Some questions about rooting, custom ROMs, bootloaders and such - Google Pixel Questions & Answers

Hey!
I just got a Pixel but I'm coming from a world of Samsung and Motorola. So I have some questions.
First, is the bootloader locked or unlocked on a Pixel?
Second, does Google void your warranty if you try to root/install a custom ROM?
If you unroot or flash stock Android from Google's servers, is there a Knox like thing that will show that the device has been rooted or has had a custom ROM installed or has had its bootloader unlocked (if it's locked)?
In other words are we free to do what we want with our device?
Thanks!

Prosis said:
Hey!
I just got a Pixel but I'm coming from a world of Samsung and Motorola. So I have some questions.
First, is the bootloader locked or unlocked on a Pixel?
Second, does Google void your warranty if you try to root/install a custom ROM?
If you unroot or flash stock Android from Google's servers, is there a Knox like thing that will show that the device has been rooted or has had a custom ROM installed or has had its bootloader unlocked (if it's locked)?
In other words are we free to do what we want with our device?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Assuming you got it from Google and not Verizon.
It comes locked, but you hit a slider in dev options then issue a command in fastboot and it is unlocked.
Never heard of Google voiding a warranty for unlocking. They are very cool to work with.
Nothing like Knox but I would assume they can tell.
Yea, do what ever you want.

TonikJDK said:
Assuming you got it from Google and not Verizon.
It comes locked, but you hit a slider in dev options then issue a command in fastboot and it is unlocked.
Never heard of Google voiding a warranty for unlocking. They are very cool to work with.
Nothing like Knox but I would assume they can tell.
Yea, do what ever you want.
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Thanks! No I got it from Rogers in Canada actually but they're SIM unlocked and there's no branding but there is a Rogers app though.
So I should be OK to pretty much do what I want? That's nice!

Related

2.3 rootable? Maybe not? Who knows....

Has anyone thought that maybe google has made 2.3 unrootable? Scary thought i know, but its kind of like a cat and mouse game with the developers and google/manufacturers with root patches.
Maybe google finally will put the nail in the coffin here?
WOOT. It's rooted, im happily wrong.
It's a developer phone, so why would Google want to make devs waste time trying to root.
could it be possible that Google enable root access by default, then?
djfoo000 said:
could it be possible that Google enable root access by default, then?
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Definately not.
Dev phones have always been rootable, i doubt that will change.
The phones that have trouble being rooted are always manufacture customized ones.
it's still able to fastboot oem unlock from what i've heard. Will be rooted same day it's available for purchase guaranteed.
jroid said:
it's still able to fastboot oem unlock from what i've heard. Will be rooted same day it's available for purchase guaranteed.
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I'd bet that it will be rooted BEFORE!
The developer build on my Nexus One is already rooted. I don't imagine the release build will be any different from all of the previous OTAs.
jroid said:
it's still able to fastboot oem unlock from what i've heard. Will be rooted same day it's available for purchase guaranteed.
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You are correct.
Samsung never locked their (Android?) phones. Personally I've installed custom ROMs on the Galaxy Spica and international S and both came factory unlocked. Unlike with some of HTC's devices you can flash anything you want without using exploits.
fastboot oem unlock
FPRobber said:
Samsung never locked their (Android?) phones. Personally I've installed custom ROMs on the Galaxy Spica and international S and both came factory unlocked. Unlike with some of HTC's devices you can flash anything you want without using exploits.
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Your right, as of now I don't think Samsung locked any of their phones, but the only thing Samsung has on this phone is the hardware aspect. All the software aspect is by Google.
FPRobber said:
Samsung never locked their (Android?) phones. Personally I've installed custom ROMs on the Galaxy Spica and international S and both came factory unlocked. Unlike with some of HTC's devices you can flash anything you want without using exploits.
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Then how do you explain threads like this (on the samsung galaxy sub forums):
[HOWTO] [REF] [FAQ] [Guides] [Tutorials] Flash/Root/ADB/ROM [MUST READ!]
It seems like you have carrier/sim lock and root confused. Just like nearly every phone on the market, they are locked. You will also need root to do anything that says "please root your phone". They do not ship this way...
I'm sure it will be rootable... Google doesn't want to block out developers
Just food for thought i guess, we cant know until its released anyways.
What exactly is fastboot oem unlock ?
Igotsanevo4g said:
Just food for thought i guess, we cant know until its released anyways.
What exactly is fastboot oem unlock ?
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Very true
Look right above the Youtube icon.... http://www.google.com/nexus/#!/features
luckyduck69 said:
Look right above the Youtube icon.... http://www.google.com/nexus/#!/features
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Click to collapse
that's unlocked for carriers with gsm...that's not root. Simply meaning it will work with at&t or tmobile by changing the sim card. Root lets you edit system files and a custom recovery to flash roms
Lmao no one so far in this thread should get one of these developer phones as you plainly do not understand what you are doing here when it comes to deciding what the difference is between root permissions and unlocked to all networks.
lets put it this way, if you are one of the above who are having trouble, dream on and steer clear from the prospects of rooting all together
unless that is you fancy yourself a very expensive paperweight?
Igotsanevo4g said:
Just food for thought i guess, we cant know until its released anyways.
What exactly is fastboot oem unlock ?
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This command unlocks your bootloader on the N1/N-S allowing you to flash custom roms, but visibly voids your warranty (bootloader screen shows that it's unlocked)

