How to Unlock the Bootloader on Pixel Devices [Walkthrough]

[@captain-january]

this video is so good and easy to follow and not bloated great english im subscibing just because i love you

[@Deffected]

Been watching videos all day and yours is the first to clearly and properly explain it. Cheers mate

[@MaowDroid]

Thanks for your comment Deffected! I'm glad this helped you out. :)

[@SatanicNemesis88]

Comprehensive and thorough. Plus you weren't a challenge to understand, well spoken. Thanks for the help, my dude!

[@MaowDroid]

Thanks for your comment SatanicNemesis88! I'm glad to hear that its up to scratch for you :)

[@madgalactic]

My Pixel 1 has the OEM unlocking greyed out and it says "connect to the internet or contact your carrier". You said This means you are out of luck UNLESS you have a Pixel 1, which I have, and you mentioned that can be bypassed. How do I bypass this please?

[@KiritoKyouyaKun]

Thank You, i can install Pixel Dust on Pixel 3 because of you. Very Appreciated.

[@MaowDroid]

Thanks for your comment Muhammad! I'm glad you're on Pixel Dust :)

[@myalt1204]

WHEW almost thought it was stuck on a loop . . . . I had to go back a few vid but now lineage os is on my pixel 2 xl.. thanks bud

[@_allthegoodonesaretaken_]

Awesome video, you really made it easy to follow and understand! Great Job and thank you :)

[@unonice]

@MaowDroid .. 👍🏾👍🏾😁😁👌🏾👌🏾 .. great work as always .. thanks and keep making these videos .. you rock 👍🏾😁👌🏾

[@MaowDroid]

It's been a while hasn't it ahha :)

[@unonice]

@@MaowDroid indeed it has been a minute . Lol 😅😂 ..

[@nunzioturtulici9636]

Great video. You are really clear, thank you!

[@CameronSamanM]

Thank you a bunch worked great! Now can start rooting process!

[@robertclarkguitar]

I stopped the extreme addiction in 2016 of flashing ROMs ...it was so bad I was flashing at work walking to back ....2 or 3 ROMs a day. I'm not kidding. Hahahah. Here I am now with pixel 4 xl I bought used and I thought I was done when I stopped with Android 8 or 9..things just got good enough then. The inner itch is returning now. Honestly I have a v20 995s Verizon that I tried to root other night. No dice. I must have lost my touch. Lmao. Also note 9 snapdragon but clearly won't allow unlocked boot. So pixel 4 xl I might. So easy. Thanks for your videos. I used to flash from cyanogenmod hahah. Now lineage. I might check it out. I'm just not sure the benefit now other than better or worse security depending on what you flash.

[@aeesonline]

VERY nicely done. Thank you!!!! - Works on my Pixel 2 (Android 10 w/Jan 2020 update)

[@MaowDroid]

Thanks for your comment Steve! :D I'm glad you found it useful.

[@michaelkhoury5181]

All good until 6:18... after entering fastboot flashing unlock, or fastboot oem unlock, it just sits there, unresponsive in the terminal... using latest platform tools (May 2023), on Pixel 4XL updated (foolishly) to Android 13, and now have no way to revert... yay.

[@abhijitbokde2281]

Problem in MiA1, bootloader is already unlocked, fastboot - FAILED (status read failed (Too many links)) error What to do now.. please help me

[@sdfjsd]

My Pixel 3 does not have an unlockable bootloader. In the OEM unlocking section, It says "connect to the internet or contact your carrier." I am looking to buy a new phone with an unlockable bootloader. How do I tell if a phone has an unlockable bootloader before buying it?

[@renshuxd]

Still got stuck on fastboot devices. No devices found and i've already installed the drivers, still got nothing

[@SahilQawiKhan]

Hey brother some times it shows oem unlocking option sometime it shows contact your operator

[@adminbpt7177]

when i do the flashing unlock, getting the error: remote:flashing unlock is not allowed)

[@edwardlilley1705]

Mine says waiting for device...any ideas? I have updated everything.

