yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Superschmiddi:
[MENTION=4403217]Pkt_Lnt[/MENTION]

Oh man, thank you, I just tried it, shame on me :eek:

I never had a phone where i needed to that extra step, and im feeling like this step is nearly nowhere mentioned...

[MENTION=4670411]Az Biker[/MENTION]

Like I said in post #2827, every time I take this 30sec to deactivate my pin and fingerprint, I need to configure GPay and Paypal again due security risks

Its a little annoying to do this every month.

So I dont understand why my pin doesnt work to decrypt TWRP.....
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
There's no shame in learning new stuff. The 2 XL is a very fickle device anyway, so you are in a huge boat of people who had a big learning curve once they rooted their 2 XL.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Pkt_Lnt:
Yeah, the P2XL is a fickle beast and with the A/B partitions even more so. One needs to forget every phone you ever used before and start new with this phone, and still each of us get bit by steps that were easy for others. :eek: :cyclops: :cowboy:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Superschmiddi:
But I like it more than every other phone before :p

I just figured why I cant decrypt my data in twrp....

I still used twrp 3.2.3-0

Now I have twrp 3.2.3-1 (TWRP version 3.2.3-1 is now able to decrypt the data partition after entering the PIN / password on your device)

Well.... I solved the problem :victory::laugh:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] simplepinoi177:
Well, I know [MENTION=6889326]Superschmiddi[/MENTION] resolved his issue/problem, but I just wanted to add something for ANYONE who, for whatever reason, wished to update via not the Full Factory image but the OTA and wished to do so without TWRP, removing screenlock/encryption, and even wanted to use the Android System Update process {I understand the last part can only be achieved if you only obtained root and did not do anything additional to the "partitions" like a custom recovery, kernel, maybe even MODs [like performance tweaks]) (disclaimer: although there's a way to update via OTA without TWRP, there is no way to re-achieve root without using TWRP and somehow getting through TWRP/Pixel's decryption protocols [PINs normally]).

You could (optional: uninstall Magisk [best to do with the uninstaller .zip file]) download the Full Factory, extract the boot.img and dtbo.img file, and use fastboot commands to flash them overwriting the "modified" boot partition (where root and recovery lies within). The method I figured and [MENTION=3844705]WorldOfJohnboy[/MENTION] laid out can be found HERE (https://xdaforums.com/pixel-2-xl/how-to/how-to-applying-monthly-security-t3750234) detailing this. Again, to repeat, please note: I know it's stated about getting this done without TWRP or removing decryption if TWRP doesn't work with, but you can't get root back without TWRP and going through its decryption protocols -- which usually are PINs.

I'm not sure why anyone might want to go about it this way, where they wished to use an OTA (instead of the better and more established Full Factory; in which most, if not all, the experts and developers employ), wished to have it installed via non-custom methods even though already rooted (via the stock recovery and/or the System Update within the Settings menu), and then inevitably losing root when updating but not returning it back to the status of being rooted, whereby having to remove the screenlock/encryption, and use (even temporarily) TWRP...But, if there is a person/people with this very specific inquiry & situation; here you go, I hope this helps...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] clothednblack:
As [MENTION=3730810]Badger50[/MENTION] stated, I just download the ota from my phone and flash in twrp. Do fingerprint removal needed now that you are on the latest version of twrp. People have different methods of achieving the same goal, how you choose to go about it is your call. Being on the latest version of everything certainly helps you reach your goal. ?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] eruben:
How can I restore critical unlock? Will the phone wipe after that? Thanks
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
"Restore" critical unlock??? Not sure I understand. You can run the command..fastboot flashing unlock_critical....However, it may not work if your already on 9.0. If it does work, then yes, it will wipe your phone.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] JoroBo:
Just to say that this command did not work for me 2 days ago and yes, I was on Pie (latest available). There was a message displayed saying bootloader is already unlocked, I ran fastboot flashing unlock just before. Maybe [MENTION=3387463]eruben[/MENTION] can start with unlock_critical first :fingers-crossed:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Az Biker:
The newer bootloaders no longer require critical_unlock to be performed.

