Related
So I think I am screwed here but was wondering if anyone has run into similar issue. I was running SlimKat and had the data encrypted and I used BootUnlocker to relock the bootloader after I flashed TWRP a few months back. Been working fine for a couple weeks then yesterday I pull my phone out my pocket and it looks like it factory reset prompting to input all my info. So I reboot the phone thinking could be fluke and it doesnt prompt me for decyption password and again boots to setup screen. If you do login you cannot access the internal storage and there is no data connection. So I rebooted into TWRP and it prompts for decryption password only its not working. If I put in wrong password it comes back immediately that it failed. If I try correct password it tries for 30 - 45 seconds then comes back with failed. So tried downloading factory image and flash with fasboot but was complaining about bootloader locked. So I issued fastboot oem unlock and choose yes the screen switches to unlocked but doesnt wipe anything try to flash again and I get FAILED flash write failure. When I reboot to the bootloader it shows as locked again. I think my flash took a crap. Anyone have any ideas?
I bought my N5 used....and guess what, it was encrypted. And i didn't know it.
Well after a series of unfortunate events, LOL, I found this.....it worked for me when I thought my brand new (new to me) N5 was bricked.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2513937
Sent from my cell phone telephone....
since its been possible to encrypt with android, it has cause everyone issues, eventually. with as many people that ive known that have encrypted, every single one of them has had issues, eventually. eventually because it usually doesnt happen right away, but somewhere down the line. i constantly tell people not to encrypt, that they will have an issue later.
sounds like you will be flashing the factory img at some point.
kj2112 said:
I bought my N5 used....and guess what, it was encrypted. And i didn't know it.
Well after a series of unfortunate events, LOL, I found this.....it worked for me when I thought my brand new (new to me) N5 was bricked.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2513937
Sent from my cell phone telephone....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried that doesnt work due to the locked boot loader. Issuing fasboot oem unlock doesn't actually unlock it.
simms22 said:
since its been possible to encrypt with android, it has cause everyone issues, eventually. with as many people that ive known that have encrypted, every single one of them has had issues, eventually. eventually because it usually doesnt happen right away, but somewhere down the line. i constantly tell people not to encrypt, that they will have an issue later.
sounds like you will be flashing the factory img at some point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, I've been trying to flash a factory img but I can't due to the locked bootloader and issuing fasboot oem unlock won't unlock it.
what do you mean doesnt unlock it?
prestonr83 said:
Yea, I've been trying to flash a factory img but I can't due to the locked bootloader and issuing fasboot oem unlock won't unlock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
very odd!
youre device is seen by fastboot(not adb)?
prestonr83 said:
Tried that doesnt work due to the locked boot loader. Issuing fasboot oem unlock doesn't actually unlock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a good point.
I'm afraid that if you cant flash the stock image, and you can't unlock the bootloader to try other methods....you may be at an impass.
You need to either get the stock image back on. Or unlock the bootloader, Then try my link. Not sure what else can be done here.
Sent from my cell phone telephone....
---------- Post added at 05:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:01 PM ----------
Oh....and again.....you may have driver issues on the pc, and that's why fastboot isn't seeing the phone. That is the first thing that needs to be corrected.
Sent from my cell phone telephone....
Zepius said:
what do you mean doesnt unlock it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean i put it in fastboot issue fastboot oem unlock it prompts me on the phone to choose yes or no. I choose yes it then immediately goes back to fastboot screen and shows unlocked. However when trying to flash anything it fails and upon rebooting back into fastboot it again shows as locked.