[@lesthercruz2439]

Hi, im trying to flash my google pixel xl. But, when appears the "yes/no" screen I select yes and press the power button. But the cellphone dont turn on again. What can I do? Please help, thanks. Pd I dont have access to menu of the phone only to the bootloader mode.

[@sugaseven1111]

thanks,your video is really help to me

[@sundeepcc4244]

sir, does unlocking the bootloader results in losing all the data? I'm stuck in booloop. Will I be able to flash the device despite device being in bootloop? Please let me know your feedback. Thanks!

[@AbdelhakEssbai]

@1.38 can you please, please link me to that guide ?

[@Andy99silva1]

l'm having a few issues on my google pixel 1 16GB from 2016. 1- Not recording audio. Everytime l would open what'sApp and try to record a video my phone would Just froze, crash. I cant do anything. or l wait or l need to restart. 2- Phone call. Making phone calls sometimes the person can't hear me, sometimes l can't hear the person. 3 Recording Videos. Opening the camera and press the buttom to record, The phone just don't do that, the counter numbers does not do anything 00:00 and after pressing ``pause`` it start`s recording but then the phone start to froze. But now the final! When l run the Hard Reset. The phone works fine. But just for a day or 2. I think this is not a physical issue. Can you help me, l would aprecciate a lot. AHH i replaced the baterry yesterday to see that maybe that was causing the issue because the baterry life was in 45%. so l bought a new one. But the problem still exist. :( Give me a hand please

[@MaowDroid]

I've had a friend's Pixel 1 do the exact same thing. After a reset it works fine for a little while then goes back to being the same way. I'd probably unlock the bootloader and try a different ROM to see if it could be just something up with stock Android, although that happened when the phone was running Oreo too. I've read that this Pixel has hardware issues, either revolving around the camera, bluetooth or sound. The battery replacement may have helped with the camera issue, as it did with the Nexus 6P.

[@Andy99silva1]

@@MaowDroid yeah is did. The camera works fine now. But the sound and audio issue still exist. So annoying beceuse this phone is so good. I'm using a S7 flat but not even close. I just want to be able to use my pixel. What type of ROM do you think I should install?? Last week l downgraded my phone to android 8. Again it worked for a little while. 😣

[@MaowDroid]

@@Andy99silva1 I'd probably just try LineageOS, a very well known and established custom ROM. They have officially maintained versions for the Pixel here: download.lineageos.org/sailfish They have installation instructions available on their site, but pretty much flash/sideload the ROM via TWRP or LineageOS Recovery and that's it! You will have to install a Google Apps package separately, after the ROM (before rebooting). opengapps.org/ Get the ARM64, Android 10.0, pico (smaller arrangement of Google Apps) package. If this doesn't work, you may have to use your S7 for a bit :(

[@pierofiorio5983]

Hello! Referring to 5:00... Could you please explain me what is the ADDITIONAL WORK WITH THE DRIVERS? I am trying to downgrade mi version of Android because I have No Service since the last update. --> Besides, I cannot longer bond my Pixel with my computer, I don't why they cannot communicate anymore. So, after reading and seeing all the tutorials, I am still not able to follow the steps properly because my Pixel won't be recognized as a device. ------>I have tried with different MAC's and Window's computers. Further, I have done the process with the SDK Platform as well as with the flash.android.com. I have also written a post in the Google Pixel Forum. I run out options! Please help, I don't know what else to do.

[@MaowDroid]

Hi Piero! The additional work I'm probably referring to is to install the Google USB drivers instead of using the LeMobile drivers that Windows Update installs for you: developer.android.com/studio/run/win-usb However, the issue with your Pixel not being detected is the more important issue, since the driver won't do much if your computer does not detect your phone. You've tried different USB cables (A USB A to C cable is preferred) in addition with using a Mac and PC? So currently your computer does not detect your Pixel in the bootloader? Does it detect it when you boot into Android and chnage the USB mode to File Transfer mode? Or even if you enable USB debugging?

