Confused About Bootloader And Unlocking? Is mine outdated? - Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers

Ok so I was reading an article and now I'm confused. I see there are two ways to unlock a phone...the regular unlock command and an unlock critical command. From what I understand the unlock critical command is for updating the bootloader? When would I want to do this? I was on the Android P final beta and because official Pie release was delayed here in Canada I decided to just unlock and flash Pie manually. I did this and then relocked the bootloader. But is my bootloader outdated now? Confused. ?

If you keep the bootloader unlocked your bootloader will never go out of date, otherwise the bootloader will not be updated on subsequent stock ROM updates. I personally recommend unlocking the bootloader using both commands and keeping it unlocked. You'll have a minor annoyance in that you'll have a warning pop up prior to boot about the bootloader being unlocked, but I believe avoid a major annoyance in Factory Reset Protection being disabled with the bootloader unlock.

Ok. So just unlock using both commands? Do I just enter in right after the other? How does the bootloader get updated?

Also does leaving the bootloader unlocked stop Google Pay and some banking apps from working?

Enter both commands, one after the other. The bootloader, even if it has no updates, is included with every copy of the stock ROM you download from Google. It will also be included with any OTAs that come directly to the device. You'll have to discover for yourself whether Google Pay and your banking app are affected, because I simply do not know. I don't use my device for banking.

Related

Android pay has stopped working

I had a Nexus 5X with stock Android 6 software. Android Pay was working fine.
I was having a few lag issues and noticed the final Nexus factory image was available for Android 7 so I decided to unlock my bootloader and install the factory image. After I installed it, Android Pay was still working fine.
Then I received an OTA update for the monthly security hotfixes which I installed. Since doing this, Android Pay doesn't work. It says something about my phone being rooted/unlocked and that Android Pay does not support this.
Can anyone tell me why this is happening? I don't need to keep my bootloader unlocked so if locking will allow me to resolve the issue without losing data then I can do this. Can anyone guide me please?
Try flashing a kernel from The Flash or Franco.
Both have a line of code that should stop the bootloader error in safetynet
Thank you but I don't want to put on any custom stuff. I just want to go back to a stock Android 7.0 ROM that works with Android Pay. I don't need root, or an unlocked bootloader. How can I go back to stock?
You can use something like wugs nexus tool.
Although some have mentioned you can brick your device trying to lock the bootloader.
Personally I have never done it. Others might have more experience.
It may or may not be easier to lock than to use a custom kernel. YMMV.
One benefit of the kernel is increased performance on your phone.
Oh and if you lock your bootloader it will completely wipe your phone. E.g. You will lose your data.
Edit.. Root isn't needed for a kernel either
Start the device in fastboot mode again, as described above.
Execute:
fastboot flashing lock
or, for older devices, run:
fastboot oem lock
Locking bootloader will wipe the data on some devices. After locking the bootloader, if you want to flash the device again, you must run fastboot oem unlock again, which will wipe the data.
Source: https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images
Ah okay, thanks for the info. What I should have done originally was re-lock the bootloader straight after I flashed the ROM. Unfortunately, I setup the device after flashing the ROM and kept the bootloader unlocked which is why I'm stuck right now. Okay, time to backup my stuff up and re-lock the bootloader. Thanks everyone.

Relock bootloader without wiping?

