yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
Here are some simple instructions since you're unsure of some steps.

If you want to flash a cust kernel, mods, or make a back up of your Rom, then TWRP is nice to have.

Version 3.2.1-0 is stable (with a few features not yet working like MTP, time is off a bit) but many have used TWRP with no issues.

If you do not want to run a cust kernel, some users are experiencing some touch issues while in TWRP running stock kernel (installing a cust kernel usually clears it up).

For now, with or without TWRP, factory images must be updated via fastboot.

The instructions I linked show you how to boot into TWRP without having to make it permanent if you want to use it, but not keep it.

If your device isn't completely set up yet, or there is a possibility in the future you'll want to update the bootloader, you'll need to have flashed critical_unlock first (which wipes your device)... This is why most are reco just do unlock and critical_unlock early, so you don't have to wipe your data later.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] fergdizzle9090:
Sweet thanks! few more questions if you dont mind

- Is there much a benefit for the custom kernel on the pixel 2 xl? my battery life is already incredible so im thinking ill just leave it since i wont be installing TWRP permanently, since im just im not messing with roms or mods or anything

- if im already on current stock do i need to reflash and stock images before all this? or is that only the case if im coming from and outdated version?

- Will i be able to accept OTAs with all of this or do those need to be flashed?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] jrbxx7:
For me custom kernel is worth wake gestures and kcal. Plus battery life seems better. You don't need to reflash. Otas will fail. You will need to flash them. As recommended unlock critical so you can flash updated bootloader with the updates.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] ExoticMe:
"

Mac/Linux:

CLICK TO HIDE CONTENT

Unzip the folder somewhere on your hard drive.

Navigate to that folder with your terminal.

Run the following commands:

Code:

sudo install adb /usr/local/bin

sudo install fastboot /usr/local/bin

Type the following commands:

Code:

adb --version

fastboot --version

You should see the version information, along with telling you they are installed to /usr/local/bin. If so, you were successful!"

whenever i reach the command adb --version i get "-bash: adb: command not found" tried changing the cable restarting my computer and phone revoking debugging nothing worked

any help guys?

edit: found the issue for unix you have to use ./adb
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
If you're not planning on using TWRP permanently, and you don't need the few custom features or added batt life from a cust kernel, then you'll be fine without it.

If you are already on current factory Jan 8.1 (without any modifications), you shouldn't need to reflash it

I believe as long as you are not rooted, and your "Automatic System Updates" in developer options is ON, you should be able to get OTAs, but I'm not 100% on that.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] fergdizzle9090:
Yeah i dont really need it because i just use the stock wake options, but kcal adjustments might be nice. i paid for elementalX app a while back so ill probably just install that when i root with magisk. thanks!

really appreciate the help! I'll probably just totally start fresh. gunna unlock critical, flash the latest image, then install a elementalX kernel and magisk, just need to decide if i want to full install TWRP or not.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
Sounds like a plan!

I'm super happy with Flash kernel (the dev is a FANTASTIC guy) and talented dev.

The latest TWRP is stable, no reason not to have all the goodies available on your device :p

Backups are good, flashing zips and images are super easy,(except factory image, still needs to be fastbooted)...

I'm really happy with my 2 XL even without a cust Rom (still waiting for that to become a little more mature)...

Best of luck no matter which path you take!
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] clothednblack:
Look what's in the making..... Can't post it in XDA obviously, but we all should know where to find it by now
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Oh SNAP! Dude, you made my day!! ?????☝✊
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] clothednblack:
Should have seen my face when I came across it, had to do a triple take just to make sure I was seeing straight and wasn't hallucinating lol
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Thanks for the heads up. Haven't checked there in about a week. Hmmmm..wonder what I'll be doing in the not too distant future?!! ??
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] clothednblack:
Ha ha, I usually go a few days between checking for it, now that I've found it, I can't stop refreshing and looking through all builds lol
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Still got it on my 6p :laugh::good:

We'd better take this to pm I'm thinking :cool:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] clothednblack:
Probably, I'm sure people will already start asking where the download is, is it ready, what features... Blah blah blah.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Exactly! :good:

---------- Post added at 11:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:17 PM ----------

Already saw your post...you know where ?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] clothednblack:
Saw that, let me know if you see it go live before I do, will do the same ?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Roger that bro :good:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
Dude!

DUDE!

