Eager to try out Android 11, I sideloaded the ota zip of the latest Developer preview on my Pixel 4 XL. I have the Verizon version, so my bootloader is locked and I was unable to get it to unlock. So, I figured the ADB sideload method would be perfect.
Everything went smoothly until after the OTA was installed:
I just get a screen that says "Can't find a valid operating system. Device will not start." -- this screen appears for recovery and rescue mode.
The only thing I do have access to is Fastboot. Device appears when I type in "Fastboot devices", but I'm guessing that it doesn't matter since my bootloader is locked and I can't flash anything?
Google support was no help and just send me the address of a repair shop.
Does anyone know if I'm totally F'd in this situation?
Thanks
Nevermind I'll keep looking
Can you change slots? fastboot --set-active=a
It tells you what slot you are on in the bootloader screen. It won't hurt anything. You can always change it back. It's the only thing I know to try.
You can get a stock image and flash it from the stock recovery; dont recall how that procedure is done but there is a guide floating around here as it comes up every once in a while. Usually a Verizon owner...
Are you able to unlock the bootloader (activated before sideload)? So flash unlock and then the factory Image. If you can't unlock your bootloader you are stuck and best option is to open a warranty case by Google...
Try this - https://pixelrepair.withgoogle.com/
You may need to use a VPN if it says not supported in country. Never used it before but worth exploring.
Related
Per title, Nexus 6 will not get past the white "Google". I can get into recovery fine. But the bootloader is locked, so I cannot properly flash stuff. Attempting to unlock the bootloader, I'm told I need to enable the option in the settings menu that I cannot access.
Looks like I'm not the only one I have the same issue and nothing works
AndrewZorn said:
Per title, Nexus 6 will not get past the white "Google". I can get into recovery fine. But the bootloader is locked, so I cannot properly flash stuff. Attempting to unlock the bootloader, I'm told I need to enable the option in the settings menu that I cannot access.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is this happened after trying to install update with adb sideload?
I got my nexus 6 today and tried to sideload the ota zip file, but I had no luck and now my nexus can not boot. I had enabled the option for bootloader unlock but my big mistake was that i tried to factory reset the device from recovery and now the bootloader can't be unlocked.
supposed to be experience with nexus devices, but with the bootloader locked I don't know what to do.
any ideas guys?
psybill said:
is this happened after trying to install update with adb sideload?
I got my nexus 6 today and tried to sideload the ota zip file, but I had no luck and now my nexus can not boot. I had enabled the option for bootloader unlock but my big mistake was that i tried to factory reset the device from recovery and now the bootloader can't be unlocked.
supposed to be experience with nexus devices, but with the bootloader locked I don't know what to do.
any ideas guys?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I think that's what I may have done too. I was just trying to go back to 100% stock (ignoring 5.1 even).
And of course NOW the 5.1 image is up on Google's page.
Have the same situation: flash 5.1 OTA and then wiped system
Now I can't unlock bootloader (as system just cant boot) and can't flash stock image (as system.img can't be flashed with locked bootloader)
I do not want to believe this is a brick, but it is very likely it
Sadly I've just done the same thing. ADB updated from 5.0.1 to 5.1, and the system.img didn't copy correctly. Phone wont boot past the Google splash screen, and I can't flash a factory image to recover the phone, because in order to unlock the bootloader I have to enable the option in developer settings, which I can't get to because the phone wont boot!
I understand the purpose of having an extra layer of security to prevent malicious types from trying to flash factory images onto stolen devices, but surely any system that allows a user to brick a device simply by leaving a setting unchecked (in a hidden menu, no less!) is asking for trouble? Particularly on a developer orientated device like a Nexus.
It seems crazy that a developer can ADB the official Google Android OTA zip, using the official Google Android SDK, onto the official Google Android flagship device, and the simple corruption of one of the sent files can cause the device to become totally unusable. Surely, say, providing an option in the developer option settings to PIN protect the bootloader, rather than just preventing it from being unlocked all together, would be a more sensible choice?
