yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Vatumb:
I did the same.

use this command. fastboot flash bootloader bootloader-taimen-tmz12b.img
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Surge1223:
Well since you're not showing the output or running the device info command I gave then your only real option is to flash the ota for 12a since you're on that version

Then flash the full factory image for the newest
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Vatumb:
see the screenshot
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Surge1223:
I see that. I meant a screenshot fastboot oem device-info. Most likely you either were on a beta or made so change where you now have to go back to mr1 release which you can only do via the full ota. You need do this before you can unlock critical. See here https://developers.google.com/android/images
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Vatumb:
here is it

Screenshot
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] TonikJDK:
Is your slider still set to allow unlocking?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Vatumb:
See the image
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Surge1223:
Last post on this.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Vatumb:
But that command is not working now
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Surge1223:
Not the command, the part about what it says to do prior to being able to use the command
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Vatumb:
So what to do now. Now am not able to install the OTA update and not even flash the System images
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Vatumb:
Finally Fixed it.

1. First, relock the bootloader - fastboot flashing lock

2. Reboot

3. Enable USB debugging and OEM Unlock

4. fastboot mode - fastboot flashing unlock_critical

5. reboot

6. fastboot mode - fastboot flashing unlock

7. Reboot

Now the phone is successfully updated with the latest image.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Well hot darn! Finally! :good:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Globulin:
Trying to root stupid thing....

That's where I stuck: saying that device is still locked.

Although it did allowed me to do critical unlock...

cmd screen in attachement

Heeelp, plz :)
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] v12xke:
You have do two separate commands, unlock, and unlock critical. In the screenshot you only did critical.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Globulin:
I see. will try to do two in sequence now..
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Globulin:
Feel completely stupid..Did both commands(Thanks a lot for tip!)

Appears like went through OK.

Then phone went into full factory reset(!?) and there are no Magisk or anything else on it...:(

Does it mean that I need to do all steps

over again??
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Do you have OEM unlocking and USB debugging turned on in developer settings? Maybe a stupid simple question, but another user just had a heck of time updating and rooting his device because he forgot to do that. :eek:

---------- Post added at 04:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:22 PM ----------

Yep. Both unlock commands wipe your phone.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Globulin:
Yes OEM unlocking and USB debugging turned on.

USB debugging in Files transfer mode.

Looks like I just went through complete factory reset....

Well, will try to install Magisk, patch, reboot and see what happens.

---------- Post added at 05:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:31 PM ----------

Yey!! Thanks a lot.

"device rooted"

Should I lock bootloader back to not see all those warning and, finally,

insert Verizon SIM and starting using the phone? :)
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
HEAVEN FORBID NO!!! That'll just wipe your phone again. Just ignore the message. It does no harm! :good:

Sim card is ok to install :good:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Globulin:
Thanks for warning!!

Almost pulled the plug...

Appears like there is no way to get rid of it and its common problem.

Have the same message as in second post here

https://xdaforums.com/pixel-2-xl/help/8-1-magisk-t3715142

Looks very uncomfortable... :)

But rooted..

TiBo working.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Whew! Glad you didn't lock it! Yeah, no way to get rid of the bootloader message. The other one is due to magisk manager patching the dtbo.img. It's nothing to worry about, and will likely be fixed as the Dev for magisk is aware of it, and works on making it better all the time. There is a fix for it, but I don't want to confuse you any further. I would definitely recommend that you start scouring the P2XL forums, and do a lot of reading. Guarantee you'll learn a ton of helpful information to help you with further modifications if you choose to do so :good:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Mentalmuso:
I had all sorts of problems until I simply used the skipsoft tool to flash back to stock and I also use it to boot into twrp. Then twrp takes over for me, to flash what's needed

Edit. I flashed the full January stock zip, using skipsofts flash Google image tool
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] cmattern:
First, thanks for what you do to keep folks safe.

WRT device availability I don't do anything as important but I do rely on my phone for work which essentially means my ability to feed my family so I've adopted a safety net of sorts which I'll bet you already practice with your work gear, spares. I always keep my last phone (a Nexus 5x) up to date(ish) and can fall back to it at need. I use Titanium to back the Primary up and can pretty easily sync back from Google anything that's missing without having to go through a lot of reconfiguring of individual apps. When I'm on the rode I take the spare with me in case I bork the primary while experimenting in my hotel room.

In a past life I was asked why I was always worried about X happening. I responded, I'm not worried, I'm prepared.