D U D E ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! :D
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Fin.....noggin.....shell.....Duuuuuuude :laugh:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] outbackpaul:
O.M.G.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] inffy:
Yep, works very nicely on this :)
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Lucky duck! It's good to be a tester ?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] clothednblack:
Glad to hear it, I miss the days of testing.... Sometimes.... Especially right now! ?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] wrasor:
I consider myself a fairly experienced rom flasher, but I am missing what the screenshot is calling out. Any hint on where this download is at?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] MikereDD:
Somewhere on the interweb.

Now grab your basket and hunt.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] clothednblack:
Download isn't ready yet but the name is in the screen shot, the location can be found by using Google as mentioned. Sorry to sound secretive but it's one of the fight club rules directly from the team(not to be shared on xda).
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] clothednblack:
Starting to pretend it's ready lol
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Bwahahahahaha...Nice! Great wall bro :good::good:

Unicorns run wild in Montana ya know! ?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] kpalian:
My pixel is boot looping. I was installing substratum overlays and it just powered off. Now every time I try to turn my phone off it shows the google logo with the loading bar and it reboots to twrp. Someone help please.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Sounds like an incompatible theme. Get into twrp and flash the rescue zip.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] kpalian:
What's the rescue zip? I am flashing the January boot image right now because that is how I fixed a similar issue last time. I am sure this will work, but if not, where do you find the rescue zip?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Your method will work as well. Look in your root browser and look for the substratum file. The rescue zip is located there :good:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] kpalian:
Thank you very much! Next time I will try this! I appreciate the help very much! Dilly dilly!

---------- Post added at 08:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:02 PM ----------

Aw ****, when I booted it said system ui stopped and it gave me 2 options: reboot or factory data reset. Should I try to flash the rescue zip via substratum now?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Might as well. You've got nothing to loose. And you flash it in twrp, not substratum :cool:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] avivasaf:
Can i flash manually factory images, because i cant use flash-all. Bat in my computer, i tried everything. What is the guide to do that correct?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
This should give you all the info you need, links as well.

Use the latest version of whatever the link offers :D

Make sure you SDK tools are latest version

make sure you have a 2.0 USB cable'if anything involving using the pc fails, reboot the pc
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] avivasaf:
I want to unroot my device and back to stock, not using twrp
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
I was providing the steps (latest SDK toolkit, 2.0 USB cable, different port on PC) so you could try and get your PC to fastboot the latest factory image, which would wipe everything and return you to stock

If you still can't get fastboot to work, I'm not sure how to return to stock.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] avivasaf:
Fastboot is ok, can do everything except flash-all, it says "fastboot not recognized as internal or external command"
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
fastboot works, but then fastboot not recognized? Make sure you are typing the exact file name in the command prompt

make sure the flash-all.bat file is in the platform tools folder

then in the address line, type CMD

type fastboot devices

your device serial number should come up

if not, use the troubleshooting steps in the link I provided
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] avivasaf:
Fastboot recognize device, everything ok just the flash-all can't be done - fastboot not recognized as internal or external command or bach file
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] malybru:
Have you tried dragging the flash-all.bat into the command window?

Or simply double clicking it?

And are all the files you want it to flash are in the same folder as the flash-all?

:)
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] avivasaf:
1. I tried to grab it

2.all the files together in the platform tools

3.im using windows 10 if its matter

4 platform tools is in program files in c
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] kanwalgee:
Hi I bought a phone from EE, in Dev options I can see that OEM unlock is disabled. Does that mean I have to wait 6 month's for EE to revive SIM lock in order to unlock bootloader and root phone?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
If I remember correctly, and just confirmed by doing a google search.....Yes ?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] simplepinoi177:
when running flash-all, the command/syntax is NOT :"fastboot flash-all" or "fastboot flash-all.bat". You just have to make sure all the unzipped files are in the same folder as fastboot.exe, in the command prompt you direct the command line to said folder, and simply type "flash-all" or even "flash-all.bat" ; you don't invoke fastboot.

based on this information, it should all look like or similar to this:

"C:\>" or "C:\Windows\system32>" (this is not a command, but where windows command prompt begins)

C:\> cd "C:\Program Files\platform tools"

C:\Program Files\platform tools> flash-all.bat

then the batch file will run commands that call upon fastboot.exe; you actually don't invoke fastboot when running flash-all...that may be where the misunderstanding is coming from...

if all that still doesn't work and it still says fastboot not recognized, then the only reason can be that you must not have the flash-all file

WITH

the fastboot.exe and platform tools folder...

hope you get it and hope this helps...