For what it's worth, I explained my situation to Google, and they are replacing the phone under warranty. This is probably your best (or only) option at this stage.
Good luck, and please let me know if you do manage to find a work-around/ solution to your woes!
Yesterday, I was going to lock my bootloader to cell my Nokia 8 cuz' I needed money. Being the noobie that I'm I didn't have my unlock key saved anywhere. and couldn't get a new one because the stupid Bootloader unlock app doesn't work on Pie. I did know that locking the bootloader doesn't require a key. So I just went with it without remembering that I still had TWRP instead of stock boot img installed. So when I locked the bootloader the phone booted into a screen similar to the unlocked Bootloader warning screen. But it said "Your Device is corrupt. It can't be Trusted and will not boot." Instead. So now I have locked bootloader with TWRP that I can't boot into. I still can boot into fastboot mode but I can't do much Because LoCkEd BooTlOaDeR. The only sulotion is to unlock the bootloader with an unlock key Which I don't have and flash stock boot. So please help. You'll be literally saving my life. This is my first thread ever on the internet so forgive me If I made any mistakes:laugh:
EDIT: I took my phone to the service centre near me and they were able to fix it
CommieTurtle said:
Yesterday, I was going to lock my bootloader to cell my Nokia 8 cuz' I needed money. Being the noobie that I'm I didn't have my unlock key saved anywhere. and couldn't get a new one because the stupid Bootloader unlock app doesn't work on Pie. I did know that locking the bootloader doesn't require a key. So I just went with it without remembering that I still had TWRP instead of stock boot img installed. So when I locked the bootloader the phone booted into a screen similar to the unlocked Bootloader warning screen. But it said "Your Device is corrupt. It can't be Trusted and will not boot." Instead. So now I have locked bootloader with TWRP that I can't boot into. I still can boot into fastboot mode but I can't do much Because LoCkEd BooTlOaDeR. The only sulotion is to unlock the bootloader with an unlock key Which I don't have and flash stock boot. So please help. You'll be literally saving my life. This is my first thread ever on the internet so forgive me If I made any mistakes:laugh:
EDIT: I took my phone to the service centre near me and they were able to fix it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello! I have the same problem! (((You were not interested in what exactly or how you should do to correct the error? And how much money did you get for repair?
Well you can use original OST not NOST and flash signed images (.NB1) without unlocking bootloader.
KonikoO said:
Well you can use original OST not NOST and flash signed images (.NB1) without unlocking bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only with service point authorization as far as I know. OST (and NOST by extension) usually show you a login prompt when you launch them. Service Points login to a server that generates a temporary unlock key, which allows OST to reflash the partitions. With the proper authorization, even NOST could flash .qlz files (as long as the images inside are official and signed) with a locked bootloader.
Since we don't have service point permission we have to patch the tool to ignore it (both NOST and the hacked OST). It will still try to request the temporary key, fail, and pass an empty value to the bootloader. To get the bootloader to accept the following flashing commands, you have to unlock it.
I tried to install Android 12 Developer Preview 3 on my Pixel 5 via OTA Sideload but it failed at 94% with the message 'adb: failed to read command: No error' on cmd and 'Install from ADB completed with status 0' on phone.
After this when I try to boot, I get the following message: 'Can't find valid operating system. The device will not start.' (attached image)
I'm able to access the bootloader but when I tried going into recovery mode through the bootloader, it shows the same message: 'Can't find valid operating system. The device will not start.'
Seems like the recovery is corrupted as well.
Unfortunately I had not enabled OEM unlocking in the developer options before trying to install the Developer Preview, which is now not letting me unlock the bootloader.
Please help me fix the issue or help me find a way to unlock the bootloader without enabling OEM unlock.
Thanks in advance.
I had the same thing happen to me just now. Have you managed to figure anything out?
Nothing from my side, since bootloader is locked I can't flash the system image and I can't unlock bootloader because my OEM unlock is turned off in developer settings and the Recovery and Rescue mode are also corrupted.
I contacted Google support and their only solution was to bring it in for service as my device is still under warranty.