Is it possible to relock bootloader without wiping data? All my previous devices didn't require wipe, but I received such strange warning when tried to relock bootloader on Z2 Force Sprint
mapki said:
Is it possible to relock bootloader without wiping data? All my previous devices didn't require wipe, but I received such strange warning when tried to relock bootloader on Z2 Force Sprint
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe you're not able to relock the bootloader until Motorola release a signed bootloader. I had the page once before I'll see if I can find it again and add an edit if I do.
mapki said:
Is it possible to relock bootloader without wiping data? All my previous devices didn't require wipe, but I received such strange warning when tried to relock bootloader on Z2 Force Sprint
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't relock your bootloader unless you want a brick. Technically you can relock it, but everything has to be legit. You've already voided the warranty, relocking won't reinstate that, all that will happen is you'll be bricked with nothing to do about it because you've locked the bootloader.
Why do you want to relock it?
I would like to relock my bootloader and wondering the accuracy of this last post. Will relocking my Sprint Z2 Force bootloader brick my device?
I'm running completely stock via OTA 8.0.0 no root. The reason I want to relock my bootloader is bringing my phone to out of box status and pass SafetyNet. I don't want to root to get this done and I want to continue receiving OTA's.
I understand that my warranty is void when I unlocked bootloader originally and I understand relocking my bootloader will wipe data (factory reset).
Will this brick my phone?
Can I relock anymore?
What are the fastboot commands to relock the Z2?
Thanks!
jeffritz1 said:
I would like to relock my bootloader and wondering the accuracy of this last post. Will relocking my Sprint Z2 Force bootloader brick my device?
I'm running completely stock via OTA 8.0.0 no root. The reason I want to relock my bootloader is bringing my phone to out of box status and pass SafetyNet. I don't want to root to get this done and I want to continue receiving OTA's.
I understand that my warranty is void when I unlocked bootloader originally and I understand relocking my bootloader will wipe data (factory reset).
Will this brick my phone?
Can I relock anymore?
What are the fastboot commands to relock the Z2?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would suggest flashing one of the flash alls for sprint before doing it to ensure being fully stock. The command is below. Also i f you ever have any issues and want to reunlock, you always can with your original unlock code.
"fastboot oem lock"
You'll get a "are you sure" message. Type in the command again and poof, relocked status.
Uzephi said:
I would suggest flashing one of the flash alls for sprint before doing it to ensure being fully stock. The command is below. Also i f you ever have any issues and want to reunlock, you always can with your original unlock code.
"fastboot oem lock"
You'll get a "are you sure" message. Type in the command again and poof, relocked status.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, I did a "fastboot oem lock" and it re locked the bootloader. Restart bootloader, shows locked. Restart phone and still getting a splash screen similar to the one when your unlocked but this time it says "Device has loaded a different Operating System". Continues to boot normally into the system without issues. This was odd so I unlocked again did a Flashall w/ "XT1789-03_NASH_SPRINT_8.0.0_OCXS27.109-48-6_subsidy-DEFAULT_regulatory-DEFAULT_CFC.xml.zip" and "fastboot oem lock". Both times said the lock was successful. But I'm still getting this boot splash screen with test reading "Device has loaded a different Operating System". System boots but still fails SafetyNet.
What gives? What am I missing?
From what I can muster up on XDA I can see that "you need a signed boot.img". Does this mean something and how can I find this?
Can anyone who has unlocked and then relocked their bootloader report on the behavior of your phone? Do you get the same "different OS" splash screen? Has anyone been successful at making it go away and passing safetynet?
jeffritz1 said:
Can anyone who has unlocked and then relocked their bootloader report on the behavior of your phone? Do you get the same "different OS" splash screen? Has anyone been successful at making it go away and passing safetynet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been working on this all morning trying a couple different methods. But none have been successful. But the best I can figure, when in bootloader, there is a message stating that your system is "Modified". Somehow, that needs to get changed to what I can only speculate as "unmodified", or something alike.
I tried 3 different versions of returning to stock
First one I tired I cannot seemed to find now
Secondly, I tired:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/z2-force/how-to/how-to-return-to-stock-sprint-t3694783
Posted by Uzephi
I added the command "fastboot oem lock" 2 times just above the fastboot reboot command; thus locking bootloader.
But upon reboot, I still get the modified OS message.
Lastly, I tried this method
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=76850077&postcount=6
I downloaded https://mirrors.lolinet.com/firmware/moto/nash/official/TMO/XT1789-04_NASH_TMO_C_8.0.0_OCX27.109-36_subsidy-TMO_regulatory-DEFAULT_CFC.xml.zip
