yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] bajasur:
[SIZE=+3]5. How To Install A ROM with TWRP Recovery[/SIZE]

Prerequisites: unlocked bootloader (section 1), TWRP recovery (section 2).

Pending......

[SIZE=+3]6. How To Install A Custom Kernel With TWRP Recovery[/SIZE]

Prerequisites: unlocked bootloader (section 1), TWRP recovery (section 2).

A custom kernel can open up a new level of control over your device, such as overclocking/underclocking, undervolting, changing governors, changing I/O schedulers, adjusting colour calibrations, adjusting sound calibrations, and many other options.

Download a kernel that is compatible with your current ROM.

Check the md5 to verify its integrity.

Enter TWRP recovery.

Select the install option from the TWRP home screen.

Navigate to the kernel and select it.

Swipe to install.

You'll have an option to wipe cache/dalvik and an option to reboot system, hit the reboot system button.

Once your phone has booted up you can use a kernel tuning app to change governors, I/O scheduler, clock speed, and other options. Some of the popular kernel apps are Kernel Auditor, Trickster Mod, No Frills, Kernel Tuner, and many more.

[SIZE=+3]7. How To Install A Custom Kernel via Fastboot[/SIZE]

Prerequisites: unlocked bootloader (section 1)

This guide is for users who DO NOT have TWRP installed, and want to Fastboot flash custom kernels.

Check the md5 to verify its integrity.

Download the kernel file you want to flash from whichever kernel developer you'd like

Place the file in your fastboot folder

Open a command prompt within that folder and run

fastboot flash kernel kernel_binary

kernel_binary will be replaced with whatever the file name (ie fk-r5.gz for Franco's Kernel)

Reboot your device.

Special Note: You may lose root if you had SuperSU pre-installed, you will need to re root following Section 4 (How to Root via Fastboot)
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] bajasur:
[SIZE=+1]8. How To Flash The Factory Images (And Return To Stock)[/SIZE]

Prerequisites: unlocked bootloader (section 1).

This section will explain how to return the phone to be like it was when it came out of the box. This will wipe

everything

from the phone. If you wish to flash the factory images without wiping your personal data from the internal storage please move on to the next section.

Download the appropriate factory images for your model https://developers.google.com/android/images

Unzip the marlin-xxxxxx-factory-xxxxxxxx (marlin-nmf26o-factory-4f68765c) into a directory on your PC (for this guide we'll use C:\marlin\).

Once unzipped you should have a folder named marlin-xxxxxx (marlin-nmf26o).

Move the contents of this folder into your Fastboot/ADB environment so that you can run fastboot and adb commands. (Note: I do the opposite and move the most current fastboot and ADB from the Android SDK into this folder)

Look for the windows batch file named "flash-all.bat" and double click on it. This should begin the proper full clean flash of all images back to stock. This should take a few minutes, but eventually your phone should reboot on its own and take you to the Android set up screen.

If you wish to you can also relock the bootloader with this command:

fastboot flashing lock

(This command will wipe all user data from the device)

Important: do not lock the bootloader unless you have first flashed the stock images. Locking the bootloader while you have a custom recovery installed can result in a brick. Please also note that the locking procedure will wipe all user data from the device.

Once all commands/flashes are complete you can reboot the device:

fastboot reboot
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] bajasur:
[size=+4]Frequently Asked Questions[/size]

1. How do I boot into the bootloader?

Power off your device. Once it's powered off hold power + volume down and the phone will boot into the bootloader. You can also use the following adb command:

adb reboot bootloader

2. When issuing the fastboot flashing unlock command it doesn't work, I only get a list of possible commands. What's going on?

This is usually due to having an outdated adb/fastboot setup. If you installed adb/fastboot by any means other than via the Android SDK this is probably the cause. Visit the prerequisites section in the beginning of this guide to properly install adb/fastboot and ensure that it's up to date.​

3. After unlocking the bootloader I get a message that says "Your device software can't be checked for corruption. Please lock the bootloader". What's going on? Can I get rid of it?