I'm in the same boat here with a Pixel 4a 5G. Got to 94%.
First time I've experienced an issue while sideloading. . .
Contacted google support and they are shipping me a refurbed replacement... disappointed, to say the least.
Not sure what to make of this, it's developer preview and now beta. Issues will possibly occur and it warns you of such.
**Possible Fix**
I would believe this might be due to the boot_a & boot_b when trying other custom ROMs or OTA updates.
I used the fastboot/ADB files from the lineageOS ROM page and used the command: fastboot flashing unlock
to unlock the bootloader again, this then allowed me to go back into the rescue mode and use googles online image reinstall and got me back onto the stock ROM. Hope this helps some people
leddra3k said:
**Possible Fix**
I would believe this might be due to the boot_a & boot_b when trying other custom ROMs or OTA updates.
I used the fastboot/ADB files from the lineageOS ROM page and used the command: fastboot flashing unlock
to unlock the bootloader again, this then allowed me to go back into the rescue mode and use googles online image reinstall and got me back onto the stock ROM. Hope this helps some people
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As an additional this let me get my phone back to loading the custom ROM I was on, to then reenable debugging mode, I then rebooted back into fastboot mode and used Googles online factory restore mode to flash stock ROM back on and I was back up and running
leddra3k said:
**Possible Fix**
I would believe this might be due to the boot_a & boot_b when trying other custom ROMs or OTA updates.
I used the fastboot/ADB files from the lineageOS ROM page and used the command: fastboot flashing unlock
to unlock the bootloader again, this then allowed me to go back into the rescue mode and use googles online image reinstall and got me back onto the stock ROM. Hope this helps some people
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I had mentioned earlier: I had NOT enabled OEM unlocking in the developer options before trying to install the Developer Preview.
So this method does not work for me. It will be helpful if I can find a way to force unlock the bootloader somehow.
Thank you for your reply. Hope your method helps someone else resolve their issue.
k7nanjappan said:
As I had mentioned earlier: I had NOT enabled OEM unlocking in the developer options before trying to install the Developer Preview.
So this method does not work for me. It will be helpful if I can find a way to force unlock the bootloader somehow.
Thank you for your reply. Hope your method helps someone else resolve their issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This might not work but have you tried plugging the phone into the computer using the pixel online factory recovery and tried the first step of the process which is a prompt to unlock the boatloader?
k7nanjappan said:
As I had mentioned earlier: I had NOT enabled OEM unlocking in the developer options before trying to install the Developer Preview.
So this method does not work for me. It will be helpful if I can find a way to force unlock the bootloader somehow.
Thank you for your reply. Hope your method helps someone else resolve their issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm going to state what should be obvious here - you should not attempt to use pre-release firmware with a locked bootloader, because you will ne severely limited on what you can do to recover if something goes wrong.
Unlocking the bootloader is not possible if OEM Unlocking is not enabled.
leddra3k said:
This might not work but have you tried plugging the phone into the computer using the pixel online factory recovery and tried the first step of the process which is a prompt to unlock the boatloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What exactly are you referring to? The Android Flash Tool requires an unlocked bootloader to start with, and does not unlock the bootloader itself.
V0latyle said:
I'm going to state what should be obvious here - you should not attempt to use pre-release firmware with a locked bootloader, because you will ne severely limited on what you can do to recover if something goes wrong.
Unlocking the bootloader is not possible if OEM Unlocking is not enabled.
What exactly are you referring to? The Android Flash Tool requires an unlocked bootloader to start with, and does not unlock the bootloader itself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you not aware of the Google online tool for their Pixel phones? https://pixelrepair.withgoogle.com/carrier_selection
This has additional flashing options within the 'online' version of fastboot/adb, and found that when trying locally downloaded adb/fastboot it didnt work. But when using the online version it allowed me to unlock the phones boatloader.
leddra3k said:
Are you not aware of the Google online tool for their Pixel phones? https://pixelrepair.withgoogle.com/carrier_selection
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am aware. However, this tool does not function like adb and is not meant for flashing factory images like the Android Flash Tool is. The Pixel Repair Tool works specifically from Rescue Mode.
leddra3k said:
This has additional flashing options within the 'online' version of fastboot/adb, and found that when trying locally downloaded adb/fastboot it didnt work. But when using the online version it allowed me to unlock the phones boatloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sounds like your Platform Tools may be out of date. Current version is 31.0.3, Aug '21.
