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How to Unlock Bootloader on Google Pixel Devices

By AndroidGreek Team
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If you’re the proud owner of a Google Pixel device, you’re probably excited about the possibilities that come with it. It has garnered a lot of attention from both general users and tech enthusiasts alike. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of unlocking Bootloader on Google Pixel devices. Pixel devices have always been known for their active custom development community. However, before you can start customizing your device, you’ll need to unlock the bootloader.

Benefits and Risks of Unlocking Bootloader on Google Pixel Devices

Unlocking the bootloader on your Google Pixel device opens up a world of possibilities. It allows you to take full advantage of Android’s open-source ecosystem. Once the bootloader is unlocked, you can install custom ROMs, flash custom recoveries like TWRP, and gain administrative privileges by rooting your device using Magisk. With these privileges, you can further enhance your device by installing Magisk Modules, Xposed Framework, Substratum Themes, and Viper4Android, among other modifications.

However, it’s important to note that unlocking the bootloader comes with a few risks. First, the process will wipe all the data on your device, so it’s crucial to take a backup before proceeding. Additionally, unlocking the bootloader may void your device’s warranty. Furthermore, some consequences include the degradation of Widevine L1 certification to L3, which prevents HD streaming. SafetyNet will also be triggered, leading to incompatibility with certain banking apps.

How to Unlock Bootloader on Google Pixel Devices

Before we proceed, please be aware that unlocking the bootloader will erase all data on your device and could potentially void the warranty. Take the necessary precautions and create a backup of your important data. Droidwin and its members are not responsible for any damage or loss caused during the process. Now, let’s begin with the steps to unlock the bootloader on your Google Pixel device.

Note: Take a backup of all the data on your smartphone, please. This is due to the process of wiping out all previously stored data.

Step 1: Install the Android SDK

To begin, you need to install the Android SDK Platform Tools on your PC. These tools include the ADB and Fastboot binaries, and they are provided by Google. Download the Android SDK Platform Tools from the official source and extract them to a convenient location on your PC. This will give you the platform tools folder, which we will use throughout this guide.

Step 2: Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking on Google Pixel Devices

Next, you’ll need to enable USB debugging and OEM unlocking on your Google Pixel devices. USB debugging allows your device to communicate with the PC in ADB mode, while OEM unlocking is required to unlock the bootloader.

Here’s how you can enable these options:

  1. Go to Settings on your Google Pixel device.
  2. Scroll down and tap on “About Phone.”
  3. Locate the “Build Number” and tap on it seven times to enable Developer Options.
  4. Go back to the main Settings menu and tap on “Developer Options.”
  5. Scroll down and find the “USB Debugging” option. Enable it.
  6. Scroll further and locate “OEM unlock.” Enable this option as well.
  7. You may be prompted to enter your device’s PIN or pattern for security confirmation.

Step 3: Boot Google Pixel Device into Fastboot Mode

Now that you have enabled USB debugging and OEM unlocking, you need to boot your Google Pixel device into Fastboot Mode. This mode allows you to communicate with your device via Fastboot commands.

Follow these steps to boot into Fastboot Mode:

  1. Power off your Google Pixel device completely.
  2. Press and hold the Power button and Volume Down button simultaneously.
  3. Keep holding both buttons until you see the Fastboot Mode screen.

Step 4: Unlock the Bootloader for Google Pixel Devices

With your Google Pixel device in Fastboot Mode, you’re ready to unlock the bootloader. However, please note that unlocking the bootloader will erase all data on your device. Make sure you have backed up any important data before proceeding.

To unlock the bootloader on your Google Pixel device, follow these steps:

  1. Connect your Google Pixel device to the PC using a USB cable.
  2. On your PC, navigate to the location where you extracted the Android SDK Platform Tools.
  3. Open a Command Prompt or Terminal window at that location.
  4. In the Command Prompt or Terminal, enter the following command to verify the connection:
    • Fastboot Devices
    • This command should display the serial number of your Google Pixel devices, confirming that they are connected properly.
  5. Next, enter the following command to unlock the bootloader:
    • fastboot flashing unlock
    • A confirmation screen will appear on your Google Pixel device.
  6. Use the Volume button to highlight “yes” and press the Power button to confirm.
  7. The bootloader unlocking process will begin, and your device will reboot into bootloader mode.
  8. Once the process is complete, your Google Pixel Device’s bootloader will be unlocked.

Congratulations! You have successfully unlocked the bootloader on your Google Pixel device. You can now proceed with installing custom ROMs, custom recoveries, or rooting your device to further customize and enhance its functionality. Remember to exercise caution and research thoroughly before making any modifications to your device.