yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Google Pixel 6a] V0latyle:
You won't like this answer, but if you don't know what you're doing, you shouldn't be doing this.

I think you misunderstand me.

When you flash the boot image with fastboot flash boot <boot image>, you're actually writing that binary to the /boot partition. If you do this with a patched image, Magisk does not have a backup.

When you boot the boot image, with fastboot boot <boot image>, you're sending the binary to the device to load instead of what's written to /boot. If you boot a patched image, then perform Direct Install in Magisk, Magisk then creates a backup of the original image in /boot so as to be able to restore it later.

I would not recommend doing this. While the kernel may be the same, the boot image contains other components that are updated with almost every release, such as the Android security engine. It's OK to temporarily boot an older image, but I recommend always flashing the boot image that corresponds to the update.

Download the factory update package (not the OTA) and extract boot.img from within it, then flash in bootloader: fastboot flash boot <boot image>

Magisk operates via a kernel patch to grant root access. If you flash an unpatched boot image, you lose root, meaning Magisk is unable to load any modules. The only time this would cause a boot loop is if you updated via OTA, then flashed an older boot image; the system would see the mismatch and assume the update failed.
[Google Pixel 6a] ctfrommn:
Ive done this like 20 times already working on building my kernel....zero issues.
[Google Pixel 6a] V0latyle:
Okay, you completely ignored what I just said:

The kernel version itself corresponds to the public Linux kernel, so of course you can re-use it as much as you want. The boot image still contains other information that's version specific and may not work on newer builds.
[Google Pixel 6a] TechX1991:
Sorry!! Forgot I posted this tutorial. I added steps to the bottom of the Original Post on how to take an OTA and keep root. I realized I forgot those instructions
[Google Pixel 6a] SAMMMMMM:
Doesn't help you at all, but I'm getting similar struggles.

Like, all the guides expect you to have a sbin folder, but Android 12 doesn't have it, it's moved to dev. I've followed a few of these guides to a T, and Magisk doesn't detect a backup no matter which I guide I follow through. I don't think the current guides are gonna work for someone with a Pixel 6* running 12.

My next effort is just gonna go through the original process of grabbing the latest factory image from Google myself and treating it like a fresh root. The Magisk/partition/OTA process has been nothing but headache so far.
[Google Pixel 6a] maelopam:
I ran into the issue where the OEM unlock was grayed out. So I followed the guide, but after factory reset it still was grayed out. However, I have a esim using Google Fi, so it automatically added back Google Fi after the reset. So in my old device, I migrated my number back to my old device and the unlock immediately ungrayed itself on the pixel and I could finish unlocking and rooting.

It did somehow wipe again the device after installing magisk and rebooting, but I just needed to reinstall magisk apk and it was rooted.

It now displays the warning that the device is unlocked, when re-booting. Is there a way to disable that (preferably flashing something I can create myself)? I knew how to do it for lineageos on moto, not sure how to do it for stock on pixel.
[Google Pixel 6a] ctfrommn:
You would have to relock the bootloader.
[Google Pixel 6a] mike.s:
@maelopam ...and don't try that with a modified (i.e. Magisk) boot. It can brick the phone, unless things have changed.
[Google Pixel 6a] ryan92084:
Thanks for this, the suggestion to pull the sim for oem unlock did the trick. Been a long while since i had a new device so the refresher was very welcome.
[Google Pixel 6a] subbaak1968:
has anyone bricked his/her pixel 6 a yet ?
[Google Pixel 6a] Lughnasadh:
A few people have, apparently, due to the new ARB.
[Google Pixel 6a] Pakabidu:
Thanks for instructions around unlocking the bootloader!

My device came preinstalled with April update and OEM unlocking was greyed out. I removed google account in settings, took the SIM card out, updated to June patch, did factory reset, setup the device without Wifi and google account, after setting up I connected to Wifi and once I reinserted the SIM card I was able to toggle the OEM unlocking option in developer settings. Great stuff!
[Google Pixel 6a] bobby janow:
All you really needed to do was do the system update and factory reset. Everything else was extraneous.
[Google Pixel 6a] mike.s:
Pretty sure it needs to connect to Google after the reset. Not in relation to signing into an account, just as part of the normal "setting up your phone" process.
[Google Pixel 6a] bobby janow:
Yes, of course. That's always been the case but removing the account, taking out the sim card, only connecting to wifi without a sim card.. that's what I meant. Reset after the update and just continue setting up as usual. Any connection to the internet will suffice.
[Google Pixel 6a] ryan92084:
Here is another way to fix the "stock backup does not exist"

source https://xdaforums.com/t/where-does-...restore-needs-to-be-put.3845559/post-87259063
[Google Pixel 6a] UnnA^:
Did you find a solution to this? I'm receiving the same error when trying to flash the patched magisk boot .img
[Google Pixel 6a] jejemc:
hello, strange your error no worries on mine how did you proceed with which line of commands?

edit:

adb reboot bootloader

fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img

fastboot reboot
[Google Pixel 6a] UnnA^:
I was using powershell so tried cmd and it worked fine this time!
[Google Pixel 6a] ddrum2000:
I tried this method of of applying the Oct OTA but it resulted in a boot loop. Any idea what's going on?