Now God knows I'm not always prepared but I do worry less, learn more and have more fun with a spare. Also a great defense when called on my hoarding tendencies. :)
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] I7210I:
Hello

i want to ask few questions,

1. i came from the 6P where there i had problems to upgrade with flashfire the monthly security updates with magisk, here it's works with magisk, or with super su, and what is preferdable?

2. is it void the warrently?

thank you
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Former 6p user as well...great phone?

Magisk is the only root method available to the P2XL. I wouldn't recommend flashfire for updating,.I've seen several having problems with it.

Your warranty is voided when you root. Unlocking the bootloader however, does not void the warranty.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] I7210I:
the main thing i want the root is for the call recorder, if there's call recorder without root, so it's better for me.

also, i need the dev tools (just unlock bootloader i guess) to run tests on the device.

what is the best solution for these?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
Delete any old SDK tools from your pc,

then grab the latest SDK Tools from HERE or HERE,

make sure you have a UBS 2.0 cable on hand as some of the 3.0 cables can be picky and not work.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] I7210I:
for?

i have android studio ;)

but for the needs of call record and using adb , what is the best solution?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
In order to unlock the bootloader, make sure you have the latest SDK tools available.

As for the call recorder, I use EASY VOICE RECORDER, and hit "start" to record my calls. If you want something automated, I don't have any suggestions for that.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] I7210I:
yes i know that i need the sdk tools, (or the android studio+sdk tools that come with) but unlock bootloader but what for?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
You stated that you need dev tools, just to unlock the bootloader and run tests,

"also, i need the dev tools (just unlock bootloader i guess) to run tests on the device.

what is the best solution for these?"

and I am suggesting to get the latest SDK tools so there is no problem...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] I7210I:
so for the dev tools theres need to unlock the bootloader?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] rockingondrums:
I used to do that before I got in to this career, but now I want as minimal downtime as possible. Also, I'm a dad now, so I literally have maybe 1-1.5 hours a day for any personal time. That's for EVERYTHING: Catching up on TV shows, reading the news, watching YouTube... I don't want to be in TWRP, I don't really like messing with TB anymore because it usually springs up little issues which don't take a lot of time to solve, but again, I literally have no more time for that stuff.

In any case, I just did ended up doing the flash-all with -w flag erased. I've done it before so I know it works without issue and I don't know why I was so stubborn to do it this time, but I'm on Jan 8.1 build now. Now, I don't know why doing the Magisk install freezes the phone, and I got a lot of super unhelpful responses just telling me to use TWRP. Which I ended up doing and it still failed. If I had more time, I'd make a logcat, but I don't have time. I think all parents will understand this.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] arcticnights:
Hi guys, I'm on the January image and Magisk manager 5.5.5. When I click install -> install -> patch boot image in magisk manager, the toast pops up as downloading magisk but nothing shows up in the notifications, and the file doesn't show up in my MagiskManager folder. Tried to leave it for about half an hour but no patched boot image showed up. I'm probably making a dumb mistake, would appreciate any help offered. Thanks so much! :)
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
You won't see a "patched boot image" you have to patch the stock boot.img. Which means, you have to place a copy of your stock boot.img on your internal storage. Then when you hit install from the magisk manager home screen, under, "patch boot image" you'll use your file manage or root browser to navigate to where you put the stock boot.img. It's far easier to just have twrp installed, and flash the magisk 15.3 zip in twrp recovery.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] xcha0tic:
Is twrp worth installing on the pixel xl 2( read the notes about twrp note 5 and 6 on main post)
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
I think so. Easy to flash mods and kernels ??
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] xcha0tic:
Okay just those notes had me worried, usually always have twrp flashed on my devices. Thanks :)
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] kliptor3:
So I'm rooted using Magisk on an older factory image of 8.1 (from December). How do I update to a newer version? Do I have to do a wipe install and patch the boot image and flash that with magisk again? Or can I use the flash-all script with '-w' removed to retain my data?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] MikereDD:
Yes remove the -w so you don't wipe.

But just in case it does **** up backup your sdcard to your computer.

Never know
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] kliptor3:
Thank you. One more thing. Do I need to re-root with Magisk as before? Or should I retain root?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] MikereDD:
Yes
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] kliptor3:
Yes to which one?... Lol
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] MikereDD:
You'll have to root again.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] kliptor3:
Got it. I appreciate the help :)
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] danielrod:
Anyone know how I can get the stock 8.1 boot.img?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] ilal2ielli:
Download the full factory image and extract it from the factory image zip.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
Friendly reminder:

please remember to only post your question in one thread in the same device forum.

This was answered as well in the other thread you posted it in.

Thanks.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] danielrod:
I'm sorry about that, it won't happen again. Thought I bricked my phone so I went into panic mode.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] rockingondrums:
I respectfully disagree with badger50.

