Hi,
I have once rooted my google pixel, but I changed my mind, and decided to unroot it and lock the bootloader.
I chose "lock" in the twrp menu, and I entered an endless loop.
Now the bootloader is locked and won't boot. The phone just splashes the initial screen and off, a few seconds after that, splashes the screen, and off,.....repeatedly. It looks like as soon as the initial "GOOGLE" screen appears, the phone resets itself.
I turned on with the volume down button on, and connect to the desktop computer (I use linux with adb and fastboot installed which work perfectly) and enter "fastboot flashing unlock", but it returns
Code:
$ fastboot flashing unlock
FAILED (remote: 'oem unlock is not allowed')
Finished. Total time: 0.009s
I also tried to enter recovery mode, but it began to splash initial screen on and off again.
How can I recover from this situation?
Thanks in advance!
edit:
"fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.3.0-0-sailfish.img" now returns like this.
Code:
$ fastboot flash recover twrp-3*img
Sending 'recover' (31000 KB) OKAY [ 0.892s]
Writing 'recover' (bootloader) Command is not supported.
(bootloader) Please unlock device to enable this command.
FAILED (remote: '')
Finished. Total time: 1.074s
edit2:
Looks like I unchecked "OEM UNLOCK" in Development Option and locked......can I recover from this?
Have a search using "bricked pixel locked bootloader" and trawl through the threads it throws up for workarounds etc. Some people have had some success depending on what the device was running but it's usually a non recoverable scenario.
Thanks. I'll give it a try. I'm almost abandoning.....
junglism93 said:
Have a search using "bricked pixel locked bootloader" and trawl through the threads it throws up for workarounds etc. Some people have had some success depending on what the device was running but it's usually a non recoverable scenario.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried it now. Most of the procedures were fine, but the important parts (write .img) failed. I attach the logfile. I abandoned....
maverick6664 said:
Looks like I unchecked "OEM UNLOCK" in Development Option and locked......can I recover from this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am on Android Q beta 5 now and i do not have that option in the development options at all.
I also have Nexus 3, 4 & 5 and i played so much with them i can't even remember. Never had any problems. I have repartitioned them, changed mac addresses and many things but they never bricked. Do i have to worry about google pixel when i'll unlock bootloader? I got it about 3-4 days ago. I thought they are as cool to play with as Nexus 4 & 5 were. Is it not right?
matusala said:
I am on Android Q beta 5 now and i do not have that option in the development options at all.
I also have Nexus 3, 4 & 5 and i played so much with them i can't even remember. Never had any problems. I have repartitioned them, changed mac addresses and many things but they never bricked. Do i have to worry about google pixel when i'll unlock bootloader? I got it about 3-4 days ago. I thought they are as cool to play with as Nexus 4 & 5 were. Is it not right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've learned. "Don't root. Don't unlock bootloader."
@matusala you can unlock the bootloader and flash stuff as you did on the nexus line of devices. I'm on Q beta 5 with bl unlocked, I've had lineage running on it for a while and also had magisk etc installed. The key with these pixel A/B slot devices is that your system must be 100% stock before relocking the bootloader. If it is not It will end up bricked as you will no longer have a working boot image or recovery as they are in the same partition. The rule is to never relock the bootloader unless you are 100% sure that your system is 100% back to full stock.
I certainly won't be re locking my bootloader, ever!
@junglism93 How did you unlock on Q beta 5? There is no "OEM UNLOCK" option in Development Options in here. Do i have to just run fastboot flashing unlock and that's it?
I know this pixel A/B slot thing. My router has exactly same layout and when i flash system on it i get to choose where to flash. I can have different version in A/B slot of my router. Is on google pixel the same? Do you have to choose which slot to flash? Can you have custom rom on A slot and full stock rom on B slot?
matusala said:
@junglism93 How did you unlock on Q beta 5? There is no "OEM UNLOCK" option in Development Options in here. Do i have to just run fastboot flashing unlock and that's it?
I know this pixel A/B slot thing. My router has exactly same layout and when i flash system on it i get to choose where to flash. I can have different version in A/B slot of my router. Is on google pixel the same? Do you have to choose which slot to flash? Can you have custom rom on A slot and full stock rom on B slot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I unlocked my bootloader back on stock pie, i have it on mine but it's greyed out as already unlocked so no idea on that one! My knowledge on A/B slot ain't great, it's just what I've read on here re the pixel bricking scenario so I didn't do the same when I unlocked my bootloader etc. I doubt running a separate ROM on each slot works as when you perform an update it will write to slot a or b (the slot you aren't using) and then hop onto the updated slot upon reboot, alsoif the update borks you can roll back to the previous slot and still have a working system.
That's about as far as my knowledge of it goes mate
Leaving the bootloader unlocked doesn't void the warranty or things like that, also it's a life saviour if *anything* goes wrong, even with official updates. Why not leaving that on?
The lesson here is not "don't root" or "don't unlock the bootloader", cause with an unlocked bootloader you can recover from pretty any kind of software malfunction.
Unfortunately, with a locked bootloader I've never seen anyone succesfully recover the device, cause you cannot send commands.
maverick6664 said:
I've learned. "Don't root. Don't unlock bootloader."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm......correction.
I would say:
"Root with caution. Otherwise don't root."
Rooting doesn't necessarily cause a trouble. Usually it helps. But my Google Pixel used to show alert screen message upon every boot. It's a bit messy.