Your emmc is dead. RMA it
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
simms22 said:
very odd!
youre device is seen by fastboot(not adb)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes fastboot is reading the phone. but issuing fastboot oem unlock doesn't actually unlock it. I tried fastboot boot recovery.img to get into stock recovery to see if it would let me do factory reset however after booting into stock recovery I am unable to get the menu to pop up to allow me to factory reset.
prestonr83 said:
yes fastboot is reading the phone. but issuing fastboot oem unlock doesn't actually unlock it. I tried fastboot boot recovery.img to get into stock recovery to see if it would let me do factory reset however after booting into stock recovery I am unable to get the menu to pop up to allow me to factory reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you tried flashing clockworkmod recovery and factory resetting it there?
simms22 said:
since its been possible to encrypt with android, it has cause everyone issues, eventually. with as many people that ive known that have encrypted, every single one of them has had issues, eventually. eventually because it usually doesnt happen right away, but somewhere down the line. i constantly tell people not to encrypt, that they will have an issue later.
sounds like you will be flashing the factory img at some point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Advice I would really have to disagree with as it is a built in security measure; telling people to avoid using proven security methods is sketchy in itself. I had my Nexus 4 encrypted for the last 4 months and had never had any issues. What issues are you talking about?
Encryption slows the device down... We all know that. Also, if by chance someone forgets their pw (yes... Seen it happen plenty) you lose al your stuff to get back in.
Anyway, to each their own... But I'm not important enough to worry about what's on my phone getting into the wrong hands. ?
As a friendly reminder to those unfamiliar with unlocking/re-locking their bootloaders;
Unless your on 100% stock, and planning on reselling your phone, don't re-lock the bootloader.
For some reason re-locking the bootloader while you have a custom ROM installed will cause the phone not to boot (in a way, soft bricking it.)
And, leave "OEM unlocking" in the "Developer Options" CHECKED, once that is unchecked you cannot unlock the phone once a soft brick happens.
The official advice from Essential about re-locking your phone is ONLY for the official firmware. Pretend they never said that on their site, it has caused more trouble then necessary. It's even dangerous to re-lock while running the Oreo beta.
Concerning un-bricking the device, at the moment there is no known way.
And it will be this way until someone figures out a way to exploit the bootloader or reverse engineer it.
So please don't flood this thread with asking for help to un-brick your device, I nor anyone else can help you on that at this given time, all I'm doing is trying to is prevent that happening.
So, safe unlocking! And happy holidays!
EDITS:
1) According to some reports, when you lock your bootloader it will also automatically untoggle the "OEM Unlocking" option.
2) It appears when re-locking the phone on a non-stock ROM some partitions are becoming corrupt, and resulting in the "red boot warning" screen. Under most circumstances you can fix that screen, but not while the bootloader is locked (since you need the fastboot flash command.)
3) When the partitions become corrupt you cannot boot into any mode, including the stock recovery. This is why Essential's suggestions are pointless at this stage of the brick.
Should be pinned and in the OP of every mod thread
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA Labs
avd said:
Should be pinned and in the OP of every mod thread
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
totally agree, i made this "trick" with one of my first android phone and it never happen me again. But new user who would flash Los or other rom should be aware of this issue, specially when jtag is not an option. As far we'll make some powerfull 500$ brick :crying:. it's our duty to make people aware of this. @invisiblek you guy made an incredible work and so fast but like he said i think you should warn people of the risk in the OP
avd said:
Should be pinned and in the OP of every mod thread
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't even know how to go about to ask to pin this.
But besides this I'm also thinking about making a thread for new users regarding common issues when installing roms at our current stage.
I'm firejackal on discord, I'm just trying to reduce the amount of people asking the same questions on there and to prevent bricked units.
Ellises said:
I wouldn't even know how to go about to ask to pin this.
But besides this I'm also thinking about making a thread for new users regarding common issues when installing roms at our current stage.
I'm firejackal on discord, I'm just trying to reduce the amount of people asking the same questions on there and to prevent bricked units.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's very easy to ask for a thread to get stuck to the top.
Just use the report post button, and ask, whether or not becomes a sticky is up to the Mods.
How to Report a Post.
Sent from my XT1254 using XDA Labs
Wish I saw this earlier, my phone is already bricked few weeks ago after re-lock the boot loader. When I ask Essential support for help, they said this in the email:
"Hi Eric,
I can appreciate your concern if the device is not able to be used.
