yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Strephon Alkhalikoi:
Honestly, I forgot about Fi and I don't feel we're missing much by not upgrading. I'm going to wait and see what the 5 offers. Otherwise I'll look into alternatives like OnePlus.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
As for the RC thing; just continue to contribute, to help , and to be present when and where possible. The rest will fall in place :good:

Also consider jumping into the TWRP, Magisk, Guides (other than this one), Discussions, and cust kernel threads as well.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] bsg411:
AZ .... I was hoping you could shed some light as to why I can't get my stock Android 10 rom to root with the vendor and system mount as r/w.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
Are you talking about the "unable to mount......." warnings when you flash in TWRP, or that you can't change system files like build prop?

If it's the TWRP warning: disregard it, it's a known Android 10 vs TWRP issue.

If it's the latter, I believe everyone is facing this ATM (I know I am)....

If I misunderstood your question, my apologies.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] bsg411:
It's the warnings when I flashed. But 8 can't access r/w on root directory or use anything that alters root files yet stuff like titanium backup works. Also under twrp I can't mount system and vendor
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Pkt_Lnt:
Google stopped being able to mount system as r/w in Q. Here is the best explanation.

https://twitter.com/topjohnwu/status/1170404631865778177
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] bsg411:
What is root without r/w ?? I guess I'm late to the Q party but this sounds like the beginning of the end.

I'm coming from Oreo so I now have a crap ton of apps that dont work... Root explorer, adaway nav bar customizer. ... Etc
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
Rather than try to catch up on a bazillion things, remove apps thast force close or cause issues with 10, a few do, and a few are worth keeping in spite of it.

Clean flash (leave the -w intact) the latest Android 10 factory image, flash latest TWRP, latest cust kernel (optional) and magisk. and overlook the "failed to mount" warning until it's fixed.

I like to edit my build prop file , so that is kind of a bummer, but it's not monumental or anything :D
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] post-mortem:
Welcome to systemless root. Magisk works by allowing you to use your device with root permissions, without altering the /system partition (which allows you to continue to install OTA updates). All those root apps you love still work on Android 10
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Pkt_Lnt:
That might well be, but the Magisk guys have some tricks up their sleeves that can do more than one things at first glance of the A10 root restrictions.

There is a way to do that still.

https://xdaforums.com/apps/magisk/module-magiskhide-props-config-t3789228
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Yourboymusti:
Yeah I am.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Hmmmm...I remember reading something about phones purchased in the EU not being able to be unlocked or upgraded for six months after purchase, or something to that effect. Might be a mitigating factor to your dilemma. Then again, I could be totally off base.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Yourboymusti:
That's happening to carrier phones like EE etc. Mine is unlocked brought from the Google store so I shouldn't be affected.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Ah. Well I was partially right. Glad it doesn't effect you :good:

What build version are you currently on?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
Follow the steps HERE, but do not flash TWRP.zip once you temporarily boot into TWRP (using the img in fastboot).
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Pkt_Lnt:
Hello [MENTION=6842057]nathanchance[/MENTION] Long time no see. :D

Excuse a mini OT question. Does this command update installed versions on linux as well?

sudo install adb /usr/local/bin
sudo install fastboot /usr/local/bin

Google only wants to show me how to apt-get a package, but Mint prioritizes stability (good thing) but means adb is very old in their packages.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] nathanchance:
Yes, it should since /usr/local/bin is a universal path on most Unix systems.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] CPngN:
Thanks. I'm coming from 8.0 Nov, rooted, but with no TWRP. I used fastboot and never ran TWRP once. I see suggestions to uninstall magisk before flashing 8.1... is that necessary? And, do I "restore stock" or "complete uninstall"? This warning about possibly encrypting your phone is worrisome but I assume that's not an issue as long as I don't selectively encrypt it along the way.

Thanks all!
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] mrlad:
Can't Enable OEM unlocking

I purchased an unlocked Pixel 2 XL from the Google Store (US) and am using it on T-Mobile. The OEM Unlock is greyed out and I can't enable it. It says either connect to the internet or contact the carrier. I have connected to the Internet via both WiFi and LTE and the Play Store sees the device as connected.

The model # on the box is 6011C. Is this the unlocked version? If it is, any suggestions on what I can try so its possible to enable OEM unlocking?

