yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] ilal2ielli:
Try 3.1.1 beta 2.

3.2.0 wasn't working, so 3.2.1 might not be either.

Completely normal. topjohnwu edits the dtbo partition, which causes that notification. From my understanding, the next released version of Magisk will not edit the dtbo partition, so it won't cause that notification in the future.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] cavolo:
Ok !

At last, can you confirm that flash the magisk zip with twrp will root my phone ? Because there will be no patched_boot.img like in the OP.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] ilal2ielli:
Yes.

Installing Magisk via the zip file makes the necessary edits.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] cavolo:
Well, still no success with 3.1.1-beta2 :<
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
Start over from unlocked and critical_unlocked bootloader,

then follow these steps:

I've used this half a dozen times with ZERO issues (except the expected annoying warning after each reboot)
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] c0de_junkie:
Hello again guys, ok so I took the OTA and now my phone is at v8.1.0 (OPM2.171019.012, Dec 2017) but the latest version on the google images website HERE, only has the latest version listed as v8.1.0 (OPM1.171019.011, Dec 2017). Do I have to wait for them to post my version v8.1.0 (OPM12171019.012, Dec 2017)? or am I good to boot into TWRP so that I can install the files for root? and if I am ready to go the TWRP and root route, then will doing so make it so I can no longer take OTA updates? or do I relock the bootloader after doing everything and that way I'll still be able to take OTA updates? Thanks a lot for any help/info...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
I believe if you want to maintain the ability to OTA, only boot into TWRP using the twrp.img in fastboot, flash flash's kernel then magisk 14.5, but skip flashing TWRP.zip from within TWRP.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] c0de_junkie:
Ok thanks... Just got a couple more questions before I pull the trigger.

Should I be doing both unlocked and critical_unlocked? or is just one of the needed?

Do I have to use flash's kernel if I want to keep the ability to get OTA's? or could I try any of the few that have been posted so far and still take OTA's?

Also, just to confirm, flashing a custom kernel is totally optional correct? But I assume that there are major benefits to using one of the custom ones, over using the stock kernel correct?

Thanks again for all you help and advice...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] sacthegreat:
If I follow this guide and root, will I be able to use apps which don't support root? Like android pay?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
I don't use AP, but many users have said AP works fine with magisk.

As I understand it, the only thing that stops you from taking OTAs is custom recovery (TWRP)...

Custom kernel is optional.

Skip the steps for flashing cust kernel, and flashing TWRP.zip, go from fastbooting TWRP.img to flashing magisk 14.5 , reboot.

Custom kernel gives you color control, additional gestures like sweep2wake, and Flash kernel is one of the best.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] c0de_junkie:
Thanks man...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
I forgot to mention to go ahead and fastboot unlock, and critical_unlock.

Even if critical isn't required at the moment (which is up for debate) if you decide to do it later,it wipes the entire device, so might as well do it now :)
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] cavolo:
Oook, got MagiskManager to patch the boot.img, maybe I had a bad download of the magisk zip, dunno, redid everything and it worked.

Put the patched boot img on my computer, reboot to bootloader, aaaannd:

fastboot flash boot Downloads/magisk/patched_boot.img
target didn't report max-download-size
sending 'boot' (25864 KB)...
FAILED (remote: Requested download size is more than max allowed
)
finished. total time: 0.000s

Even the "fastboot boot patched_boot.img" doesn't work either :<
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] nathanchance:
Have you updated your fastboot recently?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] cavolo:
fastboot version 8.1.0_r1
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Surge1223:
I honestly don't know why folks just don't hit the big 3 all In one aka

fastboot flashing unlock

fastboot flashing unlock_critical

fastboot oem unlock

You know your phone won't complain about anything being "locked" after that.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] dunbat:
I got my Pixel 2 XL on wednesday and I'm just waiting for my USB-C adapter so I can finally connect it to my laptop.

