yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Not for some. But check out what these folks did to get it to work :good:

https://xdaforums.com/pixel-2-xl/help/safety-net-passes-google-pay-doesnt-t3917552
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] srqrob:
Thanks for this link. Fix there at the end works.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] powerserge1:
So the right steps to flash any ROM (clean flash) whether coming from stock or another custom ROM

New device 1st steps:

Make sure OEM unlock and USB debugging are enabled

Download the latest platform tools and twrp.img and put in that folder

Install latest drivers

From adb verify device is connected

unlock bootloader

Flash procedure (after bootloader unlock):

From adb verify device is connected

Fastboot twrp.img (not zip)

Full wipe, flash vendor (just to make sure you are on the latest vendor), flash any custom rom, flash twrp zip

Reboot system

Do a quick set-up

Reboot to twrp

Flash vendor again, flash gapps, flash magisk, wipe cache

reboot

Anything else I'm missing? Will probably put all the Rom, gapps and magisk on the SD card rather than "push" the files via adb after unlocking the bootloader

Will make sure to have a couple of USB cables around just in case. Just trying to get the grasp on a technique that will work for ALL ROMs, including flashing stock back. If there is such a thing. Lots of threads have slightly different install procedures.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] post-mortem:
Just to be clear, to temporarily boot TWRP, use:

fastboot boot twrp.img

To install TWRP, flash the zip from within TWRP.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] powerserge1:
Made a mistake already, will correct now. So easy to make an error with the 2 slots and reflashing twrp before rooting, etc. Did not have these extra steps with the 6P.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] ronsikor100:
Can't enable dark mode pixel xl2
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] louderthanu99:
unknown command boot when trying to boot into twrp I can post pics if needed I can get phone to reboot but thats the only command it will take. I have copied twrp and magisk to pixel Im not sure how im screwing this up so bad.

Possible that adb must be typed in?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] simplepinoi177:
it's a simple solution...it's just a mistake off of syntax...

based off of the pictures, you don't need a "/" in your commands... a simple

fastboot boot twrp.img

will do... or a more specific example would be

fastboot boot "C:\platform-tools\twrp-3.2.1-2.img"

UPDATE

or...after looking at your pictures again, your second to last command would work, but most importantly you need a SPACE after boot...it's the only reason why it's not working -- reason being that if you put parenthesis (") right next to boot, syntax logic wouldn't be able to tell the difference between an ending quotation (off of the command "boot") or a starting quotation (at "C:\...")...

Hope this helps...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] johnlgalt:
Answer:

adb reboot bootloader

Is the correct syntax for getting into the bootloader from regular system boot. Once you are in bootloader mode, you switch to fastboot as your executable.

fastboot boot {path_to_TWRP}\twrp-3.2.3-1-taimen.img

for you becomes

fastboot boot[B][SIZE="5"][COLOR="Red"]{You're missing a space here}[/COLOR][/SIZE][/B]"C:\Users\1\Downloads\twrp-3.2.3-1-taimen (1).img"

.

You code should actually be this:

fastboot boot "C:\Users\1\Downloads\twrp-3.2.3-1-taimen (1).img"

I'd also recommend that you remove the " (1)" from the filename, and, if possible, make the path simpler (like Copying it to C:\ - or, you can use the Windows built-in shortcut to copy the full path to wherever the file is located by opening Windows Explorer to folder where TWRP is, hold [CTRL] & [SHIFT] down, and without letting go, right click on the twrp filename, and you'll see an entry in the menu to "Copy as Path". When you use this it will copy the full path, including the needed "" encompassing the full actual path to the file.

But this still will not work if you leave out the space.

HTH

---------- Post added at 12:08 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:04 AM ----------

Quotation marks, but yeah.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
If you'd like an easy step by step guide, see the 9x link in my sig.

Includes links to all needed files, and shows each step in detail.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] louderthanu99:
Well I somehow put three api on phone and now I belive phone to be bricked. Unable to get it to take commands from pc or get phone recovery mode. Is there a fix for this?

Much thanks the the forum for the help with novice screw ups
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Huh??? What exactly did you do?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] louderthanu99:
.

I installed a outdated version of Magisk and tried to update it. Will still go into bootloader mode. Now its stuck in android recovery mode only two choices I have is try again or factory data reset. I have 3 supported api on phone. I think if i removed one of them it would boot up but not sure
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
If you still have fastboot accessibility, and proper phone to pc communication, fastboot the stock boot.img, then see if it boots up.