To fix it I sideloaded the OTA, rebooted, and reflashed boot to obtain root. This was so easy coming from my old OnePlus but I have issues with every update I've applied. Thanks.
[Google Pixel 6a] m1batt1:
It has been a long long time since I've been in the flashing game and have never used a phone where the bootloader could actually be relocked after unlocking. All that being said once I've completed the root process can I relock the bootloader and keep root access? I didn't see anything in the main post and missed it if it was covered in the replies. Normally I'd just try it and see what happens but I'm lazy and don't want to have to re install all my apps and that mess only for it to not do what I want it to.
[Google Pixel 6a] ctfrommn:
No, locking with root would be very bad and it's such isn't possible.
[Google Pixel 6a] m1batt1:
I figured that was the case. Thanks for the reply it's been so long since I've flashed anything that I wasn't sure if things had changed.
[Google Pixel 6a] Theripper91:
On power shell I have to add "./" before adb commands.

Ex: ./fastboot boot boot.img
[Google Pixel 6a] Tomatcree:
And on Linux/ Mac osx subsystems I do that too
[Google Pixel 6a] arik100:
do i still need to do these reset setups on a december updated device? oem unlocking is greyed out..
[Google Pixel 6a] Pootch:
Since when does rooting a phone wipe all the data?
[Google Pixel 6a] Lughnasadh:
Rooting itself doesn't. Unlocking the bootloader does, however.
[Google Pixel 6a] xracerx123:
I am thinking of me importing nano into the devices. My main goal is to have a bashrc alias and and make it easy for me to edit files in the system. How can I achieve this?

Is there an equivalent of apt-get command in android? Like what we can do in a jailbreak IOS devices?
[Google Pixel 6a] 7kAi:
Hi, how to fix this issue
[Google Pixel 6a] Lughnasadh:
No need to cross post. See response I gave you in your other post.
[Google Pixel 6a] 7kAi:
Thanks, sorry for the double post
[Google Pixel 6a] arik100:
so i recommend update all updates and then go root it.

the greyed out part changed when i updated it , so i skipped most of this guide.
[Google Pixel 6a] Implosion6394:
I applied the Dec 22 OTA update last month. I patched the image using magisk and then restarted. It kept failing, but after a few tries it did go through. I suspect it was because I didn't disable a module.

However, it caused me to lose root... So, I'm trying to fix that now. I've downloaded the stock image (TQ1A.221205.012) but when I extract it, I can't see any zip files or img files. There's only a 'payload.bin' that has any weight to it, and that's not got any img file inside either.
[Google Pixel 6a] Implosion6394:
never mind, just realised I was downloading the OTA file rather than factory
[Google Pixel 6a] mirroryours102395:
Ty
[Google Pixel 6a] Pietplezier:
I think im blind like a mole. Where to find the Factory image on this page? https://developers.google.com/android/images

Tonight my brand new Pixel 6A will arrive, my plan is to start the phone for the first time..scroll a bit around an unlock/root/magisk/Zygisk it right away.
[Google Pixel 6a] frank93:
sidebar on the right, "bluejay" is the Pixel 6A, so: https://developers.google.com/android/images#bluejay - here you go.
[Google Pixel 6a] Pietplezier:
Omg... haha.
[Google Pixel 6a] DAI56DAMAN:
do not use fastboot 34 version

i broke my phone
[Google Pixel 6a] karcfa:
Can you use google wallet, google pay, android pay and such after unrooting your phone with magisk?

also, is rooting this way safe? dont want to brick my new phone, but i need some root functionality
[Google Pixel 6a] TheNewHEROBRINE:
You can use all of these services even while rooted, to use them after rooting you would have to relock the bootloader too probably.