Some stupid questions if I may. What's flashing the factory image good for? I mean I'm already on the latest Oreo 8.1, is it still necessary to reflash the rom or do I just need to install TWRP and then install Magisk? Nevermind, it needs to be patched via Magisk.

But what happens when I've rooted my Pixel and Google releases a new update, can I just update OTA via system settings or do I have to repeat these steps for each update?

Thank you guys.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] cavolo:
Already did that, well the first two, because the third one isn't mentioned on the threads that I've read (and its even on the officiel website about the factory image that oem unlock isn't necessary for the pixels and should be used for older phone.)
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
If you're following my steps, you don't need the patched_boot.img any longer...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Hey AZ, have you by chance tried the latest twrp 3.2.1-0 recovery? And BTW..I'm green now! :cool:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] cavolo:
I already told you that twrp doesn't boot with twrp 3.1.1 beta 2. :/

It seems that everything that I tried to do in fastboot doesn't work.

And YES, I did flashing unlock and flashing unlock_critical. That was my very first action with the phone in fact. I must be missing something I think.

If its really really needed I'll redo the unlock (and thus, wipe the phone...)...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
I haven't read anything about later versions after TWRP beta2 3.1.1 being stable... Did I miss something?

And you're 'green' now? I definitely missed something there :p
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
unless you lock the BL you don't need to redo unlock.

if you type "fastboot devices" minus the " do you get a serial number?

and are you using a USB 2.0 cable? (not a 3.0 cable)

When flashing TWRP are you flashing the 3.1.1 beta2 TWRP.img while in fastboot, with the TWRP.img in the same folder as your fastboot application?

Then, once you've temp booted into TWRP via above method, you are flashing the TWRP.ZIP from within TWRP itself?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
I ditched the fuchsia! :cool: Yeah, the new twrp wasn't posted in the Dees_Troy twrp thread, so I was just wondering if you or Nathan had any insight in the matter. Y'all are the Big Dogs after all :good:

https://dl.twrp.me/taimen/
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
OH! #FuchsiaIsDead that's great! But you know what they say; no screenie, didn't happen :p

And thanks, but Nathan IS the big dog, I'm just a little ankle biter :D

I haven't tried 3.2.1.0 yet, and not sure I'm up to the task since I'm still working through the 2 XL learning curve...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] wtherrell:
I'm using the new 3.2.1.0 stable version. So far, so good.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Ok Mr. Ankle biter :p. Guess I'll give it a shot! Damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead! :good:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
Well I'm not going to be the last one left using 3.1.1 guess I'll jump too... #PeerPressureIsReal :p
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] JimSmith94:
What command did you use to show that version number? My fastboot works fine, but this is what I get:

>fastboot --version

fastboot version -4022467

Installed as C:\platform-tools\fastboot.exe
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] cavolo:
Yep ofc, and usual command like reboot, --set-active,... works, only boot img and flash img doesn't works apparently.

I'm using the usb-c that I got with the phone, my laptop has a usb-c port. But I've tried with a usb-a to usb-c, but I think that my laptop only has 3.0 ports.

About twrp.img, it doesn't matter where it is you know :)

But if you want I'll put it on my /usr/bin folder (well, I dont remember the correct location atm).

And I'd like to temp boot twrp, it's the main thing I try to do (to flash magisk). Or directly flash the patched boot img.

Actually, I've installed it on my Linux distribution, sooooo fastboot --version :>
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] chadhoard:
Currently running 8.1 with an unlocked bootloader. I installed the app. Placed the boot.img file in my downloads folder. When I run the app, and select install, then select Patch Boot Image File, I get a error message stating "Target Magisk version does not support boot image file patching."