P.S. also to unroot without TWRP, click Uninstall in Magisk Manager app, and choose Complete Uninstall (although I haven't had success doing this and has led to bootloops to recovery and/or I have to run the .zip uninstaller file that Magisk offers, but that has to be run in TWRP...)
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] avivasaf:
*solved *

Just moved the content of the factory images files into the platform tools and grab the "flash-all" to the cmd, and it's worked
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] outbackpaul:
Does the -w wipe internal storage? I want to perform a clean flash when the February update comes out.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] p70shooter:
Yes it does
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] andy6685:
So just unzip the factory zip inside the platform tools folder?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Many, including me, use a program called 7-zip to unzip/extract the factory images. Then place the contents into the platform-tools folder.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] an21281:
I rolled back yesterday from 8.1 beta to Nov update on Pixel 2 XL using flash-all script in the update. Had to leave the -w to format data, taking it out resulted in errors... Need to make sure to unzip everything(there is another zip once you unzip the first firmware file) and have all img files in the root adb/fastboot folder you are using
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] clothednblack:
this worked, Thank you. I had to unlock critical but it did work :)
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
[MENTION=6842057]nathanchance[/MENTION]

I was running SD Maid Premium to clean old files, etc. and there is a folder here:

/storage/emulated/0/.estrongs

The .estrong folder comes up with 6.7GB of "Corpsefinder"files that are listed as "ok to delete"..

Corpse finder finds files that are fragmented or no longer connected to an installed aplication.

That folder's contents are:

,app_icon_back (folder)

,dontedit_v1 (file)

.image (folder)

.sp_check_dontedit_v7 (file)

appinfo.db

appinfo.db-journal (file)

archive.db

archive.db-journal (file)

folder_app.db

folder_app.db-journal (file)

recycle (folder) 6.23GB

I figured before I delete this folder to regain 6GBs, I'd find out if anyone knows if it is, or contains anything REQUIRED for factory image or the device to work.

I am on Nov factory image (via adb)

rooted via MAgisk patched_boot.img (via adb)

Any ideas?

TIA!

(posted in Magisk thread too in case it's Magisk related)
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] pvtjoker42:
I replied to you in the Magisk thread.. it's just your ES File Explorer recycle bin, empty that sucker! :cool:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
That's what I was thinking, but with a new device in its infancy, I wanted to be sure.

Thank you :D
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Neverendingxsin:
Correct me if i'm wrong, but if you only plan on being stock rooted then their isn't any reason to do the unlock critical part correct?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
I believe critical needs to be unlocked to flash new bootloaders.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Cowbell_Guy:
What's the difference between a factory image and OTA?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] SilvrDrgn:
On Pixel 2 (non-XL) with Nov update using Magisk Manager 5.4.1.

When I do these steps from the OP under "Rooting with Magisk" section:

4. Click "Install" at the first prompt then choose "Patch Boot Image File". A file manager will pop up.

5. Select the boot image you want to patch and let Magisk Manager patch it.

I get a patched boot file that is over 8 MB smaller than the original boot.img file. Is that normal?

EDIT: Apologies . . . Just realized I put this in the Pixel 2 XL discussion, but don't see a way to delete it from here.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
It should be the only patched_boot.img in that folder. Mine for the 2 XL was 25mb...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Neverendingxsin:
So suppose we get a new factory image that has a new bootloader, we'd need critical unlocked to flash that?

I'm just asking because I can't seem to find any information on why you'd actually need to unlock the critical partitions and the google site just says you "may" need to do it.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
IIRC the critical unlock unlocks a partition the new bootloader gets loaded to, and if you are NOT going to be flashing new bootloaders, regular unlock is sufficient.

But, as a very wise dev has said, why wouldn't you want to run unlock critical?

Unlock critical erases your device, and if you only unlock, then down the road decide a new BL would be nice, you have to erase your entire device to run critical.

If you run critical now, and never flash a new BL, you're no worse off for the wear, so to speak :D

The above is my understanding, and I know there are several folks here waaay smarter than I who will correct any false information :p
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Neverendingxsin:
You are absolutely correct, I went ahead and did the critical unlock (because why not) and had my phone set back up in less than 20 minutes haha

Thank you for answering my question btw :)
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Cowbell_Guy:
Have gotten my phone rooted running November magisk because of you guys.

Thanks!

