yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] poena:
planning on giving this a go this weekend. currently on dec 5 patch 8.1.0

after unlocking bootloader what's the best method for root?

I haven't done this in YEARS.

I used to download an image to the phone then flash with TWRP or the other way I forgot what it was called.

Is magisk the root method?

Thanks
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] upperbladez:
No I'm on this security patch: 8.1.0 (OPM1.171019.011, Dec 2017)

Sorry for the delayed reply. I'm installing TWRP and Magisk on my Pixel 2 right now woot woootttt
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] dodendemise:
December. This was before the January patch was released.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] upperbladez:
Lol I was in the same boat as you...used to root my stuff like 6 years ago, but I forgot everything. I'm on 8.1.0 (OPM1.171019.011, Dec 2017) so it should work for you.

I'm currently using this guide to install TWRP and Magisk on my Pixel 2 and it seems to be working well:

Source: https://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=75017413&postcount=163
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] D3RP_:
Lol no worries. Just waiting for some brave voulenteer to step forward and confirm it works or not.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] bobby janow:
Can you just go into bootloader and issue the command and then back out? I mean if it will work then it should give you the option to select it correct? And if it is patched the command won't work I presume. If I ever got the stupid OTA I'd try it but I'm not sideloading and the OTA seems very slow to receive.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] upperbladez:
No problem. I got confused with the 8.2/8.1 thing...but I'm good. I realized it was 8.1 and 8.0. Anyway, just a small little brain fart but I have TWRP and Magisk installed on my device now. Thanks so much. You have no idea how close of a call this was lol I was going to return my Pixel tomorrow because I couldn't root it. You're awesome.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
January OTA bricked my phone. It's running signature verification even though the bootloader is **unlocked**.

DO NOT UPDATE, VERIZON USERS.

DO NOT.

---------- Post added at 03:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:41 PM ----------

Update: Phone is unbricked, fastboot boot TWRP worked. Attempting to root again.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] poena:
should be ok if we have "auto update system" turned off right?
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
Yes. If it auto updates and that is turned off, I'm pretty sure that's grounds for a lawsuit.

---------- Post added at 04:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:53 PM ----------

Okay, final update for now. Phone works perfectly fine. Root works perfectly fine. Currently on 8.1.0 January security patch.

I have not, and for that matter will not, try relocking the bootloader.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] D3RP_:
Lol i'm not flashing January any time soon. I just got this up and running smooth.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
There's some pretty nasty security bugs that have been fixed...
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] D3RP_:
Yes but does it fix the bug I like? And it will "fix" my phone?
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
I just finished upgrading a phone from December to January. It was unlocked before, and is still unlocked.

I hit a hurdle along the way that did wipe my phone's data, but that was completely user error.

Of course, if you relock, it won't unlock again, but staying locked should do it.

I agree that it's good to be careful about OTAs, but you can't go without security patches forever. They exist for a reason.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] D3RP_:
Oh never forever, so I just have to be careful about how I do this then? Straight up side-load from TWRP? Then flash Magisk?
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
I personally would wait until more people report that it works. It working for me might be a fluke, you can never be too sure.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] D3RP_:
I think that's the same logic that got me here xD
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Corvida:
Used the method posted by OP and a Verizon Pixel 2 (straight from Verizon) is now bootloader unlocked.

Unlocked on 8.0.1. Updated to 8.1 (December). Updated again to January patch. Bootloader remained unlocked and I didn't experience any hiccups. I also DID NOT ROOT before taking any of these updates. Might try rooting now. Gotta do more research first.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] PuffDaddy_d:
We're you unlocked and rooted when you side loaded the ota? Can you elaborate on the steps you to if so?
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] mamarcac:
Was unlocked using the method in this thread and had flashed the Full Factory Image (December, version 8.1) from Google including stock recovery. Did not install TWRP or root/Magisk. Then installed the OTA image (January) from Google. I kept it basic for simplicity and the bootloader unlock still holds after sideloading.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] thenoname:
Can you explain what happened here? Did you take the update OTA? Did you sideload? Did you have root before? Etc.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
I had a rooted kernel flashed on slots A and B, I flashed the stock image on slot A, and it failed because slot B was modified.

https://xdaforums.com/pixel-2/development/tool-deuces-bootloop-recovery-flashing-t3725778 < -- This tool is MAGIC, it has fixed so many bricks for me it's not even funny. When it asks at the end to relock the bootloader, SAY NO. ALWAYS SAY NO.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] thenoname:
Thanks!