@TENN3R I have Android Q beta 5 on my pixel and i can't unlock bootloader. OEM unlock is not in my developer options menu. How can i unlock it's bootloader?
I tried unlocking and now i see that option in developer options, but it's greyed out and i can't press it. What can i do.
It seems these pixel phones are garbage compared to nexus line. Those were so much better!
matusala said:
@TENN3R I have Android Q beta 5 on my pixel and i can't unlock bootloader. OEM unlock is not in my developer options menu. How can i unlock it's bootloader?
I tried unlocking and now i see that option in developer options, but it's greyed out and i can't press it. What can i do.!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I read somewhere in the android beta subreddit that is a Q beta related problem, and in Pie should work.
How did you unlock it since it wasn't there? Is the toggle grayed out in "off" position or "on"? Cause if it's enabled than you're ok
TENN3R said:
I think I read somewhere in the android beta subreddit that is a Q beta related problem, and in Pie should work.
How did you unlock it since it wasn't there? Is the toggle grayed out in "off" position or "on"? Cause if it's enabled than you're ok
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I followed this guide and it worked. It unlocked my bootloader. https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/how-to/how-to-unlock-bootloader-verizon-pixel-t3796030
Now option is greyed out again in "off" position but it says "Bootloader already unlocked"
Maybe i got verizon model but in cell-unlocked state, because seller had written that it's unlocked. He meant provider lock of course.
@matusala Happy days mate, have fun and remember the first rule of pixel club 'Never re lock the bootloader'
junglism93 said:
@matusala Happy days mate, have fun and remember the first rule of pixel club 'Never re lock the bootloader'
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck @matusala from me also, and don't give in the first "Don't keep bootloader unlocked' alert screen!! Otherwise you might fall into a bad luck "bricked pixel" like me!
@junglism93 @maverick6664
Thanks guys. Of course i won't re lock it. I had many nexus phones and i always had them in unlocked state. I was disappointed in google when i heard this issue about pixel phones. Nexus phones (Except nexus 5x and 6p) were immortal. This pixels are so easy to brick and kill. I immedeatly started searching for ways to unlock it's bootloader. What if something goes wrong during update process? Anything can happen and if system gets damaged, you are screwed. It's always better to have bootloader in unlocked state.
P.S.
To check if pixel is verizon version
Download terminal emulator and run
getprop ro.boot.cid
if result is "VZW__001" then it's verizon. My pixel is verizon.
matusala said:
@junglism93 @maverick6664
Thanks guys. Of course i won't re lock it. I had many nexus phones and i always had them in unlocked state. I was disappointed in google when i heard this issue about pixel phones. Nexus phones (Except nexus 5x and 6p) were immortal. This pixels are so easy to brick and kill. I immedeatly started searching for ways to unlock it's bootloader. What if something goes wrong during update process? Anything can happen and if system gets damaged, you are screwed. It's always better to have bootloader in unlocked state.
P.S.
To check if pixel is verizon version
Download terminal emulator and run
getprop ro.boot.cid
if result is "VZW__001" then it's verizon. My pixel is verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice to hear that. It was a good lesson to me. I have two xperia's (after google pixel dies, I bought one.) Somehow xperia's are not re-lockable. It is also mentioned in Sony Xperia forum. I guess it must be a warning from Sony. :laugh:
matusala said:
@junglism93 @maverick6664
Thanks guys. Of course i won't re lock it. I had many nexus phones and i always had them in unlocked state. I was disappointed in google when i heard this issue about pixel phones. Nexus phones (Except nexus 5x and 6p) were immortal. This pixels are so easy to brick and kill. I immedeatly started searching for ways to unlock it's bootloader. What if something goes wrong during update process? Anything can happen and if system gets damaged, you are screwed. It's always better to have bootloader in unlocked state.
P.S.
To check if pixel is verizon version
Download terminal emulator and run
getprop ro.boot.cid
if result is "VZW__001" then it's verizon. My pixel is verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But reading this page, relocking by "adb oem lock" looks safe. At least this is a google's page. Google is responsible for it. And you can avoid the annoying boot message.:laugh:
BTW, "adb oem lock" doesn't work with xperia. Sony seems to like leaving their products unlocked.
maverick6664 said:
But reading this page, relocking by "adb oem lock" looks safe. At least this is a google's page. Google is responsible for it. And you can avoid the annoying boot message.:laugh:
I'm sure that is safe if you're updating from full stock to full stock, with mods on board a relock is almost suicidal and the threads about bricked pixels back that up.
If you don't like the warning screen, do what I do, don't watch your phone reboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Related
I'm trying to unlock my bootloader to root the phone. I can enable OEM Unlocking in the dev options. Then, once I connect the phone in fastboot mode and enter the unlocking command, I get the not allowed message. When I reboot the phone, the OEM Unlocking option is now disabled and greyed out.
I've factory reset at least three times, as well as updating to 8.1.
Edit: I tried every which way to unlock it. I tried a factory reset with a SIM. I tried doing the reset in recovery mode. I tried running the cmd prompt as administrator. I tried restarting after the factory reset. About the only thing I didn't try is a different cable since I have no adapters yet, but that shouldn't matter since it's correctly receiving the commands.
I contacted Google and am RMA'ing this phone and have ordered a new one. Hopefully the new one works.
2nd edit: The new phone works. Bootloader unlocked on the first try and am now rooted. One thing I noticed with the first phone is that the bootloader unlock permission toggle was set to on whenever I wiped or rebooted.
If you are having this problem, the only solution is to RMA for a new phone.