The method is safe as long as you stick to the guide.
[Google Pixel 6a] cyklon1978:
I tried this but it cannot find the file, i have put the file at the highes level, do i need addition pathing? For example /storage/.......?

do i need to enter recovery or rescue mode?
[Google Pixel 6a] Jan61:
Copy the file into your adb/fastboot folder ...
[Google Pixel 6a] cyklon1978:
there is none, i followed the steps as the tutorial stated to the letter. The only diffrence is that "device should reboot back to bootloader" did not happen so i just ran adb reboot bootloader again..
[Google Pixel 6a] Jan61:
You don't have an adb/fastboot folder on your pc? So how do you start adb then?
[Google Pixel 6a] Zaxx32:
The folder is typically called 'platform tools v3x.0.x' fwiw...
[Google Pixel 6a] cyklon1978:
Ah, the tutorial didnt say that it should be in a folder, sorry for the noobness, not rooted a phone since Samsung S3.

created a folder and also put the file in the adb dir, same result tho.
[Google Pixel 6a] Zaxx32:
Here's a link....d/l v33.0.3 for windows...that's 'the folder'. 😉

Download Platform Tools for Android SDK Manager

Download Android SDK Platform-tools 29.0.0 , 29.0.0 , 30.0.0 , 30.0.0 , 31.0.0 , 31.0.0 , 31.0.0 , 33.0.0 , 33.0.0 , 33.0.0 , 34.0.0 ,

androidsdkmanager.azurewebsites.net
[Google Pixel 6a] cyklon1978:
Thanks, i just run the fastboot from that folder and place the *.img there?
[Google Pixel 6a] Jan61:
Maybe I should have been more precise.

ADB / fastboot looks for the file in the same path where it's started.

As you can see in your second screenshot, fastboot shows as path "C:\Users\Fannik", but there is not the stated file.

You should start cmd from your path "C:\adb\". Then you can start adb or fastboot and it looks for the file to be copied in this path.

Good luck!

Edit: If you don't know how to start cmd from "C:\adb": just create a textfile "cmd.bat" with only "cmd.exe" as text in this folder. Double click it, the you can start adb and fastboot form there and it will find your image file.
[Google Pixel 6a] PiXinCreate:
I use GrapheneOS and for me, GrapheneOs security model feels a bit too over kill. I'm a power user and I always run my phone rooted.

Since I installed GrapheneOS and rooted it without locking the bootloader, passing PIA/SNet has become a challenge and I tried almost everything that I know of and failed miserably!

Is there any possible way or any one who has successfully running GOS while rooted with no issues?

Can some one guide me to pass PIA while being rooted in GOS that runs Sandboxed Play Services?

I want to use GOS as the privacy features that it provides are un-matched to any other ROM while it lacks customisation and the devs straight away reject any feature requests that are not related to privacy.

Edit:

I'm afraid trying [this](https://xdaforums.com/t/guide-to-lock-bootloader-while-using-rooted-grapheneos-magisk-root.4510295/) as even disabling that button by mistake would cost me hefty penalty!

Edit 2:

The way of flashing GrapheneOS should be changed? At the time of installing GOS, AVBs (Not exactly this, but everything apart from ROM (system, boot, vendor boot)) are all changed.., Keeping these given by Google would do the job?
[Google Pixel 6a] ctfrommn:
Have you tried the safetynet mod?

Releases · kdrag0n/safetynet-fix

Google SafetyNet attestation workarounds for Magisk - kdrag0n/safetynet-fix

github.com
[Google Pixel 6a] PiXinCreate:
Yes, literally none of them worked while the GrapheneOS was rooted while the bootloader is unlocked.

I mean, everything worked normally as would and the modules they were doing its job while banking apps were detecting root and refrain themselves from running. I even tried to spoof the device to use Basic attestation, that didn't work.
[Google Pixel 6a] flaxx187:
How is the quality of the pictures with custom ROMs?

I want to root my device with lineage and heard a lot about gcam, make the quality of gcam and stock cam so a big different?

Would I lost camera quality if I root the stock ROM ?
[Google Pixel 6a] ctfrommn:
Same.... Your using the same camera
[Google Pixel 6a] flaxx187:
Thank you for the response!

I read about quality lost because the software of pixel is strong, if you install a custom rom you lost the software.

Which Rom do you have and which do you recommend?

Is something else that you would recommend me?

Thank you !
[Google Pixel 6a] ctfrommn:
Im biased as I build my own but there are lots of good ROM's here and on Telegram.
[Google Pixel 6a] tyzrk:
Hello, I was following this tutorial and after "fastboot reboot", my fastboot screen had some red text and said something about my device being corrupt. Now it's stuck on the Google splash screen and seems to be unresponsive to the power and volume buttons. Could anyone please help on how to proceed from here?