[Q] Is CM Version Bootloader Locked?

I'm really interested in this phone but my employer doesn't allow unlocked bootloaders/rooted devices. If I got the US CM version would I be correct in thinking it's a locked bootloader?
mfenske said:
I'm really interested in this phone but my employer doesn't allow unlocked bootloaders/rooted devices. If I got the US CM version would I be correct in thinking it's a locked bootloader?
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Yep, it is locked.
mfenske said:
I'm really interested in this phone but my employer doesn't allow unlocked bootloaders/rooted devices. If I got the US CM version would I be correct in thinking it's a locked bootloader?
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Click to collapse
It is locked by default but unlockable if desired.
It's not locked in the anti-user AT&T/Samsung/LG/HTC fashion if that's what you mean. Installing a new rom won't void your warranty or leave a visible footprint during bootup. You can unlock the OPO and install custom roms or leave it stock. Stock CM11S is pretty good.
CrashTestDroid said:
It's not locked in the anti-user AT&T/Samsung/LG/HTC fashion if that's what you mean. Installing a new rom won't void your warranty or leave a visible footprint during bootup. You can unlock the OPO and install custom roms or leave it stock. Stock CM11S is pretty good.
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Click to collapse
You forgot about verizon, the pioneers of anti-user policies .
Anyway yes the bootloader is locked by default, and can be unlocked very easily. Best part is if you unlock it there is nothing visible during bootup or regular use that screams unlocked like with the nexus (the unlocked icon).

Why is unlocking the bootloader a complicated process now?

Back in 2012 I used to own a Galaxy S3. Installing custom ROMs was simple. Now you have to request an unlock code from Motorola? Is this so they can keep track of who is voiding their warranty? I kind of don't want to unlock mine for this reason, but I'm afraid that when the warranty expires this tool will be gone and it'll be permanently locked.
Yes, it's for keeping track of warranty status.
The tool won't be disabled after warranty expires.
So a year from now I'll still be able to unlock the bootloader?
Took me 1 minute. Can't see a complicated thing. It safer now. Years ago you needed to flash a custom bootloader with a high risk of hardbrick.
Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk
Aftcomet said:
So a year from now I'll still be able to unlock the bootloader?
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Click to collapse
Yes.
Aftcomet said:
Back in 2012 I used to own a Galaxy S3. Installing custom ROMs was simple. Now you have to request an unlock code from Motorola? Is this so they can keep track of who is voiding their warranty? I kind of don't want to unlock mine for this reason, but I'm afraid that when the warranty expires this tool will be gone and it'll be permanently locked.
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Click to collapse
Also, you're comparing a Samsung phone with a Motorola phone. Two different companies with different policies.
Sent from my Moto G XT1034 using Tapatalk
alfick3 said:
Also, you're comparing a Samsung phone with a Motorola phone. Two different companies with different policies.
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True that! I much prefer Motorola. I only have Linux on my laptop and Odin for flashing Samsung phones is a nightmare outside of windoze. Motorola phones can be flashed via command line with the SDK toolkit on any operating system. I remember having a Galaxy Nexus and once the bootloader's is unlocked, it'd show an open padlock on the boot screen.
If unlocking the bootloader is too much of a bother, get yourself a budget phone that doesn't have a bootloader. Then root with a couple clicks via Cydia Impactor. You'll never get Android updates, won't be able to flash ROM's, and if you brick your phone, I don't know any way to unbrick it, but you won't have to unlock a bootloader!