[@pierofiorio5983]

@@MaowDroid Thanks for the quick answer! My computer does not detect my Pixel in the bootloader, even when I boot into Android and change the USB mode to File Transfer mode and even enabling the USB debugging. The thing is, I can't actually change the USB mode anymore when I plug my phone, but only select the "Default USB configuration" in Developer Options --> Networking --> USB Default configuration... (but even though it doesn't change the final result). I have tried with different cables and even with different computers. The curious thing is that my Pixel charges when it's plugged to the computer, but it won't be recognized as a device. Yesterday I tried the same things with the beta version of Android 11 (previously I had tried with Android 10). I want to downgrade my Pixel to Android 9, hoping that in that way I'll have Service again.

[@MaowDroid]

@@pierofiorio5983 could it be that your Pixel has a damaged USB port? 🤔 If it can charge that's okay, some cables only charge, but it seems you've tried everything multiple times.

[@bifferos]

I've now tried this on two pixel 2s. Both had the option for OEM unlocking, I activated it, but when I rebooted I got no red text with fastboot, and 'fastboot flashing unlock' failed and printed 'waiting for any device'. 'fastboot devices' does give me my serial number, so the phone seems to be detected and talking to the tools.

[@bifferos]

I feel a bit silly now. I was plugging the phone into my keyboard port, and missed the message from the kernel about the USB port having insufficient power for the configuration. So for some reason the 'devices' command worked, but not the unlock operation. This happened even thought the phone was fully charged. Once I plugged my phone into the motherboard port direct everything worked correctly. However: I got no red text about fastboot being available as I've seen in countless demos of this. The unlock still worked.

[@bifferos]

Another thing: The red text about 'fastboot mode' doesn't appear anywhere on my phone during the process, but the commands do seem to work OK without that.

[@icooler4601]

For some reason my oem unlocking button is there but is greyed out

[@MaowDroid]

Do you have a Verizon model? Does it say anything under the greyed out toggle? If you have a Pixel 1 that's not on the latest version of Android, you can try the workaround linked in the description. Generally speaking, if you spoke with your carrier and they can't do anything about it, you're out of luck.

[@gx7736]

hello bro it is mdm unlock??? answer me pls

[@yaxervinent8681]

how can i unlock it if my google pixel is bricked help me

[@CodreaDAce]

Any idea how to back up application data before unlock bootloader

[@bruceaisher]

Great video - thank you

[@MaowDroid]

Glad it was helpful! :)

[@luf4rall]

Unlocked the bootloader on a Verizon Pixel 3. The tricky part was that after it rebooted to bootloader the computer didn't recognize the phone as a fastboot device. I had to update the driver with the Google USB driver.

[@saimshaikh8004]

Can you please guide ma how to do it?

[@dewanmdasifiqbal4934]

My device (Google Pixel XL) shows using ADB commands. But I can't open it because of it’s bootloader unlock. Can anyone help me to give a better suggestion plz..??

[@oneshotgaming5102]

Why I can't enable OEM unlocking?

[@Sritech000]

My phone is stuck in fastboot mode any way to unlock bootloader pls bro

[@refxmz]

"flashing unlock is not allowed " what to do now? pixel 2xl

[@MaowDroid]

Were you able to enable OEM unlock in the developer options? That's the first thing we need, if you can't do that there's not much else we can do. :(

[@ljmzdev]

Your web page doesnt work anymore, and i cant find the workaround for a pixel 1 that cant enable OEM Unlock, it says connect to the internet or contact your carrier.

[@MaowDroid]

Thanks for letting me know Luis! I've updated the link. This is the one for the Pixel 1 workaround, and there was a newer one that was talked about working as well. forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/how-to/how-to-unlock-bootloader-verizon-pixel-t3796030 Try this more recent one: forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=83069355&postcount=1185

[@achmadmuzakki2545]

after entering fastboot mode why and type fastboot flashing unlock then enter only waiting for any device?