Do you use "fastboot flashing unlock_bootloader"? Do you have actual platform-tools?
# fastboot --version
fastboot version 27.0.0-4455170
depii said:
Do you use "fastboot flashing unlock_bootloader"? Do you have actual platform-tools?
# fastboot --version
fastboot version 27.0.0-4455170
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once it boots into fastboot, I enter "fastboot flashing unlock"
I have that same version of fastboot.
Is "Device State" locked or unlocked on bootloader screen? In Developer Options > OEM Unlocking for me is a second line with text: "bootloader already unlocked". What is yours?
Edit: Did you enable OEM Unlocking before fastboot flashing unlock?
depii said:
Is "Device State" locked or unlocked on bootloader screen? In Developer Options > OEM Unlocking for me is a second line with text: "bootloader already unlocked". What is yours?
Edit: Did you enable OEM Unlocking before fastboot flashing unlock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Device state is locked
There's nothing under OEM unlocking saying that the bootloader is already unlocked.
Yes, I have enabled unlocking before booting into fastboot. I've done it five times now.
What's odd is if I use the unlock_critical command, I get "FAILED (remote: Device already : unlocked!)"
geicogecko said:
I'm trying to unlock my bootloader to root the phone. I can enable OEM Unlocking in the dev options. Then, once I connect the phone in fastboot mode and enter the unlocking command, I get the not allowed message. When I reboot the phone, the OEM Unlocking option is now disabled and greyed out.
I've factory reset at least three times, as well as updating to 8.1.
Edit: I tried every which way to unlock it. I tried a factory reset with a SIM. I tried doing the reset in recovery mode. I tried running the cmd prompt as administrator. I tried restarting after the factory reset. About the only thing I didn't try is a different cable since I have no adapters yet, but that shouldn't matter since it's correctly receiving the commands.
I contacted Google and am RMA'ing this phone and have ordered a new one. Hopefully the new one works.
2nd edit: The new phone works. Bootloader unlocked on the first try and am now rooted. One thing I noticed with the first phone is that the bootloader unlock permission toggle was set to on whenever I wiped or rebooted.
If you are having this problem, the only solution is to RMA for a new phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Facing the same issue in INDIA. Are you sure RMA is the only option ? I was hoping for Jan 2018 Security patch ! Worth to wait or RMA ?
rohanhole said:
Facing the same issue in INDIA. Are you sure RMA is the only option ? I was hoping for Jan 2018 Security patch ! Worth to wait or RMA ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing I did fixed the problem. You can keep fighting with it and hope it eventually works, and possibly end up with a permanently locked bootloader.
geicogecko said:
Nothing I did fixed the problem. You can keep fighting with it and hope it eventually works, and possibly end up with a permanently locked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you tell me 2nd RMA'd device which one you able to unlock was on 8.0 or did you update OTA and then unlocked ?
rohanhole said:
Could you tell me 2nd RMA'd device which one you able to unlock was on 8.0 or did you update OTA and then unlocked ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello All ,
I have succefully unlocked the bootloader with following command !!!!!! Pixel 2 128 GB
C:\platform-tools>fastboot flashing lock_critical
...
OKAY [ 9.054s]
finished. total time: 9.056s
I dont know but after reading latest post on XDA and other Android related tech sites ,
I performed the above command and it worked for me ! I was about to RMA but this is what i wanted ! so no need to RMA now.
Again not to confuse with VERIZON variant , as my device was Google store unlocked In INDIA ! Strange but worked.
rohanhole said:
Could you tell me 2nd RMA'd device which one you able to unlock was on 8.0 or did you update OTA and then unlocked ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I first updated to 8.1 OTA, then unlocked.
rohanhole said:
Hello All ,
I have succefully unlocked the bootloader with following command !!!!!! Pixel 2 128 GB
C:\platform-tools>fastboot flashing lock_critical
...
OKAY [ 9.054s]
finished. total time: 9.056s
I dont know but after reading latest post on XDA and other Android related tech sites ,
I performed the above command and it worked for me ! I was about to RMA but this is what i wanted ! so no need to RMA now.
Again not to confuse with VERIZON variant , as my device was Google store unlocked In INDIA ! Strange but worked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That command locks the bootloader, not unlocks. The unlock command is "fastboot flashing unlock". Critical is only needed for the Pixel 2 XL.
geicogecko said:
I first updated to 8.1 OTA, then unlocked.
That command locks the bootloader, not unlocks. The unlock command is "fastboot flashing unlock". Critical is only needed for the Pixel 2 XL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read the other threads or check the xda news portal. This command actually unlocks the pixel 2 not XL variant.
geicogecko said:
I first updated to 8.1 OTA, then unlocked.
That command locks the bootloader, not unlocks. The unlock command is "fastboot flashing unlock". Critical is only needed for the Pixel 2 XL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really don't have any clue why it worked ! After reading latest post I executed the above command in leap of faith and it really worked ! Finally unlocked bootloader on pixel 2 128 Gb. But its strange as I don't have Verizon model , as I purchased the device from official google store in India ( flipkart.com )
Here is the XDA post : https://www.xda-developers.com/verizon-google-pixel-2-bootloader-unlock/
geicogecko said:
I'm trying to unlock my bootloader to root the phone. I can enable OEM Unlocking in the dev options. Then, once I connect the phone in fastboot mode and enter the unlocking command, I get the not allowed message. When I reboot the phone, the OEM Unlocking option is now disabled and greyed out.