I am sorry though, we are not able to provide support for ADB or issues that you will run into with sideloading builds. We have no remote tools that will recover the device.
Although I haven't run into that same error, you might still be able to re-flash the Oreo/production build again using ADB.
I would recommend following the Oreo Beta sideload instructions available on Essential.com/developer that will walk you through the process of getting the device recognized and communicating with ADB. There are also instructions for re-flashing the current build available here. If you are still running into issues, I would recommend visiting online forums like XDA for assistance from other developers for that issue that you are noticing.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
Erich
Essential Customer Experience Team"
That sounds like a generic reply since it's not mentioning anything about the brick.
But I have a question regarding this; when you use the locked bootloader to boot into the stock recovery to try to sideload an official signed image, what does it do? Does it give an error, or is not able to connect to the computer?
ericzhf said:
Wish I saw this earlier, my phone is already bricked few weeks ago after re-lock the boot loader. When I ask Essential support for help, they said this in the email:
"Hi Eric,
I can appreciate your concern if the device is not able to be used.
I am sorry though, we are not able to provide support for ADB or issues that you will run into with sideloading builds. We have no remote tools that will recover the device.
Although I haven't run into that same error, you might still be able to re-flash the Oreo/production build again using ADB.
I would recommend following the Oreo Beta sideload instructions available on Essential.com/developer that will walk you through the process of getting the device recognized and communicating with ADB. There are also instructions for re-flashing the current build available here. If you are still running into issues, I would recommend visiting online forums like XDA for assistance from other developers for that issue that you are noticing.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
Erich
Essential Customer Experience Team"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ellises said:
That sounds like a generic reply since it's not mentioning anything about the brick.
But I have a question regarding this; when you use the locked bootloader to boot into the stock recovery to try to sideload an official signed image, what does it do? Does it give an error, or is not able to connect to the computer?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not able to boot in to stock recovery any more, it gives this error when I try recovery "Your device is corrupted. It can't be trusted and will not boot". I think that was because I rooted and installed TWRY before.
Now with locked bootloader, I can't get in to recovery and I can't flash TWRY either. I can't unlock bootloader too because I'm not able to boot so not able to enable USB-DEBUG and OEM-UNLOCK.
I tried pretty much everything and no luck at this point, I don't know what else I can do.
ericzhf said:
I'm not able to boot in to stock recovery any more, it gives this error when I try recovery "Your device is corrupted. It can't be trusted and will not boot". I think that was because I rooted and installed TWRY before.
Now with locked bootloader, I can't get in to recovery and I can't flash TWRY either. I can't unlock bootloader too because I'm not able to boot so not able to enable USB-DEBUG and OEM-UNLOCK.
I tried pretty much everything and no luck at this point, I don't know what else I can do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have bricked your phone.
Locking the bootloader with non-factory ROM causes secure boot to fail.
An unlocked bootloader doesn't care about secure boot.
If the ROM images is not signed there isn't a problem unless you have a locked bootloader.
The one thing I don't understand is why relook the BL anyway?
You have TWRP installed so you already can't take an OTA.
tech_head said:
You have bricked your phone.
Locking the bootloader with non-factory ROM causes secure boot to fail.
An unlocked bootloader doesn't care about secure boot.
If the ROM images is not signed there isn't a problem unless you have a locked bootloader.
The one thing I don't understand is why relook the BL anyway?
You have TWRP installed so you already can't take an OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought the phone for about 2 weeks, then there was a promotion that buy phone give camera 360 for free with Sprint, so I was thinking about return this and buy again to get the free stuff. To return it I have to get it back to stock, so I factory reset my phone and try to re-lock boot loader without thinking. Turns out I didn't get the free camera and bricked my phone too, perfect example of "NOTHING IS FREE":good:
ericzhf said:
I bought the phone for about 2 weeks, then there was a promotion that buy phone give camera 360 for free with Sprint, so I was thinking about return this and buy again to get the free stuff. To return it I have to get it back to stock, so I factory reset my phone and try to re-lock boot loader without thinking. Turns out I didn't get the free camera and bricked my phone too, perfect example of "NOTHING IS FREE":good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FDR is not "back to stock".
