yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] steejo:
I installed the TWRP zip without any issues.

https://xdaforums.com/pixel-2/development/twrp-alpha-pixel-2-t3698147

I then tried flashing FLASH kernel as per the instructions and got to an infinitely loading boot screen.

https://xdaforums.com/pixel-2/development/walleye-flash-kernel-1-00-t3702055

I'm now back on the stock 8.1 firmware. I don't feel safe rooting my device until everything is aggregated into one location, I have 8 tabs open just trying to figure out how to install each individual thing and everything is inconsistent with the next :(
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] D3RP_:
I can understand that. I can also explain the reason for that. I have currently counted 12 people with bricked phones because they messed something up. I personally don't want people doing this unless they know what they are doing..
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] PuffDaddy_d:
I just tried Android pay on the NFC terminal of a vending machine and it worked flawlessly!

I have an unlocked, rooted, TWRP, magisk, Verizon pixel 2 on the December 8.1 update. No special kernel required, magisk alone does the trick ?
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
Awesome to know! Any reason for not using the January update?
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] nes4r2:
God this sounds like a f***ing dream and it came true LOL:laugh:
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] PuffDaddy_d:
#Lazy

I don't feel like undoing and then redoing everything just to apply a small security update.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] ahoslc:
HIs most recent kernel can only be flash on the Jan update !
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] bobby janow:
Look at the people unlocking and rooting. They don't even know why they are doing it. There are no roms, a couple of kernels, and performance is the same. It's nonsense and shouldn't be done. There is absolutely no reason to unlock or root. Not now, not ever.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
There's plenty of reasons:

* Battery life extended by Greenify/custom kernel

* Adblocker at the hosts level

* Way faster security updates via custom kernel

* Linux Deploy

* Longer device lifespan (Google promises 3 years of support, but I suspect this hardware is capable of longer)

* Audio improvements

* Free hotspot

* Tasker runs better

* Actual, proper, working, not-crappy backups

* Proper controller support

* Additional filesystems support
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] bobby janow:
No..no..no..no..no..ad infinitum. All bogus arguments. There is no reason to unlock or root. You will gain nothing and lose a lot.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] baknblack:
Viper is the only reason I would even consider it but, the equalizer apps work with everything but Pandora. So, by by Pandora.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
What are you talking about? A couple of those are questionable reasons, but most of them are very valid reasons to root. I, for one, couldn't really do without Linux Deploy. I also love getting security updates in a timely manner.

Also you don't really lose anything. OTAs just take a couple more minutes to apply. And SafetyNet passes, Android Pay works, Netflix installs, etc etc

Edit: sorry, just realized you were trolling.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] bobby janow:
Lol. But really.. What do you mean timely updates? That's the one that I don't get.

Edit.. there are a few I don't get but I'm not able to quote them in my condition.. I mean location. But in reality there are no roms. Backup is only used for switching. Hot spot? Who knows how or why to do it? Something about audio? Come on really? Is it really worth the aggravation?

There is no reason to unlock or root. Not trolling.. lol. Ok slightly.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] poena:
i'm only looking to root to tether
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] andyroidna:
How do you get free hotspot? I have Verizon but a 15gb hotspot limit. I read there are ways to bypass, but they require VPN. Any way to bypass the limit without that? Just want to use it without having to change settings in the devices I want to connect. I miss the old days where I'd root, then turn on native hotspot, and everything can connect easily
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] b00ster23:
He's referring to WiFi tethering for other devices. VZW charges a monthly fee for them to unlock the 'feature' that your phone is already capable of doing. :)

---------- Post added at 12:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:33 PM ----------

A couple of things to note:

1.) Nowhere in your op statement did you say that this is 100% foolproof

2.) Nowhere have you stated how to apply TWR p root your device and add custom kernels

3.). All you have done is pointed out a way for Verizon phone users to unlock the bootloader what they do after that is entirely up to the individual and at their own risk.

I know all of the above and have stated for people to wait until proof of concept is over. In fact I would ask the admin to remove the 'guide' that was posted
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] andyroidna:
Yeah but they wouldn't have the 15gb limit I have, right?
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] b00ster23:
I'm trying to remember back... I believe the tether of the HotSpot was ONLY for the those with grandfathered unlimited data plans. Don't quote me on it, as I haven't done the research lately.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] bobby janow:
Ok, let's break this down a bit.

Adblocker you can get with DNS66. It's VPN based but works really well. Easy start and stop too.

Way faster security updates with custom kernel? What are you talking about? That doesn't even make sense to me.

Linux Deploy.. no clue what that is and I have a feeling 99% of people here don't either.

Longer device lifespan? Seriously? Explain that one to me please.