I've factory reset at least three times, as well as updating to 8.1.
Edit: I tried every which way to unlock it. I tried a factory reset with a SIM. I tried doing the reset in recovery mode. I tried running the cmd prompt as administrator. I tried restarting after the factory reset. About the only thing I didn't try is a different cable since I have no adapters yet, but that shouldn't matter since it's correctly receiving the commands.
I contacted Google and am RMA'ing this phone and have ordered a new one. Hopefully the new one works.
2nd edit: The new phone works. Bootloader unlocked on the first try and am now rooted. One thing I noticed with the first phone is that the bootloader unlock permission toggle was set to on whenever I wiped or rebooted.
If you are having this problem, the only solution is to RMA for a new phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SkipSoft Download Page | SkipSoft.net
skipsoft.net
Hello,
I messed with my Pixel phone and now I feel it bricked. It was working fine until I update it to 8.0 Oreo. Then I rooted it using magisk.
Later, I decided to re-lock my bootloader, which was really a big mistake. I did re-lock it using the following command:
fastboot oem lock
It showed me if I lock my bootloader, it would wipe everything. I hit yes.
After that, this issue started, my phone won't start, as soon as the google logo shows up, it restarts and does the same thing everytime.
I tried to install the factory image, "sailfish" for Pixel 8.1.0, using the following command:
flash-all
it gave me an error message. It said I need to unlock the bootloader.
Of course, I tried to unlock the bootloader using the following command:
fastboot flashing unlock
It also gave me an error message, it said:
FAILED (remote: oem unlock is not allowed)
I don't know what else should I do. I tried to find a solution for my problem, but there is no clear answer.
One of the common solution is to enable the USB debugging/OEM unlocking from the developer settings. But, again, I can't even turn on my phone and use it normally.
The only thing that I can access to is the bootloader screen.
There are several threads which state "hey don't try relocking your bootloader for any reason" for a reason. You CANNOT relock these phones with ANY custom firmware or modifications. Your phone is bricked. You can try talking to Google and they /may/ rma your phone but there is 0 guarantee especially given that you did something that is a known feature and is intended to brick the phone. Can't hurt to try though
KittyRgnarok said:
There are several threads which state "hey don't try relocking your bootloader for any reason" for a reason. You CANNOT relock these phones with ANY custom firmware or modifications. Your phone is bricked. You can try talking to Google and they /may/ rma your phone but there is 0 guarantee especially given that you did something that is a known feature and is intended to brick the phone. Can't hurt to try though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are totally right. I'll contact them to RMA my phone.
hamooz92 said:
You are totally right. I contact them to RMA my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck. Update the thread with the results cuz I'm curious if they will rma a phone bricked like that
The issue that I'm having is that I am unable to unlock the bootloader even though I should be able to. Here are the steps i'm taking and where the issue happens.
Factory/Wipe reset
Tap about Pixel 2 7 times to get developer options
Go to developer options and enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking.
(I Can see that OEM unlocking is enabled).
Then I do "adb reboot bootloader"
and once in the bootloader, I do "fastboot flashing unlock"
Then it tellsme that Flashing Unlock is not allowed and when I go back to the developer options, the OEM Unlocking is greyed out and in the off position and I cannot re enable it no matter what. I have not being able to find anyone with this problem or a solution, any help would be appreciated.
I have tried the above steps many times with no luck, and every time the results are the same. It gives me the OEM Unlock option right after the factory reset, but one I do the "fastboot flashing unlock" it doesn't unlock the bootloader and then it locks the option in developer options.
I updated both ADB and fastboot to the latest version.
Edit #2: running the "fastboot flashing get-unlock-ability" command, returns a (1), which means that it should be able to be unlocked.
Edit #3: Tried to sideload OTA update using ADB and it does not solve the issue.
After factory image, did you reinstall the update? Maybe make sure the update has been completed in total (takes 2 reboots sometimes).
Try: fastboot oem unlock
Definitely a weird issue. Are you on Verizon’s network?
Edit: were you connected to the internet when you did the oem unlock in the developers options?
Edit 2: you have usb debugging enabled yeah?
Jomama22 said:
After factory image, did you reinstall the update? Maybe make sure the update has been completed in total (takes 2 reboots sometimes).
Try: fastboot oem unlock
Definitely a weird issue. Are you on Verizon’s network?
Edit: were you connected to the internet when you did the oem unlock in the developers options?
Edit 2: you have usb debugging enabled yeah?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After factory image, did you reinstall the update? Maybe make sure the update has been completed in total (takes 2 reboots sometimes).
I did not, I assumed that since it is the latest factory image, I did not needed to update, will try this ASAP.
USB Debugging is enabled.
I was connected to the internet when I did the OEM Unlock under developer options, I tried both connected and not connected to the internet. I tried to change the boot partition using fastboot and it does not allow to do so when in "locked" mode.
oem unlock returns that it is unable to be unlocked. (Sorry, not home now, but will post the actual error when I get back)
I am experiencing this issue also. I'm on my 2nd RMA device. The specific error I get after typing
Code:
fastboot flashing unlock
is
Code:
FAILED (remote: Flashing Unlock is not allowed)
Any help is appreciated.
keanon said:
I am experiencing this issue also. I'm on my 2nd RMA device. The specific error I get after typing
Code:
fastboot flashing unlock
is
Code:
FAILED (remote: Flashing Unlock is not allowed)
Any help is appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is in fact the error I'm getting. I had the OG Pixel and the Pixel 2 rooted since the day they came out and never had a problem, and now with this RMA replacement, I'm having problems, but IDK what could be the cause because with a fresh factory reset, I can at least see the "OEM Unlock" under developer options, so I'm so confused.
plgonzalezrx8 said:
That is in fact the error I'm getting. I had the OG Pixel and the Pixel 2 rooted since the day they came out and never had a problem, and now with this RMA replacement, I'm having problems, but IDK what could be the cause because with a fresh factory reset, I can at least see the "OEM Unlock" under developer options, so I'm so confused.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My OEM Unlock option will "take" when I click it, but it's disabled again when I reboot.