Followed the instructions (to some degree) and modified them for Linux since I am not a windows user.
After reboot, radio did not work. No WiFi, not data, nothing. Developer options was already enabled, but oem bootloader unlocking option was grayed out. Now I cannot unlock my bootloader and flash an updated OS.
Thanks for the reply! As of now I am stock latest Sprint 8.0.0 July update with bootloader locked. I get the "Your device has loaded a different Operating System" splash screen when I boot up with a "ID:" followed by nothing. I don't know what this "ID:" with nothing following this means. Also when I run a SafetyNet status app is says failed. But, everything else in the OS appears to be working. Google Play shows "Certified" status and all my apps that require SafetyNet is working (Banking apps, Netflix, Hulu, Google Pay, etc...). So I accomplished my mission in getting these apps working and everything else appears stock. The only thing that troubles me is this "Your device has loaded a different Operating System" splash screen and the failed status in the SafetyNet app. Would love to know how to fix this or an explanation on why.
jeffritz1 said:
Thanks for the reply! As of now I am stock latest Sprint 8.0.0 July update with bootloader locked. I get the "Your device has loaded a different Operating System" splash screen when I boot up with a "ID:" followed by nothing. I don't know what this "ID:" with nothing following this means. Also when I run a SafetyNet status app is says failed. But, everything else in the OS appears to be working. Google Play shows "Certified" status and all my apps that require SafetyNet is working (Banking apps, Netflix, Hulu, Google Pay, etc...). So I accomplished my mission in getting these apps working and everything else appears stock. The only thing that troubles me is this "Your device has loaded a different Operating System" splash screen and the failed status in the SafetyNet app. Would love to know how to fix this or an explanation on why.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That message appear because you've unlocked your bootloader before, I'm getting that message too and I can update my device via OTA. If you change that splash screen OTAs will fail.
Marcowe said:
That message appear because you've unlocked your bootloader before, I'm getting that message too and I can update my device via OTA. If you change that splash screen OTAs will fail.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I was trying to find out if the phone could be reverted back to an out of back state. Another words, no splash screen saying "HEY! I HAVE BEEN MESSED WITH!" like you can on any other phone I have ever owned.
Thanks!
Yes you can
thomas.raines said:
I've been working on this all morning trying a couple different methods. But none have been successful. But the best I can figure, when in bootloader, there is a message stating that your system is "Modified". Somehow, that needs to get changed to what I can only speculate as "unmodified", or something alike.
I tried 3 different versions of returning to stock
First one I tired I cannot seemed to find now
Secondly, I tired:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/z2-force/how-to/how-to-return-to-stock-sprint-t3694783
Posted by Uzephi
I added the command "fastboot oem lock" 2 times just above the fastboot reboot command; thus locking bootloader.
But upon reboot, I still get the modified OS message.
Lastly, I tried this method
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=76850077&postcount=6
I downloaded https://mirrors.lolinet.com/firmware/moto/nash/official/TMO/XT1789-04_NASH_TMO_C_8.0.0_OCX27.109-36_subsidy-TMO_regulatory-DEFAULT_CFC.xml.zip
Followed the instructions (to some degree) and modified them for Linux since I am not a windows user.
After reboot, radio did not work. No WiFi, not data, nothing. Developer options was already enabled, but oem bootloader unlocking option was grayed out. Now I cannot unlock my bootloader and flash an updated OS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can , I already had this issue with my moto z2 force in Morocco , so what I did is I connected the phone to internet via bluetooth and when I added my google accounte the unlocking oem in dev option was normal , so I was able to flash roms again . Hope this will help you
I think there is no way to relock bootloader without wipe the device. Also you can relock the bootloader and you will not have any problems. I've already done it, at least with my sprint moto z2 force. the message there is no way to remove it, only flashing a logo.bin, "the boot splash" or replacing the logo.bin of the flash all package by the one of your preference.
EddiePR said:
I think there is no way to relock bootloader without wipe the device. Also you can relock the bootloader and you will not have any problems. I've already done it, at least with my sprint moto z2 force. the message there is no way to remove it, only flashing a logo.bin, "the boot splash" or replacing the logo.bin of the flash all package by the one of your preference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you do that OTAs will fail
Marcowe said:
If you do that OTAs will fail
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you are rigth
So, which of the methods to re-lock did finally work? I was running on Android 8 before, OTA failes for at least 10 times, but suddenly it worked to upgrade to Android 9. Now I am weirdly not passing SafetyNet-check anymore (was working fine on Android 8, GooglePay etc).
Any recommendations? I just need the stupid GPay thing working