I did exactly what you are going to attempt. If you succeed in rooting Jan 8.1 build without TWRP, I'd appreciate a PM for some assistance.

Again, for anyone reading, I'm not interested in installing TWRP. For the record, I did try installing Magisk with only a TWRP boot, not install, and I still got stuck on white G logo.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] MikereDD:
Just extract magisk manager from the zip either from a computer or on device and install it.

Push a boot.img on the device

Open magisk manager

Hit install button > patch boot

After its done

From your computer

adb pull /sdcard/*************/patched_boot.img

adb reboot bootloader

Then use fastboot

fastboot flash boot patched_boot.img

fastboot reboot

Done.

Its all in the OP btw.

No need for twrp
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] kliptor3:
I'm a noob, so I can't give you any informed advice.

I haven't tried updating yet, but in my first root with the December 8.1, I didn't touch anything having to do with TWRP. I merely sideloaded Magisk in adb, patched the boot image corresponding to the proper build, and flashed the patched boot image. That's the technique I'll use when I update to the newest image.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-0NIUUvYI4

I used the pertinent parts of this video to root in this manner.

Hope this helps some.

---------- Post added at 10:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:46 PM ----------

Seems that MikereDD already gave the same answer I gave.

Always the helpful dude.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] simplepinoi177:
Simplest and Most sure-fire way (without installing TWRP)...

Or you can simply use twrp

temporarily

via: fastboot boot twrp_boot_image_file.img

"fastbootflash boot boot_image_file.img"

is

installing it permanently; "fastboot boot boot_image_file.img" only boots (and uses twrp in this one instance) this one time only.

Then you use this one time to run the magisk.zip installer so Magisk can patch your actual boot image (boot.img) that you are currently using

directly

instead of the headaches and problems many are getting by needing to extract/copy the boot.img, patch it externally (outside of the boot partition), copying/flashing it over, etc. In the end, you would be rooted, Magisk app automatically installed, and most importantly absolutely

NO TWRP & NOT A SINGLE TRACE OF IT WILL BE FOUND ON YOUR PHONE!

This is the simplest method you can do to achieve root and not have TWRP on your phone!

I apologize for the big and obnoxious statement, but I have re-iterated this many times with it not sinking in; i.e. readers will attempt more complicated methods and run into so many issues (with extracting/finding proper boot.img, proper version, patching said .img, etc.) all to

NOT

use TWRP in fear that it will somehow stay on their phone (supposedly for the reason of being able to successfully install OTAs or pass certain "checks" [Android Pay? though installing Flash Kernel will also make AP work]) after its initial and only use -- when you could just do this and run the Magisk.zip patcher to patch the existing & actual boot.img, forget all that other stuff, and as long as you

don't

install the twrp.zip installer when you are using twrp temporarily the one time

or

run the command "fastboot flash boot twrp_boot_image_file.img" (this will result in bootloops; I don't believe twrp boot image file is actually meant to be a full boot image replacement as it seems it will only boot directly into TWRP and doesn't point to the Android OS anywhere), there's no way twrp can stay in your system/phone.

TL;DR Do my method if you have any problems or error messages (or bootloops due to wrong file versions) using the Magisk app to install/patch a boot.img file, and you do not want TWRP installed on your phone (you will use TWRP, but it will not be put on your phone). This will bypass finding/copying any copy of a boot.img file, patching it, and/or flashing it.

I'll help all I can to answer any questions (both here and/or private message).

Hope this helps...

P.S. There was a bug where using TWRP to install Magisk using the .zip installation file would cause the first boot after to result in a bootloop or an unending loading. I am under the impression that the devs of Magisk corrected this, but I am not concretely sure. In any case, a hard shutdown or hard reset and it should boot successfully in all the subsequent times.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] MikereDD:
By the time you booted twrp I'd be done and booted back into the system.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Mentalmuso:
Haha, that's the beginnings of a comparison YouTube video there. Let the race begin
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Normandroid:
unlock critical?

deleted
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] xringo:
So if my pixel 2 xl has its bootloader unlocked, and running magisk along with xposed. And I want to update to say a new update from google that will be released on Feb. I should just follow the first step in "Flashing factory images"

I should not flash OTA and just flash the image right?

Also does google download updates in the background and try to install it? Even if my bootloader is unlocked? What will happen?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] TonikJDK:
In Dev options turn off check for updates. It will fail to update and in a few cases on the OG Pixels it kept retrying to download eating lots of data.

There are ways to unroot with Magisk and use the OTA but for a long time I have just done step one and rerooted. It is easy and clean and is zero hassle.