Edit: Asked Google and they suggested a Factory Reset. That solved the problem. Unsure if this had anything to do with it, but initially, I installed w/o a T-Mobile (or any) SIM installed.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] equlizer:
Im on 8.0 nov5. Is it maybe flashing in the wrong slot? Which slot should it be in? How do i set the proper slot? Thx :)

I'm getting both of these screens on bootup:

https://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=74525204&postcount=16
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
I attempted to uninstall Magisk, but when I ran the zip in TWRP, it failed, so I just flashed 14.5 (1456) in TWRP and it update the manager to 5.4.3... Not sure what I goofed up when flashing the uninstaller, but it hasn't affected my setup yet :D

To remove the warning, look for thedude420's thread and use his dtbo.img...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Oakley707:
Without unlock critical, what are the steps to install 8.1 and magisk? Should we still sideload the OTA?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
Unless I missed it, I think it is still up in the air if critical_unlock is required to upgrade to 8.1...

Follow the steps that I took to upgrade to 8.1 and see if it takes. Worst case scenario 8.1 won't flash, and you'll know that critical unlock is required, (both are done in fastboot, so you're already there is 8.1 won't flash)

In the event you weren't aware, critical_unlock WILL wipe your device.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Oakley707:
I jumped in with two feet without reading correctly somewhere... I installed 8.1 via sideload with no issue without critical unlock. It booted up successfully with no issues. I went into Magisk Manager, provided it with the latest boot.img (from the factory image I had downloaded previously for 8.1) and patched it. Received the patched file and put on laptop, fastboot flashed that. Phone would restart only to the unlock screen to tell me that phone.android.com closed and then the phone would turn off... So, at that point, I tried to sideload the OTA again to hopefully overwrite to no avail. Tried to flash the original boot.img to no avail. I just gave up and unlocked critical and am now fastboot flash-all 8.1... :( Oh well. Just hours lost, but it is clearly my fault. Biggest beef I have is the lost text messages. Boy I wish the message app had better backup plan / situation.

I appreciate the prompt response.

Thanks!
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
That sucks... The silver lining: now you're up and running, you've gained valuable experience (albeit the hard way) and you have a clean, brand new device.

There are several paths to the same end result getting to 8.1... the steps I posted are just the steps I used to get there successfully. No doubt there are many other methods. We just choose the one that is most comfortable for us :D
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Oakley707:
Also, as an aside apparently Google finally figured out it should backup messages to the cloud. I only lost MMS, but it recovered all text messages from up to 40 minutes previous to the debacle. At least I'm unlocked critical now...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] equlizer:
I fixed it!!!!!!!!!! If anyone gets the red triangle and its saying "your device is corrupt, hit power button to continue", flash the boot img from the rom you are currently on. That's it!!

I got twrp installed and magisk installed now.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Holy crap! Nice find dude. Hopefully you didn't pull too much of your hair out the last 3 days :cool:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] equlizer:
Not too much since i could still use my phone. Thank you for your help!! :)
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Outa curiosity, how did you think of that to fix it?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] bsg411:
I did the steps you mentioned but I took out the -w. So I guess that's a dir8t flash. If the clean flash want gone bring rw permission then I didn't see the value in it.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] simplepinoi177:
Yes....while there might be (other) value in doing a clean flash (leaving the "-w" intact), one of them is

NOT

anything in terms of "bring[ing] rw permission" back....
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] simplepinoi177:
I don't mean or intend to hijack or go off-topic, but just wanted to state that there is a 50% Google Fi "credit back" for the Pixel 4 if purchased and activated on Google Fi (live now). I'm unsure if this will end up as a BF deal, but it seems to be up now and I can't imagine Google pulling it any time soon....

If interested, send me a PM; although it's past midnight (evening of the 26th) now so I might not get back to you until tomorrow (27th)...

Just thought some might be interested....Now back to any flash/root issues with the taimen.......
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] bluey45:
Oh that's awesome! But too bad I'm not in the states lol. I'm down in Oz lol
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Ghisy:
Haha, same here, I'm in Europe! At 50% off, I'd probably go ahead and get the 4 XL!

I'm currently in NYC but the only unlocked deal is the Google/Best Buy one and it's only $200 off... :(
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] srqrob:
What about the Google Fi package? Looked pretty good and better service what I've seen.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Ghisy:
I don't live here, I'm just on vacation for a week! I don't think I can sign up for Fi unfortunately!
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] srqrob:
Don't know about Oz but I've lighted in a lot of different countries and had Fi click on. You might want to look if their deal is the best and it's what you want. If you're in the market for new.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] sirxdroid:
What is the preferred app or method these days to back up some apps and their data to avoid configuring them from scratch after a factory reset? I used TiBu before but last I tried most of the app notifications did not work because of the FCM ID/key not getting reset.