Any suggestion on getting around this??
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] c0de_junkie:
ok newest update... got the phone unlocked successfully, both unlocks and booted into TWRP, I would like to flash Magisk-v14.5(1456).zip so that I can root the phone. But when I boot into TWRP I get a question asking me if I want to leave the system set to Read Only or set it to Read and Write. can I still flash Magisk-v14.5(1456).zip if I set the system to read only? or do I have to set it to Read and Write? and if I do so will that prevent me from taking OTA updates? Thanks
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
If you're trying to temp boot TWRP to your device, it does matter where you put the TWRP.IMG file because you have to fastboot that file in order for your device to boot into TWRP temporarily.

The TWRP.IMG file needs to be in the same folder as your fastboot application in order for fastboot command to find that file when you fastboot boot TWRP.IMG

And I don't think the USB c port matters as much as not using a USB C cable.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] andrewjt19:
When I view the stock image how can I extract the boot image again? Also, the bootloader is merged as one file with the recovery, right? Or is that the boot image and recovery? Thanks.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] an21281:
You need to unzip the firmware img, then open the folder it extracted to and there will be a second zip that you need to unzip... You may be right about the bootloader as I dont see a recovery.img once extracted which I didnt realize until now.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Ap3xGam3r:
Alright so I'm a huge noob at flashing stuff and I want to unlock my bootloader to flash the elementalx kernel. I understand the steps to unlock bootloader and flash factory images, but how do I flash a custom kernel without magisk? I just want to flash elementalx kernel and don't want my phone to be rooted. Can someone help me out? Thanks
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] c0de_junkie:
[MENTION=4670411]Az Biker[/MENTION] When I boot into TWRP I get a question asking me if I want to leave the system set to Read Only or set it to Read and Write. can I still flash a Kernel and Magisk-v14.5(1456).zip if I set the system to read only? or do I have to set it to Read and Write? and if I do so will that prevent me from taking OTA updates? Thanks
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Set it to read and write if you want to flash things. And, you won't get any OTA's if your going to root.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] c0de_junkie:
lol... Just when I thought I was starting to understand everything... ok so basically, if I root the device, I can't do OTA's. if I just flash a kernel, then I can't do OTA's. So if I flash anything or do root, or both, there is no way to do the OTA's without first flashing the stock imgs from the google website again, correct? and if I do that then I will have to re-root the device again, correct? Thank you very much for your help.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Well my brother, I'm still trying to understand all the quirks with this device as well. I'm sure Nathan or someone smarter than I will give a better explanation. As I understand it, if your rooted, you would need to disable root to take an OTA, not entirely sure about the kernel however :eek:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] c0de_junkie:
fair enough my friend... Thanks for your help, it's much appreciated...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] elliwigy:
have u tried unlocking and just flashing the kernel? lol should boot since youre unlocked.. might not be able to edit kernel settings without root tho..

i could be wrong lol i unlocked, installed twrp, installed elementalx and it booted fine but i lost root so i flashed magisk again and it patched elemental for magisk root.. so i dont think u need root/magisk due to bl being unlocked
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] inffy:
Is there any good guide to actually install twrp so it would work.

I have more rooted stock pixel 2xl with this guide but when info to bootloader and fastboot boot the newest TWRP image it asks for the password. I have set a pin + fingerprint security and when I enter the PIN it won't accept it.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] elliwigy:
it says to try and try again and if other issues did u try to reflash stock boot.img then fastboot boot twrp n try again?

i had 0 issues.. i took my phone out the box, started up and connected wifi.. skipped everything else.. oem unlock in settings.. fastboot flashing unlock... fastboot flashing unlock_critical... rebooted device.. adb reboot recovery... did ota to 8.1.. rebooted.. download the twrp beta 2 files.. fastboot boot twrp img.. (i didnt get a prompt bcuz didnt have pin set up).. install the zip files and reboot.. i have since set up a pin and imprint or w.e its called and when it prompts me in twrp it works..

no issues here at all.. so have u tried starting over but without a pin/password? set it up then set a pin afterwards? id try that.. it shouldnt prompt for a pin until u set one while booted.. maybe ur having issues bcuz booting into it you cant get past it to install the zip? i kno those are the instructions from the dev himself but who knows lol
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] inffy:
Thanks. I'll first trip to flash the stock boot and after that try twrp again. If it won't work I guess I will start from scratch with factory images and then try twrp without setting a pin in the setup wizard

EDIT: So flashing stock boot img did not help. So now trying to setup the device from scratch with factory images. For some reason the flash-all script does end in an error when it trys to format cache (as there seems not to be cache partition) but I guess this is not a problem as the phone boots normally.

EDIT2: setup wizard done without setting fingerprint or PIN. Will now install TWRP with the installer and after that see how it goes.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] inffy:
So didn't work at all. Set the PIN and booted to recovery. I get to the decrypt screen and after that the recovery freezes completely. Touch doesn't work etc.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] cavolo:
No. No, it doesn't matter where the file is, just learn how to use a command line prompt and you'll see yourself. I've used the fastboot for years (since the Nexus One), and I've never had to put the files in the fastboot location.

But, because you'll ask me again to put the file at fastboot's location, here it is...:

[root@Raphael ~]# fastboot --version
fastboot version 8.1.0_r1
Installed as /usr/bin/fastboot
[root@Raphael ~]# cp /home/roy/Downloads/twrp-3.1.1-beta2-taimen.img /usr/bin/
[root@Raphael ~]# adb reboot-bootloader
[root@Raphael ~]# fastboot boot /usr/bin/twrp-3.1.1-beta2-taimen.img
downloading 'boot.img'...
FAILED (remote: unknown command)
finished. total time: 0.000s
[root@Raphael ~]# fastboot boot /usr/bin/twrp-3.1.1-beta2-taimen.img
downloading 'boot.img'...
[COLOR="RoyalBlue"]here I have waited more than I should, then had to unplug the phone[/COLOR]
[root@Raphael ~]#

I'm stuck at the "downloading 'boot.img'", just like when I try to boot the patched_boot.img

I think I'll backup all that I can (because I can't backup everything without root) and start over :(

e:

Sooo, starting over, I check if I'm really unlock with flashing unlock_critical, and yes I'm unlock. But there is a message too:

[root@Raphael pix]# fastboot flashing unlock_critical
Warning: Device A/B support is outdated. Bootloader update required.
...
FAILED (remote:	Device already : unlocked!)
finished. total time: 0.000s

So maybe twrp (and the patched_boot) don't want to boot because the bootloader is outdated.

I try to update it and:

fastboot flash bootloader bootloader-taimen-tmz12a.img
error: Failed to identify current slot.

So I really don't know what to do right now :(
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Just for clarification, looks like your on 8.0 and "trying" to update to 8.1! Or, your on 8.1 and trying to get twrp installed??
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] cavolo:
I'm on 8.1.0, updated with sideloaded OTA.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Gotchya. So your unable to get twrp and root going?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] cavolo:
Unable to:

-boot twrp

-boot the patched_boot

-flash-all.sh, I first I downloaded the factory image of 8.1.0, he didn't wanted to, so I downloaded the OTA and sideloaded it. I'll post the full report ASAP
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] belair56:
Just a double check. You have the latest from here?

https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools.html
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Like Belair56 said, is your SDK platform tools up to date? If so, if you run the following commands, what do you get?

In bootloader mode:

1. fastboot devices. Your phone ID cones up.

2. fastboot boot twrp-3.2.1-0-taimen.img. That should take you straight to twrp. Go ahead and allow twrp to modify your system at the prompt.

3. Flash the twrp 3.2.1.zip.

4. Flash Custom kernel if you want.

5. Flash your magisk.zip for root.

6. Reboot and hopefully done.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] cavolo:
Tried with the zip directly from google, no change

[root@Raphael platform-tools]# ./fastboot --version
fastboot version 27.0.0-4455170
Installed as /home/roy/Downloads/platform-tools/fastboot
[root@Raphael platform-tools]# ./fastboot flash bootloader ../taimen-opm1.171019.011/bootloader-taimen-tmz12a.img
error: Failed to identify current slot
[root@Raphael platform-tools]# ./fastboot boot ../twrp-3.1.1-beta2-taimen.img
downloading 'boot.img'...