Just be sure to edit the flash all bat file and remove the -w so you save your data.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] simplepinoi177:
That definitely may be...

But it's probably because it'd be ensured you would patch the right boot image (right version, for the right bootloader, for the right Oreo version,...etc.) and know exactly where it is in the filesystem to "pull" it and do the correct syntax of "fastboot-ing" the first time around. You probably can claim your method

is

the fastest. The method I offer is only for those who seem to run into bumps and hurdles messing with a copy of boot.img (as the method I offered just directly patches the one currently in use already) and mine wouldn't be the fastest, but the "simplest" and most straightforward ("sure-fire" in the way of less complications to run into errors/"bumps").

I talk pretty plainly and literally so I don't really have adequate tone in my posts, so I'll say it straight-out: This post isn't to disagree or poke at anything or because I'm on the defensive. If it was said in jest, again, even if I get it, I'm not good at replying with the proper tone. I'm actually only responding in hopes that any readers having troubles/problems might consider mine even if it isn't the quickest...

But as Mentalmuso suggested, it would be interesting and entertaining to see which would be swifter -- although I certainly don't volunteer to be the one to attempt...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] CyberpodS2:
Good info man.

For the record, Google came out last cycle and said sideloading the OTA was causing some users issues. That just validates my opinion on using the factory images. Just my opinion...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] chrisnk204:
For the first time since my T-Mobile G1 i didnt root my phone within the first week of getting it.

This phone and googles stock software was so good i said F it and decided to hold off on rooting

But like always it just isnt enough and i need FULL CONTROL AND FREEDOM of my device

I see there are a couple more steps this time around then last year but like always ppl make things seem harder then they are

From all the threads ive been reading im thinking this is the simplest and best way to go

Update sdk/drivers

Fastboot oem unlock THEN unlock critical (reboot run thru setup)

Fastboot BOOT TWRP

Install TWRP zip

Reboot??? Then flash magisk???

Is there no supersu thats useable for the 2XL? Never used magisk before but heard about it for quite sometime

Can anyone confirm if this is right?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] xringo:
I think I will be just flashing the latest image files through the bat and remove the -w. Then I can simply reflash magisk.

One question. I'm also on twrp. Does flashing the new images, remove twrp? So I should just flash new factory image over my current twrp image> then adb boot and flash the twrp recovery > then flash magisk?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] philipswangyong:
My Pixel 2 XL is dead?

My phone is turned on for the first time, and later updated 8.1 system.

Then, it will never be able to skip the wifi connection checking update here after rebooting. what should I do? ? ?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] gianton:
Reboot to recovery and select Wipe data/factory reset.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] sirxdroid:
Once the ROM booted, is there a way to check from inside the ROM itself which slot it booted from?

I had an instance where I flashed Magisk from TWRP, there were no errors, and yet when I booted there was no sign of the Magisk app. It was right after a flash-all.sh, I suspect the active slot might have changed on me or something like that. Not sure whether flash-all.sh flashes the same image to both slots or only to the non-active slot and then switches to it? The P2XL is my fresh experience with dual slots, coming from a lot of Nexus devices some which I still own.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] :
Quick question because I've heard different things. Can you sideload an OTA or flash factory images if you have Substratum overlays installed? Some people say to uninstall all of them every time or it'll bootloop the device, but that seems like a hassle lol. Just curious.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] TonikJDK:
Uninstall them. It doesn't happen every time but it's happened a couple of times.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Pkt_Lnt:
Please, uninstall first! :good:

I've helped so many people in so many posts who did not and got bootloops at best and soft bricks at worst. Sometimes adb will get your a** out of the sling, but often only a factory reset will do.

Now what is more hassle?

A - uninstall first?

B - adb search and rescue?

C - factory reset?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] philipswangyong:
Thank you.:fingers-crossed::good::highfive:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] alphamale:
Silly question I was trying to obtain critical unlock I didn't realize it had to be done in two steps. I ran the critical unlock command 1st and then booted up. I realized my bootloader was still locked. So I ran the unlock command, and now I'm unlocked. Should I run critical unlock command again, or should I be ok. Or do I need to lock then unlock again.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
You should be fine. You can run the critical again if you'd like. You'll just get a return that says device is already unlocked.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] fergdizzle9090:
a few questions, been a while since i rooted, and havent used magisk before:

- is there any benefit to installing TWRP if i am not going to be installing roms or anything? is it stable or will it cause more headaches?

- i unlocked my bootloader when i got the phone, do i need to unlock critical for this?

- once rooted with magisk, to update i need to just flash stock images correct?