[@MaowDroid]

You probably need to install the Google USB drivers, check and see in device manager if your phone comes up there (I could be Android Bootloader Interface or a different name).

[@achmadmuzakki2545]

@@MaowDroid yes already solved sir, thx

[@hazenmercer4529]

i keep getting an error in the cmd prompt saying "flashing unlock is not allowed", how do i fix this?

[@MaowDroid]

You need to have enabled OEM unlock in the developer options beforehand as described. If you can't do that, then you won't be able to unlock the bootloader :(

[@agovirtus94]

I have a Pixel 2 and the OEM is enabled along with usb debugging. Yet I always run into the message “failed remote flashing unlock is not allowed”. Thoughts? I can toggle oem which is weird.

[@MaowDroid]

Your phone might be a Verizon model, or one from a certain carrier in the UK. Even with OEM unlock enabled, you still won't be able to unlock the bootloader. :(

[@rr6401]

The process on my moto g6 a bit extra: you need an unlock code plus you need a bootloader unlockable device which I did as a 15 yr old and I have magisk installed. Pretty happy with what I can do with root!

[@MaowDroid]

Oh absolutely - have fun with your rooted Moto G6! :)

[@rr6401]

@@MaowDroid also, can you make a video on how rooted users can speed up their phone and which apps they can use to improve battery performance as well? That'd be much appreciated.

[@joeydelmarsjr.646]

all carriers like ATT T-mobile sprint and mainly Verizon all bootloaders are locked so that means no custom recovery or permanent root

[@MaowDroid]

I thought it was just Verizon that really had it out for locking the bootloaders. I think T-Mobile allows it after you pay off the phone? I'm not in the States so I have to ask around and read about it.

[@joeydelmarsjr.646]

@@MaowDroid some have the OEM unlock feature but it does not do anything because the bootloaders are locked. and unless someone leaks the engineering version of the firmware no R&D can be done to find a workaround to locked bootloaders

[@Youtuber-cx1dx]

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, it refers to the coding or drivers of all the individual components of the device, camera/microphone/screen etc that enable them to work with the phone and OS as a whole. The carrier will not be able to unlock this for you.

[@MaowDroid]

Yeah essentially the manufacturer; but here's the thing, T-Mobile units that I've seen are able to enable OEM unlocking after paying off their device payments, so I suppose they would collaborate to find out if that's the case? Although I must say I've never heard back from someone who has finally paid off their phone; but the disabled message is different to the ones you'll see on Verizon units.

[@Youtuber-cx1dx]

@@MaowDroid I've heard that too but never SEEN it. I think it might be a wishful thinking/ urban legend thing.

[@ritsureim7766]

work on pixel 4 xl??

[@avremelr8127]

would this process enable ESIM on a PIxel 4 Verizon which is unlocked but the bootloader is locked? if yes can you please posts the step how. thanks

[@MaowDroid]

Unlocking the bootloader is not possible on Verizon models unfortunately. :( Regardless of network lock status. But if you were able to, it may be possible to enable eSIM, but I hear that's up to the carrier too.

[@lendordodavinci526]

thank you sooo much, saved my arse

[@MaowDroid]

Thanks for your comment! I'm glad it helped you out. :)

[@yomomasconqueeftador5008]

hey dude..i got a sec-hand google pixel not XL...and updated to android Q and also downloaded the last security update from google...will I still can use this method?? im scared if my phone bootloop using this method as I installed last security update from google yesterday..reply asap tq

[@MaowDroid]

Unlocking the bootloader rarely changes, and usually doesn't change with the monthly updates. This is the same as Google's method, so it's official and not some kind of hack job. 😉 So don't worry, enable OEM unlock and get the bootloader unlocked.