How to Lock Bootloader

Hello, I purchased a Pixel 3 XL off craigslist and it is working fine, but the bootloader is unlocked therefore I am receiving a warning when restarting the phone and Google Pay does not work. How can I re-lock the bootloader? Do I need to flash the latest standard google image? The build number is: "crosshatch-userdebug 9 PQ1A.181105.013 5027108 dev-keys". When in bootloader the bootloader version is: b1c1-0.1-5004167. Obviously a n00b here, please be gentle. Thank you for any help.
Do you have a computer? If so what OS do you use?
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
superchilpil said:
Do you have a computer? If so what OS do you use?
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do have a computer, a Windows 10 Pro
Are you planning on rooting? If so, you can use Magisk Hide (after using Magisk to root of course) to get Google Pay to work. I would be hesitant to re-lock the BL unless you are certain that it is completely stock otherwise. Re-locking a modified phone can brick the device. Better to just learn how to root, etc and keep it unlocked. You have come to the right place to learn.
sliding_billy said:
Are you planning on rooting? If so, you can use Magisk Hide (after using Magisk to root of course) to get Google Pay to work. I would be hesitant to re-lock the BL unless you are certain that it is completely stock otherwise. Re-locking a modified phone can brick the device. Better to just learn how to root, etc and keep it unlocked. You have come to the right place to learn.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I don't plan on rooting. But I am afraid of bricking the phone since I don't know what has been done to it. Is there a way to determine what was done to unlock the bootloader? Otherwise I will follow your recommendation of using Magisk Hide. I would prefer to keep the phone stock. Thanks.
eec007 said:
No, I don't plan on rooting. But I am afraid of bricking the phone since I don't know what has been done to it. Is there a way to determine what was done to unlock the bootloader? Otherwise I will follow your recommendation of using Magisk Hide. I would prefer to keep the phone stock. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you live in Denver I'll trade you my Verizon one for yours. It has a locked bootloader.
eec007 said:
No, I don't plan on rooting. But I am afraid of bricking the phone since I don't know what has been done to it. Is there a way to determine what was done to unlock the bootloader? Otherwise I will follow your recommendation of using Magisk Hide. I would prefer to keep the phone stock. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The two obvious things you can check are that you have stock recovery and that the phone is not rooted. Manually power on to bootloader (hold volume down and press power then use the volume keys to select recovery and press power. you should get a no command android screen if in stock recovery. assuming you don't have a Magisk icon, you are probably not rooted but you can confirm by installing and running a root app like root checker. likely, the previous owner did nothing but unlock the BL given how recently it came out, but if someone where really creative they could have done work in the other partition. there are no exploites, so doing it normally (running fastboot flashing unlock from a prompt) is pretty much all that would have been done other than enabling developer options and OEM unlocking in settings.
Personally, I think you have a good chance to learn your device, root (you need to be rooted for Magisk hide) and keep the bootloader unlocked. Besides rooting, being able to install a full factory image instead of an OTA is so much better in my opinion. The amount of work it would take to be 100% confident that the only thing done was the BL unlock would take as much work as at least getting a working knowledge of rooting and reinstalling the OS.
P.S. Keeping a phone "stock and rooted" has advantages. That is how I run my 3 XL and how I ran my OG XL. No custom OS. Not even a kernel.
coolhandz said:
If you live in Denver I'll trade you my Verizon one for yours. It has a locked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol, what I don't get is that I thought the google edition could have the bootloader unlocked in the developer options. So why go to this hassle of unlocking the bootloader from fastboot? FYI, in the Developer options the OEM unlocking is greyed out and says "Bootloader is already unlocked".