Hey Everyone,
I'm looking for help. I tried reverting my pixel 5 to stock from beta and am stuck at the boot screen with " your device is corrupt. It cannot be trusted and may not work properly."
I've spent days fiddling with it, and cannot get anywhere with the google repair website because it's saying my bootloader is locked. I don't understand how I purchased it unlocked. Anyway, I cannot get into the settings to unlock the bootloader. It's been a long time since I've been a tinkerer but I do have all the software downloaded to do so. I cannot get my PC to recognize the phone in the command prompt window to try and sideload a software install.
Has this happened to anyone and is there a solution out there somewhere?
Sean Hicks said:
Hey Everyone,
I'm looking for help. I tried reverting my pixel 5 to stock from beta and am stuck at the boot screen with " your device is corrupt. It cannot be trusted and may not work properly."
I've spent days fiddling with it, and cannot get anywhere with the google repair website because it's saying my bootloader is locked. I don't understand how I purchased it unlocked. Anyway, I cannot get into the settings to unlock the bootloader. It's been a long time since I've been a tinkerer but I do have all the software downloaded to do so. I cannot get my PC to recognize the phone in the command prompt window to try and sideload a software install.
Has this happened to anyone and is there a solution out there somewhere?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buying it "unlocked" means you bought it free of a carrier, such as Verizon, who lock the bootloader, and can't be unlocked.
But you still need to unlock the bootloader, it comes locked, for security reasons. So if you never unlocked it, it's locked.
I haven't installed beta 12 yet.
Do you have the latest SDK tools? (adb, fastboot, etc)
I was under the impression though, that you can't downgrade with a locked bootloader. But not sure.
Sean Hicks said:
Hey Everyone,
I'm looking for help. I tried reverting my pixel 5 to stock from beta and am stuck at the boot screen with " your device is corrupt. It cannot be trusted and may not work properly."
I've spent days fiddling with it, and cannot get anywhere with the google repair website because it's saying my bootloader is locked. I don't understand how I purchased it unlocked. Anyway, I cannot get into the settings to unlock the bootloader. It's been a long time since I've been a tinkerer but I do have all the software downloaded to do so. I cannot get my PC to recognize the phone in the command prompt window to try and sideload a software install.
Has this happened to anyone and is there a solution out there somewhere?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This probably isn't of any help now, but going forward, it may be. In Developer options, you can enable 'OEM unlocking'. As you can see now, it may well be a very good idea to enable that **before** you start messing with the phone, because if something does go wrong (as it has for you), then you can (hopefully) still get to fastboot and do 'fastboot flashing unlock'.
So, knowing this, you may want to keep an eye out for some tool or something that will allow you to possibly turn on oem unlocking (because your device won't boot).
Another thing to try is switching slots and see if the other slot boots? If you can get to fastboot try; fastboot --set-active=(a or b), then fastboot reboot. (If you don't know which slot is active, do 'fastboot getvar all', in the output it will tell you which is current.
cheers
Your bootloader being locked should not affect your ability to restore factory images/OTAs from Google. They are signed by Google and will pass the signature checks. You should try to download the latest factory image (either 11 or 12beta) and flash it via recovery => adb sideload.
Hello
Hoping somebody can help getting my phone up and running again.
I wanted to unroot my phone, because i was having issues with danish "MitId". And was a bit sloppy with it.
First i tried using SuperSU to remove root. Because i didnt feel like setting everything up again. Didnt work.
Then I locked the OEM Lock in developer settings. Not thinking this would be a fatal error.
Got home from work, and said to myself. Jusk lock the bootloader and the phone will reset itself.
But this is not the case, when you have been stupid enough to lock the OEM lock.