[@yomomasconqueeftador5008]

MaowDroid tq

[@v6tex]

My Pixel 3a has the OEM Unlock greyed out. I believe it's locked to EE UK. I hope there's a workaround soon enough

[@MaowDroid]

I wouldn't hold my breath unfortunately, but fingers crossed for you guys. 🤞

[@olakunleakinsemoyin3009]

Hey man, you are the greatest instructor. I have seen many tutorial videos but yours is top notch. I would like to know if I can connect with you and how? God bless

[@MaowDroid]

You can join us on Discord if you'd like. link.squabbi.com/discord I'm glad you found this video helpful. :)

[@achamicizhacks25]

hello, i have some trouble with my bootloader. when i type in cmd "fastboot flashing unlock" on my pixel 2 it says something like this: "error: flashing unlock is not allowed" fastboot: command failed. help?

[@MaowDroid]

Your phone might be a Verizon model, or one from a certain carrier in the UK. Even with OEM unlock enabled, you still won't be able to unlock the bootloader. :(

[@achamicizhacks25]

@@MaowDroid if my phone is a verizon model, would verizon in my build number?

[@MaowDroid]

You might be able to get it from either checking the IMEI online (not sure if this works, but was linked somewhere on reddit (www.verizonwireless.com/bring-your-own-device/#checkDevice), or it's in one of the regulatory information sections on your phone, unless you can see the model number elsewhere: www.techwalls.com/google-pixel-pixel-xl-model-number-differences/

[@ssgred9169]

@@MaowDroid can u unlock from spectrum ?

[@MaowDroid]

You'll need to check with your carrier your talking about network unlock. Bootloader unlock, you can ask them if you can't enable OEM unlock.

[@trentellis8247]

Hey is bootloader unlocking via this method still possible for the Pixel 2 (not XL) running Android 10 possible still? I just thought I'd check before attempting seeing as I'm at work and have to wait until I get home.

[@MaowDroid]

It hasn't changed in a few years now haha. It's pretty standard, until they produce a new standard.

[@trentellis8247]

@@MaowDroid ha that's great to hear lol. Have you made any videos on the best modules for rooted devices

[@MaowDroid]

I haven't really haha, because there's only one best one and that's Blobmoji 😉

[@gamingwithme9038]

Hello. I've got a Pixel 3a on Android 10 but I want to revert back to Android 9. I want to unlock the bootloader but below OEM unlocking it says 'Unavailable on mobile-locked devices'. Is there a workaround to this?

[@MaowDroid]

Unfortunately not. You'll have to pay off your phone, or talk with your carrier about it. :(

[@gamingwithme9038]

It's alright. I'll just wait for a few months to unlock my phone.

[@Junior-is7ic]

Hello Sir, can you please direct me how to lock the bootloader cuz my bootloader is unlock and I want to downgrade my android version from s to 11 please sir reply me

[@edwinbonsrah2818]

You can't lock bootloader

[@hunabku4508]

excellent -now to the flashing!

[@MaowDroid]

Enjoy! A new world awaits you! haha

[@hunabku4508]

@@MaowDroid I have a question. I'm running android 11 on a pixel 3a. TWRP won't boot through adb. Any ideas? I tried them all as in versions for this phone . Thanks :)

[@جوزفوالاحساسبوليوودعربي]

Thank you

[@shubhammishra2576]

My Pixel 2 is in boot loop i can't access the setting of the phone is it still possible to unlock the boot loader

[@MaowDroid]

Sorry for the late reply, but it won't be possible. :(

[@shubhammishra2576]

@@MaowDroid uhh ohh... Literally pissed off with Google. They are selling bogus products

[@MaowDroid]

@@shubhammishra2576 oh man that sucks :( I'm guessing it's out of warranty too? Do they offer replacement or repair in your country?

[@MuhammadKashif-em2xd]

Can any one guide me how to unlock OEM carrier locked phone

[@LilJimmyy]

my og pixel got bootloop does this method help to fix?

