes.

My pictures are backed-up and my Titanium Backup files have been moved to my computer.

What are my options here?

Thanks for reading my wall-o-text, any help would be much appreciated!
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] Phalanx7621:
Just flash stock firmware with fastboot and start over of you don't mind losing data.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] andydg12:
Wow it's that easy? Thank you!
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] andrew2432:
You have to manually relock the bootloader with adb, return to stock if you want to do that. Google won't lock it with an update
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] andydg12:
Thank you for your help guys, I truly do appreciate it! I have another couple questions, I installed the latest 8.1 onto my phone. I'd like to get Magisk and a custom Kernel.

I followed this guide here [Guide] (Pixel XL Android 8.1 (OREO) Unlock/Root/Install Images/Kernels/Recovery+), this did not go well for me. Everything seemed to go fine until I rebooted my phone and it got stuck in a semi-bootloop but only after I unlocked my phone. I tried to fix it and start over, after a lot of frustration and a really dumb and humiliatingly stupid decision on my part I reinstalled 8.1 again to just start over. After Googling around I found some conflicting information that may have led to what I assume is major user error on my part-

1. I kept my phone locked before installing TWRP like the guide says, but other places say to not do that

2. I installed the Kernel zip first as per the guide but the Magisk dev and the Elemental dev say it should be the other way around.

3. I vaguely remember having to reflash the boot.img, is this involved in the process here? The guide has instructions on extracting it and how to flash it, but never mentions when/if to flash it. Do the A and B partitions come into play?

Is there a very straight forward walk through for this when one is bone stock (No custom ROM and currently no plans to run one)?

Sorry for the dumb questions, I've never had a phone destroy my confidence with stuff like this before. I've rooted/ROMed/etc every phone I've had since my original Droid Incredible and never ran into an issue until now.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] Homeboy76:
Just Curious

"Everything seemed to go fine until I rebooted my phone and it got stuck in a semi-bootloop but only after I unlocked my phone."

If you unlocked your bootloader following the instructions in this thread: [How-to] Unlock bootloader on Verizon Pixel/XL by burduli A search of the thread would have provided solutions to the bootloop problem. Otherwise, you missed a step in the 'Unlock bootloader' instructions.

"1. I kept my phone locked before installing TWRP like the guide says, but other places say to not do that"

huh?

What guide says this?

"2. I installed the Kernel zip first as per the guide but the Magisk dev and the Elemental dev say it should be the other way around."

If you have a Custom ROM this may be true. That is why I recommend following the Custom ROM OP of the Custom ROM you want to install.

Which version of Magisk are you using?

"The guide has instructions on extracting it and how to flash it, but never mentions when/if to flash it. Do the A and B partitions come into play?"

"Note: Flashing this file removes root"

Want to remove root? flash the boot.img.

Yes, A and B partitions come into play when you flash the boot.img to boot slots.

Is there a very straight forward walk through for this when one is bone stock (No custom ROM and currently no plans to run one?

Yes.

Do #4 'keep data' to install factory image.

Do #7 or # 8 to root/reroot.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] andydg12:
Poor phrasing by me, my apologies. Bootloader was and has been unlocked before doing this today. What I meant was the PIN, Step 7, before sub-step A.

v16.0, the guide said it was stable, so I figured that would be better than going with a beta. But if it works I'd happily run the beta.

That's definitely not what I want to do then haha. I'm guessing I should have done this before installing TWRP or is that only necessary for a custom ROM?

This is what I did (#7), I must've screwed something up in here. But when I was looking for possible ways I messed up I found on the ElementalX website they recommend installing Magisk first. (Step 3)

I know this probably sounds like I'm second guessing you, but it's really just more confusion on my part and wanting to understand more and learn from my screw-up this morning, I also want you to know that I really do appreciate you for writing the guide.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] andrew2432:
I thought you needed to remove all locks/pins/passcodes prior to any of this, unlocking included.

I use v16.0 and its fine. Sometimes i have crashing manager but i get over it. Everything works so whatever.

Unlock first, FASTBOOT twrp image, then flash the zip to get twrp to stick. Otherwise you'll need to always fastboot it. Then flash the kernel unless it says twrp+kernel won't work, then just use fastbooted twrp. Follow ROM specific instructions within the ROM, I think flash kernel after custom rom?

And the kernel problem confuses me. Many kernels now say you can flash magisk over it in newer updates. The last two I tried bootlooped. I haven't yet flashed my stock boot to try that way as also suggested. No idea how to help currently other than I also tried elemental 3.09 and mentioned it in the thread to no response lol although I did state my next steps I would try and haven't so...catch 22. To fix bootloop, just flashed my twrp backup for only my boot. Fixed it. I want elemental but I'm lazy because idk if I can use the stock boot from the factory zip on RR, probably could flash magisk unzip, kernel, magisk but that's like a whole 3minutes without service man....
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] Homeboy76:
Ok.