Audio improvements? My audio is fine as is. This is a phone not a high end stereo system. V4A is good, I admit that but I'm fine without it. Very problematic to install and maintain. Multiple reboots and still no processing.

Free hotspot? Still limited by your plan. Unlimited plans have free hotspot on Verizon, which I have. I hardly ever use it though. Maybe once / year at a hotel.

I don't use Tasker. Once again, I'll bet 99% of people here don't use it either.

Backups work fine enough. I recently did a backup with the Google servers and everything installed correctly. The only time you need Titanium (which I presume you are referring to) is when switching roms of which there are currently none other than stock.

Controller support? No clue what you're talking about. There comes that 99% thing again.

Additional file system support? 99% me included have no idea what you're talking about.

So now you're rooted, unlocked, and closer to possibly bricking the device. What have you really gained? What I gain by not rooting is peace of mind that the device will work as intended, programs will be secure enough so I don't have to worry about being compromised, warranty is valid, and I get to come here and troll a bit. But I do believe that those who only root because they can are doing themselves a disservice unless they have specific reasons. It's like a panacea with everyone freaking out without knowing why. OMG I'm going to unlock and root.. hmm.. why am I in a bootloop? What's an A and B slot? Please help I think I bricked the device.

In days of yesteryear with no banking, Android Pay etc. it was easy to root and there were tons of roms and kernels to play with. Mods too. Now we have Substratum for those mods and no roms to really speak of. I rooted every device I ever had until my Pixel. To me it doesn't make sense any longer. But I know it does for many, I'm just out of the game for now and laying out my reasons. No big deal either way so there's no reason to argue really. Just different points of view.

---------- Post added at 07:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:31 AM ----------

All current unlimited plans have free hotspot now.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
I agree that 99% of people don't need most of that. But there is a smaller group of people who really like it.

To clarify your confusion:

- Custom kernels merge patches way faster than Google's monthly security updates.

- Linux Deploy lets you run a full Linux environment on Android

- Device Lifespan: you can tweak the clock speeds to compensate for an old and worn out battery

- Controllers: Xbox controllers work fine on stock, but with root you can map the buttons of many more to work properly.

- Filesystems: Have you ever tried to use a JFS flash drive in Android? Hint:you need root.

- Also Safety net passes here.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] b00ster23:
So let's just state this... For your usage, there is no reason to unlock/root. I'm okay with that :)

However, for my usage, I certainly need to unlock/root if I want the full experience and capabilities of the phone. There are risks for me, sure. However, I'm willing to accept those risks and live with the outcome of my actions. I'm an IT guy, so the "aggravation" is worth it. :) My phone rocks in my car with ViperAudio and I can tether my phone to my laptop via WiFi wherever I go..... so yup!:D
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] bobby janow:
Ok, thanks fair enough. Monthly updates are pretty good. How many hours difference is it between source and updates? I don't think that's a good enough reason to root. Battery slowing down the system.. You mean on my iPhone 6? Gonna get that replaced soon for $29.. not bad huh? And no, I've never tried to format or use a JFS flash drive on my phone. What's an Xbox? lol. Never had one, never will.

As for Safety net.. I'm really on the fence about that security wise. With a rooted device isn't it easier to compromise a device remotely and perhaps transfer funds from my banking app to some unknown? Even AP. Hack my phone since I'm rooted and go on a spending spree at Whole Foods. And believe me, that will break the bank! lol
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] b00ster23:
Actually, are you sure that ALL current unlimited plans have free hotspot? Did you consider government and non-profit plans.... ? ;)
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] bobby janow:
I did not. I have no clue how those work on unlimited plans. I guess I incorrectly assumed that all unlimited had free hotspot. But wait a sec... root a government device? Yikes.. playing with fire now, no?
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] b00ster23:
Look carefully my friend...government/non-profit ;)
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] bobby janow:
You said government "and" non profit. It's the government device I was talking about not so much the non profit.

No fix yet?? Say it ain't so! lol. Ah, go on have fun while it lasts.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
Usually kernels get updates within a day or two. If not, you can manually compile it. I do that and I apply lots of patches :)

As for SafetyNet: root doesn't make it easier to hack Android Pay. It really doesn't.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] PuffDaddy_d:
Guys, this discussion has gone WAY off topic. Let's focus on the OP's discovery and save the pros and cons of rooting for another thread.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] bobby janow:
Just having fun. What's there to talk about wrt root process? It works, that's it. Close the thread?
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] b00ster23:
Agreed. Let's continue to focus on additional proof... As well any difference (s) after unlocking (if any) with the Google version. Only real concern I may have is can/will it be patched, and continued development/ROMS/MODS and how they affect this newly Unlocked VZW variant.