Flash Google store Pixel image over Verizon Pixel phone???

Hey guys, I'm wondering if anyone has done this, or knows if it's possible to (after unlocking bootloader) flash the Google stock Pixel system image instead of the Verizon one? I'm assuming the hardware and firmware are identical, but am not sure and am not skilled enough (or at all) in code to know if its possible. I bought my phone through Verizon, only because nowhere else had stock. I use it on T-Mobile, but fear there may be some behind the scenes Verizon stuff going on that may hinder my phone on T-Mobile. I haven't experienced any issues yet, but with the Nov security update mentioning a specific fix for wifi calling in New Mexico only on the Verizon pixels, it makes me weary that there is more happening beneath the surface than I am aware of. Thanks for any and all help! Appreciate it.
newbienic said:
Hey guys, I'm wondering if anyone has done this, or knows if it's possible to (after unlocking bootloader) flash the Google stock Pixel system image instead of the Verizon one? I'm assuming the hardware and firmware are identical, but am not sure and am not skilled enough (or at all) in code to know if its possible. I bought my phone through Verizon, only because nowhere else had stock. I use it on T-Mobile, but fear there may be some behind the scenes Verizon stuff going on that may hinder my phone on T-Mobile. I haven't experienced any issues yet, but with the Nov security update mentioning a specific fix for wifi calling in New Mexico only on the Verizon pixels, it makes me weary that there is more happening beneath the surface than I am aware of. Thanks for any and all help! Appreciate it.
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I did yesterday, bought mine from Best Buy and I unlock the BL. Sideload the OTA yesterday and I used NDE63V that comes with new radio. oh I'm also on Tmobile
jay661972 said:
I did yesterday, bought mine from Best Buy and I unlock the BL. Sideload the OTA yesterday and I used NDE63V that comes with new radio. oh I'm also on Tmobile
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Awesome! Thanks for the info... Really glad to know I can convert if need be. Thanks again!
jay661972 said:
I did yesterday, bought mine from Best Buy and I unlock the BL. Sideload the OTA yesterday and I used NDE63V that comes with new radio. oh I'm also on Tmobile
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Interesting side note on this...
I went ahead and unlocked my bootloader and flashed Google's stock Pixel image. All went well, no problems... Until I tried to use Android Pay. It's telling me my software can't be verified. And I out of curiosity checked, and the "allow OEM unlocking" in developer options is still greyed out, and not selectable, even though my BL is unlocked. Hoping this doesn't mean that we can't take an OTA. Weird, I guess we'll have to wait and see when next month's security update comes out...
newbienic said:
Interesting side note on this...
I went ahead and unlocked my bootloader and flashed Google's stock Pixel image. All went well, no problems... Until I tried to use Android Pay. It's telling me my software can't be verified. And I out of curiosity checked, and the "allow OEM unlocking" in developer options is still greyed out, and not selectable, even though my BL is unlocked. Hoping this doesn't mean that we can't take an OTA. Weird, I guess we'll have to wait and see when next month's security update comes out...
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Just having an unlocked bootloader trips SafetyNet now and you can't use Android Pay without a custom kernel.
ITGuy11 said:
Just having an unlocked bootloader trips SafetyNet now and you can't use Android Pay without a custom kernel.
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And the OEM unlock option appears to be dependent on device ID (imeid? Ccid?), And not the software. So don't relock it, and you're fine
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
danaff37 said:
And the OEM unlock option appears to be dependent on device ID (imeid? Ccid?), And not the software. So don't relock it, and you're fine
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
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One thing I just realized, is in Developer Options, its greyed out like I mentioned, but also says "Bootloader is already unlocked". Which I actually remember seeing on my Nexus 5x when the bootloader was unlocked. It's got me really curious about re locking the bootloader. Mainly cause I actually use Android Pay. Had no idea bootloader unlocks are actually tripping safety net now. Major bummer. If anyone has gone through this process with a Verizon pixel and has actually relocked their bootloader with no issues I'd certainly appreciate any info you have. Otherwise, I may have to dive in blind and hope for the best.
If you want to use Android pay, flash a custom kernel but don't root. Works for me.
Don't relock if you ever want to have it rooted, custom, etc. The unlock method isn't going to survive another security update.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
danaff37 said:
If you want to use Android pay, flash a custom kernel but don't root. Works for me.
Don't relock if you ever want to have it rooted, custom, etc. The unlock method isn't going to survive another security update.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
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Hypathetically, if I didn't want root or anything custom at all, do you think that relocking the bootloader could cause an issue while using the Stock Google image on a Verizon Pixel? I wish I had more knowledge on this, but I'm pretty in the dark on this stuff as of late... Thanks for your help!
Should be fine if all stock I think, just know that you may not be able to unlock later.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
newbienic said:
One thing I just realized, is in Developer Options, its greyed out like I mentioned, but also says "Bootloader is already unlocked". Which I actually remember seeing on my Nexus 5x when the bootloader was unlocked. It's got me really curious about re locking the bootloader. Mainly cause I actually use Android Pay. Had no idea bootloader unlocks are actually tripping safety net now. Major bummer. If anyone has gone through this process with a Verizon pixel and has actually relocked their bootloader with no issues I'd certainly appreciate any info you have. Otherwise, I may have to dive in blind and hope for the best.
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Contrary to what people are saying. You CAN relock your bootloader and then unlock it again later. However, keep in mind that at some point there will likely be an update that blocks the use of dePixel8 and you will no longer be able to unlock the bootloader unless someone writes another exploit.
I would like to find a way to permanently unlock VZW Pixels but until I get one from the Google Store to compare with my Verizon one I don't think I will make much progress.
Relocking your bootloader is as simple as running the "fastboot oem lock" command from the terminal window.
Lastly. If you want to relock the bootloader, make sure your phone is 100% stock image or you risk bricking the phone
If I were to buy the Verizon pixel and flash the unlocked (non European) image. How do you think updates would work? Would I get seamless updates from Google or would I need to flash every Ota manually. Might be too early to tell
b316kane said:
If I were to buy the Verizon pixel and flash the unlocked (non European) image. How do you think updates would work? Would I get seamless updates from Google or would I need to flash every Ota manually. Might be too early to tell
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Click to collapse
This is exactly what I did, and I am curious as well... We'll see next month I guess, but I'm guessing it will take the OTA just fine. My wife has a Pixel from the Google store, and mine is from Verizon. I've compared everything (including booloaders) since flashing the Google store Pixel image, and every informational detail is identical. Not sure if there is some other place hidden to me that might indicate a difference, but I'm thinking that Verizon's Pixel is only different in its official software image... And, that may be it. Please don't take my word for it, I'm no developer, and know very little about any of this, but in my comparisons, they are identical now since flashing Googles official (Non Verizon, Non European) image.
Sidenote, I have yet to try this, but I'm thinking that since I am on Googles image, that if I re-lock my bootloader, that I WILL be able to unlock again after locking. I think Verizon used Googles "Allow OEM Unlocking" software toggle in developer options as the only method to actually keep people from unlocking the bootloader (again speculative), and now that I'm on Googles image, that software "block" should no longer be present, so I should in theory, be free to lock/unlock the same as Pixels purchased from the Google store... Again, I've got no proof, or actual skill to back this up, but it's a theory I have, and if I end up locking my BL again, I'll post what I find...
newbienic said:
I have yet to try this, but I'm thinking that since I am on Googles image, that if I re-lock my bootloader, that I WILL be able to unlock again after locking.
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Click to collapse
In the Verizon unlocking threads the people that tried relocking reported that they were unable to unlock again without depixel8, which is the same as how the Verizon phone typically works. Some people seem to have gotten into situations that could have been corrected with an unlocked bootloader, but because they had a locked bootloader that couldn't be unlocked using depixel8 they had no easy solution to get their phone working again at this time.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/how-to/psa-read-relocking-bootloader-t3494615
alluringreality said:
In the Verizon unlocking threads the people that tried relocking reported that they were unable to unlock again without depixel8, which is the same as how the Verizon phone typically works. Some people seem to have gotten into situations that could have been corrected with an unlocked bootloader, but because they had a locked bootloader that couldn't be unlocked using depixel8 they had no easy solution to get their phone working again at this time.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/how-to/psa-read-relocking-bootloader-t3494615
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Thanks for the heads up!!! Like I said, I really know nothing, just speculating. Appreciate you looking out.
newbienic said:
Thanks for the heads up!!! Like I said, I really know nothing, just speculating. Appreciate you looking out.
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Click to collapse
I forget where, but I saw written or implied that the "checking for updates" screen about third of way through initial setup of first boot uses WiFi AND sim carrier data to install Verizon custom restrictions and settings that among other effects make depixel8 required.
Even on "non Verizon phones" (which you are saying use the same build images byte to byte?)... You have to either use a SIM card or wifi and google account to allow the developer options to enable OEM unlock.
My theory: In other words, if you don't allow via SIM and a network wifi or data connect, for Verizon to mark your phone, or another carrier, then the phone can not be unlocked. So carrier models may indeed be differentiated from current factory images AFTER boot and setup.
There is a post in Q&A of someone trying to unlock bootloader without loading into the device, not having luck. This is why oem unlock toggle is so important and why people are bricking from locked bootloaders that won't unlock (so no wipe and factory images cannot be flashed.)
Another thing to consider: SIM network lock will not be flashed over.
Sent from my sailfish using XDA Labs