I have ONLY unlocked my bootloader and flashed the factory image of the December Security patch from Google. If I just want to flash the Security Patch, what's the best way to do this? From Google? Should I root first? Will it prevent me from rooting later? Or does having the bootloader unlocked allow me to do that at any point in the future?

Sorry for all of the questions, there are just so many different things to learn!
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
Having the bootloader unlocked allows you to root it at any point in the future. For now, I would just apply the January OTA and leave it alone. Leave the bootloader unlocked NO MATTER WHAT from now on. If you relock it, you will NOT be able to unlock it again, and might end up with a broken and nonrecoverable phone.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] thenoname:
So should I wait for my phone to download the update itself or should I sideload it via ADB?

Thanks again for answering my questions!
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
Depends if you want it now or you can wait a day or two
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] thenoname:
Got it, it doesn't make a difference :)

I wasn't sure if the OTA would fail or something if it saw the unlocked bootloader, but I'm inferring from your message that it won't.

Thanks again!
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] bobby janow:
So if I took the OTA, which I just did, can I still unlock it? Lol. Naturally I don't care because I'm not unlocking, but I'm just curious if anyone with January build can still unlock. BTW, it's so nice being locked and not being able to brick this great device. Just saying. And it's my device! I can do what I want without root. I can even send it back if something goes wrong without worry if I voided my warranty. Omg to think. Just kidding guys.. chill.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] thenoname:
Did I do something to offend you? If I did, sorry, I really didn't mean to. I was just asking questions :( it's perfectly fine if you don't want to unlock your bootloader, I just don't understand the hostility toward asking questions and learning.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] doublej713:
Maybe, if you are willing, you can go through the process of unlocking up to getting the fastboot unlock option without actually unlocking. My guess is that if the loop hole is closed you won't even get that option.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
He's been like this since long before you got here.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] bobby janow:
Ding ding. We have a winner. Just fooling around and you know it. But I might try the unlock tomorrow if I can definitely back out just so everyone will know. I'm really curious if it was patched.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
Running "fastboot flashing lock_critical" causes the device to show the screen in the attached picture. You can use the volume keys to select yes or no.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] doublej713:
Is that with the January patch?
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
Nobody has had the guts to relock and try the January patch yet. That's why we're counting on you ;)
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] bobby janow:
Nope doesn't work. Shows commands that's it.

edit: installed latest platform tools, same thing. It's patched guys. If you're unlocked you will probably remain so but you won't be able to go back and forth.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
What does fastboot on the PC show?
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] doublej713:
Won't be me ?! I was just surprised to see the screenshot.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] b00ster23:
Please Please run the command for us... :) You don't actually have to unlock it, but will only allow the command.

I've ordered mine and extremely curious if I will get a phone that has the hole patched, or do I send it back soon after arrival.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] doublej713:
What os are you using. In Windows 10 power shell, if the folder you are executing from isn't in some boot file, executable commands need to be prefaced with ".\".
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] b00ster23:
Noooooo!!!!!!! Arghhhhhhhhh!!!! Well Big Red obviously is gonna send out the command to patch all devices and not allow FRP bypass.... Thus not allowing to take advantage of he hole. Err
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] bobby janow:
It just returned a list of commands I could use in fastboot.

---------- Post added at 06:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:50 PM ----------

Tried it. No go.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
You typed "fastboot flashing lock_critical" right?

Without the quotes?

Upgrade your old version of fastboot. I use Minimal ADB & Fastboot.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] b00ster23:
What about the command

fastboot flashing get_unlock_ability
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
That will _always_ report 0 on a Verizon Pixel 2.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] bobby janow:
Ok we can all breathe again. Updated to latest platform tools and I can still unlock with the command. I naturally backed up but it did give me the option.

---------- Post added at 06:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:58 PM ----------

Sorry for the panic. Yeah, it still works.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] b00ster23:
Yup! :) And will also tell if ADB is working ;)
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
Hold the f**k up... You're on the January OTA? And you updated the bootloader as well? What's your bootloader revision?

This is crazy.....
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] b00ster23:
Sweet!!!! I should be good to go when that bad puppy gets here next week. Dude, you took us on a roller coaster ride of epic proportions. Well, maybe not that bad... Thank you for checking!
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
How likely do you guys think it is that Google just doesn't know about this?
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] bobby janow:
I know, I'm truly sorry. That's why I deserted my wife and came downstairs. Glad it's all good for you guys for another month.