You must to a full flash to get back to stock.
I updated the top post with some additional information.
Also, if anyone is to contact Essential I wouldn't recommend mentioning that you tried to install custom ROMs, that's just walking into a mess like if you mentioned that to any other phone company.
I would instead say that you tried to install [their] oreo beta, went to re-lock the phone and your presented with a corruption message and unable to do anything including their instructions. Because installing their oreo beta does not void your warranty.
Ellises said:
I updated the top post with some additional information.
Also, if anyone is to contact Essential I wouldn't recommend mentioning that you tried to install custom ROMs, that's just walking into a mess like if you mentioned that to any other phone company.
I would instead say that you tried to install [their] oreo beta, went to re-lock the phone and your presented with a corruption message and unable to do anything including their instructions. Because installing their oreo beta does not void your warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, to install their Oreo beta builds you don't need to unlock the bootloader.
It's an adb side load through stock recovery
I could also mention on their stock build page it wants you to unlock the bootloader to manually update through the bootloader. But on the oreo beta page it mentions nothing about having to be unlocked, or locked to do it via the stock recovery. So the average user could presume they need to be unlocked.
NaterTots said:
Well, to install their Oreo beta builds you don't need to unlock the bootloader.
It's an adb side load through stock recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Am I'm safe to re-lock if I'm on stock rooted 7.1.1 NMK24B? I have a dead pixel and I need to send it back.
WiddleyScudds said:
Am I'm safe to re-lock if I'm on stock rooted 7.1.1 NMK24B? I have a dead pixel and I need to send it back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.
WiddleyScudds said:
Am I'm safe to re-lock if I'm on stock rooted 7.1.1 NMK24B? I have a dead pixel and I need to send it back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are rooted, you are not stock.
The boot image is modified.
Locking will brick the phone.
You must be completely stock!! No root. Nothing.
Obamaloominaty said:
No.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tech_head said:
If you are rooted, you are not stock.
The boot image is modified.
Locking will brick the phone.
You must be completely stock!! No root. Nothing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for clearing that up. If I have any more questions before returning to stock, I will ask here first.
WiddleyScudds said:
Thanks for clearing that up. If I have any more questions before returning to stock, I will ask here first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was not trying to be harsh but it can't be stressed enough that you must be completely stock to lock the boot loader and not have issues.
I wouldn't lock the BL on a side loaded beta.
Only lock if you have done a complete flash of stock, released firmware, immediately after the install.
I might be sounding like an alarmist but I don't want anyone to brick their phone.
tech_head said:
Was not trying to be harsh but it can't be stressed enough that you must be completely stock to lock the boot loader and not have issues.
I wouldn't lock the BL on a side loaded beta.
Only lock if you have done a complete flash of stock, released firmware, immediately after the install.
I might be sounding like an alarmist but I don't want anyone to brick their phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got an ota notification for OPM1. 180104.092. think I'll be safe I I take it, then factory reset and then lock? Because I can't seem to locate stock NMK24B to flash. Maybe I'm not looking hard enough .
Okay, so my phone is bricked and there's no recovering it. RMA is already ordered and on it's way. Essentially I'm in the same situation as this poor soul (and many others, from the results of searching for this error in the forums).
What I want to know is if I did this or if this was something I couldn't have foreseen. The phone had an unlocked boot loader with the latest OS (Pie) & security updates (November). No custom ROM or kernel - stock everything, though I did have Magisk installed. Today I decided to re-lock my bootloader. While the device was in fastboot mode I issued the command "fastboot flashing lock" and followed the phone's on-screen directions. When it finished and tried to reboot, it would only go the fastboot mode with the message "ERROR: Slot Unbootable: Load Error".
I recognize that locking the bootloader may have been the last straw for some present flaw - like a weak engine finally giving out after long service. Is that the case here or is there some step I missed that would have prevented this from happening? I ask because I don't want to repeat a mistake in the future.
u found any way to unbrick your phone?
yuva_cool said:
u found any way to unbrick your phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. The RMA was approved and I'm using a new (refurbished) device.
U had an unlocked bootloader and yet your RMA was approved? @computerslayer
yuva_cool said:
U had an unlocked bootloader and yet your RMA was approved? @computerslayer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The error showed up when I relocked the bootloader, so it was locked when I submitted the RMA. They approved it (and didn't demand a payment when they received the RMA'd phone), so I suppose they accepted that it was a warrantied issue.
computerslayer said:
The error showed up when I relocked the bootloader, so it was locked when I submitted the RMA. They approved it (and didn't demand a payment when they received the RMA'd phone), so I suppose they accepted that it was a warrantied issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you flash the stock boot image before you relocked? If not, Magisk was still installed and that's where you went wrong. You need to be completely stock when you relock the phone.
If you ever relock the phone you have now, to be on the safe side, I'd flash the factory image and leave the -w in the flashall batch file. Your phone will get wiped when you relock it anyway so you won't be out anything if you do so.
robocuff said:
Did you flash the stock boot image before you relocked? If not, Magisk was still installed and that's where you went wrong. You need to be completely stock when you relock the phone.
If you ever relock the phone you have now, to be on the safe side, I'd flash the factory image and leave the -w in the flashall batch file. Your phone will get wiped when you relock it anyway so you won't be out anything if you do so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am abashed to have to report that I did not flash the stock boot image. I wondered if Magisk was the cause, but assumed that the wipe caused by relocking would take care of that too.
computerslayer said:
I am abashed to have to report that I did not flash the stock boot image. I wondered if Magisk was the cause, but assumed that the wipe caused by relocking would take care of that too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that's the case, it's a certainty that that's the cause of your problem. You have to be completely stock when you relock it. Flashing the factory boot image should take care of that if all you have done is installed Magisk. That said, I'd still flash the factory image and let it do the wipe, just to be sure.
computerslayer said:
Okay, so my phone is bricked and there's no recovering it. RMA is already ordered and on it's way. Essentially I'm in the same situation as this poor soul (and many others, from the results of searching for this error in the forums).
What I want to know is if I did this or if this was something I couldn't have foreseen. The phone had an unlocked boot loader with the latest OS (Pie) & security updates (November). No custom ROM or kernel - stock everything, though I did have Magisk installed. Today I decided to re-lock my bootloader. While the device was in fastboot mode I issued the command "fastboot flashing lock" and followed the phone's on-screen directions. When it finished and tried to reboot, it would only go the fastboot mode with the message "ERROR: Slot Unbootable: Load Error".
I recognize that locking the bootloader may have been the last straw for some present flaw - like a weak engine finally giving out after long service. Is that the case here or is there some step I missed that would have prevented this from happening? I ask because I don't want to repeat a mistake in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have this issue and now my pixel 2 cant boot. It stuck. Cant enter fastboot. This is my last experience with pixel series devices. Its expensive phone, but its too sensitive to brick. I dont know why, an update or a flashing stock rom can make your phone totally unuseable. I just cant accept it
I had exactly the same issue. just keep holding the power button with or without the vol- for a good 30~ seconds or so (it will restart several times) but keep holding.
and make sure you are connected to the PC until you hear the ding that the phone got recognized, then the phone will accept fastboot commands.
This worked for me before I was going to throw the phone in the garbage!
Today I made a mistake and possibly broke my Pixel permanently.
The bootloader was unlocked, TWRP was installed and the system was rooted and modified.
I intended to reset the device completely to factory settings (with the factory image), but locked the bootloader without thinking BEFORE restoring the system. This caused the Pixel to go into a boot loop, neither system nor recovery were available, I could only get into the bootloader, so it was soft-bricked. That wouldn't be a problem, I should be able to unlock the bootloader and install the factory image. But this is not possible, because for some reason I can't unlock the bootloader anymore.
"fastboot oem unlock" or "fastboot flashing unlock" fails with "oem unlock is not allowed".
I don't know exactly why the bootloader is locked without system, but it definitely is. I can also not boot anything, not the system and not any recovery. If anything other than the bootloader is loaded, the Google logo flashes briefly, then the Pixel reboots. I can't use adb because there is no recovery or system available, and practically all fastboot commands are locked because the bootloader is locked.
I've been looking for solutions, but haven't found any. Is the Pixel definitely broken, or is there maybe some way to make it usable again? I don't care if I would lose data, but it would be a real bummer if the Pixel would be broken now.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions (even if it's just to throw the phone away and move on).
You could try the Deuces script. It was designed for the Pixel 2. If you're hesitant to run the script, you can look at it in a text editor, and run the commands yourself while following along.
Although it shouldn't be needed, you could try fasboot flashing unlock_critical.
Another thing which may help is to use fastboot to simply boot: fastboot boot boot.img. If you are able to boot, you may be able to go back into the developer options to toggle allowing unlock.
post-mortem said:
You could try the Deuces script. It was designed for the Pixel 2. If you're hesitant to run the script, you can look at it in a text editor, and run the commands yourself while following along.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That unfortunatly doesn't work. It's only for unlocked or at least unlockable deviced. I still tried it, but most fastboot commands require the bootloader to be unlocked. flashing unlock, flashing unlock_critical oem unlock, flash, format, boot, --set-active all don't work with a non-unlockable bootloader.
Although it shouldn't be needed, you could try fasboot flashing unlock_critical.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also fails with 'oem unlock is not allowed'.
Another thing which may help is to use fastboot to simply boot: fastboot boot boot.img. If you are able to boot, you may be able to go back into the developer options to toggle allowing unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fails with 'Command is not supported. Please unlock device to enable this command.'
This may be worth a punt
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel/help/help-asap-pixel-bricked-t3518905
junglism93 said:
This may be worth a punt
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel/help/help-asap-pixel-bricked-t3518905
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No luck there. In my case I can't even boot to the system anymore (with fastboot continue), since anything else than bootloader just briefly flashes the boot animation, then my phone shuts off.
Marvin0509 said:
No luck there. In my case I can't even boot to the system anymore (with fastboot continue), since anything else than bootloader just briefly flashes the boot animation, then my phone shuts off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn, well it was worth a shot. Hopefully someone with a bit more knowledge might pipe up with a solution at some point.
Sent from my Pixel using XDA Labs
junglism93 said:
Damn, well it was worth a shot. Hopefully someone with a bit more knowledge might pipe up with a solution at some point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found nothing that could help me, so I contacted Google, and they offered me a free RMA, which I gladly accepted.
Marvin0509 said:
I found nothing that could help me, so I contacted Google, and they offered me a free RMA, which I gladly accepted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely seems a non recoverable scenario and happy days on getting it RMA'd for free :good:
Sent from my Pixel using XDA Labs
Marvin0509 said:
I found nothing that could help me, so I contacted Google, and they offered me a free RMA, which I gladly accepted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's over a year old right?? And they RMAed it for free?
aholeinthewor1d said:
It's over a year old right?? And they RMAed it for free?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Over two years old, actually. I was really surprised as well, especially since it's my own fault that it doesn't work anymore. I don't know exactly why, but I certainly won't say no to this offer.
Marvin0509 said:
Over two years old, actually. I was really surprised as well, especially since it's my own fault that it doesn't work anymore. I don't know exactly why, but I certainly won't say no to this offer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. Did you tell them you were messing with the bootloader, or did you play stupid?
post-mortem said:
Interesting. Did you tell them you were messing with the bootloader, or did you play stupid?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I told them the whole truth, that I rooted it, modified the system, and that it doesn't work at all anymore.
Marvin,
What google support did you contact? Can you share the link or contact details perhaps? I have exactly the same problem and I have not been able unlock the bootloader and fear I have a hard bricked device, with Google being the only solution...