If they're RMA replacements, there's a possibility you got a Verizon Pixel 2 instead of a Google. This happened to me as well, I just traded for my wife's Pixel 2, because she has no interest in BL Unlocking and all that goes with it. There have been others who kept returning phones until they got one that allowed BL Unlocking. If you purchased from Google originally, just tell them the problem and they should send you another RMA replacement, from what I've seen elsewhere.
Edit for clarification: Supposedly, they've been getting Verizon and Google Pixel 2s mixed up when they get refurbished.
lightningdude said:
If they're RMA replacements, there's a possibility you got a Verizon Pixel 2 instead of a Google. This happened to me as well, I just traded for my wife's Pixel 2, because she has no interest in BL Unlocking and all that goes with it. There have been others who kept returning phones until they got one that allowed BL Unlocking. If you purchased from Google originally, just tell them the problem and they should send you another RMA replacement, from what I've seen elsewhere.
Edit for clarification: Supposedly, they've been getting Verizon and Google Pixel 2s mixed up when they get refurbished.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ordered a new open OEM Pixel 2 XL 64gb in Just Black arriving from eBay in 48hrs. I am now concerned.
MrKillroy said:
I ordered a new open OEM Pixel 2 XL 64gb in Just Black arriving from eBay in 48hrs. I am now concerned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am too. I'm still paying mine off and I've been without a well-functioning phone since June 15.
So op, is this the first time you have tried unlocking this rma? If so, sounds like you know the problem and probably have to rma again
Jomama22 said:
So op, is this the first time you have tried unlocking this rma? If so, sounds like you know the problem and probably have to rma again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. This is the first time I tried to unlock this RMA, just got it a couple days ago. I have rooted all my android phones for the past 4-5 years and never had a problem similar to this show up before. The thing is that I really want to know what is happening at at deeper level, why is this happening, it doesn't make any sense at all because why would that option change if the fasboot flashing command is returning an error, also when I use "fastboot flashing get_unlock_ability" it returns a (1) and not a (0), which means that it can be unlocked.
We'll see, I started the RMA process lets see what they say.
plgonzalezrx8 said:
Yes. This is the first time I tried to unlock this RMA, just got it a couple days ago. I have rooted all my android phones for the past 4-5 years and never had a problem similar to this show up before. The thing is that I really want to know what is happening at at deeper level, why is this happening, it doesn't make any sense at all because why would that option change if the fasboot flashing command is returning an error, also when I use "fastboot flashing get_unlock_ability" it returns a (1) and not a (0), which means that it can be unlocked.
We'll see, I started the RMA process lets see what they say.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't remember where exactly I saw it, but in one of the commands, it tells you whether it's allowed to be unlocked. That's a firm 0 in that spot. Like I said, you likely ended up with a refurbished Verizon version. The only difference, to my knowledge, is that Verizon doesn't want you to unlock your bootloader.
There's already a whole thread about this. Please post there
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-2/help/oem-unlocking-grayed-vzw-pixel-2-t3776763/page5
Bottom line. Google pixel 2s refurbished RMAs are botched for OEM unlocking. There's a problem with their refurbishment procedures that makes it behave exactly like show here
Only solution is trying to convince them to send you a new RMA, but good luck with that.
plgonzalezrx8 said:
The issue that I'm having is that I am unable to unlock the bootloader even though I should be able to. Here are the steps i'm taking and where the issue happens.
Factory/Wipe reset
Tap about Pixel 2 7 times to get developer options
Go to developer options and enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking.
(I Can see that OEM unlocking is enabled).
Then I do "adb reboot bootloader"
and once in the bootloader, I do "fastboot flashing unlock"
Then it tellsme that Flashing Unlock is not allowed and when I go back to the developer options, the OEM Unlocking is greyed out and in the off position and I cannot re enable it no matter what. I have not being able to find anyone with this problem or a solution, any help would be appreciated.
I have tried the above steps many times with no luck, and every time the results are the same. It gives me the OEM Unlock option right after the factory reset, but one I do the "fastboot flashing unlock" it doesn't unlock the bootloader and then it locks the option in developer options.
I updated both ADB and fastboot to the latest version.
Edit #2: running the "fastboot flashing get-unlock-ability" command, returns a (1), which means that it should be able to be unlocked.
Edit #3: Tried to sideload OTA update using ADB and it does not solve the issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please visit this thread for more info. Though I need to mention there is no actual fix as of yet.
OG Pixel from Verizon, had it for years, battery has been really ****ty lately. So I had to send my phone in to get a new battery, and the cost was similar to go thru google store, so I did. Wiped the phone, restored to stock android, but left bootloader unlocked. Got the phone back today and version of android was downgraded and bootloader was locked.
How ****ed am I and what are my recourses? Tried google support, they're nearly useless.