---------- Post added at 07:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:03 PM ----------

That's a very good question. They probably do but could care less since they allow unlock bl. This is a Verizon disaster that might not be fixable or patchable. Which, as I said, means they should just allow unlock and be done with this nonsense. It obviously doesn't work well in the scheme of things.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
The bug was introduced in 8.1. The bug was not present in earlier versions of the bootloader. It's definitely patchable.

I do feel like Google isn't going to go insane with patching it though.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] b00ster23:
Whoah yeah wait... A couple of questions here, if you don't mind.

1.). What do you mean you backed up?

2.). Can you give us the official version of bootloader being displayed?

---------- Post added at 03:16 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:11 AM ----------

Just a point of clarification, I've never seen Big Red say "they allow unlock bl" If anything, they claim it voids their warranty and others just find exploits and holes around it.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
He is talking about Google. google doesn't care about bl unlocks.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] bobby janow:
I meant backed out not up. As for bl version it's just stock January firmware whatever that might be. I'm bl locked. Can't get to version now but if you need I can boot into it tomorrow.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] b00ster23:
Gotcha ;) That I concur with and seems logical. Perhaps the OP can do a quick write up on the findings in the original text as we continue to hash through. Again, hoping to have mine in the next couple of weeks. I'm hoping to give validation to all of the findings. This is fantastic news for us VZW users!

---------- Post added at 03:23 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:22 AM ----------

Nah, I'm good with what you've posted. I can just take your word. After all, we're all friends here right! :)

---------- Post added at 03:34 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:23 AM ----------

[MENTION=7357565]D3RP_[/MENTION] Just an FYI, it looks very possible that the hole here has not been patched by the January update. So far the command has been verified to run, and the option has been given. Although, I'm not sure anyone has fully went through the "unlock process" But so far, it does seem to still function. Thanks for all of the work and documentation on this one!
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] D3RP_:
*sigh* Ya'll mother****ers gonna make me do this huh?
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] TonikJDK:
No way it was patched in January, takes too long to test the fix. This wasn't posted until the 27th at the earliest. Testing for the January update was done by then.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] b00ster23:
:) Somebody has to do it...I nominate you. LOL Or if you would prefer, we can ask to lock this thread, and post a guide in another. However, we probably still should still keep hashing away at verification to end proof of concept.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] D3RP_:
Yes, I do suppose I should lie in the bed I made. I'm downloading now, will be back with results... good or bad, in a few.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] bobby janow:
No need to torture yourself. It's gonna work. Let someone else wipe their device but it doesn't matter. It's not patched yet. But those poor xl guys still locked up. Lol. That's mean right?
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Pixel2New:
How did you install the Google ota?

Im on VZW 8.0.0 and unlocked.

Is the Google ota you installed just an update to the VZW stock rom or is it a full Google replacement of the VZW rom?

Thanks!!!!
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] D3RP_:
lol way too late for that.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] b00ster23:
Might could try this https://xdaforums.com/pixel-2/how-to/dec-2017-to-jan-2018-update-how-updated-t3729313

I don't have mine yet...checks in the mail
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] D3RP_:
Aw crap, now i'm getting infinite boot screen :mad:

Edit: AAaaaand we're back. It's cold and scary and i'm tired. I hope someone else with more time can do that successfully.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] PuffDaddy_d:
This exploit was only found a couple days ago. Between the Christmas and the New Year holidays, I doubt anyone at Google or Verizon could have mobilized quickly enough to patch this hole by Jan 2nd. They were probably still drunk on egg nog lol.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] steejo:
It ****ing worked. Holy ****.

I got it working by running:

adb shell

reboot bootloader

fastboot flashing lock_critical

Then I followed the on-screen instructions and it worked immediately. Just wow.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] b00ster23:
Do you mind posting a few details about your version so we can keep track if success. Which update were you on? Did you update? Etc
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] steejo:
I have a Verizon Wireless Pixel 2. Was on stock Android 8.1 Verizon firmware, ran those commands and it worked without issue. Got scared because the phone looked like it was endlessly rebooting, but it just brought me to the Google setup. After I went through that process, I took these screenshots to prove that the bootloader is indeed unlocked on my Verizon Pixel 2.

Keep in mind, this phone isn't even supposed to be able to be unlocked. I'm ecstatic.

---------- Post added at 12:47 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:36 AM ----------

As someone who is coming from an iPhone and having never rooted my phone, can I be pointed into the direction I need to go in order to actually now root my device? I see Magisk and TWRP but not sure which one to use.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] b00ster23:
Right...BigRed has been trying to keep us locked down for awhile now.