This is nothing to worry about, it's normal to see this when you have an unlocked bootloader. You can't remove it, as long as your bootloader is locked it will stay there.​

4. How do I take an OTA or update if I have root or other system modifications on the stock ROM?

You can't take an OTA update while you have root or any system modifications. You'd need to use fastboot to flash the system, boot, and recovery images. It's much easier to just flash the newer build with fastboot.​

5. Does taking an OTA update wipe my user data?

No, it doesn't.​

6. Do I need to flash the userdata.img from the factory images?

You should never flash the userdata image. It doesn't take into consideration the storage capacity of the device and always allocates 32gb of storage. This is ok for the 32gb model, but for the 64gb and 128gb models you'll end up with much less storage capacity than you should have. If you wish to wipe your internal storage you'd use the following command instead:

fastboot format userdata

More to come, special thanks to [MENTION=4153349]Heisenberg[/MENTION] for his excellent guide format​
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] BeansTown106:
Reservation ;)
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Kris Nelson:
Don't forget to pin this ;)
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] ramblinman:
Dude, awesome
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Heisenberg:
Looking good [MENTION=4854133]bajasur[/MENTION]!
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] bama17:
Nice! Great job...should definitely be pinned
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] MinimalistChris:
Thanks so much [MENTION=4854133]bajasur[/MENTION]! I always used the one by the famous [MENTION=4153349]Heisenberg[/MENTION] for the 6P and its great to have one for the Pixel XL.

Any plans to also include the step-by-step for restoring back to stock?
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] bajasur:
Yes, there is a lot more to come. For now to restore to stock I recommend running the flash-all.bat file that comes within the factory image folder.

A detailed step by step image flashing guide will be linked in the next few days.
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] oneandroidnut:
Thanks [MENTION=4854133]bajasur[/MENTION]! We can still use this to unlock and root from NDE63X correct?
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] bajasur:
Negative

For Verizon you need to follow the unlock method provided by DePixel Devs. Once you have unlocked the rooting and twrp methods should work.
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] oneandroidnut:
Sorry I should have clarified it is a Google Store edition just with verizon sim and X software. I can just unlock it like normal correct?
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] bajasur:
Yep! That should work fine ☺
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] oneandroidnut:
Awesome I am trying to wait until TWRP is stable but im inpatient lol
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] aholeinthewor1d:
So this is not the correct guide for a Verizon Pixel is it? Besides the sunshine website has anyone made a guide like this yet for the Verizon model
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] cam30era:
Other than flashing dePixel8 to allow bootloader unlocking, all other steps are identical.
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] bajasur:
I'll clarify in the OP regarding Verizon devices but yes that should be the case
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] phazey12:
Does rooting without TWRP cause bootloops on NDE63V? I tried it with the all-in-one tool and couldn't get my Pixel to boot past the 4 dots when I was on NDE63V.

I have since flashed the Npf26j update. Would it be safe to root via chainfire's method? Wanted to avoid TWRP for now incase I get the data drain bug.

Thanks!
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] 5.1:
Yep... sailfish TWRP: https://dl.twrp.me/sailfish/

SuperSU 2.79 sr3...

Good luck...
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Itzamistry:
I'm unsure whether or not i need to use dePixel8's sunshine method to unlock the bootloader on my pixel XL. I purchased the device unlocked from Verizon but i am using att as my provider. Do I use the sunshine method or disregard it. Thanks!
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] TonikJDK:
If it is a Verizon phone you use depixel8. If it all ready updated to 7.1.1 you are done, you can't unlock the bootloader.

But try both methods, it won't hurt the phone to try.
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Itzamistry:
I am on 7.1.1, so would i not be able to root and install a custom rom? Thanks.
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Juhler:
Worked like a charm on Google Pixel :)
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] 5.1:
Hello... Do you mean that you can toggle the "OEM unlocking" button and unlock your bootloader?