The instructions in my thread apply to Stock ROM only. If you have a Custom ROM installed or want to install one follow the instructions in the OP of that Custom ROM

The ,latest, BETA version is 16.7(1671)

Follow the instructions in the OP for the Custom ROM

I couldn't find the Post with the "Step 3" you reffered to on this thread: [KERNEL] [July 3] Pixel XL ElementalX 3.09 (8.1.0) 4.05 (P) by flar2

ElementalX installation with

Stock ROM only

ElementalX then Magisk

If you want Stock ROM with Custom kernel and root

#4 and #7.

If you want Custom ROM with Custom kernel and root #11 follow the instructions in the OP of the Custom ROM you choose.

Thank you.

---------- Post added at 12:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:29 PM ----------

You're mixing Stock ROM and Custom ROM (RR) instructions:

a. Stock - Set pin

b. Custom - Do not Set pin, prior to installation
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] andydg12:
THANK YOU!!! I just got home from work and tried it, I used the beta version like you said here, Google Pay (or whatever they are calling it now) is working too. Thank you again for your patience with me, if you're ever in Northern IL I'd like to buy you a beer or 5 just shoot me a PM on here
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] Phalanx7621:
I never set a pin or password up when flashing and always remove it before hand, just to play it safe. You can safely flash Magisk before flashing the kernel, long as the kernel has the proper commits (lines of code) to allow it to work properly with Magisk as Magisk patches the RAM disk. I use King kernel and I know it does. Otherwise ask the kernel Dev.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] Ozark_8125:
I got a little flash happy today when P dropped and flashed the .010 version instead of .009 for telus - it seems to be working fine, but any known issues I should watch out for?
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] liam_davenport:
Will just be some carrier specifics should't effect normal use
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] lesp4ul:
My notifications light doesn't light up on pie. Updated from 8.1 to 180610.009 via OTA. checked "blink light" already on.

Please help.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] JAMoulton87:
Hello I've got a Rooted Pixel XL 8.1 and was wondering how I could downgrade to 7.1.2? What would I need to do if possible? Thanks
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] Valkyrie743:
Flash a 7.1.2 image then reroot. Backup datw before hand.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] JAMoulton87:
Thanks can I install a .zip from TWRP to downgrade? And do I need to wipe the data before I try to install the .zip
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] Valkyrie743:
I would just download the stock image from Google https://developers.google.com/android/images

Just boot into download mode. Unzip file. And click flashall bat

This will delete your data partition. There is a way to flash without deleting data partition but forgot how. Think you have to edit the bat file. Once you so that you can then just boot twrp then flash twrp then reboot back into recovery then flash magisk the. You should be set.

Why so you want to go back to 7.1.2? Oreo is pretty good.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] murphysflaw:
So I screwed up. I got a new Pixel XL (running 8.0). I got it rooted and bootloader unlocked (and debugging on). I was in the process of installing Lineage OS. I had gotten as far as pushing the lineage .zip to the phone in TWRP (3.2.3-0), and adb can't see my device. Neither can fastboot. I can see "Google Nexus ADB Interface" in Device Manager. Windows says the latest driver is installed. I'm using a brand new cable. I don't know what to do next. Any ideas?
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] Phalanx7621:
You're saying your Pixel is showing up as a Nexus ?
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] murphysflaw:
Yes. That's exactly what I'm saying. :D
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] Phalanx7621:
Have you owned a Nexus device previously?
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] murphysflaw:
No. I've messed around with a couple of Pixels before on this PC, but no Nexus.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] Phalanx7621:
Than the only conclusion I can draw is that you installed drivers that had Nexus drivers in it as well, or something wonky like that. Have you tried all the different USB ports on the PC?
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] Velfess:
(can be deleted)
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] marriedman:
I can't believe I am posting on noob friendly thread, but after all the reading I have done I have an information overload and I am getting confused. Simple answers would help me a lot.

I am currently on a Oneplus 3. I have been rooting and I have been flashing ROM's since my Samsung Moment; I like to think I am decent at following instructions and don't need help often. But his slot A & B thing is completely alien to me. I just bought an original Pixel XL for the camera. I really like Lineage since that is what I am used to, but I don't know if the camera will be the same under Lineage as it is with stock. So I am up in the air about that. But most important to me is TWRP & root (Magisk). The phone should arrive today, so it will be a from scratch process. I will have no problem wiping it. I do not know which version of Android is on there yet if that makes a difference.

If I stay stock, I cannot install TWRP permanently AND I have to re-root every time there is an OTA (meaning I must use a computer) - is that a correct statement?

If I go the Lineage (or any ROM based upon Lineage) route, I still cannot install TWRP permanently but I can maintain root - is that a true statement?

Best case scenario to me would be a persistent install of both TWRP & root as well as normal regular updates. Does this exist?

Thanks in advance for anyone who replies. I appreciate the help!
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] Homeboy76:
You can install twrp without rooting.

If you are stock you can side load the OTA image.

You have to be rooted to install a Custom ROM and you can install twrp.

I don't think so.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] marriedman:
Just so I understand you correctly - TWRP can be installed permanently & persistently whether stock or custom ROM?

If I stay stock, I will have to re-root after each update - correct?

If I go custom ROM, my root is persistent - correct?
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] Homeboy76:
Yes! Sorry, I didn't mean to confuse you, I have fastbooted the twrp.image and when it booted flashed twrp.zip via twrp. I rebooted the recovery and twrp was still there. Then I rooted my phone.

If you stay stock, why would you have to reroot?

Yes, sorta/kinda/maybe.

Go to this thread [Guide] Pixel XL Android 9.0.0 (Pie) Unlock/Lock Bootloader + Install Stock Images/Custom kernels/TWRP Recovery/Systemless ROOT + September 2018 Security Patch and click/tap #11 Custom ROM's and read the OP's features and instructions of the one you select.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] marriedman:
OK, feeling much more confident. Thank you Homeboy!
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] mhd_:
OG Pixel XL shipped with Oreo?

I ordered a supposedly "NEW" and NOT refurbished pixel xl, and when I booted it up for the first time I realised that it had android 8 Oreo on it instead of nougat. Also It had 24% battery. Is this normal?
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] liam_davenport:
Brand new should ship with 7.1, Battery percentage is debatable as they never ship them with high battery percentage. Could of been opened and used than made to look new. A lot of resellers are shady gotta beware where you're buying from
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] mhd_:
So google doesn't ship newer batches of the pixel with Oreo?
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] mhd_:
Update from 8.0 to 8.1

Hello,

When I go to the settings, it says that android 9 is available to update. But I want 8.1. I am currently on android 8.0
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] liam_davenport:
I'm not sure how Google ship there devices but if it came from them directly it will be brand new
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] Velfess:
What are the chances that Night Shot will be ported for older Pixels?

Edit: It will come to older pixels.

Source- https://www.androidpolice.com/2018/...ing-older-pixel-phones-will-remain-exclusive/
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] deathknight842:
Hello, I plan on getting a used Pixel XL on Ebay and I wanted to unlock the bootloader and install a custom ROM. Looking through them I can't tell if they are from Google, but I assume most are from Verizon. I briefly read something about not being able to relock a bootloader if it has already been unlocked and relocked before. As well as an OTA update that removed the ability to unlock if I'm not mistaken.

Will any of them have the potential to be fully unlocked and used with a custom ROM or is there anything I should avoid or ask the seller before buying that can stop me from unlocking the bootloader? Thank you.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] Phalanx7621:
Google versions of the phone can be boot loader unlocked easily. Verizon versions can be unlocked as well, they just require a bit more work. I would ask the seller which version it is.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] Vashno1:
Pixel XL (ramdump) writing to EXT4 thing

Hi, I have (well it was) a rooted Verizon Pixel XL that was on Pie on the October patch. I was in TWRP and was going to clear the cache, and at the last moment I saw that system was chosen for wipe as well but it was too late for me to stop it. I don't have an OS installed, every time I try booting into recovery it bootloops on the "please lock your bootloader" screen, goes to Google logo, and then goes black and says in the top right corner about a ramdump and writing to an ext4 thing. I can get into the bootloader. I've tried 6 different factory images and they all failed either saying I don't have space for some reason or the update package is missing the system image. I really need my phone back up and running ASAP, any help is appreciated. Thanks.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] arooni:
Verizon Pixel XL (OG) owner here. Bought on ebay, best phone I've ever had.

Question: Is there any way to underclock this device (for better battery) but maintain stock rom? Looks like I'd need elementalX kernel and potentially root, but I'm very happy with stock Pixel interface/how smooth it is etc.

So is this possible? Or do I have to fully ditch the stock experience to get to underclocking?