Appreciate the posting, as we can see that you are on the December security patch. As of right now, it appears that the security patch for December and January are allowing the command to be ran. This continues to be great news for us on VZW.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] D3RP_:
You do raise a good point. I forgot about people getting holidays off.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] uecker87:
Just here to add another positive data point for unlocking via the commands here. On 8.1 Dec. update on my Verizon purchased Pixel 2.

Still can't believe this happened. I tried to comb through the thread some... But any ideas on how to successfully update to the January patch after unlocking the bootloader and rooting? (didn't install TWRP - only booted from the TWRP boot image to install Magisk.)
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] IceColdBruschi:
Just curious, how did you re-lock your bootloader after this? Just the normal fastboot oem lock? Wasn't sure if it would be different since you didn't use oem unlock before.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
A normal oem lock. I wouldn't do it though, you risk maybe not being able to unlock again.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] IceColdBruschi:
Cool, thanks. Just curious in case I ever need to send it in for an RMA, etc.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
Flash the full stock images with Deuce's script before locking the bootloader! You've been warned.

---------- Post added at 11:25 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:22 AM ----------

Boot up TWRP with the fastboot boot commands shown in the TWRP thread. Then flash FLASH kernel and Magisk. (Flash kernel helps hide the fact that you're rooted from apps like Android Pay that block root)
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
The Pixel 2 has different slots. You could very well end up with a phone that has the stock images in slot A and modified images in slot B, causing a soft brick that you can't recover from because the bootloader is locked. Deuce's script flashes both slots.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] uecker87:
Hmmm..

So something strange happened to me. I used this method yesterday to get my bootloader unlocked and root the device. I know 100% that I was on the December security update. I then immediately turned off Automatic System Updates within the Developer options.

Well today, I check my phone and it says I am on the January 5, 2018 security patch. How could that be? Everything is still working just fine. Root in tact. Passes SafetyCheck. Weird.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
Did you install TWRP?
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] uecker87:
No. I only booted from a TWRP boot image to flash the Magisk zip.

I've been out of the Android game for a few years. Definitely a little bit rusty.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
What is your build number
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] uecker87:
opm1.171019.013
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] PuffDaddy_d:
Do you have to use a custom kernel to keep Android pay? I thought magisk hide alone was enough.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
I haven't tried it personally. The kernel makes the phone last longer on a charge though, so I don't see why not use it.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] uecker87:
Magisk lets me set up Android pay - assuming it will work. I haven't actually gone anywhere to test it out yet.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] andyroidna:
Can I unlock bootloader but not root? I just want to do it so I have the option to root later if I want to. If I can, do I need to do anything other than unlock bootloader? (Like install magisk?)
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
As long as you can sign in, it _should_ work.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] TonikJDK:
You can unlock it and stay that way and root later.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] andyroidna:
Awesome. So if I unlocked and did nothing else, I can still use Android pay as normal?
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
No. Android by default fails SafetyNet if the bootloader is unlocked. You have to use a custom kernel with Magisk root to hide the bootloader unlock from Android Pay.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] andyroidna:
I see. So I'd have to root if I unlocked bootloader and wanted things to work properly (like Android pay)?
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
Yes.

I miss the days when rooting didn't affect anything negatively.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] danlat1415:
Does anyone know if this method will also work on UK EE phones? They too have a locked bootloader and are software locked to EE.

If we can unlock the bootloader, root and flash stock Google software, this will get round the software sim lock.

Ive not got a Pixel 2 yet, got a 2XL, but want to get my wife one and a locked EE one will be cheaper, but bonus if I can unlock using this method.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] andyroidna:
Cool. Sorry for all the questions. So no point really to unlock bootloader if I won't root?

Yeah, I haven't rooted in a while but back when I used to, it was much simpler time haha.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
I mean, Verizon will likely get this patched. If you don't unlock now, you might never get the chance.

On the bright side, with systemless root, it's gotten easy to take OTAs while rooted.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] amajamar:
Regarding OTAs while rooted, I know you have to switch back on Magisk to take them, but what about the custom kernel? Do you need to flash back the factory one to take the OTA?

Thanks,
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
Just do it via fastboot, then reflash magisk.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] b00ster23:
I would be curious if it would.... But would think we wouldn't know entirely until tried. IMHO I'm thinking it's going to work... Opinion only...
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
99% sure it'll work.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] D3RP_:
Like 99.99999.......9% sure...
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
not enough 9s.
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] D3RP_:
How's this?
[Google Pixel 2 Questions & Answers] Lightn1ng:
I think this is sufficient.