[@MaowDroid]

If you can enable OEM unlock you might have a chance if it is software related, but if you haven't done anything to it, chances are that it is a hardware issue. :(

[@LilJimmyy]

@@MaowDroid yea im guessing its a hardware issue, thanks for replying.

[@Lanon0987654321]

my pixel 3xl has that disabled and it is not a verizon model its a google unlocked version ):

[@MaowDroid]

Aw man. :( Did you get it from the Google store directly? I'd check the IMEI & model number to make sure it is a Google one.

[@ericsodt]

> fastboot oem unlock Should do the trick now

[@Zubbbz]

Locked pixel 2 and it says please connect to internet or contact carrier :(

[@MaowDroid]

I guess you're out of luck for unlocking the bootloader. :(

[@Zubbbz]

@@MaowDroid any idea on why it's like that? Also, do you know what carriers it happens with?

[@MaowDroid]

It generally happens with Verizon and a certian UK carrier. If it's second hand, the previous owner may have activated with a carrier mentioned above. It's just generally carrier policy, as bad as it may be. :(

[@Zubbbz]

@@MaowDroid darn :(

[@morphinedreams9906]

Mine is greyed out have not even put some in or connected to wifi

[@MaowDroid]

Did you happen to buy it second hand, or if its a Verizon or a model from another carrier that likes to lock the bootloaders?

[@morphinedreams9906]

Yes it is Verizon

[@MaowDroid]

Verizon locks their bootloaders unfortunately :( so far all exploits used to unlock them have been patched.

[@morphinedreams9906]

No work around as of now my device has 52 left to pay off

[@MaowDroid]

It won't even matter if you pay it off, their bootloaders are permanently locked. :(

[@SandroAbuladze]

Thank you so much

[@MaowDroid]

Thanks for your comment Sandro! :)

[@rizwan_rits]

I don't have pixel phone Still watched full video

[@buzzcom9372]

the second option 1:19 pls help me

[@MaowDroid]

So OEM Unlock is disabled for you? The workaround only works for the Pixel 1 (and recently, it seems that it hasn't been working for some), so with any other device you're out of luck.

[@victorashaolu]

@@MaowDroid what's the workaround

[@anisahmad3200]

How to lock bootloader please help bro

[@MaowDroid]

Return to stock, then run the command: fastboot flashing lock

[@freakgaming9968]

C:\Program Files (x86)\Minimal ADB and Fastboot>fastboot flashing unlock ... FAILED (remote: flashing unlock is not allowed) finished. total time: 0.376s help me bro

[@MaowDroid]

You have enabled OEM unlock right? I'd also refrain from using min ADB & fastboot as it's quite out of late (last time I saw it).

[@freakgaming9968]

MaowDroid mobile is not working system error

[@freakgaming9968]

MaowDroid can't find valid operating system Like that

[@faizalbe]

@@MaowDroid OEM unlock has been greyed out what to do now?

[@Elon_Sky]

nice!

[@justinw7323]

My pixel 5 is boot loader unlocked.

[@icuwan280]

Intro name plz. I LOVE FUTURE FUNK

[@MaowDroid]

Here you go! soundcloud.com/yunibasaruwa/cant-tell I forgot to link it in the more info.

[@manuski14]

What's the best way to back up app and data without root installed?

[@MaowDroid]

Hi Andrew, I haven't used ADB backup in a long time, but that could help for sure. However, backing up app data is not always easy when you're not rooted unfortunately. You'll just have to see if each app has an export or 'cloud' save option.

[@romanempire2006]

Tq u soon much bro

[@sasmithadasanayaka6142]

good😃😃

[@حميرالبوره]

thhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhanks

[@produde146]

Best

[@MaowDroid]

Thanks for your comment Benjamin. :O

[@daviddiaz-cv1tj]

thnk you

[@MaowDroid]

Thank you for watching David! :)

[@thenillion9341]

Thanks for nothing bro

[@NikaGelovani]

You talk to much

[@PanDaNWS]

thank you so much