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

"

For Pixel 2 XL only with loader version prior to TMZ20a

: the critical partitions may also need to be unlocked before flashing. The unlock can be performed with this command, and should NOT be done on other devices:.....fastboot flashing unlock_critical"

Bottom line: if your bootloader version is LATER / NEWER than TMZ20a; the only unlock command you need to run is...

fastboot flashing unlock
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Superschmiddi:
[MENTION=4618389]simplepinoi177[/MENTION]

Since I managed to get into TWRP without removing my pin I will stay with my method

flash the factory image without the -w flag

boot into latest TWRP image and install latest Magisk.zip

boot into OS and install latest Magisk.apk

Seems very clean and simple to me.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] simplepinoi177:
Yes, I think that's best...it's what I and the experts/developers usually do on a monthly basis...

I only mentioned that other method because you posed a very unique, interesting, and intriguing circumstance/situation, and I took it as a bit of a "brain-teaser" and that other method came to mind. I went and thought up a plan, then found that you figured a solution (updating to the latest TWRP), but I wanted to lay all the thought I put into this out anyways...just in case someone else (albeit very specific and unique) might be in the same situation or is looking for that type of solution...

but congrats and I'm glad it's all working out for you...I can't imagine how much more tedious it was to update monthly and everytime needing to go through the extra steps...but, as [MENTION=4670411]Az Biker[/MENTION] kinda implied, he and some others choose to do what you were fed up with and remove the screenlock every single time, just because TWRP has had issues with decryption multiple times...

but, again, glad you got it working!
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] stevew84:
I just got this device, used and with a locked bootloader running Pie. I wanted to go back to Oreo and relock the bootloader when I was done, no root no nothing. I'm able to unlock (didn't do _critical though I think I needed to), but every time I try to flash-all.bat on my windows 10 machine, I get error after error like Unknown Command and Not Enough Memory.

I tried to unlock using the _critical command also as I was posting this...no luck.

EDIT:

This is what I'm getting now...

fastboot: error: Failed to identify current slot

rebooting into bootloader OKAY [ 0.003s]

Finished. Total time: 0.004s

fastboot: error: Failed to identify current slot

rebooting into bootloader OKAY [ 0.005s]

Finished. Total time: 0.007s

extracting android-info.txt (0 MB) to RAM...

--------------------------------------------

Bootloader Version...: TMZ12g

getvar:version-baseband FAILED (remote: 'unknown command')

fastboot: error: requirements not met!

Press any key to exit...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] post-mortem:
You sure you're using the latest version of platform-tools?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] stevew84:
Yes, just double checked. Running the Deuces script and this happens...

This will say "failed" if already unlocked - ignore

Running Unlock_critical

Look at your device,

press up arrow and Power to confirm

FAILED (remote: 'unknown command')

Finished. Total time: 0.002s

This will say "failed" if already unlocked - ignore

Locating Bootloader and Radio Filenames

Flashing...

it is safe to ignore errors about active partition - there are multiple entries to support multiple versions of platform tools

fastboot: error: Device does not support slots

fastboot: error: Device does not support slots

Sending 'bootloader' (36380 KB) FAILED (remote: 'unknown command')

Finished. Total time: 0.050s

rebooting into bootloader OKAY [ 0.003s]

Finished. Total time: 0.005s

fastboot: error: Failed to identify current slot

rebooting into bootloader OKAY [ 0.003s]

Finished. Total time: 0.004s

Slot _b does not exist. supported slots are:

a

b

fastboot: error: Device does not support slots

Sending 'bootloader' (36380 KB) FAILED (remote: 'Requested download size is more than max allowed

')

Finished. Total time: 0.012s

rebooting into bootloader FAILED (remote: 'unknown command')

Finished. Total time: 0.006s

Sending 'radio' (60412 KB)

EDIT: Hold on, seems to be working now as I realized I was using a 3.0 port. The Deuces script just did it's thing and I'm going to boot up to see what happens.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] simplepinoi177:
I don't know if you got it working or not, but for those who have this issue, it's usually needing to update platform tools, usb cord or port, and the last thing to check that I've found causes this (for me particularly) is that there's not enough space on the hard drive of the computer (C drive specifically) for platform tools/fastboot to temporarily extract and keep the image/partition data... be sure to check on that and all of these 3 things...

hope this helps...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] stevew84:
It was the port I think.

What's weird now is that I did fastboot flashing lock_critical, followed the prompts and all that yet I'm still unlocked. Does Google pay work with an unlocked bootloader?