Personally, I need a very solid understanding of any modifications I make to my phone, before making any changes. In this particular scenario, if someone locks the bootloader incorrectly, there may not be a 'back out' option later. Therefore possibly bricking their device.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] bobby janow:
Lol, you're asking now for an understanding of root and unlock which is off topic and something you just said not to do. Unlocking incorrectly? Is there such a thing? Unlock is unlock, period. But ok, just so we can go OT a little here's a summary.

Fastboot flashing lock_critical <- That's the command you use in fastboot to unlock the bl. I've confirmed as have others that it only works on December and January patch level. Any time you either lock or unlock the bl the device is wiped to factory reset.

You need the latest platform tools which can be found here: https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools.html

To relock you use the common command which is fastboot flashing lock. If you lock the bl you might not be able to unlock again after the next patch level in February. Did I leave anything out? And now for some OT about modifications. ;)

---------- Post added at 10:41 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:39 AM ----------

That's interesting. But if you're rooted isn't it easier to hack into the device? What about my banking app? I would think that's the reason they don't want rooted phones on their apps, thus Safety Net. Gotta be a reason, they're not doing it for yucks.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
Root access literally only gives the user access to the "root" account on Linux. Magisk pops up with a confirmation before allowing this. *Technically* malware could trick you into hitting "Allow", but any competent user is watching what they allow root for.

The issue is, most users don't pay attention.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] TonikJDK:
There won't be any, they are the exact same hardware and software. Occasionally you will see a VZ specific version for some radio/network enhancements. But they will be merged into a single image pretty quickly. And they are clearly called out on the download page for the images.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] bobby janow:
[MENTION=7291175]b00ster23[/MENTION] It's not really confrontational, I just call 'em as I see 'em. I disagree sometimes and I'll state my case, but it's never personal. Now as for the bootloader becoming locked, it's been stated that once it's unlocked it will stay that way. They will not remotely lock your bl and wipe your data. So if you don't relock it then you're good to go. As for modifications you put on the device, that's up to you. But no one knows if a future patch release will bork them. Well unless you have a crystal ball.

If you want to relock the bl then you need to uninstall each and every mod you made and flash a factory image before you do. Also something that has been known for a very long time. So I'm really not sure what you are asking that you think anyone can answer without looking into the future. If you are worried about messing up the device then either keep it unlocked so you can factory reset and flash a full image or leave it locked and not worry about it at all. But if you have a mod on the phone then do not relock the bl. Simple.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] b00ster23:
Perfect... Now this is what I call a great dialog :) Informational and opinions stated...
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] steejo:
Can you link us to this script, y'know, just in case? If I decide not to root (lol) I'll at least have these scripts in front of me.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
https://xdaforums.com/pixel-2/development/tool-deuces-bootloop-recovery-flashing-t3725778
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] D3RP_:
I'm fine with discussion of the topic, just keep it respectful yo
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] poena:
so i'm using a macbook pro. having issues getting USB debugging to work. what cable is everyone using?

should I do the Jan security patch first or unlock bootloader first?

Edit:

used a note 8 cable and it worked. still need to purchase a cable that works though.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] SoloTSi97:
I ordered my VZW Pixel 2 on 12/31 and received it yesterday (1/4). It had Android 8.0 on it, so I let it install the latest update automatically. It's now running Android 8.1.0 with the January 5, 2018, security patch level. I used the lock_critical command in the OP and it worked. Thanks!

I installed the latest ADB & fastboot before starting and cleared out the older versions I already had. I haven't yet flashed TWRP & Magisk, but plan to get around to that here soon.

[MENTION=7357565]D3RP_[/MENTION] asked that I post a screenshot and photo of the bootloader screen. If the attached isn't what you need, let me know and I'll update.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] poena:
thanks, seems easier if I get the Jan update before unlocking. so i'll probably do that since now i know it can still be unlocked from Jan update
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Ozzy0708:
Hey!!! Just found this and tried eem out. Worked perfectly fine, was indeed on the January patch as well.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] bobby janow:
Holy smokes. We know it works, enough already. What a bore fest.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] D3RP_:
Oh let them have their fun, every confirm is a good thing.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] bobby janow:
Ok,ok. Lol. It does keep the thread alive too.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] iridium7777:
so i have a question about all of this

i haven't been with android since iPhone 4 time, prior to that i had a droid (running 2.1 or something like that? that i rooted to get flash before it was official, etc.).

so i went through these steps and have a few comments questions, i'm running a pixel 2 verizon version:

1)the toggle for unlock is grayed out but on the bottom is says already unlocked, assuming this is normal?

2) every time i reboot now it pops up the warning that my phone is unlocked, is there a way to make that go away?