Edit: I left my phone to run out of battery overnight and when I plugged it in again, it let me boot in fastboot mode. From there I was able to flash the non-root boot.img and my phone at least works again.
[Google Pixel 6a] d4guser:
Hello, I am currently rooting a new Pixel 6a and just wondered if someone could confirm this is correct.

I have:

- Downloaded the Factory image matching my build, in this case: TP1A.220624.021.A1

- Patched the above Factory image with Magisk (it's back on the PC)

- Unlocked the bootloader

- Flash is ready to go I think? Have I left something out?

Just being ultra careful since I haven't rooted before.

Also, I have heard talk of booting the patched image live

before flashing, to make sure it works, so if someone can explain this to me I'd be much obliged.
[Google Pixel 6a] d4guser:
I was wondering if you could tell me, will doing:

fasboot boot magisk_patched_xxxxx_xxxxx.img

Allow me to trial the patched image, to make sure it works, before actually flashing it?

I've seen people say they would do this, and then to get back to normal(installed) images, they "reboot to recovery".

I don't know if this simply means rebooting the phone, or if you need some special 'recovery' image at play.

Any details would be much appreciated!
[Google Pixel 6a] Lughnasadh:
fastboot boot <nameofpatchedbootimage>

This will give you temporary root after you boot up. If you decide you don't want to be rooted then just reboot and you will be unrooted.

If after running the command and booting up you decide you want to stay rooted, then do "Direct Install" in the Magisk app and you will be "permanently" rooted.
[Google Pixel 6a] d4guser:
Many thanks for the reply. Slainte!
[Google Pixel 6a] Hugh Janus:
So I keep seeing people talking about being able to get the OEM Unlock ungreyed on Verizon? Is that still working? If so, does it also work for Comcast (who is on the Verizon network)?
[Google Pixel 6a] mike.s:
Where do you keep seeing that? Because, there is no known way to bootloader unlock a VZW Pixel 6a (GB62Z).
[Google Pixel 6a] Hugh Janus:
On the first page of this thread, there is a link. The post says

Aug 3, 2022

Add bookmark

#3

To get the `OEM Unlock` option in Developer Options to work, it's simpler to just manually flash 12.1.0 (SD2A.220601.004, Jun 2022, Verizon, Verizon MVNOs) and then wipe.

Even though it's label as Verizon, it should work for all carriers.
[Google Pixel 6a] mike.s:
That doesn't say anything about the VZW version of the phone. It's talking about the firmware.
[Google Pixel 6a] TechX1991:
Didn't work for me when I manually downloaded firmware, but this is incredibly out of date as a guide now anyway as it was just a firmware bug in early phones that you couldn't oem unlock unlocked pixels.
[Google Pixel 6a] TechX1991:
you should remove this download link attachment. Someone used it, and soft bricked their phone. Pre-patched files just leads to confusion
[Google Pixel 6a] pgnikhil:
Hi TechX1991!

Eagerly waiting for the OEM Unlock bug for the latest update!)

I went all the way til Android 14 Beta testing to see if the OEM Unlock gets ungreyed, but sadly no, and so reverted back to the latest update so far and reached a point where I have no clue what to do anymore. But because of the anti-rollback bootloader situation I haven't tried going back to Android 12. Hoping to see your update soon!

Thanks and best regards!
[Google Pixel 6a] V0latyle:
Where did you purchase your device? It's possible that you bought a carrier variant.
[Google Pixel 6a] pgnikhil:
Originally the one I have is a demo phone and I think the carrier is Orange (France)

It came up for very low cost in the classifieds so I grabbed it to see if I could flash but the OEM unlock never came off.

I don't know if it's unlockable, just sort of thought it was worth the try.
[Google Pixel 6a] V0latyle:
There's not any special "trick" to get OEM Unlocking to be available, once the device is connected to the Internet and checks the online IMEI whitelist it should determine whether OEM Unlocking is allowed all on its own. If it hasn't by now, chances are it's not unlockable.
[Google Pixel 6a] nathlynn22:
Hello can I update to the latest possible firmware unlock bootloader extract boot patch with magisk and flash? Or is it not that simple? Thanks
[Google Pixel 6a] jhjhjhjhjhjh:
Anybody with METROBYTMOBILE who has the pixel 6a ..can the bootloader be unlocked before 180 days?.

I remember Motorola phones bought from METROBYTMOBILE only had to wait 3 days before the oem was toggleable..

I'm thinking of buying this phone for a backup to my pixel 7pro..
[Google Pixel 6a] pgnikhil:
I see. When I checked the IMEI online, it was shown whitelisted on almost all the sites I've checked, but the option never came out.