Unrelated: what is the consensus 'best' ROM/kernel for the Pixel XL (128gb edition if it matters)

Thanks!
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] TonikJDK:
Can't help on ROMs that's not my scene. Root plus ElementalX will give the clocking control you want, and more tinkering ability. It will not change the stock experience at all, unless you intentionally tinker in that direction.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] Rubic13:
Was on an older 7.1 rom, phone worked fine. Did full wipe, flashed newest ota, flashed liquid remix rom. Phone could send calls and texts, but not receive. Flashed back to ota, problem persisted. Put sim card in M8, it works fine. Messed with the wireless and 6436 menu to try to see if that was it, but wasn't having much luck. Thanks in advance.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] droem:
Buying a Pixel XL, but I have a few questions

So I have a few questions before a I buy one

1) Unlocked vs Verizon. The Verizon one is cheaper, but what are the downsides? I know some of them are locked bootloader and some bloatware, but that’s easy the get around , right? Or should I just buy the unlocked one?

2) 32GB vs 128GB. I usually have a few apps, offline games, music, videos etc. I assume the 128GB is better. But is it?

I know these are some odd questions, but I’m just a teen working with 80 buck a month allowance money :)

THANKS!
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] Homeboy76:
If you're buying a Version Pixel XL you can unlock the bootloader: [How-to] Unlock bootloader on Verizon Pixel/XL by burduli

Depends on how much internal storage space you need.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] droem:
Thanks for the link, is $160 bucks a good price for a 128GB Verizon Pixel XL with minor wear?
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] Homeboy76:
Check Swappa and compare prices.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] droem:
Thanks! Do you recommend any kernels? I heard the ElementalX was good.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] Homeboy76:
No.

Why? You should choose your 'Custom Kernel' based on your needs. This guide has links to all the files you will need.

[Guide] Pixel XL Android 9.0 (Pie) Unlock/Root/Install Images/Kernels/Recovery + by Homeboy76

Do #4 'wipe data' , then #7 or #8 to root.

All the kernel links are at #7. Choose a kernel with the December update. ElementalX is one of the kernels with the December update.
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] fatapia:
there are no such things as stupid questions, but here is one! If I rollback from the current OTA for Pie back to the last available 8.1 image, can I get security updates without updating to Pie? Also, any known major issues with rolling back the OS? I've been tempted to buy a new Pixel but after browsing this forum for a bit it's worthwhile to try rolling back and see if that resolves my issue with battery
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] Homeboy76:
If I understand your question, AFAIK there are no 'new' security updates for Android 8.1.0 (Oreo)

If you want to roll back to Oreo 8.1 and you do not have a custom ROM installed:

- download the latest Oreo 8.1 factory image

- the latest SDK Platform-tools r28.0.1

- use this guide: https://xdaforums.com/pixel-xl/how-to/guide-pixel-xl-android-8-1oreo-unlock-t3715279/

- Do #4 'wipe data', then #7 or #8 if you want to root
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] fatapia:
yup you got what I was asking, I figured as much but wanted to ask. Thank you for the steps, I am running stock at the moment so that is really helpful. I appreciate it!
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] fatapia:
just wanted to add my experience to this thread for anyone else wanting to go this route. Everything went smooth, was thrown for a loop when the post referenced Magisk 17.1, but 18.0 is current. Decided to try 18.0 since I had time, installed TWRP and ElementalX with Magisk 18.0 and I'm up and running! I feel like this is smoother than my experience with Pie but let's see
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] Edbert:
Stock Pixel XL went to bootloop today

I've dabbled in rooting/flashing years ago but this is my daily driver and I never messed with this phone before.

I applied an OTA update late last week, do not remember the exact day, but it was okay for at least a few days. Other than that the only changes were the never ending app-updates. Thinking I might have had some incompatible SW installed I did factory reset from the fastboot or bootloader screen, not sure of my terms but green start arrow at the power button and sick 'droid with his tummy open. That did not stop the boot-loops.

I'm prepared to install a base image, the version still on the device is 190105.004. I have "marlin-pq1a.181205.002.a1" all ready to go with adb installed, but, you may have guessed...I never unlocked this device...arrrgh!

Suggestions as to what I should try next?
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] TonikJDK:
ADB sideload the full OTA file.

https://developers.google.com/android/ota
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] Edbert:
Thanks for the feedback! I was thinking that ADB could not write to it since I never unlocked it through the OS.

I was unable to load the december-18 file, the device did not want to take the downgrade, so I loaded the january-19 one and it is fine now. THANKS!
[Google Pixel XL Questions & Answers] dramalicious:
Hi guys. Just got a brand new pixel xl and an tempered glass( but it don.t cover the screen like it should). Can someone recommend me some screen protectors not to expensive with sipping in estern europe please? Thank you in advance