Thanks
HeinrichSpy said:
Marvin,
What google support did you contact? Can you share the link or contact details perhaps? I have exactly the same problem and I have not been able unlock the bootloader and fear I have a hard bricked device, with Google being the only solution...
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a subscription for Google One, so I contacted support from one.google.com. They quickly talked to me, then added a Pixel support employee to the conversation. I think I could have also contacted Pixel support directly on this page: support.google.com/pixelphone/contactflow. However I'm not sure if this will work in your country, I'm from Germany and the page wants me to select my Pixel, then I could contact a support employee via chat or wait for a callback, but if I change the language to English, the page seems broken and is just blank.
Marvin0509 said:
Today I made a mistake and possibly broke my Pixel permanently.
The bootloader was unlocked, TWRP was installed and the system was rooted and modified.
I intended to reset the device completely to factory settings (with the factory image), but locked the bootloader without thinking BEFORE restoring the system. This caused the Pixel to go into a boot loop, neither system nor recovery were available, I could only get into the bootloader, so it was soft-bricked. That wouldn't be a problem, I should be able to unlock the bootloader and install the factory image. But this is not possible, because for some reason I can't unlock the bootloader anymore.
"fastboot oem unlock" or "fastboot flashing unlock" fails with "oem unlock is not allowed".
I don't know exactly why the bootloader is locked without system, but it definitely is. I can also not boot anything, not the system and not any recovery. If anything other than the bootloader is loaded, the Google logo flashes briefly, then the Pixel reboots. I can't use adb because there is no recovery or system available, and practically all fastboot commands are locked because the bootloader is locked.
I've been looking for solutions, but haven't found any. Is the Pixel definitely broken, or is there maybe some way to make it usable again? I don't care if I would lose data, but it would be a real bummer if the Pixel would be broken now.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions (even if it's just to throw the phone away and move on).
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i tried flashing a stock ota image...it was successful, but on reboot, nothing has changed. still the same. u know of a solution? i cant find it anywhere. thanks
Hey everyone,
I have the following issue with my recently purchased Google Pixel smartphone. The other day I was trying to update to the Android Q Beta, but in the middle of the process the phone turned off.
All I have now is a phone with a locked bootloader. I cannot neither unlock the bootloader nor sideload any OTA (when I try doing so I get a "no devices/emulators found" message). I tried unlock the bootloader with the Unified Anroid Toolkit, but no go because of the same message.
Any thoughts how to revive it?
To get more, better answers. Full battery?, what was working system, unlocked?, update Q well exactly how, ota? Verify cables, different pc, verify drivers? When described as brick= what, how, display?. No matter what you will need bootloader to get working. Then factory images flash.
kkjb said:
To get more, better answers. Full battery?, what was working system, unlocked?, update Q well exactly how, ota? Verify cables, different pc, verify drivers? When described as brick= what, how, display?. No matter what you will need bootloader to get working. Then factory images flash.
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It bricked while installing the beta and simultaneously charging approximately at 60% battery. Prior to trying to install the latest beta 3 I had the beta 2. Updated the system officially via Settings. Unsure if it was unlocked and I'd just bought the Pixel and randomly decided to update it.
The usb-c cable is fine and is working with other devices. It's also the same with other PCs.
All I have is a bootloader with some options - Start/ Restart Bootloader/Recovery mode (it won't load)/Barcodes.
So when using adb "fastboot devices" command do you get your device number returned? If so, was the data important to keep not wiped? Because a factory images flash is next. Or can look search on manually flashing bootloader or recovery or twrp recovery too. Data most likely gone with Q beta 2 but you may get it back. I would factory flash since you have fastboot available... Best so all of memory is correctly wiped, flashed.
kkjb said:
So when using adb "fastboot devices" command do you get your device number returned? If so, was the data important to keep not wiped? Because a factory images flash is next. Or can look search on manually flashing bootloader or recovery or twrp recovery too. Data most likely gone with Q beta 2 but you may get it back. I would factory flash since you have fastboot available... Best so all of memory is correctly wiped, flashed.
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Yes, I get a device number with this command. I usually back up all the necessary data, so I don't really need what's on the phone and I can wipe it.
How can I do a factory image flash?
Best case then is to flash factory image, download either Q beta 3 or May stock image. Completely wipes and starts from scratch. Look at the many instructions, if need more guidance under flashing factory images. Q beta 3 is good, but if you flash Q through this process can't OTA to next version. So if that's a issue do May image then go back to ota through as before.
kkjb said:
Best case then is to flash factory image, download either Q beta 3 or May stock image. Completely wipes and starts from scratch. Look at the many instructions, if need more guidance under flashing factory images. Q beta 3 is good, but if you flash Q through this process can't OTA to next version. So if that's a issue do May image then go back to ota through as before.
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But as far as I understand, I can't flash a factory image with a locked bootloader, can I? Also I don't have OEM unlocked
Correct. When you got the device number back from fastboot I guessed it was authorized. Which means OEM unlock. So I am at a loss at how much more to "help". Is your pixel unlockable in the first place? Verizon or carrier locked?
kkjb said:
Correct. When you got the device number back from fastboot I guessed it was authorized. Which means OEM unlock. So I am at a loss at how much more to "help". Is your pixel unlockable in the first place? Verizon or carrier locked?
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Well, I have no idea if it's unlockable. I'm from Russia, so it's not Verizon or any other.
Pixels have unlockable or not bootloaders. Carrier sim lock (Verizon us carrier) have a exploit to unlock. In your case, if I have it right- accepted ota
Update to Q beta. As first post. So when failed, and would not boot to G screen. Power off then on if you hold down power + volume get bootloader. Now options are limited to restart bootloader, off, start, recovery. Tried and nothing, then went to recovery....got android icon laying down with red warning. So when you have that screen a different set of button pushes will give more options. So search how to factory erase through recovery. Hopefully will wipe bad q and return to before system...the one that was running correctly before last accept ota q.
kkjb said:
Pixels have unlockable or not bootloaders. Carrier sim lock (Verizon us carrier) have a exploit to unlock. In your case, if I have it right- accepted ota
Update to Q beta. As first post. So when failed, and would not boot to G screen. Power off then on if you hold down power + volume get bootloader. Now options are limited to restart bootloader, off, start, recovery. Tried and nothing, then went to recovery....got android icon laying down with red warning. So when you have that screen a different set of button pushes will give more options. So search how to factory erase through recovery. Hopefully will wipe bad q and return to before system...the one that was running correctly before last accept ota q.
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Recovery mode is not working for me either. Any chance to factory erase it any other way?
https://www.androidexplained.com/pixel-factory-reset/ explains hard factory reset with bootloader. If still can't reset through that method, then I believe no options. I would search pixel threads with "hard brick" or "soft brick" and see if any other way.
im in the same boat. bootloader locked, can not access recovery. OEM-Unlock from system unchecked. fastboot commands needs unlocked bootloader. no idea what to do.
kkjb said:
https://www.androidexplained.com/pixel-factory-reset/ explains hard factory reset with bootloader. If still can't reset through that method, then I believe no options. I would search pixel threads with "hard brick" or "soft brick" and see if any other way.
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Unfortunately, it explains the reset only in case a pixel can be turned on or factory mode is available.
wahur1 said:
im in the same boat. bootloader locked, can not access recovery. OEM-Unlock from system unchecked. fastboot commands needs unlocked bootloader. no idea what to do.
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Just checked your thread and all I have to say I'm in a completely similar situation.
Might be a longshot but I remember a few people saying about using the fastboot continue command to get a soft bricked pixel booted. Not sure on their mileage using it but worth a punt.
junglism93 said:
Might be a longshot but I remember a few people saying about using the fastboot continue command to get a soft bricked pixel booted. Not sure on their mileage using it but worth a punt.
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Yeah, I tried this one, but still no go. Thanks.
mighty_ok said:
Just checked your thread and all I have to say I'm in a completely similar situation.
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I guess its a paperweight now.