However I've noticed that the phone often hangs up while being rebooted at the Google screen. Any ideas? Should I reflash the boot.image from the November (Verizon) factory image and patch on magisk?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] trim81:
no issues of hanging for me...

ive 1st flashed with the November full image... then i used magisk after

try again/?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] beezar:
Is there a way to tell if you your bootloader is critical unlocked vs. just regular unlocked?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] GridironTrenches:
the adb command prompts hangs up at fastboot flashing unlock_critical . OEM is checked in developer settings and i bought unlocked carrier version from google with a verizon sim card
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] CyberpodS2:
Try a different cable and really verify you have the latest platform-tools. I just did mine last night with the same details and no problems.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] GridironTrenches:
i downloaded the sdk from the OP. adb version is 1.0.39 and fastboot is 4022467. "fastboot flashing unlock_critical" says returns "Device already : unlocked!" but the bootloader says device state is locked
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Atomregen:
You have also to type fastboot flash unlock
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] evanw68:
Don't know if anyone has already asked this, but I'm gonna anyways. Does this guide still apply to 8.1 or no?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Absolutely ?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] evanw68:
Also, I followed the bootloader commands, and did both of them, in order, and it came back with this in cmd: FAILED (remote: Device already : unlocked!). Is that normal?

finished. total time: 0.003s
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Was that after you ran the second unlocking command? Which one did you do first?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] evanw68:
That was after the second command, the critical one. I ran both commands, in order. The first one went fine, and unlocked the bootloader, but the second one returned me that line I posted earlier
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Hmmmm...that's odd. Maybe reboot your phone into bootloader mode, and reboot your pc and try the command again.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
If you're using a 3.0 cable, try using a USB 2.0 cable.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] evanw68:
I'm actually not sure, I was using a cable I got from Walgreens. I might try using the original cable instead
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] evanw68:
So, dumb question again. Does the zip installer need to be on the phone, for when I boot into TWRP? Or do I just push it from my computer, like with the image?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] p70shooter:
Store it on your phone, you will need it lots
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Fields47:
Hi guys, so this is my first time trying to root a phone outside of Samsung (I successfully rooted an S7 a week ago with safety net intact) and i'm running into a little bit of difficulty with the Pixel 2 XL.

Basically, in order to flash the patched-boot.img to the phone I need to issue the fastboot flashing unlock command, however If I do this then Magisk CTS-Profile returns false and if I relock the bootloader the phone doesn't boot. Has anyone managed to root their Pixel 2 XL keeping Safety Net all green?

Thanks
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
Try this set of instructions.

Pretty much lays out each step, with links and details.

If there's a newer version for a file, use the latest version :D
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Fields47:
Thanks for the quick reply, I actually just stumbled on to this thread https://xdaforums.com/pixel-2-xl/development/kernel-stock-kernel-safetynet-patch-t3706924 so I guess that my problem was the stock kernel. I'll have a go now and let you know how I get on.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] BladeRunner:
I have unlocked my bootloader though not critical_unlocked, installed TWRP, and majisk. When it comes time to update again I was thinking I can flash the current, stock boot.img, recovery.img and system.img to return myself to stock and take the OTA. Is that still possible? And are there any additional image files I would need to flash, such as the dtbo.img or the system_other.img?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
I should've mentioned it in my first response; on the Jan 8.1 factory image, with TWRP, Flash kernel and magisk installed, Safety net has always passed for me. Not sure if you were aware of this.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Fields47:
I haven't been using TWRP, i've been using magisk and patching the boot.img. I just followed your instructions and booted TWRP, flashed the zips and everything is working like a charm.

Thanks again.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Personally, I would just unlock your critical partition, and just flash factory images instead of waiting for OTA's. However, your method will work as well. Just make sure you fully unroot before taking the OTA, or else it won't work.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] NMEAGENT:
I am coming from an iphone 7, and a lot has changed since I was last on Android. From what I have read, I just need to unlock (critical) bootloader, and flash magisk to root and still pass SafetyNet so I can still use Netflix and Android Google Pay on my phone. However, based on the instructions in the OP it looks like I have the option of installing TWRP or not. Which one should I go for, if I only plan on changing my kernel to ElementalX? What are the pros and cons for installing with/without TWRP?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Nikos2k:
Instead of downloading the OTA, can't you download the full firmware file, and just flash the system.img leaving the rest as they are?

(ofcourse, if new boot.img is different comparing to previous one, you can flash this as well, followed by flashing twrp again, and flashing magisk.zip from twrp)
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] blueren:
Deleted.