Maybe it's just carried locked, and in the case, it can't be OEM Unlocked. I've had it for a week now, with about 20-30 wipes.

I'm just keeping it as a secondary phone, so it's rather okay.
[Google Pixel 6a] V0latyle:
Carrier lock has little to do with OEM Unlocking. They're both controlled by IMEI, but the carrier lock is by blacklist to determine whether the device can be activated on a network, so as to prevent stolen devices or those under lien from being used on another network. I have heard of some carriers allowing bootloader unlock if the device is lien free but I don't think there is a consistent answer for this.
[Google Pixel 6a] V0latyle:
Yes.
[Google Pixel 6a] hbk_seanmichael:
Is October 2022 the latest version of Paranoid Android?????
[Google Pixel 6a] TechX1991:
You're asking in the wrong thread, but it looks like yes
[Google Pixel 6a] TheGOAT232412:
I purchased this phone in October and it's GREAT! I've been reading around in regards to rooting and unlocking the bootloader on this device. Am I understanding correctly that it's not possible to unlock the bootloader and root my device due to a Google OTA security update? Sorry if I'm confused, any clarification would be appreciated. Thanks In advance
[Google Pixel 6a] Lada333:
If the bootloader can be unlocked, then you can root your device. You can check by going to Developer Options and seeing if "OEM Unlocking" is greyed out or not.
[Google Pixel 6a] TheGOAT232412:
Thanks! Unfortunately it is greyed out. I was looking forward to jumping back into flashing again and thought this would be the phone to do it. Argghhhh
[Google Pixel 6a] MarSOnEarth:
What carrier are you on? There are different rules/policies on carrier unlocking.
[Google Pixel 6a] TechX1991:
If it was purchased as an unlocked non-carrier device (meaning from like best buy/walmart/google store), or I believe google Fi, you should be able to bootloader unlock no issue. If you got a carrier device, you're locked probably forever and can't root
[Google Pixel 6a] TheGOAT232412:
It's a prepaid Verizon phone that I purchased at Walmart. OEM Unlock is greyed out.
[Google Pixel 6a] TechX1991:
yeah, then the bootloader is probably locked forever. Verizon, even after paid off and sim unlocked, doesn't allow for oem unlocking unfortunately. Its some real BS :/ basically have to hope for exploit/glitch like has happened in the past
[Google Pixel 6a] kdrv3xc:
i've heard that about xfinity, to which i very clearly repeated myself about the differences of carrier unlocking (i.e. using the phone on a different network vs OEM unlocking) because i know how verizon is. i doubt they even have the ability to allow you to unlock it, and it's absurd. but I was assured that once my 6a is paid off, xfinity does let you unlock your bootloader. from what i've read from others here that does seem to be the case.

pretty much got the phone for a steal, and i needed an unrooted phone because microsoft is getting way too good at detecting rooted phones, so i use it mainly for work apps. but as soon as i can unlock it, well hopefully we figured out microsofts tricks by then.
[Google Pixel 6a] TechX1991:
I can tell you, from experience, they do not.

and I can also tell you that those microsoft apps will nearly always be 1 step ahead of root detection bypasses.
[Google Pixel 6a] kdrv3xc:
these gents seem to be speaking from experience as well: https://xdaforums.com/t/xfinity-mobile-bootloader-unlock-question.4216055/

and i made it so very obnoxiously clear that the only reason i was buying the phone was because they would allow OEM unlocking after it was paid off. I made the rep repeat it 3 times. god help them if they tell me different later.

as far as the ms apps, it's always been a tug of war, but eventually i've always been able to get around them. sort of like that aladdin song. i can definitely tell my org has implemented much stricter policies recently. Used to be able AAD register with another tenant while being AAD joined to my works tenant. Now can't even do that on a non-rooted device or even on a PC. (which is a pain in the ass since almost all of the work I do is in other tenants, but need to be on compliant device for SSO to work.) They've implemented similar policies in this other tenant as well, of which i am a global admin, and i still couldn't figure it out. it's literally just a toggle switch for "allow rooted/jailbroken devices" . I've gone through the sign-in failure logs, and still can't figure it out. if anyone has any idea where i (global admin of entra (fka azureAD) ID P2 tenant) can look to shed some more light i'm sure the community as a whole would appreciate it.
[Google Pixel 6a] mcwups1:
Am I reading it right, that if you get a 6a from Google, that says Unlocked, it will still likely be Locked? I got one that says Unlocked from the Google Store, but OEM Unlocking is greyed out. When I set up the phone, I don't have the option to download an E-Sim from T-Mobile, my carrier, but get a message to scan a QR code from Xfinity Mobile.

This is very odd.