sliding_billy said:
The two obvious things you can check are that you have stock recovery and that the phone is not rooted. Manually power on to bootloader (hold volume down and press power then use the volume keys to select recovery and press power. you should get a no command android screen if in stock recovery. assuming you don't have a Magisk icon, you are probably not rooted but you can confirm by installing and running a root app like root checker. likely, the previous owner did nothing but unlock the BL given how recently it came out, but if someone where really creative they could have done work in the other partition. there are no exploites, so doing it normally (running fastboot flashing unlock from a prompt) is pretty much all that would have been done other than enabling developer options and OEM unlocking in settings.
Personally, I think you have a good chance to learn your device, root (you need to be rooted for Magisk hide) and keep the bootloader unlocked. Besides rooting, being able to install a full factory image instead of an OTA is so much better in my opinion. The amount of work it would take to be 100% confident that the only thing done was the BL unlock would take as much work as at least getting a working knowledge of rooting and reinstalling the OS.
P.S. Keeping a phone "stock and rooted" has advantages. That is how I run my 3 XL and how I ran my OG XL. No custom OS. Not even a kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! Root Checker says that "root access is not properly installed on this device". The recovery mode screen just has a warning about the bootloader is unlocked and a link to a google help page. I figure that I can always unlock the bootloader again if I need to later, but for now I just want everything to work (bank and pay app) and not worry about updating anything myself. I think I may try fastboot to lock the bootloader for now. Thanks for all the help.
Hope it all works out for you. I assume you did a factory reset on the device since you got it used. Re-locking will do another factory reset.
sliding_billy said:
Hope it all works out for you. I assume you did a factory reset on the device since you got it used. Re-locking will do another factory reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, so I locked using "fastboot flashing lock" but then it doesn't start, saying that there is no operating system or something like that. I freaked out and was able to unlock again using "fastboot flashing unlock". Now all is wiped. I guess I need to flash the oem rom first, then lock. I'll have to do this all later tonight. Just glad that I didn't brick it yet.
eec007 said:
Thank you! Root Checker says that "root access is not properly installed on this device". The recovery mode screen just has a warning about the bootloader is unlocked and a link to a google help page. I figure that I can always unlock the bootloader again if I need to later, but for now I just want everything to work (bank and pay app) and not worry about updating anything myself. I think I may try fastboot to lock the bootloader for now. Thanks for all the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't rooted or bl unlocked in some time now so if I make a mistake someone please correct me. After buying it from a 3rd party I'd wipe the device entirely. Download the correct image and install the latest platform tools for Windows (here) https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools and make sure you can connect with adb devices and fastboot devices commands. Then extract the latest full image from here https://developers.google.com/android/images to your platform-tools directory and run the flashall.bat command if you wish to wipe the entire device and get rid of anything the previous owner might have "inadvertently" installed. (this is what I would do but not necessarily what you should do if you want to keep the current apps and system intact) This will reset your device and then you can lock the bootloader with no worry and you'll have a stock system.
I agree that since you can unlock it at any time and you don't need it now then relock it. But there are those here that disagree with me and fight with Magisk and OTAs constantly. But they are not noobs and know what they're doing. If you want to learn there is a wealth of information here so it's your call. Just my 2 cents. But please check my steps before you do anything that might cause issues.