If not, then a factory reset will likely be your only option. What 3 API's are you taking about? :confused:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] louderthanu99:
No coms with pc to phone and I have tried a full reset already. As for the API not sure. When in Andriod recovery screen as follows

google/taimen/taimen

9/pq2a.190405.003/5310204

user/release-keys

cant load android system. Your data me be corrupt. May need to perform factory data reset

try again

factory data reset

When doing a factory data reset the phone boots up like normal and it gets stuck in the loading bar loop under the google G. I can watch the device manager on pc find and lose the pixel
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Then try different 2.0 USB A to C cables to see if you can get phone to pc communication going again.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] louderthanu99:
I tried all the cables with no luck. With no coms from pc to phone Its done for. I have learned what not to do when rooting. Once the new one gets here I plan on unlocking bootloader. Before I flash TWRP to pixel I will verifiy all commands and files are up to date and correct. I will also do a full backup in twrp. I will get it right on the next one.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Sorry to hear that my friend. However, some lessons are best learned the hard way. Just outa curiosity, what version of magisk did you flash to cause this??

I'm still kinda surprised it did that to you. :eek:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] CyberpodS2:
Right on man... In quoting this post of yours to drive home just how important these few steps really are! I consider myself a seasoned phone junky and on this phone alone I've boned it up (requiring full wipe) due to 3 of the bullet points on your list. Lol
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Bwahahahahaha....you do like learning the hard way ole friend! But I definitely agree with you for sure. A little prep and research goes a long way! :good::good:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] post-mortem:
Try also different USB ports on the computer. Make sure you have the latest platform-tools (Google just updated in March).
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] louderthanu99:
It was 100% my fault. All the help I have gotten has been spot on. The new phone is on the way. I now know 1000% more then I did when I first started. Once the new phone comes in I plan on doing it right. I will still need to help to make sure it works this time. So If anyone wants to know where the dunce cap is I have it. I got to have a sense of humor about it.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
I admire your honesty my friend. Don't feel too bad, I've got a couple of expensive phone paperweights myself. Sometimes ya just gotta break something to know what not to do the next time. Give us a shout when you get the new one, and this time, you'll get it right :good::cool:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] louderthanu99:
My plan is to root only use stock rom so I can miracast. Is it better to do full flash of boot image and OS or keep what phone comes with? I have researched overlays and Im not sure how to remove them?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
What overlays are you talking about??

Your new device will likely come with some version of 9.0. Then I would take the OTA, then root after that. The only time you need to update the device is for the monthly security updates, but that's pretty easy to do :good:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] louderthanu99:
Is there a way to get the warning screen to go away after the bootloader is unlocked?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] chazall1:
No not at this time
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
I strongly suggest reading (and re-reading) the step by step 9x guide in my sig, PROR to actually getting started. Familiarity removes a lot of user error... Trust me, it's why I wrote the guide for myself :p

It has every step you'll need and references other guides, links to files and is pretty detailed.

Since you want to remain stock rooted, and won't retain TWRP you can skip installing TWRP and cust kernel steps.

It's really a simple process, just follow the steps :D

Best of luck!
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] eruben:
Each month I'm updating with factory images and after installing Magisk and booting into the system I can see all modules installed but actually they're missing from system, so I have to re-install (eg. Youtube Vanced). Am I doing smth wrong or it's the wai it should be? Thanks.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] omair2005:
I'm a new owner and need some help..

I successfully flashed abc rom. Now next month, will flashing the vendor images delete everything?

Also if I want to change to another rom, is factory reset enough? I ask because system isn't wiped, and coming from opo 3t this was common practice.. tia
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Flashing the vendor.img will NOT wipe your data. When switching roms, usually a twrp factory reset is enough, which doesn't wipe your system :good:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] louderthanu99:
new phone is in unlocking bootloader tonite. Will root this weekend after reading the guides alot.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Excellent! Let us know if you need help :good::cool:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] louderthanu99:
After researching there is no need to do a critical unlock due to the fact that I dont plan on messing with the boot loader correct ? version TMZ220o

I dont have to flash the OE boot image or the ROM?

With root I will still be able to install custom ROMS or kernels If I decide to do so correct?(at some point I will)
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
This is an excerpt from the guide I've mentioned several times that you should read:

UPDATE FROM 9x TO LATEST 9x FACTORY IMAGE:

PREP WORK:

* Unlocked bootloader. (*performing critical_unlock only required with bootloader versions PRIOR to TMZ20a) read it here.

* Latest SDK Platform Tools found here.

* USB 2.0 & 3.0 cables available (trust me)

* Remove screen lock security before starting

* Remove all substratum overlays

I'm curious if you have had a chance to read through this guide yet, as you have asked several questions that are already addressed in the guide, which is why I suggested reading it :D
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] louderthanu99:
Yes Sir I have read the guide a few times. I did not know If my bootloader was before or after TMZ20a. After my stupid mistake just trying to get it right this time. What are substratum overlays? From what I have found Its just a theme overlay correct? If I have to ask I most likely dont have them. I guess I need to read it a few more times then.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
No need to install the OE boot image, unless you need to update the monthly security patches, or get out of a jam. Yes, you can use custom roms and kernels with root. Substratum overlays are themes we use to darken things up or add some color to apps and the UI :cool::good:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] simplepinoi177:
I'm unsure what bootloader version you are under nor your plans in the future...but one

significant

thing to keep in mind if you are going to find it necessary/required to "critical unlock" eventually; is that critical unlocking

wipes

the device!!! It might not matter too much if you do have root as you may be able to take a complete backup (nandroid, adb, etc.), but still, if you are unaware or ignorant of accomplishing these, then the more considering you will need to do....

Of course, if you are in an updated bootloader that doesn't require the critical unlock, most likely your device has already been wiped, or this is nothing that you have to worry about most likely...

Just a thing to keep in mind...hope this helps...

*additional note: An example of another use of substratum overlay (that I employ) is moving the clock back to the right side of the screen after Google's insistence on moving it to the left...:eek:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] louderthanu99:
Phone is fully rooted. I would like to give a big thanks to the forum for the help. Now to move on the the miracast issue. It seems that the nitrogen os has miracast working so will most likely be installing that os in the next few weeks and then start looking for a 1 to 1 mirror app.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Will008:
Do you know of any other way to get miracast via root on stock ROM?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Sentheb3ast:
Does unlocking the bootloader wipe the Sim, or can I leave it in the phone?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
You can leave it in the phone. Personally, I don't put my sim in until I unlock a bootloader, but it won't do anything to it if you leave it in :good:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Sentheb3ast:
This might be a noob question but if I flash TWRP through a temporary boot of TWRP will I face any issues or is it stable?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Strephon Alkhalikoi:
What issues are you expecting? Temp booting TWRP using fastboot commands is, on most devices, necessary if wanting a local copy on the device. The local copy is installed using the temp booted copy.

You'll be fine.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Sentheb3ast:
I'm not sure... It's just that I heard that flashing twrp causes issues because of encryption or something.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Strephon Alkhalikoi:
The only major issue, which I believe has been resolved, is that TWRP would ask for the device password/pin - if set - to decrypt internal storage. On very rare occasions TWRP wouldn't recognize touches but a reboot would fix that.

Where you WILL run into issues is with OTA updates. If TWRP is installed you cannot take an incremental OTA but must download a full OTA from Google's pages and flash that through TWRP.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Digital DJ:
Howdy folks! Been a minute since I posted here. I decided to full wipe and a fresh start on my GP2XL (because sometimes it feels like a brand new phone when you do that) and not use one of my existing backups (which are saved on my PC in case I change my mind).

I have a couple of questions for you all.

1. about TWRP. I just upgraded to TWRP-3.3.0.0 and loaded it via ADB. Then I upgraded to Magisk v19.1 and also went ahead and reflashed ElementalX kernel. At the end of the process when I'm prompted to reboot my device I'm asked if I want to install the TWRP app and also if I'd like to set it as a system app? Is this something I should do? Do any of you do it?

2. Since Google removed ES File manager from the play store is there another file manager any of you would rec that would be close to what ES is/was?

Side note, I have no idea why G took ES off the play store other than it's being developed by some Chinese company I think I read on Android Police.

Look forward to your feedback guys! Thanks so much!
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Edmontonchef:
I've heard installing that app through twrp messes things up. I'd just disable that prompt in settings along with screen timeout
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] CPngN:
Solid Explorer. I'm still a fan of the original design (now version 1.7.x). There's a new material style version 2.6.x, but to me, it actually seems harder to do several operations in the new version. I jump between the 2 depending on complete randomness... I like the way you copy files between "panels" better in 1.7 but I think I just got used to that method. I see many others now recommend Solid lately, so I'm assuming they are also having stable, root enabled file browsing good times! It also supports network drives and cloud storage drives.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.solidexplorer&hl=en_US

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.solidexplorer2&hl=en_US
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Strephon Alkhalikoi:
The company that purchased ES File Explorer was a subsidiary of Baidu. It was pulled from the Play Store because the company deliberately listed ES App Group as the author in violation of Play Store policy.

I have a copy of the last adware free version available at the link in my signature. It's been signed with my personal signature so it doesn't update, and modified to work with Magisk.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Nikos2k:
And because of fake clicks

But who cares, there are numerous much better alternatives than es explorer
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Strephon Alkhalikoi:
Not for app backups. While Titanium Backup could do the job, unless they changed things you cannot access files within the app's data backup. With ES, it's a simple zip file.

I've been waiting for a year now for Amaze to add this feature, but until then, I have to use ES File Explorer...the old one.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Nikos2k:
What's the path where apps' data backups are located?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] simplepinoi177:
I'd like to ask again...

So...after reading the last couple of posts...I'd like to re-ask a request on some thoughts that relate to the TWRP installation prompt...

the link to the original post is in the taimen TWRP thread

HERE
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Sentheb3ast:
So in that case how do I update stock using OTA if I flash TWRP?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Strephon Alkhalikoi:
/data/data/app.package.name

The answer is in my post which you quoted.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Digital DJ:
You use OTA to update a rooted phone? I think I'm confused. I use this method that Badger showed me.

Link to FULL OTA Images from Google

Flashing OTA Zip for Google Pixel 2XL

Download the OTA zip again, and put it on your phones internal storage.

Disable your screen lock security, set it to swipe (Optional).

Fastboot into twrp, or just get into it if it's still installed.

Hit wipe, select advanced wipe, then ONLY wipe ART/cache. When done, exit out, and go back to your install button.

Select your OTA zip, then swipe to install it. It will take a little while, so be patient. When it's done, flash your twrp installer zip, then boot up to your OS to make sure it's ok. If it is, then go back to twrp and flash your magisk zip, and then your custom kernel if you use one.

Then boot up to the OS, and you should be good to go again on the (the monthly) update
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Nikos2k:
I use FX file explorer, and all files in /data/data seem accessible and .zip/.apk files are treated as folders where you can drill down in unlimited levels

Could you tell me a specific app backup filename of a known app, to check if I can open it with it?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Strephon Alkhalikoi:
It's not an issue of them being accessible because even without root you can read and copy the files. It's the issue that no file manager app I've tried, including FX, backs up the files in /data/data/app.package.name into a convenient zip file on your internal storage for later restoration on a factory reset. There are occasions where I need to access the files within an app backup on my PC, so having it in an easy to access zip is essential. Not to mention apps and backups are easily transferred between devices.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Nikos2k:
Since the folder

/data/data/app.package.name

is accessible, why FX cannot zip it in one zip file app.package.name.zip ?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Strephon Alkhalikoi:
Because FX doesn't have that capability. It only backs up the APK files from what I had seen in using the app, not the data.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Digital DJ:
I noticed today is May 6 and Google hasn't released the May 5 Full OTA. Did I miss something?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Pkt_Lnt:
It is only 0724 here on the USA Left coast. It usually releases after 0900 PDT.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Pkt_Lnt:
It is there now.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Nekromantik:
Anyone who flashed the may factory image have problems with twrp not decrypting?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] post-mortem:
There's a new version of TWRP 3.3.0-0, try that first.

https://dl.twrp.me/taimen/
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Nekromantik:
Yes that is the version I tried. Also tried 3.2.

If I remove screen lock then twrp sees storage fine.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] CPngN:
You should disable the screen lock before hand then. Or... trust that their built-in stuff works and you don't get stuck one day..

I go a different route each month and don't even touch TWRP. All adb and fastboot commands. Oh, and interacting with Magisk Manager to patch a file.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] johnlgalt:
Just like we all learned to do with Sholes, eh?

I use TWRP for the simplicity of it, particularly in light of the fact that I can just live boot TWRP and never actually install anything,. But with the issues of TWRP not reading storage on the Q DPs, I've found that resorting to manual methods is always a damned good fallback :D
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] post-mortem:
Do you have a link describing your method?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] jr67:
The instructions on how to flash without TWRP are already in the OP under Flashing Factory Images and Rooting with Magisk.

If you are NOT doing a clean flash the general procedure is, download the image file, unzip it, extract the boot.img and patch it (push it to your device, patch it with Magisk then pull it off your device).

Run the flash-all file (make sure to remove the -w flag).

After it boots reboot to the bootloader and flash the patched boot.img then reboot and enjoy.

All the details and specific commands are in the OP.