yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] DuckRuckus:
No no no! Before attempting any of this, you have to pull your SIM and do NOT connect to WiFi. In the quoted section of OP, you find a link to the Walleye OTAs and how to install them. Install the proper one in the OP, not any that say Verizon, or it'll be game over. My phone came with the Dec patch, so I was able to skip this step, luckily. Skip the first step about checking for updates in the instructions, though.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] bobby janow:
I'm not sure if the Google or Verizon 8.1 December update has been patched but that's the one you want. I don't even know if the Google OTA had the flaw since bl unlock was always available. There were 2 monthlies that had the flaw and I believe that February fixed it for good.

You only got one shot at this. Do the research if you can. Good luck.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] daniel4653:
We're golden boys. A friend helped me out with my problem. I was trying to sideload the full factory image, not the OTA image.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] munchy_cool:
i am here :D

enjoy bro :good::highfive:
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] DuckRuckus:
December build .011 was the first 8.1 update, and that's where the exploit was found. It continued into the January build .013, until Verizon got wise and pushed out their own build .016, later in the month, to fix the "problem". The first two were universal Google builds and have not been altered. As for the February update, it's not what fixed the problem... it's also a universal build, and, if you're unlocked, you can sideload it without issue. Same with March. VZW build .016 is the culprit here.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] b00ster23:
Boom! Congratulations my friend.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] daniel4653:
Thanks guys I appreciate the guidance
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] bboyd222:
Factory Reset

This might be a dumb question, but if you factory reset will it resort back to the original build/later android version?
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] DuckRuckus:
No it will not. Factory reset only affects the data partition. Boot, system, etc. remain unchanged, including internal storage.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] Keetoowah:
unlocked bootloader after updates Verizon Pixel 2

So Verizon sent me a replacement phone that wouldn't respond to the fastboot flashing lock_critical command after giving up and deciding to send the phone back I flashed the developers version of Android P

Anyway now in settings the OEM unlock button wasn't grayed out and worked then I used a simple fastboot oem unlock comand which now worked. Who would have thought it. Keep this one under wraps.

It worked for me
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] sillyshyme:
How did you flash the developer's version of Android P? I followed the instructions many times with no luck.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] b00ster23:
This has been well documented many times. When you RMA a VZW device, there have been times the replacement returned has been the Google Variant. Therefore no locked bootloader. Essentially, you're using a Google PIX2 with a VZW SIM. We've seen this quite a few times now.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] juave:
What if i flash android p......would i be able to unlock then ?
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] robocuff:
No. Not if it's a Verizon phone. I would recommend that you don't install it. If you install P and something should happen to go wrong on it or you should happen to just not like it, you'll have no way to go back.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] mrkhigh:
Some interesting stuff going on in the p2xl unlock thread right now. Sadly, I do not believe it will help us as our phone is htc based.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] juave:
So No Hope For Verizon owners who updated already.....?
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] mrkhigh:
None right now.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] donjo19:
So I'm running OPM2.171019.029

The latest updates show nothing about this one, so I'm assuming this is yet another OTA update that I shouldn't have installed?
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] DuckRuckus:
If you took anything past .013, it really doesn't matter at this point. You might as well have the latest update installed, as it has a couple of vzw-specific changes in it.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] mrkhigh:
This could be huge

https://xdaforums.com/pixel-2-xl/how-to/temp-root-bounty-verizon-users-t3710652/post76242299

A few posts down

Nevermind .... Security patched as of December.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] elliwigy:
u should research the patch better before posting something is patched bcuz someonecomments saying so.. pplarent always right lol

i believe the exploit someone else in that same threadsaidit wasnt patched until March.. so y not find out exactly and let us know :)

i am on unlocked p2xl so doesnt matter to me either way
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] mrkhigh:
I'll just keep to myself in the future.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] Damacy:
So any tips for getting a replacement from Verizon so that I can unlock my bootloader?

I'm curious and I miss having full control over my phone like I did with my Nexus 5x (I'm even debating on swapping back)
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] Bighoss00:
I feel the same way about my N5x just wish it had more ram. What a great phone for modding
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] jerryhou85:
All,

I have to remove some off topic posts to clean the thread. Please stick to the rules and respect each other when you post a comment.

Thanks for your contribution to XDA.

Regards

Jerry

FSM
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] kennethwendo:
Hi. Will this work on version OPM2.171019.029?