Not sure how much the built-in backup actually restores in terms of app settings, e.g. I don't look forward to redoing all the Google Authenticator 2FA stuff.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] simplepinoi177:
The way I do mine is a TWRP nandroid-type backup -- but also be aware that TWRP doesn't necessarily backup your /sdcard partition (also sometimes called /internalsd or internal data; i.e. music, pictures, documents) unless you modify it manually or through the likes of the "Tipatch" -- and/or I've seen other people stating that they back it up via adb commands....

I really like the TWRP nandroid backup because it saves the whole /data partition so, when restored, it still has my homescreen settings, icons, and placings!

Hope this helps...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] sirxdroid:
I would like an app based backup. I already do TWRP backups like that but they are not useful if I want to factory reset the phone. I suspect I'm having some issues with random crashes because of cruft built up over years, so I'd like to start fresh, but selectively restore just some apps that are annoying to reconfigure from scratch.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Nikos2k:
What's the exact problem you face when restoring apps with TB?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] sirxdroid:
Most app notifications stop working

https://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2518958
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
IMHO, if you're worried about years of crud possibly causing issues, and you want to have a brand new fresh clean start, I would think restoring any backup of any kind would kind of nullify the squeaky fresh cleanness you are looking for.

Once every 6 months or so, I do a completely clean install. The ONLY thing I transfer back to the device from PC after the clean install is music and custom ringtones/notifications. Everything else I rebuild from the ground up.

I think a 100% clean install is the best way to deal with pesky issues that seem to have no resolution.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Nikos2k:
I haven't encountered that problem with notifications when restoring with TB

That thread seems to have started in 2013 and they only mention a dozen of apps

Perhaps, if you have problem with only a handful of apps, you could restore everything except those apps, and set those specific apps manually

Generally, I think TB is the best solution when restoring apps since many app developers do not save app's customization settings and preferences to google backup, despite the fact that google provides such an API

https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/data/backup
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] sirxdroid:
Any app that uses FCM (previously GCM) for notifications will not have notifications when restored by TiBu. That thread may be old but the issue is still relevant today and the latest posts in the thread are from this year.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Uchash Khan:
I recently bought a pixel 2 xl

I know it has muted colors

But if i turn the saturated mod on it fixes 90% of the problem

but the red is looking so vibrant and artificial.

Is there any way to fix this?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
EX Kernel Manager has a graphics section where you can customize RGB, hue, saturation, etc..

Of course this requires you to use EX kernel, but that's a good thing :good:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Ghisy:
Hey,

Quick question for those who updated to Q: still no way to go back to the old recents like on Pie (freezing the Pixel launcher)?

I'm itching to update to Q but really hate the way recents look and work :/
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Uchash Khan:
After twrp recovery and root can i update official from google?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
You'll need to either use the magisk update method for the OTA, or fastboot the factory image. Either way, disable all magisk modules and themes before you begin. And, you'll have to reroot after you've updated :good:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Uchash Khan:
Can you give me any tutorial about how to do all this stuff

I have done it for xiaomi phone but zero experience with pixel
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
I would strongly suggest reading over these 2 threads if you've never updated or rooted a pixel device before going any further. The more knowledge you have, the better things will go for you :good:

https://xdaforums.com/pixel-2-xl/how-to/quick-2xl-upgrade-reference-8x-oreo-to-t3826330/post77269862

https://xdaforums.com/pixel-2-xl/how-to/android-10-root-t3964176/post80178728
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Uchash Khan:
I don't think i will be able to do it alone.

It seems complicated to me..

??
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
My friend, trust me, if I can learn this stuff, so can you. It just takes time, patience, lots of reading, and a desire to learn it. All the info you need are in the threads I gave you. You'll be far better off in the long run if you learn it on your own, vs someone spoon feeding you everything. :good::good:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Uchash Khan:
Yes i agree. but Trust me.

My last phone Xiaomi note 4x. I did all the stuff that can be can with that phone..

like from root to changing rom thousand times

Install different module

but that process seem bit easier and there are thousands of youtube tutorial.

but in term of pixel

It's complicated to me. and of course i can with time

but it would be easier if I've got any video tutorial

I don't want to brick my phone.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
There are a bunch of YouTube tutorials if you search for them :good::cool:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] post-mortem:
If you've rooted phones and flashed ROMs before, then you are waaay ahead of true beginners.