If the answer to my post above is yes, then yes you can. Otherwise you can't...

Cheers..! :good:
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] abduleo77:
Returned my Pixel XL and dePixel8 with the new device they gave me from the store and it worked like a charm. Just now having a hard time rooting? The link in the OP is not working even though I flash in twrp.
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] 5.1:
Hello the SuperSU linked in the OP is outdated... Install this one from TWRP:

https://download.chainfire.eu/1021/SuperSU/SR3-SuperSU-v2.79-SR3-20170114223742.zip?retrieve_file=1

Cheers...

[MENTION=4854133]bajasur[/MENTION]: wouldn't you replace the SuperSU zip link from the OP for rooting with TWRP with 2.79 sr3 link?
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] wojtas29:
HI

I have poroblem with unlocking my pixel xl from EE

tried dePixel8 but it doesn't work

my fw 7.1.2 beta

is there any solution?
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] 5.1:
Not really. See by yourself: http://theroot.ninja/depixel8.html

There's no other method available for 7.1.1 and above at the moment.
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] WhenIWake:
Thanks for taking the time to write this up. Followed the instructions and rooted with no issues whatsoever.

For some reason with developer options enabled OEM unlock was greyed, disabled the toggle for dev and enabled OEM then put dev back on and had no problems.
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] peterlee928:
hi all

wanted to double check

when rooting

should i be using

twrp 3.1

and supersu 2.79sr3

?

much thx :)
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] 5.1:
Hello...

Stick to 3.0.2 RC1 as 3.1 has restore issues. SuperSU is ok.

Good luck...
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] peterlee928:
gotcha :)

ive actually never restored via twrp

gotta look up how to do it

waste to have twrp and not back up

much thx!
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] 5.1:
Hello... At least make a backup of your efs partition and keep it somewhere safe... :good:

Cheers...
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] peterlee928:
db noob q's

wut is an efs partition

and where do i find directions to do it?

much thx :)
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] 5.1:
Hey...

EFS stores radio data, IMEI and certainly other important stuff. If for whatever reason your IMEI gets corrupted, an EFS restore is sometimes the only way to repair it.

You have an option in TWRP. Just back it up alone once and save it on your computer. Just in case...

Cheers...
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] chris_fuller:
I have same issue. Hopefully someone will work out a way of unlocking.
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] peterlee928:
if fw is higher than 7.1

then currently no soln to ul the bl

:(
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] peterlee928:
ok apologies in advance

noob q's forthcoming :)

if i do a nandroid backup

and then gonna flash new factory image

which will wipe my phone

i assume the nandroid backup will also be wiped?

if so

then do i just copy the twrp folder

from my phone

to my desktop

then copy the folder

from my desktop

onto my phone

after i reflash twrp?

much thx in advance :)
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] 5.1:
Hello... Your internal storage will be wiped if you use the flash-all script as is. But if you remove the -w in the script your data will be intact... Search on the forum about it. If you're not sure, just do a nandroid and expert/import TWRP folder...

Cheers...
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] peterlee928:
much thx :)

yep ive tried removing the -w

preserves data but

all the files r unreadable

when u say export/import

u mean save to laptop

then copy onto phone

after reinstalling twrp?
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] 5.1:
Hey... Yes, transfert TWRP backup on your computer and copy back on your phone once you're done with flashing and install TWRP.

Cheers...
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] peterlee928:
much thx for all ur help! :)
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] 5.1:
You're welcome.

Everyone started with no or little knowledge. I found so much interesting stuff on XDAover the years. I try to my level giving a little bit back to other users. That's the least experienced users can do. And people usually do it pretty well here on XDA... :good:

Cheers...
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] 0hfrankieboy:
Will flashing the stock image with the flash all batch file cause the bootloader to relock? Or will it only relock if you run the fastboot command to lock the BL? I recently got a pixel XL through Verizon and was lucky enough to find one with the older firmware I would hate to accidentally relock it if I needed to reflash the stock image.
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] TonikJDK:
It wont relock unless you issue the fastboot command.
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] 5.1:
Flash as much as you wish... :good:

Bootloader can only be locked with fastboot command...

Cheers...
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] 0hfrankieboy:
Thank you so much!
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] peterlee928:
just fyi

second option

:)

https://www.howtogeek.com/240655/how-to-copy-twrp-android-backups-to-your-pc-for-safe-keeping/
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] 5.1:
Know this already... But thanks... :)
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] JTProuhet:
So i think it's time to root my xl. Non Verizon phone. I've done a search and couldn't find any concrete info. I'm on 7.1.1 with March 5th security patch. Just got notification for the 7.1.2 update but not going to do it (unless i have to) do the same rooting/unlocking bootloader procedures work on the March 5th security patch?
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] TonikJDK:
Is your bootloader already unlocked? If yes you can root on any version you want to. So update to 7.1.2 first so you don't have to redo it. Copy SU 2.79 SR3 to your phone. Use TWRP RC1 IMG file and fastboot boot that img file. Then in TWRP install the SU file you copied to the phone.

If not unlocked you have to do that first. It will wipe your phone.
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] JTProuhet:
No its completely stock yet. I didn't know if the March 5th patch hindered the possibility or procedure of unlocking the bootloader
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] TonikJDK:
Not at all, you have a Google phone. You dont have to worry about that at all.
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] JTProuhet:
Good deal thank you. Working on it now
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] bschatzow:
Image File

I have rooted my Pixel Xl and have twrp installed. I have experience with custom roms on other Android devices and I am looking for the the link where I can download the 7.1.2 image file to install the April update with Twrp.
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] peterlee928:
https://developers.google.com/android/images

use marlin
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] JTProuhet:
Alright [MENTION=4998526]TonikJDK[/MENTION] im trying to get the Android SDK going. I followed directions, unzipped it blah blah. when i try to open it, the command pop up shows up and then disappears as fast as it popped up. Any suggestions?

---------- Post added at 10:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:25 PM ----------

ive downloaded the sdk tools 3 times now and the sdkmanager in the download, is not a sdkmanager.exe, its coming up as sdkmanager.bat.. i cant make sense of it.
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] peterlee928:
just double checking

u dled from this site

https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools.html#download
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] bschatzow:
The Marlin image at https://developers.google.com/android/images is much bigger than the OTA image that tries to download and fail from Google. Can I get the google image (I believe 377MB) and install it with TWRP?
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] cam30era:
There is a bug with the latest version of ADB (25.0.4) and fastboot. You're unable to sideload or flash larger files. You need to roll back to version 25.0.3 to install this OTA.
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] JTProuhet:
Yes ended up downloading it about 6 times and couldn't get it to work
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] bschatzow:
If I side load the file from google do I lose my data, root, TWRP?
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] cam30era:
You will not lose data. Root and TWRP will have to be installed again.
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] bschatzow:
Since updates are monthly, is it better to do it this way or flashfire?
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] JTProuhet:
Anyone have any suggestions on getting sdk manager to work?
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] 5.1:
Hello...

When you unzip the platform tools zip, go in the folder. Press shift and right click. Select: "open a command prompt here"

It will open a command prompt. Just type:

adb devices

Considering you enabled USB debugging on the settings in developer options, your phone is connected and properly recognized by your computer, the output of the adb command above should display your serial number.

If it's ok, type:

adb reboot bootloader

Once you rebooted into bootloader, simply issue:

fastboot flashing unlock

Check your phone screen, it will prompt you with the bootloader unlock option. Choose yes with the volume rocker and press the power button.

Don't forget to backup your internal storage beforehand. Because unlocking your bootloader will wipe the whole​ userdata.