Sorry for noob question.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] robocuff:
No
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] boredherobrine13:
I have P right now on it (The Public Beta) Bootloader is VZW locked. If i factory reset and got out of beta program, but pulled sim, and got my hands on the OTA file for the December update, could I then side load that so that I could unlock the bootloader? Would it be possible to modify the OTA files to make the phone /think/ that it is getting a new bootloader version when it is in fact a downgrade? Like edit prop files to change the version numbers to trick the phone? Or perhaps some soft-root/tethering trick to restore the oem-unlock option the developer settings? Is anyone even trying to find a new exploit or develop a tool right now?
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] cntryby429:
The things you describe have all been tried for as long as there have been locked bootloaders and they are not likely to be discovered this late in a phone's life. My understanding is that an exploit is not being pursued for the vzw pixel 2 since an unlockable version is available from Google.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] b00ster23:
I would say your statement is fairly accurate, but would like to also add that the difficulties of unlocking the BL are multi-tiered. For various phones there has been ways to unlock directly from partition levels, LAF, SBL1, etc. For other various phones, its been through Android exploits like Dirty COW. It appears that until someone finds a fairly universal exploit to the latest Android OS versions, we are left with partition 'workarounds'. For the Pixel Family, Google has stepped up their security measures in both Android security and in they way the BL is secured, behind signed signatures and other means.

I don't think this will be restricted to the Pixel family, and will only assume Big Red will continue to work with vendors in locking down phones to be used on their respective networks. My approach has been wait for an exploit, then buy the VZW phone of choice, if its meets my needs (financially, programming, root, etc) Otherwise, I'm relegated to choosing a locked phone cheap, or justify spending money to justify additional features....which seem to be getting less and less.

If you add everything above up, I think you may see why activity has slowed. For the ones that are still around and haven't worked with vendors on patching, they're still working on areas. But its just slow moving at this point. :)
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] Mackcbr954:
I would like to root my pixel 2 xl. It's a Google purchased phone using Verizon though. Can i still root it? Thanks.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] DuckRuckus:
This belongs in the P2 XL forum, but to answer your question, if you can unlock the bootloader, then you can root it.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] mrkhigh:
Someone try this yet? Mixed reactions on p2xl.

I'm out of town and do not have PC access.

https://xdaforums.com/pixel-xl/how-to/how-to-unlock-bootloader-verizon-pixel-t3796030
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] bobby janow:
It does not work on the Pixel 2 or the 2 XL. Yet. The thinking is that there is a step missing that the Pixel / xl does not need.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] clef921:
Didn't work for me

it can't find my device when I'm in the bootloader step and try to unlock it.:crying: Any one know how? my version is 8.1.0
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] DuckRuckus:
Are you sure that you opened the CMD in the platform tools folder? When you type "fastboot devices" does it show anything? Start from there.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] AethyrB:
I just ordered a VZW 128gb White and good news, it came with the December update. Unlocked the bootloader and disabled automatic updates.

1) Can I now flash the latest factory image (walleye-opm2.171026.006.c1), then use magisk to alter the boot.img and be rooted /w unlocked bootloader?

2) Or should I magisk the version it came with (19.011) and then update to latest? Maybe reroot after?

3) Or not go to the latest at all?
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] DuckRuckus:
Yup, just flash the latest version. Option 2 would just be a waste of time, and there have been several bug fixes and enhancements since December, so the third would just be silly :)
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] gmp02901:
I have a vzw pixel 2 still on the December security update. If I were to unlock the bootloader, and manually flash the latest factory image, would I still be able to do the following:

- Re-lock the bootloader (so I can use MS Company Portal for email)

- Take future ota updates

- Unlock again in the future to flash custom ROMs, once Google has moved on to newer phones

I ran CM / LOS on my old phones for years, but don't see the need right now since the pixel 2 is so new.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] enzyne:
If you were to relock the bootloader after flashing anything past the .16 update then you would not be able to unlock until a new exploit is found. You can "take otas" if you root but they have to be flashed manually in fastboot with the -w option removed if you want to retain your data. Then kernel and magisk must be re flashed. I don't know if relock is possible I have a Verizon pixel 2 and don't ever intend on trying.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] DuckRuckus:
Yes, you can re-lock the bootloader and take OTAs, but after that, it's game over, as the unlock exploit has been patched since January. Magisk will pass most safetynet checks, if that's what your email client relies on, but I would do some research first.

---------- Post added at 09:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:14 PM ----------

Actually, you can sideload OTAs and your device doesn't get wiped.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] Pony Express:
I have an unlocked bootloader and I am getting OTA's from Google ( Developer Preview 3.) I think that OTA relies on having stock recovery rather than whether the bootloader is locked or unlocked.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] gmp02901:
Thanks for the replies.

So to clarify, if I unlock the bootloader, and keep it unlocked, I can then manually sideload in fastboot the May 2018 opm2.171019.029B1 "full OTA image" from Google, and also future OTA updates, without the OTA re-locking the bootloader?

Thanks!
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] Pony Express:
The OTA will never re-lock the bootloader, locking and unlocking the bootloader wipes the device every time it is done. There would be a huge outcry if devices were wiped due to receiving an OTA. You can revert back to any build for Pixel 2 using Pixel Flash Sauce - all credit to the developer and to Chronzy for posting.

https://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=74841463&postcount=44
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] DuckRuckus:
You are correct. Bootloader status doesn't affect OTAs, but you must have stock recovery for them to install.

---------- Post added at 09:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:45 PM ----------

Factory images are flashed in fastboot. OTAs are ADB sideloaded in recovery. You need to know the difference before doing anything. Not being a jerk, just saving you headaches ;)
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] gmp02901:
Sorry one more question... Once I unlock the bootloader, is it a requirement to take future OTAs via manual fastboot flash, or can I use the regular OTA update process?
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] DuckRuckus:
Nope, so long as you're not going to root. If you want magisk, however, you will need to use the fastboot method.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] SOCOM-HERO:
If I were to get this phone from VZW tomorrow, could I do this? Or has it been patched out?
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] DuckRuckus:
Honestly, it's pretty much a luck-of-the-draw thing as far as the software version is concerned. I got mine in March, and it was still on the Dec patch. Others have recently received units that were also on the same version, but there are really no guarantees.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] SOCOM-HERO:
So as someone doing research, is there a version out that has been patched and cannot be unlocked at all? I thought Google didn't allow for that kind of stuff. Better off buying from them direct rather than a carrier I guess.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] DuckRuckus:
.016 if I remember correctly was the version that patched the vulnerability. Anything later would also be patched out, as well.

You're always better off buying from the manufacturer, rather than VZW, whether it be Google, Moto, etc. If you buy a phone from Verizon, it will have a locked bootloader, and it's been that way since the OG Droid. Some of us just got lucky with the Verizon P2.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] vaeevictiss:
it still boggles my mind how verizon can get away with doing whatever they want to phones. just glad i decided to go direct to google and get one.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] bobby janow:
What do you mean?
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] vaeevictiss:
just how they can lock bootloaders and install all their crap on top of the existing OS
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] bobby janow:
Which crap are you talking about?
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] okiejtruax:
Please take the confirmed of this post is kinda misleading
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] vaeevictiss:
All their bloatware, various little changes down to even their bootscreens. How they can actually remove settings so they can sell it to you at an upcharge; ie call blocking. It's still there if you know how to find it but they actually remove it from the visible settings.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] bobby janow:
That is very interesting, thanks for your comments. I have a Pixel 2 and not the XL but I always felt the forums should be merged other than root exploits but I can live without that. So I guess things might be slightly different because I was able to uninstall any programs that I didn't want. I only found 2 Verzion programs and they uninstalled in a matter of seconds. Have you found more that took more than a minute to uninstall?

I haven't seen any setting they removed from the Google version that required an upcharge to enable. Can you explain what you have found? Call blocking is an Android feature as far as I know. I have it enabled with no upcharge. I do know that the carriers can give you extended options but that is not only a Verizon option but an ATT, Sprint, TMo and perhaps others too. You don't need to buy it if you don't want whether you have an VZW or a Google version. Correct me if I'm wrong. As for the bootscreen "little changes" you refer to I really need to see what you are talking about. I rarely reboot my phone but when I do I can look at it for a second and then I log in.

Do you think perhaps you are upset that Google has locked the bootloader on the Verizon models? Well as you say you have bought the Google version and that's that. It's easy to bang on big Red but your arguments ring hollow unless you provide some solid proof other that saying "bloatware". They have a reason for locking the bootloader according to their business model and it does seem that this is what Google is doing as well lately. (see refurbs) But I have a Pixel 2 and not the XL so perhaps I'm not seeing the picture you are. If not then please enlighten me.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] vaeevictiss:
Correct. I have the version straight from Google so my Pixel 2 (non xl as well) is fully unlocked now. I'm not speaking from the standpoint of Verizons Pixel. I am however speaking from the standpoint of the past 3 phones i've had that have been from Verizon and how all three have been unable to be unlocked (but at least rootable). Sure, it's my fault I bought from Verizon and not direct from a manufacturer. the last phone i've had that was as open as my Pixel is, was the original Galaxy Nexus I got on release day. I could do anything I wanted with that.