I went back to 8.1 because supposedly the battery life is better than Pie.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] post-mortem:
Yes. Personally, my device (sailfish) is bootloader unlocked & rooted with Magisk, and Google Pay still works.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] stevew84:
Really? Then what's this whole thing about rooting breaks Google pay? Are you on a custom rom?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Whysthewifigone?:
ive followed everything in the instructions, installed magisk and twrp, went to install lineage os. all i got was constant bootloops, im running the current android 9.0 version. Is there something that im missing? i miss having a rooted phone, this is the first phone that ive owned, that has giving me so much issue
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Superschmiddi:
Mine is working too, flawlessly. Im unlocked, rooted via Magisk, no custom rom.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] post-mortem:
Same here. Rooted, latest stock ROM.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] TonikJDK:
Magisk hides itself so Google pay works. Most apps that try and detect root work fine, but not all.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] simplepinoi177:
Did you try (the other, simpler) fastboot flashing lock [no critical]? And/or maybe you should check the status from the output on command: fastboot getvar all .

I'm thinking GPay only throws a "fit" if one is rooted, not necessarily if the bootloader is unlocked or not...but that's just my impression...

hope this helps...

---------- Post added at 09:29 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:18 AM ----------

I'm a bit confused, are you under the impression that you need a custom ROM like Lineage OS to be rooted?

And it would help if you provided any troubleshooting you've done so far, for a process of elimination...

but, for most situations, you'll run into problems

if you DON'T

install Magisk

LAST

....since it considerably modifies the boot partition/image (which is where root is required to be established) and with all the issues with the multiple slots and added modifications of the dtbo, doing other things after Magisk has modified the boot partition and dtbo image usually end up with your aforementioned issue of bootloops...

In summary; reset device and boot partition and get to a "clean slate" (I suggest maybe running the Magisk uninstaller a couple of times, even though I'm not sure at this stage it would do anything really productive... or the better/best idea of flashing the Full Factory image with the "-w" removed), temporarily booting in to TWRP, doing all you wish there (installing TWRP/custom recovery, install custom ROM [Lineage OS], custom kernel, etc.), then, only after everything, attempt to install Magisk to gain root.

hope this helps...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] post-mortem:
Keep in mind that many custom ROMs are prerooted, or they expect you to use their own root method rather than Magisk.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] simplepinoi177:
This is true, and I was aware of this...but let me ask you, do you think attempting to install Magisk (through TWRP) would cause a bootloop if it was setup like the custom ROM you posit?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] post-mortem:
No I don't think so, but I've read so many people saying that the Pixel 2 is so finicky. So, who knows?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] eruben:
Is there a way to check current state of bootloader (critical) lock?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Type.....fastboot getvar all..

Then read the output :good:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] eruben:
Which line is that? (bootloader) unlocked:yes? I'm just looking for a way to critical lock without wiping the phone, is it possible?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Nope, can't do it without wiping the phone. If you can do it at all. If your already on Pie, there's no need to anyway :good:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] simplepinoi177:
Unless you're merely planning on selling the phone...may I inquire why you wish to critical lock after "unlock_critical"-ing?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] eruben:
I'm experiencing significant battery drop after February update. Anyone else? Can sultan kernel be a reason?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Pkt_Lnt:
The best way to answer that is to get BetterBatteryStats app. The 1000% best way to see what is really going on! :highfive:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] post-mortem:
Me too. Battery usage has noticeably increased. It isn't that big of a deal for me, but it is definitely noticeable.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Superschmiddi:
Same here, 3,5h dot from 95% to 35% :rolleyes:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Digital DJ:
Ok, I've got an issue. I tried to flash a kali nethunter rom and it wasn't working like I wanted so I went into recovery to try and restore an older backup. Everything wiped (maybe something I did wrong) and I had to flash-all. Now that I'm back, BL is still unlocked, but I'm having a hell of a time getting twrp back on. I use the cmd to flash twrp then I go into twrp recovery but I can't do anything from there. I can't find the twrp installer zip.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] jd1639:
Google twrpme pixel 2xl. You'll find the twrp zip there. You want to boot the twrp image with fastboot. Then install the twrp zip from twrp.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Digital DJ:
Yeah, I'm back up and running. I had to re-download TWRP-3.2.3-1-taimen.img again. It seems to have fixed the problem. Now I'm just trying to restore my device backup...