If you never booted the device yet you can try "fastboot flashing unlock" and it will just re-unlock. Other than that I don't think you will ever see a unlock status on that phone. This is why I do my repairs myself.
Fastboot flashing unlock was unsuccessful, but I suspect that was because the phone was booted up for "troubleshooting" with Google "support."
I assume then there's no way to return it to the post-flash pre-boot state without some closely guarded hardware and software?
Before updating in any way... Search Verizon unlock Pixel and see if that process will unlock. If you allow update past a certain level stuck with no options then if Verizon locked.
Oh, would never allow an update. I'm not crazy. Tried the unlock method with uninstalling the phone app before you get internet access the day I got it, still no dice. Thanks tho.
I just did a credit card chargeback as they sent me back my device in an unusable condition and refused to compensate for it. We'll see how it shakes out in a few weeks probably. Bought a refurb Pixel 3 in the meantime and it was already unlocked, so all is well.
Thanks for the replies though.
-N
n8lee said:
Fastboot flashing unlock was unsuccessful, but I suspect that was because the phone was booted up for "troubleshooting" with Google "support."
I assume then there's no way to return it to the post-flash pre-boot state without some closely guarded hardware and software?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you tell me what security patch you are on? If you are somewhere around Android 9 patch (potentially Android 10 early patches) you can re-unlock. If you try ticking the OEM unlock option in Dev options or if i heard correctly the phone wont boot? If you know your exact version you can try flashing it through recovery, or trying "fastboot unlock" after ticking the oem unlock. Also remember those old workarounds of removing android.phone and such? Yeah try those. Good luck. We'll try and get you unlocked again.
Hi guys,
Man oh man this phone...
So basically I'm trying to unlock my bootloader without waiting the 7 days, since I simply don't trust this phone to give me the OEM Unlock option after 7 days...
Before I decided to unlock my bootloader I had been using this phone for about 2 months like normal, sure I uninstalled a ton of bloatware and system apps that I didn't need which MIGHT have been the reason it didn't show the OEM Unlock after months, but the battery life was amazing.
But recently I've been considering rooting my phone, and before I started factory resetting and trying many different things to show the OEM Unlock option, keep in mind I've bee using this phone normally for a couple months, I checked the developer options and not a surprise, OEM Unlock wasn't there.
So ever since, I've tried sooo many things to show the OEM Unlock:
( I reflashed the stock firmware with Odin in between all these methods I've tried )
Also before I list everything I've tried heres the full specs of this phone and the drivers I've installed on my Windows 10
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G (SM-A326U)
T-Mobile, MTK, Network locked, No SIM, NOT Snapdragon
Drivers I've installed on my PC: Google USB Driver, ADB Interface, Samsung Android USB Driver, MTK Driver, USBDk and a few more can't remember the names...
1. Changing date, checking for an update and changing the date back, tried restarting the phone in between, tried turning wifi on and off in between.
2. Combination firmware, got unauthorized error on the download mode screen talking about the pit file.
3. Tried running:
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot devices (It successfully recognized my phone)
fastboot oem unlock: Unknown command
Didn't even run the command...
4. Since its a MTK CPU I had hope for mtkclient https://github.com/bkerler/mtkclient
It just kept asking to connect my phone, tried connecting with recovery mode, download mode and fastboot mode, none of them were recognized
The reason I need a quick way to unlock the bootloader, is cause I will be doing stuff with this phone that might result in me having to reflash the firmware which I can't risk it relocking and have to wait 7 days each time something goes wrong.
I heard that T-Mobile phones bootloader's are impossible to unlock, someone please tell me that is not true...
So basically,
Is there any way to unlock the bootloader? If not why and if yeah, what have I been doing wrong and how?
Thanks guys
7 days what? Tmo A326U doesnt have the option to unlock the bootloader, you need to pay the people here that provide the service. They are the only ones that seemingly know how to get it unlocked, and I can vouch for it.
Seriously... So there's no way to unlock for free, or by waiting...?
Not a bootloader unlock. Its not just Tmo that are locking these down tighter.
You can unlock it for free if you can figure out whatever they do ;-)
Nah idc about a network unlock since I don't have service for this phone, I just wanna know if its possible to unlock the bootloader... I've tried everything
Who is talking about a network unlock?
TimmyP said:
Who is talking about a network unlock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You said not a "bootloader unlock" so I was assuming you're talking about network unlock... Sorry, but should I just give up, there's seemingly NO WAYY to unlock the bootloader of a T-Sh*t phone.
Oh just misunderstanding my bad. I meant you cant wait for a bootloader unlock, but you can wait and maybe they would carrier unlock it later... but thats not what you want anyways.
TimmyP said:
Oh just misunderstanding my bad. I meant you cant wait for a bootloader unlock, but you can wait and maybe they would carrier unlock it later... but thats not what you want anyways.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's kinda sad, I think I'm gonna just give up, but thanks for the information... Hopefully something happens in the future that allows it to be unlocked soon... Thanks man
I doubt they'll bring it back. OEM unlock that is. My phone is over 7 days old and I did the factory reset by holding the volume down and power buttons and then the volume up and power button and did the full factory reset. OEM unlock is still gone. Yes I got the developer options turned on. I rooted a couple of Nexus 6p's which of course are obsolete now since they were 3G and there is no backward capability. At least I got them used, replaced the batteries myself and can use them as WiFi phones with Talkatone through my WiFi. Read some blurbs about Kingo root working but I'd like to see that someone has pulled it off with the A32. Am under a 2 year obligation but I bought a second one to experiment on. I did that before I found out there was no OEM unlock. Well, if I break one, I'll have a backup. Except the phone is tied to the SIMM and I'd have to bring the backup in to have it reprogrammed.
TimmyP said:
Who is talking about a network unlock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any good service to network unlock SM-A236U or U1. Flashed XAA t no avail the Carrier_ID stays at DSH...
iabhua said:
Any good service to network unlock SM-A236U or U1. Flashed XAA t no avail the Carrier_ID stays at DSH...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am working on unlock for it but I need root or a device on low security update. I am almost close to an solution if your device security patch is low please let me know
TimmyP said:
7 days what? Tmo A326U doesnt have the option to unlock the bootloader, you need to pay the people here that provide the service. They are the only ones that seemingly know how to get it unlocked, and I can vouch for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have any device with an unlock bootloader or unlock? I am trying to get a ram dimp for days nobody have an device.
andioshelp said:
I am working on unlock for it but I need root or a device on low security update. I am almost close to an solution if your device security patch is low please let me know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have two SM-A236U’s but unfortunately one has binary 6 FW and the other binary 7.
1.fuxk_ said:
Hi guys,
Man oh man this phone...
So basically I'm trying to unlock my bootloader without waiting the 7 days, since I simply don't trust this phone to give me the OEM Unlock option after 7 days...
Before I decided to unlock my bootloader I had been using this phone for about 2 months like normal, sure I uninstalled a ton of bloatware and system apps that I didn't need which MIGHT have been the reason it didn't show the OEM Unlock after months, but the battery life was amazing.
But recently I've been considering rooting my phone, and before I started factory resetting and trying many different things to show the OEM Unlock option, keep in mind I've bee using this phone normally for a couple months, I checked the developer options and not a surprise, OEM Unlock wasn't there.
So ever since, I've tried sooo many things to show the OEM Unlock:
( I reflashed the stock firmware with Odin in between all these methods I've tried )
Also before I list everything I've tried heres the full specs of this phone and the drivers I've installed on my Windows 10
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G (SM-A326U)
T-Mobile, MTK, Network locked, No SIM, NOT Snapdragon
Drivers I've installed on my PC: Google USB Driver, ADB Interface, Samsung Android USB Driver, MTK Driver, USBDk and a few more can't remember the names...
1. Changing date, checking for an update and changing the date back, tried restarting the phone in between, tried turning wifi on and off in between.
2. Combination firmware, got unauthorized error on the download mode screen talking about the pit file.
3. Tried running:
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot devices (It successfully recognized my phone)
fastboot oem unlock: Unknown command
Didn't even run the command...
4. Since its a MTK CPU I had hope for mtkclient https://github.com/bkerler/mtkclient
It just kept asking to connect my phone, tried connecting with recovery mode, download mode and fastboot mode, none of them were recognized
The reason I need a quick way to unlock the bootloader, is cause I will be doing stuff with this phone that might result in me having to reflash the firmware which I can't risk it relocking and have to wait 7 days each time something goes wrong.
I heard that T-Mobile phones bootloader's are impossible to unlock, someone please tell me that is not true...
So basically,
Is there any way to unlock the bootloader? If not why and if yeah, what have I been doing wrong and how?
Thanks guys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There was a similar procedure to unlock bootloader on a samsung mtk (A125U) same carrier as yours (T-Mobile TMB and the same applies to MetroPCS TMB) basicaly, you had to flash BL files from the A125W (canadian version) then unlocking bootloader using testpoint (bootrom mode) then using any paid or free app (in my case i use a paid one because i run a repair shop). even if you unlock bootloader using paid tools, it gets locked again when it turns on. (i tested it without flashing BL files)
sadly, i dont have a A326U lying arround to test said procedure.
1.fuxk_ said:
Hi guys,
Man oh man this phone...
So basically I'm trying to unlock my bootloader without waiting the 7 days, since I simply don't trust this phone to give me the OEM Unlock option after 7 days...
Before I decided to unlock my bootloader I had been using this phone for about 2 months like normal, sure I uninstalled a ton of bloatware and system apps that I didn't need which MIGHT have been the reason it didn't show the OEM Unlock after months, but the battery life was amazing.
But recently I've been considering rooting my phone, and before I started factory resetting and trying many different things to show the OEM Unlock option, keep in mind I've bee using this phone normally for a couple months, I checked the developer options and not a surprise, OEM Unlock wasn't there.
So ever since, I've tried sooo many things to show the OEM Unlock:
( I reflashed the stock firmware with Odin in between all these methods I've tried )
Also before I list everything I've tried heres the full specs of this phone and the drivers I've installed on my Windows 10
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G (SM-A326U)
T-Mobile, MTK, Network locked, No SIM, NOT Snapdragon
Drivers I've installed on my PC: Google USB Driver, ADB Interface, Samsung Android USB Driver, MTK Driver, USBDk and a few more can't remember the names...
1. Changing date, checking for an update and changing the date back, tried restarting the phone in between, tried turning wifi on and off in between.
2. Combination firmware, got unauthorized error on the download mode screen talking about the pit file.
3. Tried running:
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot devices (It successfully recognized my phone)
fastboot oem unlock: Unknown command
Didn't even run the command...
4. Since its a MTK CPU I had hope for mtkclient https://github.com/bkerler/mtkclient
It just kept asking to connect my phone, tried connecting with recovery mode, download mode and fastboot mode, none of them were recognized
The reason I need a quick way to unlock the bootloader, is cause I will be doing stuff with this phone that might result in me having to reflash the firmware which I can't risk it relocking and have to wait 7 days each time something goes wrong.
I heard that T-Mobile phones bootloader's are impossible to unlock, someone please tell me that is not true...
So basically,
Is there any way to unlock the bootloader? If not why and if yeah, what have I been doing wrong and how?
Thanks guys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you tried, instead of fastboot oem unlock, fastboot flashing unlock
DjoFight said:
Did you tried, instead of fastboot oem unlock, fastboot flashing unlock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In case people need the procedures for those processes, I wrote this up recently to help others do it easier than it was for me to figure out.
How to un-freeze an unresponsive Samsung Galaxy A32 5G with reboot, reset, factory reset, odin mode, download mode, android recovery mode & debug mode
Has any one made any progress regarding the missing oem unlock? I know what parameters to add to our kernel v1 to v3 during building to enable oem unlock and add access to fastbootd. Because of project treble our options have changed.
Sources:
Moving Fastboot to Userspace | Android Open Source Project
source.android.com
Locking/Unlocking the Bootloader | Android Open Source Project
source.android.com
Sign in
DOCUMENTATION
Docs
More
Getting Started
Security
Core Topics
Compatibility
Android Devices
Reference
GO TO CODE ➚
Overview
Architecture
Overview
Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL)
Kernel
HIDL (General)
HIDL (C++)
HIDL (Java)
Configuration
Device Tree Overlays
Vendor NDK
Vendor Interface Object
AIDL
Bootloader
Overview
Boot Reason
Boot Image Header
Implementing Bootconfig
Recovery Images
DTB Images
Supporting OTA Updates
Locking and Unlocking the Bootloader
Version Information in AVB Properties
Fastboot in Userspace
Partitions
Audio
Camera
Connectivity
Data
Display
Fonts
Graphics
Interaction
Media
Performance
Permissions
Power
Runtime
Settings
Storage
Virtualization
Tests
Updates
AOSP
Docs
Core Topics
Was this helpful?
Locking/Unlocking the Bootloaderbookmark_border
On this page
Unlocking the bootloader
Locking the bootloader
Setting lock/unlock properties
Protecting critical sections
By default, most Android devices ship with a locked bootloader, meaning that users can't flash the bootloader or device partitions. If needed, you (and device users with Developer options enabled) can unlock the bootloader to flash new images.
Unlocking the bootloaderTo unlock the bootloader and enable partitions to be reflashed, run the fastboot flashing unlock command on the device. After setting, the unlock mode persists across reboots.
Devices should deny the fastboot flashing unlock command unless the get_unlock_ability is set to 1. If set to 0, the user needs to boot to the home screen, open the Settings > System > Developer options menu and enable the OEM unlocking option (which sets the get_unlock_ability to 1). After setting, this mode persists across reboots and factory data resets.
When the fastboot flashing unlock command is sent, the device should prompt users to warn them that they might encounter problems with unofficial images. After the user acknowledges the warning, the device should perform a factory data reset to prevent unauthorized data access. The bootloader should reset the device even if it can't reformat it properly. Only after a reset can the persistent flag be set so that the device can be reflashed.
All RAM not already overwritten should be reset during the fastboot flashing unlock process. This measure prevents attacks that read leftover RAM contents from the previous boot. Similarly, unlocked devices should clear RAM at every boot (unless this creates an unacceptable delay), but should leave the region used for the kernel's ramoops.
Locking the bootloaderTo lock the bootloader and reset the device, run the fastboot flashing lock command on the device. Devices intended for retail should be shipped in the locked state (with get_unlock_ability returning 0) to ensure that attackers can't compromise the device by installing a new system or boot image.
Setting lock/unlock propertiesThe ro.oem_unlock_supported property should be set at build time based on whether the device supports flashing unlock.
If the device supports flashing unlock, set ro.oem_unlock_supported to 1.
If the device doesn't support flashing unlock, set ro.oem_unlock_supported to 0.
If the device supports flashing unlock, then the bootloader should indicate the lock status by setting the kernel command line variable androidboot.flash.locked to 1 if locked or to 0 if unlocked. This variable must be set in bootconfig instead of in the kernel command line in Android 12.
For devices that support dm-verity, use ro.boot.verifiedbootstate to set the value of ro.boot.flash.locked to 0; this unlocks the bootloader if the verified boot state is orange.
I have the A32 5G (64Gb Int. Stg.) & it's the Tracfone Only version or SM-S326DL. After recently receiving word that Android 13 was awaiting us, I quickly allowed my device to receive this very kool OTA operating system update. I mention this, because a week earlier I received an email from my prepaid wireless provider instructing me in detail how to manually unlock my A32 5G handset. So, to be clear, Tracfone notified me in their email how to unlock my device, but whan
this happens to often, to write this off as an app-mishap xda...why?!
(pls. explain this to me, what is really going on)?
evnStevn said:
I have the A32 5G (64Gb Int. Stg.) & it's the Tracfone Only version or SM-S326DL. After recently receiving word that Android 13 was awaiting us, I quickly allowed my device to receive this very kool OTA operating system update. I mention this, because a week earlier I received an email from my prepaid wireless provider instructing me in detail how to manually unlock my A32 5G handset. So, to be clear, Tracfone notified me in their email how to unlock my device, but whan
this happens to often, to write this off as an app-mishap xda...why?!
(pls. explain this to me, what is really going on)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm wondering too. Could you please pm me what you were trying to post?