Yeah, the inconveniences are minor and can usually be worked around, but the fact is that they still have to be worked around. How come Verizon makes it so difficult but you see no problems with people on T Mobile, ATT, and even UK carriers on the same damn phone? Honestly, the only reason I stick with Verizon is their coverage area but I would love to go to something like Project Fi. Also, my wife has a G6 so she can't get it and it would really be more tedious having two different carriers.

Point is, that for people that like to mess around modding their phones and trying out different ROMs, they just can't do it being on Verizon. More importantly, in the case of a Pixel 2, you are shelling out anywhere from 650 to 950 bucks depending on the version and memory. That is a lot of money for a device your carrier is limiting what you can do on it especially coupled with the fact its the same price no matter who you buy it from. That's like buying a car and GM or Ford telling you....woah, you can't change the rims or exhaust on that. Or like buying a house and your lending company saying...naa, were not gonna let you remodel that kitchen.

All im saying is people own these devices. They should be allowed to do whatever they want to them as long as they know they are responsible for anything that happens to the device.

Granted, if you want to do all that stuff, I guess it's just as easy as not buying a phone from Verizon.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] bobby janow:
I agree with most of what you are saying so let me jump to what I don't agree with. lol. I would never pay $650 for a Pixel 2 or $950 for an XL 2. I got my Pixel 2 for around $300 on Black Friday and the OG on BF the year before. If I were to pay double that it would have been like you did, the Google version. Buying a car for $20k or a home for $300k is not quite the same as a $500 phone. You really can't compare like that. I also don't think that being responsible, i.e. voiding the warranty, is what VZW is concerned about. They want to tell corporations that their Pixel phones cannot be rooted and thus allowed on corporate networks. One company's purchase can dwarf everyone on XDA who must mod their phones. We are in a very small minority.

Project Fi is pretty good but not nearly the coverage as VZW, I had it. Didn't pay to have 2 carriers, you're right. I too have rooted every single device up until my 5X. Then I locked the bootloader on the 5X partly due to Google Pay and my banking app. So I was not totally bummed out when the OG and 2 were not unlockable. Besides with the different slots and _critical stuff I was not interested. The camera on this thing is beyond belief and everything just works as is. I also love the monthly updates that install in the background with a 10 second reboot to finalize the install.

But for people like you and me who at some point might need to mod their phones or flash a factory image we have Google. At least for now. I'm not so sure going forward as they seem to be testing a fully lockdown device. I had to RMA the OG after a year due to some hardware issue and they sent me an unlockable one with the toggle active. I still keep it locked though. Once I get the Pixel 3 and hand off my 2 to the Mrs. I'd like to unlock the bl on the OG and flash some beta OS like Android P or Q as the case may be.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] coolguy71261:
Yeah I got mine yesterday and it's on the January .16 update ?
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] b00ster23:
Where did you procure your phone? Online or store......which variant and color?
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] dunderball:
I just received a Pixel 2 from Verizon and it is on the April 2018 update. I don't think I'm even going to give the bootloader unlock methods a try. Really disappointed but I guess I shouldn't be surprised given that's it is already June right now.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] kongmingtwo:
So, if I were to snag a pixel 2 today from verizon because my old phone died, would I be able to block sim/wifi, sideload, and still do this?

I'm not clear on the OP --- "downgrade isn't available" / "you can sideload 8.1" together seem to have me confused. If you have an overly updated phone out of the box, does sideload fix that, or are you still screwed?
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] coolguy71261:
I ordered mine online, (black/grey 64gb)
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] DuckRuckus:
To answer your first question, it would depend on what software version it came with. If it's .016 or later, no. There are a fair amount of people still getting devices that are on the December build, but it's a crapshoot at best.

The OP was written back when some phones were still shipping with 8.0, so the only way to get 8.1, without taking the OTA that would patch out the exploit, was to sideload a version that was still safe. "Downgrade isn't available" means that, if you took said OTA, this method would no longer be available to you, because you can't go backwards and change that. Hope this helps.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] kongmingtwo:
Yes, that's quite clear. Thanks!
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] JBlaze05:
Actually, while the list of official phones that support Project Fi do not include the G6, and I assume that is the LG G6, you can technically use Project Fi on any phone really. All you would need to do is activate a Project Fi sim on a supporting device, then put said sim card in said unsupported phone. People have even managed to have it working on an iPhone. As for the other things you said, I totally agree and its why when it was time for my step-father to get a new phone I recommended the google edition of the Pixel 2.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] nullness:
Actually it's the Motorola G6 and it absolutely is included in the official phones list for Project Fi.
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] JBlaze05:
Nice
[Google Pixel 2 Guides, News, & Discussion] ItsSheeg:
Would it be possible to sideload an OTA update that was previously compatible with the critical_unlock command and unlock the bootloader that way?