Now I am stuck on "No valid operating system could be found. The device will not boot"
I can get in to fastboot by pushning power+vol down. But cannot flash anything since the phone thinks the OEM Lock is locked on it.
Does anyone know of a solution for me. Or is it going to the shop tommorow and say that my phone is going this. And hope they will sort it for me?
Can't you fix stuff by using https://flash.android.com/ ?
No, unfortuantly not. It fails:
Device Unlock DisabledFor security reasons, you need to enable "OEM unlocking" in order to flash your device. See the device preparation instructions for more information.
Pearsondk said:
No, unfortuantly not. It fails:
Device Unlock DisabledFor security reasons, you need to enable "OEM unlocking" in order to flash your device. See the device preparation instructions for more information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try sideloading the full OTA. You don't need an unlocked bootloader for that.
Unfortuatly not, if I try to enter recovery mode. The phone just goes back to the screen saying "No valid operating system could be found. The device will not boot"
ADB is not available to me
If you can't sideload the OTA, I'm afraid there is not much else you can do with a locked bootloader except try to RMA it.
Can you get into recovery at all. Even if it's the stock you can attempt a sideload of the stock OTA.zip from Google. You may also try if your on boot slot A
fastboot --set-active=b
On b use
fastboot --set-active=a
Try to see if the other boot slot has an a bootable OS.
*****I apologize I just saw it's actually still locked****"
Contact U-break I-fix if I typed that correctly. The third party warranty repair center for Google's warranty. I believe they can attempt to switch the boot slot with a locked bootloader with the equipment they use to reflash these devices. If anything it's under warranty get the RMA and if the bootloader is locked on it trade someone or sell it and use it to make buying a new cheaper..
JovialQuestion said:
Can you get into recovery at all. Even if it's the stock you can attempt a sideload of the stock OTA.zip from Google. You may also try if your on boot slot A
fastboot --set-active=b
On b use
fastboot --set-active=a
Try to see if the other boot slot has an a bootable OS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I can get into fastboot and that is it.
But everything I try in fastboot gets rejected, since it says the phone is locked.
Does the bootloader screen on the phone have the option to boot into Rescue. This has a ADB connection but I am not sure if adb sideload works
Really mad that Google intentionally locks phones this way, turning them into completely functional, but useless piece of junk. I guess that's late stage capitalism for you xD
JovialQuestion said:
Does the bootloader screen on the phone have the option to boot into Rescue. This has a ADB connection but I am not sure if adb sideload works. Use the volume keys and power button to select it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kofa1 said:
Really mad that Google intentionally locks phones this way, turning them into completely functional, but useless piece of junk. I guess that's late stage capitalism for you xD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google is not responsible for phone's with locked bootloaders. They make the device with the specifications the carrier that sells it stipulates. Google themselves allows the unlock.
Lughnasadh said:
If you can't sideload the OTA, I'm afraid there is not much else you can do with a locked bootloader except try to RMA it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Iam guessing the same. Phone doesnt want to do anything.
And since i cant get into the phone to oem lock i am stuck. Live in Denmark, so by law I havnt voided the warrenty by rooting.
Pixel warranty is always valid even if you unlock and root. Google doesn't void the warranty. Go to Google pixel support page. Find warranty and act as if your submitting a RMA and it will tell you after you enter the device IMEI how long your warranty is valid for
Delete
If that were true. Android flash tool https://flash.android.com/welcome
Would work as it's the same process for the browser to flash the very same file. Motorola allowed signed factory img on locked. Google had never allowed that in fastboot as far as I am aware
DroidRommer said:
All you need to do is go here Factory pixel firmwares and scroll down to pixel 7 panther assuming you're not on the pro (cheetah)
-select the latest version for your model whether that's Verizon or whatever if you have the carrier unlocked one like myself just choose the Feb firmware that doesn't have a carrier name at the end of the firmware number (you should have your phone plugged into your PC and in fastboot mode) click flash and follow the steps. These are Googles factory images so it doesn't matter if your bootloader is unlocked or not as long as you choose the latest version and the correct version for your phone. Tbh you can't really brick the pixel 7 as long as you have a PC and are able to put the phone in fastboot mode (holding the volume down and power button while powering on)
-Anytime you run into some kind of bootloop issue or wanna get rid of root flashing the stock firmware from this website will factory reset and revert your phone to the way it was the very first time it was pulled out of the box and powered on. If you have already tried this and you know forsure you did everything correctly then I must admit I have never had this happen and I'm someone who flashes custom roms and goes back to stock to get the latest security update just to turn around and flash another custom rom right after lol. If you need any help or advice feel free to pm me whenever. I have been rooting phones for a long time and have to say that the Google pixel is by far the most user friendly phone I've ever owned when it comes to custom rooms, rooting etc. You can ALWAYS go back as long as you know what steps to take. Sorry for the rant especially if you already figured it out.
Happy Customizing!
DROIDROMMER
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Their bootloader is locked. You cannot flash a factory image like that with a locked bootloader. They also turned off OEM Unlocking in the developer settings. If they had left this enabled they would be able to use Android Flash Tool as that tool will unlock your bootloader if OEM Unlocking is enabled.
Kofa1 said:
Really mad that Google intentionally locks phones this way, turning them into completely functional, but useless piece of junk. I guess that's late stage capitalism for you xD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This wouldn't be Google, they basically encourage you too unlock the bootloader and root if you want as they give you all the tools you need and factory firmware options to go back if you make a mistake. Tbh if you are able to unlock and root the phone to start then you can go back. Even with a locked bootloader you can always flash the latest factory image on googles dev website, you just can't downgrade firmware or install different carrier firmware without the unlocked bootloader. If we really wanna poke at some phone developers I vote Samsung as I have had multiple people ask me to root their phones and if it's a US snapdragon version it cannot be done its so frustrating lol thanks for letting me vent, have a great day if you have the the carrier unlocked dev edition of the pixel 7 and ever need any help feel free to pm me. I have been rooting and romming pixels for a long time
Edit: I was not aware you couldn't flash the stock firmare using googles dev page without oem unlock. I apologize for jumping to conclusions. I thought I had every possible bad scenario happen to me by now but apparently I learned something new today.
DroidRommer said:
This wouldn't be Google, they basically encourage you too unlock the bootloader and root if you want as they give you all the tools you need and factory firmware options to go back if you make a mistake. Tbh if you are able to unlock and root the phone to start then you can go back. Even with a locked bootloader you can always flash the latest factory image on googles dev website, you just can't downgrade firmware or install different carrier firmware without the unlocked bootloader. If we really wanna poke at some phone developers I vote Samsung as I have had multiple people ask me to root their phones and if it's a US snapdragon version it cannot be done its so frustrating lol thanks for letting me vent, have a great day if you have the the carrier unlocked dev edition of the pixel 7 and ever need any help feel free to pm me. I have been rooting and romming pixels for a long time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude. You cannot flash factory images of any kind on any Google phone with the bootloader in locked status. Please stop giving false information on here. If you want to talk up Samsung do it on a Samsung post. Let's not confuse everyone please
DroidRommer said:
Even with a locked bootloader you can always flash the latest factory image on googles dev website, you just can't downgrade firmware or install different carrier firmware without the unlocked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To use Android Flash Tool, you have to have OEM Unlocking enabled in Developer Options for it to be able to unlock the bootloader.
To flash the factory image in fastboot you must have an unlocked bootloader.
Lughnasadh said:
Their bootloader is locked. You cannot flash a factory image like that with a locked bootloader. They also turned off OEM Unlocking in the developer settings. If they had left this enabled they would be able to use Android Flash Tool as that tool will unlock your bootloader if OEM Unlocking is enabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay my bad you are right fortunately I have never had this happen. And like someone else said if he can't get into recovery then he can't sideload a factory ota... sorry I'm at a loss on this one. Some custom roms use "fastboot update file.zip" would that do anything in this case or would that command not even work with a locked bootloader I'm assuming. I apologize for trying to act like a know it all I've just never heard of this happening