edit: darn, sorry I just saw above that you already tried to lock it. I hope what I said to do will get you out of the predicament.
bobby janow said:
I haven't rooted or bl unlocked in some time now so if I make a mistake someone please correct me. After buying it from a 3rd party I'd wipe the device entirely. Download the correct image and install the latest platform tools for Windows (here) https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools and make sure you can connect with adb devices and fastboot devices commands. Then extract the latest full image from here https://developers.google.com/android/images to your platform-tools directory and run the flashall.bat command if you wish to wipe the entire device and get rid of anything the previous owner might have "inadvertently" installed. (this is what I would do but not necessarily what you should do if you want to keep the current apps and system intact) This will reset your device and then you can lock the bootloader with no worry and you'll have a stock system.
I agree that since you can unlock it at any time and you don't need it now then relock it. But there are those here that disagree with me and fight with Magisk and OTAs constantly. But they are not noobs and know what they're doing. If you want to learn there is a wealth of information here so it's your call. Just my 2 cents. But please check my steps before you do anything that might cause issues.
edit: darn, sorry I just saw above that you already tried to lock it. I hope what I said to do will get you out of the predicament.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your steps are basically what I will try tonight. Currently the phone is working again, so there was no harm done yet (just the restore of all apps and such). But I'm going to flash the oem image tonight and start all over again.
eec007 said:
Your steps are basically what I will try tonight. Currently the phone is working again, so there was no harm done yet (just the restore of all apps and such). But I'm going to flash the oem image tonight and start all over again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One thing I would do before I relocked the bl would be to do the full login procedure, email everything other than apps. Then make sure you're on the Nov update in about phone, I'm sure you will be, and then fastboot relock the bl with the proper command. It will wipe the device again but it's a small price to pay for about 10 minutes of work. Then once it reboots and there is no more error message you'll be fully stock. Enable dev options again and make sure the oem switch is active allowing bl unlock. Then you're done. I've gotten to the point on my 5X where I even flip the oem switch so it can't be bl unlocked until I go in and flip it back. Dangerous if you're flashing stuff but not so much if you're just taking OTAs. That's of course your call entirely. Good luck.
eec007 said:
lol, what I don't get is that I thought the google edition could have the bootloader unlocked in the developer options. So why go to this hassle of unlocking the bootloader from fastboot? FYI, in the Developer options the OEM unlocking is greyed out and says "Bootloader is already unlocked".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That will stay grayed out until you relock the bootloader. That slider "allows" unlocking. Then you boot into fastboot and unlock it.
So you would reverse the process, hit fastboot and relock the bootloader. Then you can toggle the slider back to not allow unlocking.
Relocking the bootloader will wipe your phone.
You should not do this until you first flash the full factory image to make sure the phone is 100 percent stock. And if it were my phone I would wait for the next OTA update after flashing it back to stock to make sure it goes ok. Then lock it.
And then I would wait awhile before hitting the slider.
You are playing with fire here, if you mess it up and lock it and hit the slider you will not be able to fix it. And no offense, but since you have not done this all before on this phone chances are good you will mess it up.
So, flash to stock and leave it unlocked.
Then wait for the next OTA.
Then lock it.
Then wait a bit more before you hit the slider.
And remember, since you are not the original buyer you will not be able to warranty it.