No change, still stuck at this line.

Yep, fastboot devices give me my phone ID.

And so, stuck at step 2, I know that fastboot boot should get me straight to twrp, but he doesn't want to apparently.

And finally the flash-all.sh for the full factory image 8.1:

http://paste.awesom.eu/LUzN&ln (a paste because its a bit long)
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
I may be wrong here...but, as I understand it, before you took the OTA, your active slot was _a, after the OTA, it should now be _b. Therefore, you may have to designate which slot your trying to flash to. I know there's an adb command for that, but I don't know what it is offhand. You may in fact have to fastboot the factory image to both slots to get to where you want to go. You have unzipped the factory image, and placed all the content in your platform tools folder correct?? Also, have you edited the flash-all.bat file to remove the "-w" in the last line of code so it doesn't wipe your data??

If so, just double click the flash-all file, and that should start the install process of the factory image.

Sorry if I'm not making any sense. Hopefully the big dogs will chime in for further assistance :good:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] cavolo:
Yes it seems for me that I the OTA update didn't updated my bootloader, and that now I am on a mixed state with latest system and an old bootloader :/

[root@Raphael platform-tools]# fastboot --set-active=_b
error: Device does not support slots.

[root@Raphael platform-tools]# fastboot --set-active=_a
Warning: Device A/B support is outdated. Bootloader update required.
Setting current slot to 'a'...
FAILED (remote: unknown command)
finished. total time: 0.000s
[root@Raphael platform-tools]# ./fastboot flash bootloader ../taimen-opm1.171019.011/bootloader-taimen-tmz12a.img
error: Failed to identify current slot
[root@Raphael platform-tools]# ./fastboot flash bootloader ../taimen-opm1.171019.011/bootloader-taimen-tmz12a.img
target didn't report max-download-size
sending 'bootloader_b' (36344 KB)...
FAILED (remote: Requested download size is more than max allowed
)
finished. total time: 0.000s
[root@Raphael platform-tools]# ./fastboot flash bootloader ../taimen-opm1.171019.011/bootloader-taimen-tmz12a.img
target reported max download size of 536870912 bytes
sending 'bootloader' (36344 KB)...

Yep, doing the same command multiple time doesn't give me the same result, and yes, I'm stuck at the last line...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Did you unlock_critical????
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] cavolo:
Of course.

e: ok, it seems that I can switch the slots, but still unable to flash anything.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
No disrespect intended, but you'd be surprised how many have forgotten to do that before they start flashing stuff. Well, my friend, I'm afraid that you may have to just install the factory image without removing the -w so it wipes the phone. I'm not the tech genius that many others are, but I don't know what else to tell you. You just may have to start with a clean slate to get things working :eek:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] cavolo:
The thing is that I can't even go to a clean state (see the paste http://paste.awesom.eu/LUzN&ln ).
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Question, when you unzipped/extracted the factory image, you'll see another zip file that contains the boot.img and a bunch of other stuff. Is that zip file also in the platform tools folder. If so, is it still zipped, or did you also unzip that one and put it in the folder??

You're using a mac aren't you?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] cavolo:
Still zipped, if you read the flash-all file, you'll see that the script flash the zip, not file by file.

You'll see too that normally it should flash the bootloader, but mine is stuck on the old bootloader I think.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] ckarrow2:
Do you have the very latest adb and fastboot executables?

If you do make sure your PATH is not pointing to an old version.

https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools.html
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] chadhoard:
I followed these steps. After I flash the patched_boot.img and reboot, I open the Magisk manager app. It shows the that magisk is not installed. Under SafetyNet Check Success, ctsProfile: false and basicIntegrity: true. What am I missing?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
What happens when you try to determine what your active slot is when you use the commands in the picture??