Also... If you are not confident with command line, read and learn a bit more before you start. There is plenty of guides on XDA.

Good luck...
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] JTProuhet:
Awesome thank you! That's all it takes to unlock the bootloader? Lol man that's easy. Not new to rooting /unlocking. Just new to messing with the pixel. Thanks [MENTION=4550510]5.1[/MENTION]
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] 5.1:
No problems...

If you don't want to open command prompt from platform tools folder all the time, you can place the folder in C:\ or C:\program files\ for example and add the program to the environment path:

Check this guide: https://www.howtogeek.com/118594/how-to-edit-your-system-path-for-easy-command-line-access/

I place the folder path for convenience, so adb and fastboot can be used anywhere...

Cheers...
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] JTProuhet:
last question and im getting this on the road. This is the first phone ive messed with that didnt have a removable SD card to backup everything to. When yall say create a backup. how does one go about doing that on an all internal storage phone? using google drive? or are you all transfering everthing from the device to computer, unlocking and rooting and then transfering everything back? Im really only concerned about pictures, but all that is backed up already to google photos. but if its not a big pain id like to back everything up
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] 5.1:
Hello...

Yeah. You're right. Unlocking will wipe everything. Backup on your computer, Google drive, cloud or whatever you want. :)

And transfert back later.

Cheers...
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] peterlee928:
i use tibu

backs up all app data

also can use twrp

to create a nandroid backup

if u do the latter

use rc1

ive read many ppl having issues

restoring nandroid backups w/ rc2

there r websites

that show u how do to

nandroid backups and restores

via twrp

make sure to save stuff to desktop

before u wipe

ow nandroid backup will get deleted

:)
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] JTProuhet:
Ive always used TiBu. BUT im not rooted yet lol
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] peterlee928:
whaaaaa

get up on it!

:)
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] JTProuhet:
im still working on it lol been busy around the household. wanted to make sure i have this thing backed up before i have to wipe it. would preferably not lose anything on the phone
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] peterlee928:
lol makes sense

:)
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] skullymullins:
Question

I followed the steps and was able to unlock boot loader and uninstall twrp. I have installed SuperSU three times now in twrp but still no root access.

Any help is appreciated
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] 5.1:
Hello,

What SuperSU did you install?

You need this one: https://download.chainfire.eu/1021/SuperSU/SR3-SuperSU-v2.79-SR3-20170114223742.zip

Good luck...
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] tttuning:
Ok so I got a replacement pixel XL from VZW. And it let me toggle the unlock slider. Does that mean I can unlock it??? I'm running 7.1.2
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] cam30era:
[MENTION=3271211]tttuning[/MENTION],

Yes
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] tttuning:
Ok so then it's time for me to figure out how!!!!
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] TonikJDK:
Yes, congrats.
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] tttuning:
Ok I'm seeing that depixel8 was patched 7.1.1 and I'm on 7.1.2 so does the mskip work?? I'm on VZW
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] 5.1:
Hello,

There is no available exploit at the moment... Some people received Pixel where OEM unlock toggle can be enabled. If it's not the case for you, you're SOL...

Good luck...
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] tttuning:
Mine is able to toggle....I'm just looking for the correct way to actually unlock it.
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] 5.1:
Hello,

You must have latest and/fastboot: https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools.html

And basic knowledge of adb/fastboot and command line. If you are unsure, check XDA or Google it.

Enable Android debugging from developer options.

Open a command prompt and issue:

adb reboot bootloader

Once in bootloader issue:

fastboot flashing unlock

Check your device's screen, it will prompt you to accept or refuse. Use the volume rocker to select yes and press power.

Done... :)

Be careful, unlocking g bootloader will wipe your phone. Backup important files beforehand...

Good luck...
[Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion] tttuning:
Thank you!!!

---------- Post added at 04:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:48 PM ----------

Sorry last question....should I treat this as a VZW phone or Google since it's letting me toggle the unlock