eec007 said:
Hello, I purchased a Pixel 3 XL off craigslist and it is working fine, but the bootloader is unlocked therefore I am receiving a warning when restarting the phone and Google Pay does not work. How can I re-lock the bootloader? Do I need to flash the latest standard google image? The build number is: "crosshatch-userdebug 9 PQ1A.181105.013 5027108 dev-keys". When in bootloader the bootloader version is: b1c1-0.1-5004167. Obviously a n00b here, please be gentle. Thank you for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They're right to mention that relocking a modified device can result in a brick.
Your best bet is to go to https://developers.google.com/android/images#taimen
Follow the directions to the "T", then relock it if you are really really sure that the unlock screen bothers you.
Would suggest to do this anyway, no matter future unlock status.
TonikJDK said:
That will stay grayed out until you relock the bootloader. That slider "allows" unlocking. Then you boot into fastboot and unlock it.
So you would reverse the process, hit fastboot and relock the bootloader. Then you can toggle the slider back to not allow unlocking.
Relocking the bootloader will wipe your phone.
You should not do this until you first flash the full factory image to make sure the phone is 100 percent stock. And if it were my phone I would wait for the next OTA update after flashing it back to stock to make sure it goes ok. Then lock it.
And then I would wait awhile before hitting the slider.
You are playing with fire here, if you mess it up and lock it and hit the slider you will not be able to fix it. And no offense, but since you have not done this all before on this phone chances are good you will mess it up.
So, flash to stock and leave it unlocked.
Then wait for the next OTA.
Then lock it.
Then wait a bit more before you hit the slider.
And remember, since you are not the original buyer you will not be able to warranty it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with most of your post other than waiting for the next OTA before you lock the bootloader. Why would he need to do that? If he's stock, and he'll see that immediately, then relock it. He doesn't want root or Magisk but only wants banking and Pay. With the slider allowing bl unlock he's in no danger whatsoever. Lock and relock whenever he wants. OTA will not disallow the slider once it's set.
TonikJDK said:
That will stay grayed out until you relock the bootloader. That slider "allows" unlocking. Then you boot into fastboot and unlock it.
So you would reverse the process, hit fastboot and relock the bootloader. Then you can toggle the slider back to not allow unlocking.
Relocking the bootloader will wipe your phone.
You should not do this until you first flash the full factory image to make sure the phone is 100 percent stock. And if it were my phone I would wait for the next OTA update after flashing it back to stock to make sure it goes ok. Then lock it.
And then I would wait awhile before hitting the slider.
You are playing with fire here, if you mess it up and lock it and hit the slider you will not be able to fix it. And no offense, but since you have not done this all before on this phone chances are good you will mess it up.
So, flash to stock and leave it unlocked.
Then wait for the next OTA.
Then lock it.
Then wait a bit more before you hit the slider.
And remember, since you are not the original buyer you will not be able to warranty it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for explaining this. I had thought that the Developer Option slider was to unlock the bootloader, but your explanation clarifies it, the slider is to allow the bootloader to be unlocked...
Ok, so I tried to flash the factory image using adb flash-all and it keeps getting the error:
Sending sparse 'vendor_a' 2/2 (193888 KB) FAILED (Error reading sparse file)
Now the phone is not working at all and says that "device is corrupt" and will not boot past the white google screen. I can try again using adb, but it is the same error each time. I tried to download the image again and same sparse error. I can also fastboot in TWRP, but not sure what to do in there. What am I doing wrong? I guess I should've rooted and used Magisk like others have said.
turns out changing to a different cable resolved my sparse error and I was then successfully able to apply the factory image and lock the device. Thanks everyone for the help.