Buying Verizon Pixel, have some questions

Hello guys.
I'm going to buy used and bootloader unlocked Verizon Pixel tomorrow and I'm interested in couple of things:
1. Can I flash all the ROMs that are available for Pixel on Verizon version too?
2. Can I properly install TWRP, root using Magisk, etc?
3. Can I properly flash (and downgrade if needed) official system images (and are they ever available for Verizon models?)
4. Can I take part in Android Beta program?
5. Is there anything I should be afraid of?
Thanks in advance.
Make sure it is bootloader unlocked, and not just SIM unlocked. There are not many VZ ones around that are bootloader unlocked. You need that to do the items on you list.
TonikJDK said:
Make sure it is bootloader unlocked, and not just SIM unlocked. There are not many VZ ones around that area bootloader unlocked. You need that to do the items on you list.
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Click to collapse
As I already stated, bootloader is already unlocked.
No one has an answer?
If it's bootloader u locked then yeah u can do all those things. Just do not ever for any reason ever relock the bootloader. Also I believe there have been a few cases where ppl have had semibricks or other issues which required locked stock to fix or somehow resulted in locked stock
I got a replacement about a month ago on my small Pixel and that one was unlocked. However, the one I got from Verizon in store did not have an unlocked bootloader. I'm not sure what the deal is, but maybe getting a replacement from an "accidental" break might do the trick. just to clarify, my first Pixels' usb port got completely fried and started to smell bad whenever it charged, and the phone would get really hot. I am now on 8.1 with an unlocked bootloader but have yet to actually root the phone
KittyRgnarok said:
If it's bootloader u locked then yeah u can do all those things. Just do not ever for any reason ever relock the bootloader. Also I believe there have been a few cases where ppl have had semibricks or other issues which required locked stock to fix or somehow resulted in locked stock
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Thank you!
gb_14 said:
Thank you!
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Np

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