3) i noticed that netflix app was no longer supported from the play store, i had to side load it, not sure what other apps will have these issues but i'm assuming that's due to the unlock

4) i haven't gone the root step yet, but i'm assuming if using the magisk thing again it will wipe my phone all over again?

5) can i still get OTA updates (january update hasn't been pushed on me yet, my phone is still on december)?

5a) will the OTA wipe my unlock? i read somewhere on here that it shouldn't.

6) at this point, what's the only benefit of unlocked boot loader /root? to flash custom roms? i have no interest in running custom roms right now but thought it would be a good idea if 2 years from now this phone is no longer supported i could load whatever the latest official android OS is on it with this method, and by then this unlock method may be patched.

much appreciate your responses and guidance on this and apologies ahead of time if you guys are rolling your eyes at some of these questions.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] SoloTSi97:
For the record, I only posted anything because you asked me to, [MENTION=7357565]D3RP_[/MENTION]. :P
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] TonikJDK:
1 and 2 are normal.

On 3 Neflix is a tight app. It fails with any mods. Rooting with Magisk and perhaps a custom kernel that hides the unlock will fix that up.

4 Magisk will not wipe your phone.

5 You will get updates until you root or mod. At that point you will be loading them manually.

6 Correct, unlocked for ROMs and rooting.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] D3RP_:
And for that, I thank you
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] bobby janow:
I'm curious, after you unlock with this method what does the oem switch say? Mine says (grayed) Connect to the Internet or contact your carrier. Does that change after you unlock it? I know on my 5x is goes gray after I unlock and it says already unlocked or something like that. Is it the same with the locking_critical method?
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] D3RP_:
It seems to vary from person to person. Mine is greyed out and says to contact carrier. I've had a few reboots where it says already unlocked. But it seems to always be greyed out.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] D3RP_:
YAAASSSSS! THANK YOU! I've been trying to get this confirmed with other people. Happy it works!
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] D3RP_:
I'm not quite sure. I was already on 8.1 when I did this. So I guess I didn't have to?
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] D3RP_:
I don't have access to an original Pixel unfortunately. And I'm not the best at speculating fixes.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Bandit Development:
Maybe I'm missing something, but this method didn't work for me. (Pixel 2 XL, purchased on Verizon, updated to 8.1)

Step 1:

adb reboot bootloader

Step 2:

fastboot flashing lock_critical

But I got this error:

FAILED (remote: Device already : locked!)

Are these the steps you followed? Thanks
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] EstiR86:
Understood but basically all you did was run that fastboot command or was there more to it.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] D3RP_:
Yeah, it was literally just that fastboot lock command. I'm still trying to figure out how Verizon let this slip though.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] EstiR86:
Interesting I'll try to get some confirmation if it works with the OG Pixel
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] D3RP_:
Yes, I am on Walleye so it may be different. Does just doing

fastboot lock

do anything? Since "lock-critical" is specified by Google an XL only command.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Bandit Development:
I tried both

fastboot lock

and

fastboot flashing lock

and got the same error as before.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] D3RP_:
I wish I knew
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] TonikJDK:
So you just issued the unlock command, you did not sideload a modified OTA?

What about the slider in Dev Options, did you ever touch that?
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] D3RP_:
Accidentally double posted. XDA App and all.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] D3RP_:
No, I was originally in that section to see what commands I could issue and figured I was already locked, so locking again couldn't hurt. I issued the

fastboot flashing lock-critical

command, which gave me the option to unlock, for some reason. The only dev option I touched was USB debugging. I am in no way an Android dev, so no modified OTA sideload and I'm learning how this worked as we go man, it's just a weird situation.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] mamarcac:
Oh my goodness this is pretty exciting stuff...curious to hear if others have success. I'm not set up to try it on my Pixel 2 yet but would love to get it done soon if it works.

Thanks for posting and sharing your info!
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] enzyne:
Thanks holy crap my Verizon pixel 2 is unlocked and rooted.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] bobby janow:
Did it wipe the device? Can you relock it? Is the slider active now? Please show us the slider screenie after unlock.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] EstiR86:
Any success stories yet?
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] TonikJDK:
Counting the OP, three so far. I usually dont believe these threads but this is looking promising. Heck of a bug Google left in there.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] EstiR86:
Three isn't bad are they all Pixel 2 users or a mixture of Pixel 2 XL's
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] enzyne:
This worked on my Verizon pixel 2 you will lose all of your data. For some reason flashing the lock critical command will unlock the bootloader on the pixel 2. Not the XL.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] SoloTSi97:
You can see mine in one of the screenshots. The slider is still greyed out in the off position but says it is already unlocked.