Unlocking Bootloader and OTA update

Hey there,
I just wanna know if i unlock my bootloader (only unlocking) can i still get OTA and install it without problems?
Thanks in advanced
Yes you can.
I unlocked my bootloader when I first got the device and received all OTA updates without problems. The only time you notice it is when rebooting: there will be a message that your device is unlocked.
But an unlocked bootloader means that some apps (such as Netflix) cannot be installed, and some banking apps won't work.
Which is why I re-locked mine.
What I would have liked though, is a warning that this would also wipe the device. I thought i'd get a confirmation dialog but the "fastboot oem lock" command just proceeds with the wipe, no "are you sure?" is given.

Question Unable to lock the bootloader

Week ago I flashed the android 14 dev, don't liked it and yesterday flashed A13 (TQ1A.230205.002) with Android Flash Tool. Today I saw that I can't add my credit card to the Google Pay. I checked in settings and found out that my bootloader unlocked but the button is unavailable.
What can I do?
If your phone was rooted, then do a factory reset. Download and install the Google Platform tools, or if adb and fastboot drivers are installed system-wide, that's fine.
Connect phone to PC in fastboot mode
Enter the first command "fastboot devices"
Then type, "fastboot flashing unlock"
Confirm on your device to lock the bootloader
That's it. If you want a detailed guide, here are the instructions on how to unlock/relock the bootloader on a Pixel phone.
wrkadung said:
If your phone was rooted, then do a factory reset. Download and install the Google Platform tools, or if adb and fastboot drivers are installed system-wide, that's fine.
Connect phone to PC in fastboot mode
Enter the first command "fastboot devices"
Then type, "fastboot flashing unlock"
Confirm on your device to lock the bootloader
That's it. If you want a detailed guide, here are the instructions on how to unlock/relock the bootloader on a Pixel phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Locking with adb will erase all my data?
max_134 said:
Locking with adb will erase all my data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, of course! Unlocking and relocking will erase and factory reset your phone, I use Google One to take backups.
Alternatively, you can also use the Android flash tool, and it will automatically do it for you. You just have to follow the on-screen instructions, and it will ask for your confirmation to lock the bootloader, and you also get the option to wipe data (never tried unchecking the wipe data option).
Here is the video tutorial, if you need it.
EDIT: apologies for covering much of what has already been discussed by @wrkadung, got ninja'd a bit there...
I wouldn't risk locking the bootloader via platform-tools....so many instances from all the way back from the original Pixel has had countless members hard-brick their Pixel's relocking the bootloader.
The safest way to go about it is to use the Android Flash Tool to flash both slots and relock bootloader; most hard bricks happen when it's not flashed to both slots and/or the improper factory image is used...
But the OEM unlocking being greyed out is sometimes SOP after unlocking the bootloader. It's not really anything to be concerned about. If Wallet isn't working properly, it is doubtful it is simply having the unlocked bootloader; Wallet usually doesn't work when rooted than it is the fact of an unlocked bootloader. You should try Force Stop-ing and Clear Data Wallet first. Then even "uninstall updates" and/or revert to an older version before locking the bootloader. ESPECIALLY if you don't wish to wipe the device by relocking the bootloader...
max_134 said:
Week ago I flashed the android 14 dev, don't liked it and yesterday flashed A13 (TQ1A.230205.002) with Android Flash Tool. Today I saw that I can't add my credit card to the Google Pay. I checked in settings and found out that my bootloader unlocked but the button is unavailable.
What can I do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google pay will work with an unlocked bootloader.
simplepinoi177 said:
EDIT: apologies for covering much of what has already been discussed by @wrkadung, got ninja'd a bit there...
I wouldn't risk locking the bootloader via platform-tools....so many instances from all the way back from the original Pixel has had countless members hard-brick their Pixel's relocking the bootloader.
The safest way to go about it is to use the Android Flash Tool to flash both slots and relock bootloader; most hard bricks happen when it's not flashed to both slots and/or the improper factory image is used...
But the OEM unlocking being greyed out is sometimes SOP after unlocking the bootloader. It's not really anything to be concerned about. If Wallet isn't working properly, it is doubtful it is simply having the unlocked bootloader; Wallet usually doesn't work when rooted than it is the fact of an unlocked bootloader. You should try Force Stop-ing and Clear Data Wallet first. Then even "uninstall updates" and/or revert to an older version before locking the bootloader. ESPECIALLY if you don't wish to wipe the device by relocking the bootloader...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, definitely, a stock factory image is required. Most people directly lock the bootloader on a rooted phone using adb & fastboot commands, which results in bricking the phone.
On stock firmware, it is working perfectly. Right now I am working on a video tutorial for Pixel 7 and it worked fine without any issues, it was just bootloader unlocked device (not rooted).

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