What seems complicated to you? How do you see the Pixel as different than your previous devices? Read those threads, then let us know what confuses you, and we will help clarify.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Strephon Alkhalikoi:
You get used to it rather quickly; it took me less than a day. You can try Quickswitch, but early on it had issues with Android 10. I don't know if those issues have been fixed, but I didn't bother to find out. When Quickswitch broke that was when I started using Android 10 recents, and I haven't gone back.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] simplepinoi177:
Your hesitation is understandable but unnecessary. As post-mortem stated, you have a good enough “base” to working on this device as far as root and flashing is concerned. I would like to quote you a response I previously gave a long time ago on this very thread to someone who was also hesitant.....
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Ghisy:
I checked and unfortunately, Quickswitch only works with certain launchers (I use Nova and it's incompatible).

It's odd no one has figured out a way to do it. Unless Google removed the code completely?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Strephon Alkhalikoi:
That is what I think it is, AOSP isn't a good indicator of functionality as Google tends to not update the AOSP apps, only the underlying system.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Ghisy:
Yeah... It's sad, I don't want my Pixel to look like ios... :(
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Strephon Alkhalikoi:
I honestly think this is a bit minor of an issue to have you falling upon your sword, but to each their own.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Keepit1000?:
Hello

By "Open a command prompt, navigate to the folder with the script" you mean open the command prompt and type in the command within the respective folder right? Thanks just getting back into this with this phone
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Yes. Open the command prompt on the platform-tools folder, type in fastboot devices, and I your device ID comes up, your good :good:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] post-mortem:
If you're using Windows, you can open a Windows Explorer window, navigate to the platform-tools folder, then click on the address bar and type cmd. That will open a command prompt with that folder already loaded.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] itslels:
What an amazing tip. Thanks for pointing this out!
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] tripLr:
Make sure your security is set to.none . Swipe only, no pattern or key
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] post-mortem:
I, too, learned about this cool trick by reading some random thread on XDA. Just passing the knowledge along!

:highfive:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] ProoN:
What version of TWRP are you running to be able to make a complete nandroid backup? I'm having a createTarFork() error whenever I try backing up anything to do with the data partition.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] simplepinoi177:
I am running the latest 3.3.0-0...

And, as I said before, I'm running with the "Tipatch" and I have restored before on 3.3.0 as well as 3.2.3, but never on Android 10/Q.....so, take that how you will...

Hope this helps...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] ProoN:
I'm not sure why the version of Android would matter, though I am running this on 10/Q with Tipatch, latest version of TWRP. Not sure why it won't work for me.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] vaindil:
I tried to flash the latest factory image of Android 10, but I can't get past the boot screen. I am on the latest platform-tools, I run the flash, then I set the active slot to the other one and flash again (had to do that in the past to make it boot). No dice. Tried flashing back to Android P with the same method, now TWRP can't mount anything and Android won't boot. I'm an idiot and didn't take a backup beforehand, am I just SOL?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Did you clean or dirty fastboot to A10?

Have you tried different USB A to USB C cables and ports?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] jd1639:
How are you flashing it? With the flash all batch file and the -w removed? At this point you'll probably have to flash it with the -w intact. You shouldn't need to flash it to both slots.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] vaindil:
I'm not sure what the difference is between clean/dirty fastboot, so I can't answer that. I haven't tried any other ports or cables, I've used this exact cable and port in the past for previous factory image flashes with no problems.

It's sometimes telling me that the system is corrupt now too. :/

---------- Post added at 01:10 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:09 PM ----------

Yes, that's how I'm flashing it. I have always needed to manually flash both slots, it never works unless I do. (I think I found that out from this thread a while back.)
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Dirty just means you fastbooted the factory image without the -w from the flash-all.bat script so as not to wipe data. Clean of course is a full wipe while fastbooting the factory image. I would first try a different cable and port. The P2XL is notorious for getting finicky out of the blue when it comes to fastbooting. I've had a cable/port work fine for months, then BOOM, it just didn't work anymore for whatever reason :confused:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] vaindil:
Just tried with a new cable/port, still didn't work. I can't even get it out of the bootloader or recovery now.

Guess I'm just going to have to wipe it, which is infuriating, but it's my own fault for not taking a backup. Thank you both!
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
If you reverted back to 9.0 via fastboot, you already wiped your device. Factory reset and see if it boots up. However, if you removed the -w when you went back to 9.0, then you likely have a jacked up system and will have to wipe it anyway :(
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] vaindil:
Yeah, I removed the -w when I went back to 9. Oh well, lesson learned, always take a backup. :(
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Live and learn bruh. We've all been there. You don't make a good omelette without breaking some eggs along the way :good: