Having trouble flashing magisk on Pixel 4 XL - Google Pixel 4 XL Questions & Answers

I'm attempting to root my Pixel 4 XL with magisk, but am getting hung up on one part. So far I have:
downloaded and patched the system's boot image
installed adb and fastboot on my pc
turned on OEM unlock and USB debugging
gotten into fastboot mode both by using ADB on my computer, as well as using the device buttons (power + vol down)
when I'm in fastboot, though, the device's state is "locked" regardless of OEM unlock is on or not, so I am unable to flash the magisk image. I've read around that it might be a drivers issue on my Windows 11 PC, but I am unable to find a reliable way to get the correct drivers for this task. Is there a good way for me to fix this?
The phone is an unlocked google pixel 4 XL that I bought refurbished after my initial one died. I've read that some random unlocked pixels have permanently locked bootloaders (to pixel users' chagrin), and I'm a little worried that that's the case. I tried looking up my devices IEMI to double check that it's an unlocked phone, and I didn't see anything out of the ordinary there.
the exact issue I'm facing is: When I type ".\fastboot flashing unlock" into command prompt, I get < waiting for any device > as a response which softlocks the powershell as far as I can tell.
As stated above, I have tried searching around for this issue and have come to the conclusion that it's likely a driver issue, but I am unable to figure out how to get the necessary drivers.
thank you for any help in advance!

coltonious said:
I'm attempting to root my Pixel 4 XL with magisk, but am getting hung up on one part. So far I have:
downloaded and patched the system's boot image
installed adb and fastboot on my pc
turned on OEM unlock and USB debugging
gotten into fastboot mode both by using ADB on my computer, as well as using the device buttons (power + vol down)
when I'm in fastboot, though, the device's state is "locked" regardless of OEM unlock is on or not, so I am unable to flash the magisk image. I've read around that it might be a drivers issue on my Windows 11 PC, but I am unable to find a reliable way to get the correct drivers for this task. Is there a good way for me to fix this?
The phone is an unlocked google pixel 4 XL that I bought refurbished after my initial one died. I've read that some random unlocked pixels have permanently locked bootloaders (to pixel users' chagrin), and I'm a little worried that that's the case. I tried looking up my devices IEMI to double check that it's an unlocked phone, and I didn't see anything out of the ordinary there.
the exact issue I'm facing is: When I type ".\fastboot flashing unlock" into command prompt, I get < waiting for any device > as a response which softlocks the powershell as far as I can tell.
As stated above, I have tried searching around for this issue and have come to the conclusion that it's likely a driver issue, but I am unable to figure out how to get the necessary drivers.
thank you for any help in advance!
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Click to collapse
Hello and good morning, @coltonious
Welcome to XDA. I hope you'll always get the support you require.
However, prior to your next posting please read the guidances that are stuck on top of every forum like
Note: Questions go in Q&A Forum
If you are posting a Question Thread post it in the Q&A forum. Technical discussion of Android development and hacking. No noobs, please. Device-specific releases should go under the appropriate device forum...
forum.xda-developers.com
and the others. I've moved your thread to
Google Pixel 4 XL Questions & Answers
Ask your questions about the Google Pixel 4 XL and get answers from the community! Please be as specific as possible when posting.
forum.xda-developers.com
Thanks for your cooperation!
Regards
Oswald Boelcke
Senior Moderator

Related

[Q] Rooting WITHOUT Unlocking - Help

So here is the thing...
I had some issues trying to unlock bootloader, but I got passed them and reached the part with the warning and confirming unlock.
Before I move forward, I thought I might try rooting "without" unlocking to maintain the warranty.
I'm using the following tutorial:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=736271
I'm stuck on step 6 (cmd: adb devices.... List of devices attached... "It shows nothing") and 7a (cmd: freenexus.bat.... error: device not found).
I can't figure out why it is not found. Let me start by noting a few things that will help narrow this down this issue for you. I tried to run the above commands 3 different ways...
1. With phone loaded, USB attached and USB storage In Use. In the device manager I see: Disk Drives > Google, Inc. Nexus One USB Device. Result: error: device not found
2. With phone loaded, USB attached and USB storage NOT in use. In the device manager I see: Disk Drives > Google, Inc. Nexus One USB Device
Result: error: device not found
3. Bootloader (with 3 androids on bottom). It shows FASTBOOT USB. In the device manager I see: Disk Drives > ADB Interface > HTC Bootloader
Result: error: device not found
I'll also note that I have tried updating the USB drivers, but it notes I have the best drivers already... the debugging mode is activated and... if I enter the command: fastboot oem unlock, the phone seems like its recognized because it gives me the warning and option to proceed with unlock... but the one that VOIDS WARRANTY... which I'm trying to avoid.
So this is where I am at... I can't figure our why I can't move forward with rooting without unlocking bootloader.
I have a HTC Nexus One that I bought via Mobilicity in Canada which is AWS spectrum.
Any help would be appreciated....
Thanks
This guide is WAY outdated, and won't help you.
Look at the Wiki.
And look up the page for another guide. It still might not help you - if you'd search before asking, you'd know that.
But then you probably would also be writing 1 thread in 1 forum, and not spamming the General section.
Jack_R1 said:
This guide is WAY outdated, and won't help you.
Look at the Wiki.
And look up the page for another guide. It still might not help you - if you'd search before asking, you'd know that.
But then you probably would also be writing 1 thread in 1 forum, and not spamming the General section.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks... attitude not withstanding. I get it though. Noob questions and errors must get on peoples nerves after a while and keeping things polite is a challenge for some. I appreciate the useful aspect of the message... I'll keep it in mind for the future.... Search and read threads before posting to avoid spamming. That was an accident and I apologize for the message in the General area. Peace Out

Nexus 6 Motorola Help Needed

Hi - apologies first of all if this is covered elsewhere in the forums.
I purchased a brand new Nexus 6 directly from Motorola this week as they had slashed the price down to just £309 for the 64gb. It arrived Monday. I turned it on, signed into my network etc. it starting updating apps. Then it said that Android 5.1.1. was available so I downloaded it and proceeded to install. About halfway through the installation it crashed. My phone is now stuck on continually booting up and saying 'optimising xxx apps'. After a bit of research, I found that this was a common problem as 5.1.1. was trying to update and some apps were incompatible. So I read many forums and booted into Recovery mode, wiped the cache, wiped data and did a factory reset, but it still won't work.
I called Motorola who told me that they have had many of their Nexus 6s do this and all they could do was to refund me the phone as they now are out of stock.
Further research led me to read about 'flashing' the phone so I downloaded Wugfresh but I cannot get into the phone to enable me to debug. After many hours today I have come to the conclusion that I am never going to be able to use my new phone which I am gutted about.
My question is, is there anyway to flash the phone without enabling debugging because I cannot get into the main menu because all if does is just keep optimizing apps?
Many thanks for reading and any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
bacon_roll said:
Hi - apologies first of all if this is covered elsewhere in the forums.
I purchased a brand new Nexus 6 directly from Motorola this week as they had slashed the price down to just £309 for the 64gb. It arrived Monday. I turned it on, signed into my network etc. it starting updating apps. Then it said that Android 5.1.1. was available so I downloaded it and proceeded to install. About halfway through the installation it crashed. My phone is now stuck on continually booting up and saying 'optimising xxx apps'. After a bit of research, I found that this was a common problem as 5.1.1. was trying to update and some apps were incompatible. So I read many forums and booted into Recovery mode, wiped the cache, wiped data and did a factory reset, but it still won't work.
I called Motorola who told me that they have had many of their Nexus 6s do this and all they could do was to refund me the phone as they now are out of stock.
Further research led me to read about 'flashing' the phone so I downloaded Wugfresh but I cannot get into the phone to enable me to debug. After many hours today I have come to the conclusion that I am never going to be able to use my new phone which I am gutted about.
My question is, is there anyway to flash the phone without enabling debugging because I cannot get into the main menu because all if does is just keep optimizing apps?
Many thanks for reading and any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could try and flash a flash a factory image via fastboot...
draa2711 said:
You could try and flash a flash a factory image via fastboot...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, he can't try, he has his bootloader locked.
OP, this thread is a classic case of why the first thing anyone should do with this device, even if not planning to root or otherwise modify it, is to enable developer options in settings and enable both USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking. Without both enabled there's no way to resolve your problem, and unfortunately you'll need to contact Motorola and arrange a return, since they are out of stock.
Once you get your money back, look on Swappa for a used device. You may be able to get a device that way at a lower price than what Motorola offers.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
OP, this thread is a classic case of why the first thing anyone should do with this device, even if not planning to root or otherwise modify it, is to enable developer options in settings and enable both USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking. Without both enabled there's no way to resolve your problem, and unfortunately you'll need to contact Motorola and arrange a return, since they are out of stock.
Once you get your money back, look on Swappa for a used device. You may be able to get a device that way at a lower price than what Motorola offers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your advice, but I had no idea, probably like so many others who aren't as clued up on Android that USB Debugging even existed. I just bought a phone that I wanted that now is no good to me having never been able to use it because of a bug in 5.1.1. I am returning to Motorola for refund.
Without wanting to raise false hopes, there is a thread in this forum where the OP says he recovered his device even though the bootloader was locked (he was certain of it, he said...), other people replying that this was impossible, and yet they eventually seemed to accept that it might be. My bootloader has been unlocked since day one, and I don't remember if there was an "Allow OEM unlock" option in Settings - the same thread had discussion about Marshmallow not having it. I suppose this N6 is still on Lollipop, so maybe a red herring...
I'll see if I can find the thread for reference, but in the meantime does anyone recognise the thread I mean?
bacon_roll, since I'm vegetarian I shouldn't be helping you but have you tried Wugfresh's option of "Phone is bricked/bootlooping"? I think all it does is to reboot the device into bootloader anyway, but I think this might be worth a go if you haven't already tried it. You did mention that you've booted into recovery, but you don't mention bootloader mode.
draa2711 said:
You could try and flash a flash a factory image via fastboot...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. As per my post, I can't because the phone is locked.
dahawthorne said:
My bootloader has been unlocked since day one, and I don't remember if there was an "Allow OEM unlock" option in Settings - the same thread had discussion about Marshmallow not having it. I suppose this N6 is still on Lollipop, so maybe a red herring...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could check in the About Phone menu to see what version you're on.
Both Android 5.x and Android 6.x have an OEM Unlocking toggle in Development Options. I know because I followed my own advice given above in my previous post in order to flash the latest Android 6.0.1 ROM to the device, and then checked Developer Options afterward.
dahawthorne said:
Without wanting to raise false hopes, there is a thread in this forum where the OP says he recovered his device even though the bootloader was locked (he was certain of it, he said...), other people replying that this was impossible, and yet they eventually seemed to accept that it might be. My bootloader has been unlocked since day one, and I don't remember if there was an "Allow OEM unlock" option in Settings - the same thread had discussion about Marshmallow not having it. I suppose this N6 is still on Lollipop, so maybe a red herring...
I'll see if I can find the thread for reference, but in the meantime does anyone recognise the thread I mean?
bacon_roll, since I'm vegetarian I shouldn't be helping you but have you tried Wugfresh's option of "Phone is bricked/bootlooping"? I think all it does is to reboot the device into bootloader anyway, but I think this might be worth a go if you haven't already tried it. You did mention that you've booted into recovery, but you don't mention bootloader mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi - please get my hopes up, I really want to keep this phone if I can
Without sounding like a complete nerd, what is the difference between recovery and bootloader mode?
When I scroll through the options with both arrows pressed and power button, I have START, RESTART BOOTLOADER, RECOVERY MODE, POWER OFF, FACTORY, BARCODES, BP TOOLS, QCOM & BOOTLOADER LOGS
I have done factory wipe/cache/restart bootloader etc.
How do I boot into bootloader mode please.
Thank you.
Overly simplistic reply here, but it should be enough to answer the question.
The bootloader prepares the system for booting. Once it's done its work it hands off control of the system to Android's kernel. Recovery is a mini operating system used to initiate low level functions such as wiping the on-board storage. The screen you describe I believe is the bootloader interface, hence why you have a "Restart Bootloader" option instead of "Start Bootloader".
You can probably save some serious money by returning and buying off swappa really. I just broke my N6 and couldn't find one in stock but, used swappa to find one around $260 that was only used for 2 weeks.
If you already have Wugfresh's Nexus Root Toolkit installed, use the "Install & test drivers" button to make sure that you have all your drivers installed properly. If all is ok, although I know this won't be popular advice, then start with the "My device is soft-bricked", then try the "Unlock" button and then "Flash stock" button. If the phone is already a paperweight then I don't believe it can possibly do any more harm, and you might even hit it lucky...
If none of this works, grab Motorola's refund offer with both hands...
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
Overly simplistic reply here, but it should be enough to answer the question.
The bootloader prepares the system for booting. Once it's done its work it hands off control of the system to Android's kernel. Recovery is a mini operating system used to initiate low level functions such as wiping the on-board storage. The screen you describe I believe is the bootloader interface, hence why you have a "Restart Bootloader" option instead of "Start Bootloader".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thank you.
I downloaded and installed Wugfresh, followed all the instructions. It won't work once it goes to flash because it can't see my phone connected. My PC recognises it as Nexus 6 but on the 'bootloader' screen at the bottom, it says Connect USB Data Cable, even though the phone says Battery OK (Charging). I tried to install latest USB drivers but apparently the latest are installed.
I am giving up now as I don't believe I can try anything else. Just strange that Wugfresh won't see the phone, yet my PC does.
Thanks.
Oh well...
You did try the Wugfresh "Test drivers"? It has a really helpful walkthrough on deleting and installing drivers. I'd give it a go before you give up.
dahawthorne said:
Oh well...
You did try the Wugfresh "Test drivers"? It has a really helpful walkthrough on deleting and installing drivers. I'd give it a go before you give up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok I don't often use this phrase because I think it's very over rated but O M G - IT WORKED!!
I followed the driver guide in Wugfresh as you suggested, downloaded the CORRECT drivers, flashed it, unlocked bootloader, enabled usb debugging (just in case ) and then restored it then finally relocked the bootloader. It worked flawlessly and after setting up it is now 6.0.1 with the 1 Jan 2016 security patch applied - OTA.
I can't think you enough for your suggestion and advice, I really appreciate it and glad that I persevered with it.
Have a great weekend.
Thanks.
Bacon_Roll (vegetarian version)
That is absolutely fantastic news. I'm almost as pleased as you are. Remote assistance across the ether - you can't beat it with a big stick...
But as your attorney I advise you to go back into bootloader, check the connection (fastboot devices) and unlock again (fastboot oem unlock). This will wipe your device, but I reckon in the last 25 minutes you won't have been able to install much.
There are so many threads on this forum where people have been told "You're stuffed" because they have a problem and have a locked bootloader. Just this afternoon in another thread I read, literally in capital letters "DON'T RELOCK YOUR BOOTLOADER" for this very reason - without it you don't have recourse to the recovery tools you may one day need.
(P.S. Another person whose thread I followed also managed to get a result with NRT after all else had failed. I suggested to him that he might like to thank the developer, Doug Cohen/Wugfresh, more tangibly by donating a few dollars, which you can do through Paypal on his website. After all, he just saved your £300 phone... ).
@dahawthorne: I'll have to look into Wugfresh's utility. Not that I need it for anything, but it would be good to have in the unlikely event something goes wrong over here. Meanwhile, bacon_roll should take your advice to heart, because it will save him a lot of trouble in the future.
dahawthorne said:
That is absolutely fantastic news. I'm almost as pleased as you are. Remote assistance across the ether - you can't beat it with a big stick...
But as your attorney I advise you to go back into bootloader, check the connection (fastboot devices) and unlock again (fastboot oem unlock). This will wipe your device, but I reckon in the last 25 minutes you won't have been able to install much.
There are so many threads on this forum where people have been told "You're stuffed" because they have a problem and have a locked bootloader. Just this afternoon in another thread I read, literally in capital letters "DON'T RELOCK YOUR BOOTLOADER" for this very reason - without it you don't have recourse to the recovery tools you may one day need.
(P.S. Another person whose thread I followed also managed to get a result with NRT after all else had failed. I suggested to him that he might like to thank the developer, Doug Cohen/Wugfresh, more tangibly by donating a few dollars, which you can do through Paypal on his website. After all, he just saved your £300 phone... ).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Understood! I will take your advice on both counts but I was going to donate anyway as it really is a fantastic tool.
Thanks again
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
@dahawthorne: I'll have to look into Wugfresh's utility. Not that I need it for anything, but it would be good to have in the unlikely event something goes wrong over here. Meanwhile, bacon_roll should take your advice to heart, because it will save him a lot of trouble in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your help over the thread Strephon - much appreciated.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
@dahawthorne: I'll have to look into Wugfresh's utility. Not that I need it for anything, but it would be good to have in the unlikely event something goes wrong over here. Meanwhile, bacon_roll should take your advice to heart, because it will save him a lot of trouble in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FFS, it's not a magic wand, people! It can't do anything that fastboot and adb can't. Don't start a religion here instead teaching people to do stuff with their phones, Christ!
Some people were lucky enogh that their phones came with 5.0, and some early 5.0s didn't check yet for the Enable OEM Unlocking switch. You could have typed fastboot OEM unlock and achieved the same.

[HELP] Best Tutorial/Way to Root OnePlus 3T 9.0.5

I foolishly upgraded to 9.0.5 with the OEM method instead of flashing as in times past. Sure enough it gave me some nonsense that my phone was corrupt and that a factory reset was necessary. Sadly lots of valuable pictures were on my phone and I'm scrambling to root my phone again to try DiskDigger since that appears to be the best app from searches.
Unfortunately the tutorial I used in the past doesn't seem to work or apply very well now. ADB Fastboot doesn't seem to recognize my device for some reason. Any tips would be appreciated.
According to https://forum.xda-developers.com/htc-10/how-to/thread-t3333345 requests for help should go to the help forum. Requests for help must not go to the how-to forum. You should ask the moderators to move this thread to the correct forum.
Nicky Carts said:
I foolishly upgraded to 9.0.5 with the OEM method instead of flashing as in times past. Sure enough it gave me some nonsense that my phone was corrupt and that a factory reset was necessary. Sadly lots of valuable pictures were on my phone and I'm scrambling to root my phone again to try DiskDigger since that appears to be the best app from searches.
Unfortunately the tutorial I used in the past doesn't seem to work or apply very well now. ADB Fastboot doesn't seem to recognize my device for some reason. Any tips would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all: your data is lost - unrevertable. Diskdigger is for restoring accidentally deleted media files. If you format and reencrypt the data partition all data is lost from the partition. The only way to restore your data is a backup of media files (not in nandroids).
What do you mean by "ADB Fastboot"? For adb you need to enable adb in dev opts, for fastboot you need to boot in fastboot mode (aka bootloader mode: hold "vol up" and "power" to power on). These two are different animals.
If the devices doesn't show up in fastboot mode, you need to debug the pc host first. A starting point for win would be the device manager and the event log. If the drivers are installed correctly, you need to walk through the physical conmection: ports, cable, dirt in the usb-c jack etc.
nvertigo67 said:
First of all: your data is lost - unrevertable. Diskdigger is for restoring accidentally deleted media files. If you format and reencrypt the data partition all data is lost from the partition. The only way to restore your data is a backup of media files (not in nandroids).
What do you mean by "ADB Fastboot"? For adb you need to enable adb in dev opts, for fastboot you need to boot in fastboot mode (aka bootloader mode: hold "vol up" and "power" to power on). These two are different animals.
If the devices doesn't show up in fastboot mode, you need to debug the pc host first. A starting point for win would be the device manager and the event log. If the drivers are installed correctly, you need to walk through the physical conmection: ports, cable, dirt in the usb-c jack etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too struck in same state, But I've a different situation.. OEM Unlocked Successfully but cant flash twrp getting an error of DATA TRANSFER Failure , Too Many Links.. Tried diff USB Ports and Diff PC running Diff OS too..Still cant enable to flash TWRP ..Hope someone threw some light into this!
nvertigo67 said:
First of all: your data is lost - unrevertable. Diskdigger is for restoring accidentally deleted media files. If you format and reencrypt the data partition all data is lost from the partition. The only way to restore your data is a backup of media files (not in nandroids).
What do you mean by "ADB Fastboot"? For adb you need to enable adb in dev opts, for fastboot you need to boot in fastboot mode (aka bootloader mode: hold "vol up" and "power" to power on). These two are different animals.
If the devices doesn't show up in fastboot mode, you need to debug the pc host first. A starting point for win would be the device manager and the event log. If the drivers are installed correctly, you need to walk through the physical conmection: ports, cable, dirt in the usb-c jack etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guess I'm SOL with my pics of my son. It's ok. I only have myself to blame. I started enabling backups to Google Photos. Something I was never a fan of. Thanks though. I'll still be interested in rooting my 3T with 9.0.5 since this phone still has plenty of life and takes great pics.
Nicky Carts said:
I started enabling backups to Google Photos. Something I was never a fan of.
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Click to collapse
I'm completely with you on g's backup service! Nowadays you get a high quality usb-c 128Gb stick for around 25 € or $, for 40 bucks a 256 Gb one (i.e. sandisk Ultra Dual USB-Stick, Typ-C (SDDDC2-016G-G46)). I strongly recommend getting one for every user of a non-sdcard device - it saves my arse more then once! nandroids, titanium backups, media, etc all go there.
Hope someone threw some light on this to give some tips to root OP 3T running 9.0.5 !
vettayyan said:
I too struck in same state, But I've a different situation.. OEM Unlocked Successfully but cant flash twrp getting an error of DATA TRANSFER Failure , Too Many Links.. Tried diff USB Ports and Diff PC running Diff OS too..Still cant enable to flash TWRP ..Hope someone threw some light into this!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know, what you mean by "I too struck in same state". The issue with not being able to flash a custom recovery ("DATA TRANSFER Failure") is completely different from not being able to connect to the device in fastboot mode at all ("Fastboot doesn't seem to recognize my device") and loosing the content of userdata if blindly updating the fw.
Hijacking a thread with a completely different issue is considered bad manners.
vettayyan said:
Hope someone threw some light on this to give some tips to root OP 3T running 9.0.5 !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you hijack a thtead with a completely different issue, the probability is high, that you don't get answered. Impatiently insisting on getting an answer in the hijacked thread doesn't increase the probability of getting an answer... Showing bad manners twice, doesn't make good manners.
nvertigo67 said:
I don't know, what you mean by "I too struck in same state". The issue with not being able to flash a custom recovery ("DATA TRANSFER Failure") is completely different from not being able to connect to the device in fastboot mode at all ("Fastboot doesn't seem to recognize my device") and loosing the content of userdata if blindly updating the fw.
Hijacking a thread with a completely different issue is considered bad manners.
If you hijack a thtead with a completely different issue, the probability is high, that you don't get answered. Impatiently insisting on getting an answer in the hijacked thread doesn't increase the probability of getting an answer... Showing bad manners twice, doesn't make good manners.
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Click to collapse
You're right ,friend..But the Title of discussion is " Best TUtorial to Root OP 3T ,OOS 9.0.5.And I'm too asking the same..
Or the Topic Starter might have given some different topic..
I think you might too see the title of the discussion first, it is about what ? I'm too struck in Rooting OOS 9.0.5.and I too said the same. and Thought somehow to root it by all means..
If the topic starter diverted means What I can do about that!
vettayyan said:
You're right ,friend..But the Title of discussion is " Best TUtorial to Root OP 3T ,OOS 9.0.5.And I'm too asking the same..
Or the Topic Starter might have given some different topic..
I think you might too see the title of the discussion first, it is about what ? I'm too struck in Rooting OOS 9.0.5.and I too said the same. and Thought somehow to root it by all means..
If the topic starter diverted means What I can do about that!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You aren't stuck with rooting - you're stuck trying to flash in fastboot. While rooting may depend on being able to flash in fastboot, you're not actually having issues with acquiring root yet.
And, as I mentioned before, don't post the same question in different threads.
Sent from my OnePlus 3T using XDA Labs

Unlock Pixel Bootloader

Hello all!
Recently I bought a Pixel 4 XL on ebay. Loving the phone, however it turned out to be from AT&T. When it arrived I had a lot of issues, the SIM I use on Spain wouldn't work, and the 2x camera didn't work as well. After a bit of research I find a way to fix those 2 problems, but now I want to flash magisk to improve motion sense gestures, however I can't unlock the Bootloader. I think if I can find where that information about the Bootloader is stored I could try to modify it through the computer. It must be somewhere on the phone, so if I find the file I can unlock it. If anyone has any idea, please let me know.
Thanks in advance
@mcl Enable oem unlocking. It's greyed out in your screenshot you posted. Try enabling developer options and USB debugging on phone, disable any lock screen you have set up, set lock screen to NONE in security settings on phone aaaannd change default USB configuration from "charging" to "transfer files" then plug it up to you computer with latest ADB and Fastboot installed and attempt to unlock your bootloader by typing in terminal: sudo adb reboot bootloader (enter) watch your phone close and if a small box pops up when you do this or when you first connect to PC pc
Checkmark it rreally quickly on your phone screen. That allows PC to communicate with your device, send commands, etc...If all has gone well up to now you should now be in "Fastboot mode" aka: bootloader mode on your phone screen. A black screen with "Fastboot mode" in red letters and the word "START" kinda in center of your screen on phone. Now just go back to terminal and type: sudo fastboot flashing unlock (enter) return to device use volume keys to go up or down and confirm unlocking bootloader by pressing power once on the "yes unlock bootloader" thingy. Soon as you push power to confirm bootloader unlock you will reboot automatically and you will bootloader unlocked. Keep in mind unlocking and locking your bootloader can and will factory reset your device. No pics or anything will be on phone, all will be wiped and there's no way to prevent that. Cheers.
If by some crazy situation something I've mentioned above does NOT work like I've said let me know and I'll help best I can. I use Linux Ubuntu on my laptop 18.04.5 LTS. I stopped using Windows MAAAANNNYYY years ago so I'm inexperienced when it comes to setting up adb and fastboot tools on Windows. I do know that the USB driver's used to always be a real pain in the ass to get right for me. I'd have to reboot by computer a few times and update them in device manager to get it working which I don't have to do anything using Ubuntu my PC just automatically sees my phones. Yay!!!
I hope this helps. Feel free to hmu any time. Remember im on central time in the USA.
To get your enable oem unlocking to become not stuck where it's greyed out like yours is you may have to factory reset your device before you do what I've mentioned above. Just factory reset in settings on your device but afterwards make sure you enable developer options and USB debugging and make sure you flip on the "enable oem unlocking" switch towards the top of developer options on your device
flash713 said:
@mcl Enable oem unlocking. It's greyed out in your screenshot you posted. Try enabling developer options and USB debugging on phone, disable any lock screen you have set up, set lock screen to NONE in security settings on phone aaaannd change default USB configuration from "charging" to "transfer files" then plug it up to you computer with latest ADB and Fastboot installed and attempt to unlock your bootloader by typing in terminal: sudo adb reboot bootloader (enter) watch your phone close and if a small box pops up when you do this or when you first connect to PC pc
Checkmark it rreally quickly on your phone screen. That allows PC to communicate with your device, send commands, etc...If all has gone well up to now you should now be in "Fastboot mode" aka: bootloader mode on your phone screen. A black screen with "Fastboot mode" in red letters and the word "START" kinda in center of your screen on phone. Now just go back to terminal and type: sudo fastboot flashing unlock (enter) return to device use volume keys to go up or down and confirm unlocking bootloader by pressing power once on the "yes unlock bootloader" thingy. Soon as you push power to confirm bootloader unlock you will reboot automatically and you will bootloader unlocked. Keep in mind unlocking and locking your bootloader can and will factory reset your device. No pics or anything will be on phone, all will be wiped and there's no way to prevent that. Cheers.
If by some crazy situation something I've mentioned above does NOT work like I've said let me know and I'll help best I can. I use Linux Ubuntu on my laptop 18.04.5 LTS. I stopped using Windows MAAAANNNYYY years ago so I'm inexperienced when it comes to setting up adb and fastboot tools on Windows. I do know that the USB driver's used to always be a real pain in the ass to get right for me. I'd have to reboot by computer a few times and update them in device manager to get it working which I don't have to do anything using Ubuntu my PC just automatically sees my phones. Yay!!!
I hope this helps. Feel free to hmu any time. Remember im on central time in the USA.
To get your enable oem unlocking to become not stuck where it's greyed out like yours is you may have to factory reset your device before you do what I've mentioned above. Just factory reset in settings on your device but afterwards make sure you enable developer options and USB debugging and make sure you flip on the "enable oem unlocking" switch towards the top of developer options on your device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey thanks for the very detailed guide, however I run into a few problems. First I factory reset(also, after that it wouldn't allow me to enable OEM unlock) the device and disable any lock screen, as you told me and set the usb configuration to data transfer. Later I enable USB Debugging and checked the box to allow my computer to connect to the phone. Finally I run the command to reboot into the boot loader, which worked but the 2 command, to unlock the bootloader show an error(see screenshot). Any idea what could have happened?
I tried this on my MacbookPro 13" Late 2013 with Catalina and the latest version of ADB from google. The phone is running android 11, with the July security Patch.
#mcl said:
Hey thanks for the very detailed guide, however I run into a few problems. First I factory reset(also, after that it wouldn't allow me to enable OEM unlock) the device and disable any lock screen, as you told me and set the usb configuration to data transfer. Later I enable USB Debugging and checked the box to allow my computer to connect to the phone. Finally I run the command to reboot into the boot loader, which worked but the 2 command, to unlock the bootloader show an error(see screenshot). Any idea what could have happened?
I tried this on my MacbookPro 13" Late 2013 with Catalina and the latest version of ADB from google. The phone is running android 11, with the July security Patch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly I have no idea. What I know is Linux and what's worked for me. My first assumption is that adb and fastboot need to be updated to the latest release if they are not at this time. That error you are showing in terminal sounds like something is wrong either maybe in your USB cable connecting to your PC or it needs to be updated ooorrr it's some sort of USB driver issue. Unless we are both crazy and somehow your device was already rooted and has an unlocked bootloader and that's how it was when you purchased it used online.. Download a root checker app and see what it says maybe. Also try booting stock recovery and factory reset front it and then reboot and see if anything changes...I know absolutely NOTHING about MacOS or OSX or anything otter than Linux because that's what I've used for eight or nine years now. I'm attaching a picture of my current updated adb and fastboot tools to show what latest release is. Maybe try different ports and USB cables just to see if anything changes. You are running the bootloader unlock command as root correct?
Adb and fastboot latest version: 31.0.3-7562133
I updated mine yesterday to that version from here: https://developer.android.com/studio/command-line/sdkmanager
You are doing everything exactly how it shows here:: https://www.xda-developers.com/google-pixel-4-root-magisk/ ?
and using the latest adb and fastboot on PC? Does Mac have to have any extra USB driver's like Windows needs to allow fastboot and adb to work or.no? I guess you would know that just type : sudo adb devices (enter)with phone plugged in and on. Maybe reboot bootloader/fastboot mode and run: fastboot devices (enter) and see if your terminal replies with your phones serial number in your terminal? If it does not than something isn't correctly setup because this should work. Did you use homebrew to setup platform tools on your Mac or no? Usually when I can't figure something ike this out it's the most random basic thing like a reboot or something and BOOM it works. Try running the commands again from your PC and see if anything happens. If you can type ./adb devices then hit enter while you are plugged in and slap a pic up of what it tells you like you did before. This is all stuff I would do if I were in the situation that you're in. I'm going to read up more on Mac now. You said you factory reset your device in settings on phone and the greyed out "enable oem unlocking" didn't change to where you can tap the switch and choose to either enable it or not? If it did not change after factory reset and maybe trying factory reset in stock recovery then it sounds like something else could be wrong with your device. I believe you will figure it out. When you did the while process did you ever checkmark a pop up box on phone screen whole you were plugged in to your PC??
Hey!
Ok so first I downloaded the latest ADB for Mac, but I am unsure of the version I have of Fastboot. Do I need to update it on the phone or download something else? What I did was download the latest version of the SDK from Google to my Mac as you show me on the screenshot, and on their webpage they say I don't need to do anything else, like installing USB drivers on windows. Also if I run Fastboot devices command I can see my phone on the terminal. The cable is working I think, but I may try to change it just in case and also change the port I am using. Also I downloaded and app to check if the device is rooted, and unfortunately it isn't. I will boot into recovery and try to do a factory reset from there, but I don't believe it will work as I believe I already try that before.
The commands I run correct, just copy and paste what you wrote before and the computer asked me my user password. However I didn't use homebrew at any moment, directly downloaded the SDK from google and got a zip file, then extracted it to my desktop and open a terminal window, then use cd to get to that folder directory as I used to do in my Windows PC and start using the commands. Until now it worked great because in order to get my SIM working I needed to use ADB to uninstall an app that came with phone, otherwise my SIM wouldn't work, as theoretically the phone should only accept only AT&T SIM, but I am currently using a Vodafone SIM. Also I am leaving a screenshot of what you asked me.
Yeah after factory reset I doesn't allow me to enable OEM Unlock, still grey out.
Finally yes, when I plugged my phone into the computer I got a window asking to allow the computer to connect to phone to debug, and I allow it.
Sooo here is what I think is happening. This phone was bought by someone at an AT&T store. Then the guy sold the phone and I ended up buying it. The problem, according to my findings, are that carriers usually lock down the bootloader and for you to get it unlocked you need to talk with them. Obviously I can't do that, as I would have to do an international call, and I don't even know if the buyer end the payment of the phone. I already got into AT&T webpage and try to get the phone unlock but get always and error. So researching more I found a command that you can use on Fastboot mode, "Fastboot flashing get_unlock_ability"(enter) and the result I got was 0. According to this page, if you get 0 means you need to go on settings and enable OEM unlocking, which changes the value from 0 to 1. So what I need to do is to find where this info is stored, which I suppose is on the bootloader partition, as on Fastboot mode it was able to tell me the value. Once I find it I just need to change it to 1, and then I would be able to unlock the bootloader.
Also thanks for all the help until now, I really appreciate it
I may try this on other OS just in case. Do you know if I can do this on Kali Linux? I already have it download ed but never try it.
#mcl said:
I may try this on other OS just in case. Do you know if I can do this on Kali Linux? I already have it download ed but never try it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty sure you can. I've never used Kali , yet but I've used ARC, Morrodoca, Ubuntu, Mint and Fabian and tried a few of the super private distros as well. Pretty cool! Linux rules and is made for this.
I almost said something about carriers encryption bootloader's on devices when we started this but idk I assumed it was a factory unlocked unit. I've had to repeat commands more than once before and things have ended up working. Worth a shot.
I say if you can't get it sell it online and grab a factory unlocked model. If the carrier encrypted the bootloader I don't believe it's possible to get it out of that without their code ever used to do it. Then again I do recall another Pixel model that Google was actually sending users refurnished units that had encrypted bootloader's. That would have really pissed me off. I believe Pixel 2/2XL was that way. But the Pixel 2XL/2 that Verizon sold , Verizon locked the bootloaders and for a long time there was no possible way to get around it. I recall reading many posts all over about people buying them and being told they were unlocked Pixels only to discover later they had encrypted bootloader's and Verizon did it. Shortly after this someone on XDA found a way to bypass it and unlock bootloader and root rge Verizon encrypted models but the phones had to be on a specific older firmware and if they'd been updated past it it didn't work. I'll go find this thread and link you. May have some good info but unless you come up with a back to get around it if bootloader has been locked bt carrier I believe it's a no go. Also careful because messing with encrypted things can cause your device ti bootloop and seeing how your NOT bootloader unlocked that wouldn't be good if that happened. I'll go find this link to what I'm referring to. Brb.
Here was the work round for Verizon for a while on Pixel 2 that had been carrier bootloader locked: https://www.xda-developers.com/how-to-unlock-bootloader-verizon-google-pixel-xl-running-android-10/
Actually this is Pixel 2XL, was P2 work around for this: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...-google-ver-refurb-devices-look-here.3763443/
Pixel 2XL some users report they had to be connected to the net to toggle their allow oem unlocking switch in dev options. On 4XL one of the "How to Root, unlock .." threads says if it's greyed out that factory resetting is mandatory to allow the ability to enable oem unlocking switch.. A couple people claimed once they reset they could flip it. Also I have also read where people used different bootloop unlocking terminal commands and they worked. On 4xl and older Pixies. How long have you had fastboot already installed to your MacBook? Only reason I ask is they must be manually updated or sometimes will not work right. I've had that happy once. Linux has a very similar adb and fastboot tools install as Mac does. I did this process I'm about to mention yesterday to get my adb and fastboot updated because I saw it was on a previous version. I just grab the adb and fastboot from my screenshot from like I posted back some posts ago here then go to where I have adb and fastboot installed already open terminal where I've downloaded and extracted fastboot and adb on PC and reinstalled adb and fastboot using these commands:
sudo install adb dmtracedump e2fsdroid etc1tool fastboot hprof-conv make_f2fs mke2fs mke2fs.conf sload_f2fs sqlite3 /usr/local/bin (Enter)
sudo mkdir -p /usr/local/lib64 (enter)
sudo install lib64/libc++.so /usr/local/lib64 (enter)
Then make sure it did it's thing and updated property. sudo adb --version (enter)
sudo fastboot --version (enter)
And it showed newer version of both so done. I use Nathanchnace's Pixel 2xl guide to learn this at first from here in his op:
[GUIDE] Unlock/Flash/Root for the Pixel 2 XL (taimen)
Introduction Hello everyone, this is a guide to assist you with customizing your Pixel 2 XL! I will be going over installing fastboot and adb, unlocking your bootloader, how to flash the factory images for clean flashes and upgrades, and how to...
forum.xda-developers.com
flash713 said:
Pretty sure you can. I've never used Kali , yet but I've used ARC, Morrodoca, Ubuntu, Mint and Fabian and tried a few of the super private distros as well. Pretty cool! Linux rules and is made for this.
I almost said something about carriers encryption bootloader's on devices when we started this but idk I assumed it was a factory unlocked unit. I've had to repeat commands more than once before and things have ended up working. Worth a shot.
I say if you can't get it sell it online and grab a factory unlocked model. If the carrier encrypted the bootloader I don't believe it's possible to get it out of that without their code ever used to do it. Then again I do recall another Pixel model that Google was actually sending users refurnished units that had encrypted bootloader's. That would have really pissed me off. I believe Pixel 2/2XL was that way. But the Pixel 2XL/2 that Verizon sold , Verizon locked the bootloaders and for a long time there was no possible way to get around it. I recall reading many posts all over about people buying them and being told they were unlocked Pixels only to discover later they had encrypted bootloader's and Verizon did it. Shortly after this someone on XDA found a way to bypass it and unlock bootloader and root rge Verizon encrypted models but the phones had to be on a specific older firmware and if they'd been updated past it it didn't work. I'll go find this thread and link you. May have some good info but unless you come up with a back to get around it if bootloader has been locked bt carrier I believe it's a no go. Also careful because messing with encrypted things can cause your device ti bootloop and seeing how your NOT bootloader unlocked that wouldn't be good if that happened. I'll go find this link to what I'm referring to. Brb.
Here was the work round for Verizon for a while on Pixel 2 that had been carrier bootloader locked: https://www.xda-developers.com/how-to-unlock-bootloader-verizon-google-pixel-xl-running-android-10/
Actually this is Pixel 2XL, was P2 work around for this: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...-google-ver-refurb-devices-look-here.3763443/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK thanks! Yeah I saw a few things only about the Pixel 2 Verizon case, but I am going to have a deep look into it. I can't sell this phone and buy an unlocked version, I bought this one because it was over 100 euros cheaper than what I could found here on Europe, so that's not an option.
Also, If I manage to use a Vodafone SIM on this AT&T phone without unlocking I am confident I will manage to find a way to fix the locked bootloader. It may take time and effort, but I will keep trying.
Right now I found there are ways to get root without unlocking the bootloader, its safer but posible. And if I get root access I am confident I would be able to unlock the bootloader. Anyway thanks for all!!!
flash713 said:
Pixel 2XL some users report they had to be connected to the net to toggle their allow oem unlocking switch in dev options. On 4XL one of the "How to Root, unlock .." threads says if it's greyed out that factory resetting is mandatory to allow the ability to enable oem unlocking switch.. A couple people claimed once they reset they could flip it. Also I have also read where people used different bootloop unlocking terminal commands and they worked. On 4xl and older Pixies. How long have you had fastboot already installed to your MacBook? Only reason I ask is they must be manually updated or sometimes will not work right. I've had that happy once. Linux has a very similar adb and fastboot tools install as Mac does. I did this process I'm about to mention yesterday to get my adb and fastboot updated because I saw it was on a previous version. I just grab the adb and fastboot from my screenshot from like I posted back some posts ago here then go to where I have adb and fastboot installed already open terminal where I've downloaded and extracted fastboot and adb on PC and reinstalled adb and fastboot using these commands:
sudo install adb dmtracedump e2fsdroid etc1tool fastboot hprof-conv make_f2fs mke2fs mke2fs.conf sload_f2fs sqlite3 /usr/local/bin (Enter)
sudo mkdir -p /usr/local/lib64 (enter)
sudo install lib64/libc++.so /usr/local/lib64 (enter)
Then make sure it did it's thing and updated property. sudo adb --version (enter)
sudo fastboot --version (enter)
And it showed newer version of both so done. I use Nathanchnace's Pixel 2xl guide to learn this at first from here in his op:
[GUIDE] Unlock/Flash/Root for the Pixel 2 XL (taimen)
Introduction Hello everyone, this is a guide to assist you with customizing your Pixel 2 XL! I will be going over installing fastboot and adb, unlocking your bootloader, how to flash the factory images for clean flashes and upgrades, and how to...
forum.xda-developers.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The SDK I downloaded this week, Monday I think, so it should be up to date, but I will make sure to check if this is the case. If you get any idea on how to unlock the bootloader, please let me know
Also if anyone was able to unlock a Pixel 4/Pixel 4 XL from any carrier, let me know how you did, maybe I can replicate the process and unlock my bootloader too!
#mcl said:
Also if anyone was able to unlock a Pixel 4/Pixel 4 XL from any carrier, let me know how you did, maybe I can replicate the process and unlock my bootloader too!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@#mcl
Not gonna happen. Sorry to hear you got a carrier locked AND bootloader locked phone. Unfortunately there is nothing you can do. There are some shady online unlockers that claim to be able to do this remotely (remote unlock) but you will probably be ripped off.

Find X5 Lite: fastbootd/OEM unlock problems

Hello!
First of all: I know I am asking about the Lite, not the Pro - but there was no dedicated device listing for it, so I went for the next best thing I could find. I apologize in advance.
I have a highly visually impaired friend for whom reading a lot of text is very taxing. I, too, am visually impaired, but I practically live in a terminal - it's totally fine for me. However, we live all across the country (Germany). Basically, he lives in Berlin and I in Frankfurt. Thats a long way apart. So, the best I can help him with is by logging in via Parsec; hence, I have to ask him to do any hardware-related handling.
The TL;DR is: His device defaults to fastbootD, refuses both "flashing unlock" and "oem unlock" after toggling it in Developer options. Variations of adb/fastboot "reboot bootloader/recovery" all did not result in full fastboot. We were trying to extract the boot image to use with Magisk.
The long story: Late last year, he bought the phone off eBay once he heared that Oppo phones were no longer allowed to be sold in stores here in Germany and wanted to root it to see what he could do with it. Since it is a MediaTek device, I told him that hopes for a LineageOS port would be slim, considering MediaTek's history with OSS. So first we went on a hunt for the stock ROM to just grab the boot image off there. No luck; the only seemingly viable listing - a Google Drive link - has become completely unavailable (traffic limit reached). So the next best thought was to grab it off the device itself.
So I went to his maschine via Parsec and set up adb and fastboot and configured the proper Fastboot driver (the official Google one) and made sure the device was recognized as an Android Bootloader Device. Fastboot could also list it, so I was all set up. From there I made a dump of "get-var all" and sure enough, "unlock" was "no". So I sent his phone to reboot and him on his merry way to head into the Developer options and find OEM Unlock. And, it is indeed there. Once he enabled that, I attempted to unlock that bootloader. But I always get errors that the HAL can not be loaded or that the command would not be found. And, whilst researching more, I learned that fastboot can also load in userspace as fastbootd. Sure enough, I had him send me a photo of what the bootloader looked like, and in big bold letters it does indeed read "FASTBOOTD".
After looking up several guides and information, I have not managed to get anywhere at all untill I found this post: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...access-for-oppo-phones-starting-2016.3348114/
I could not find any verification that his phone is also affected, meaning that he might have a "castrated" bootloader alltogether - or fastboot, at least.
The model identifies itself as: CPH2371
If you have any possible ideas, please do let me know. Personally, I am at the end of my ideas. Rooting, and sub-sequently installing LineageOS, was astoutly simpler on my Razer Phone 2.
Thank you very much in advance - and, again, apologies for posting in the wrong thread, a proper X5 Lite one was nowhere to be seen.
Kind regards,
Ingwie
PS: The "vars.txt" attached was pre-OEM unlock setting.
any news? root possible?
I've forgot me pattern lock, when I tried to enter in recovery mode, my phone keep restarting again & Again what should I do, I need to reset my pattern, GMAIL ID method also not working....

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