Question what exactly am I supposed to select when I perform a backup? Also, what am I supposed to select when I do a restore? I feel like I know what I'm doing, but I can't get any of my backups to restore.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] jd1639:
Back ups are iffy. Backup boot, system image, and data. You can try and restore those but it doesn't always work. I typically will back those up but end flashing a new rom or factory firmware and then only restoring the data partition from the twrp backup.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Digital DJ:
Ok, so I'm not going effing crazy. Thanks
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] johnlgalt:
Old school crackflasher meets new phone, sits in awe of the power of the device for 1.5 years.

Finally, gets the balls to actually do something.

The OP all worked. I (briefly) played with BlissROM on my Taimen, and now I am back (auto) setting up stock, with Magisk and root enabled this go around.

No snags, no issues - just 100% Andy goodness.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Digital DJ:
I made a few backups (including the OG backup after I first achieved BL Unlock and Root privileges) but am unable to restore any of them, so that's a bummer. I've been trying to restore any of them for the last couple of days. My Q is if I follow this method (which I already have) will I lose info? Is it like taking an OTA where I don't lose info or will I have to restore things like text messages, etc?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
No data/info will be lost if you follow the guide properly. As far as restoring a backup, I usually just backup data, system, and boot, then do a twrp factory reset swipe bar thing before I restore my backup. Hasn't failed me yet :cool:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Digital DJ:
Then I must have done something wrong. Either way my phone is up and running again all I'm really missing is a bunch of text messages. I guess I can move on without them.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
You could just try restoring the data partition in twrp, and/or, if you use TiBu, you could restore the messaging app data if you backed it up :good:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Pkt_Lnt:
I have used this for many years and saved, stored and moved messages over 6 phones. :good: I tried it from the original dev, then paid for the support version. It was sold, but has remained solid. There is a paid version of this, but since I bought it once, I'm reluctant to do it again.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.riteshsahu.SMSBackupRestore
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] johnlgalt:
A second one to pitch SMS B&R.

Ritesh really thought the app out well when he was developing it, and I have been using it for a very, very long time - I have backups of messages going back to my Motorola DROID (The OG, aka first DROID).
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] simplepinoi177:
Wow! It's an amazing coincidence that I have the exact same experience! I "third" one to pitch for SMS Backup & Restore. I, like johngalt, have used it since the original Motorola Droid (OG) back in '10! And have, in one way or another, transferred, updated, and moved it to every phone since (which goes to show why I still have texts from '10 on my current phone!). At the very least it has successfully saved and transferred 50k+ text messages...

And it's awesome that you can schedule it to backup at a certain frequency and even upload it to a cloud server (Google Drive, can't remember the others)...and the fact that you can have a file with all your texts (.xml format) as a personal backup -- to keep with or without the app...*very smart...

Regardless, whenever doing a serious update, flashing ROMs, rooting procedures, I always make it a point to backup my texts this way as well...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
I must be getting old. Why does one need to backup SMS messages for so long, or period??? Mine all get deleted by the end of the day. I'm also the "stay off my lawn" guy! ???
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Reechings:
Backups work great for me on Havoc ROM. I just backup and restore boot, system and data. Do it all the time to test other ROMs. Don't disable pin or fingerprint at all either.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Nergal di Cuthah:
Lawsuits are a great reason to keep decade old (and older) SMS.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Sounds good. Luckily for me, that's not a problem :laugh:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] simplepinoi177:
Yeah...for those reasons...and, of course, "to each their own...", but my primary reasons is to keep those from friends who I'm not close to or even friends with any longer, and, of course, from those who have passed away...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Atrion:
Does this method work on the Rogers Canada version updated to Pie?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
If you can enable OEM unlocking in developer options on your device, then yes, it should work fine :good:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Atrion:
Yes that option is there.

Every canadian phone I have tried to root before always gave me issues.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
While I can't guarantee anything, I figured since you have a google variant phone, then unlocking the bootloader with this tutorial should work just fine. It has for just about everyone else globally. Follow the instructions to the letter, and you should be fine. Keep in mind, that when you unlock the bootloader, it WILL wipe your phone!! :good:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] simplepinoi177:
If anything, I've heard for the Pixel 2's being region locked for 6 months -- and as I live in the US, I'm not experienced with this type of lock -- so, as highly doubtful as I believe it to be, that fact might be in play...

But, as the legendary Badger said, it probably has nothing to do with each other and you shouldn't run into any issues...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Guides, News, & Discussion] Badger50:
Simple man (my favorite lynyrd skynyrd song btw)

You crack me up "the legendary Badger"??? Hahahahahaha...only in my mind ol friend :laugh::silly: