Related
The new Device Protection features of Android 5.1 on the Nexus 9 and Nexus 6 can, in certain cases, cause you to have a bootloader which can not be unlocked.
Please have a read of the following links:
https://support.google.com/nexus/answer/6172890?hl=en
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/help/update-to-5-1-lock-bootloader-t3058480
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/general/relock-bootloader-time-updating-to-5-1-t3053497
What a pita
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
i would never relock my bootloader
people unlock there bootloader for a reason
but to relock it after thats just wrong...
thats one of the things i hate about CM
they recommend you to relock your bootloader...
Agreed, why would you lock your bootloader unless sending in for repairs maybe?
But Google is really messing up the flow. The nexus 6 5.1 OTA is a mess right now but I will leave that for another thread.
Android 5.1 for Nexus 9? You must be joking.
So, I just purchased a Nexus 9 via the 4-hour online-only sale at Best Buy. It was $100 off, couldn't pass it up. My question is: is this likely going to be shipped in such a condition as to prevent me from permanently unlocking the bootloader? Or is a permanent lock something one must deliberately do?
disturbd1 said:
So, I just purchased a Nexus 9 via the 4-hour online-only sale at Best Buy. It was $100 off, couldn't pass it up. My question is: is this likely going to be shipped in such a condition as to prevent me from permanently unlocking the bootloader? Or is a permanent lock something one must deliberately do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No no you can still unlock it
But if you relock it that's the problem
disturbd1 said:
So, I just purchased a Nexus 9 via the 4-hour online-only sale at Best Buy. It was $100 off, couldn't pass it up. My question is: is this likely going to be shipped in such a condition as to prevent me from permanently unlocking the bootloader? Or is a permanent lock something one must deliberately do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As USBhost said, you'll be able to unlock it. However, when you are first setting it up and are running through the set-up wizard, there will be an option to "Protect Device" or something like that. If you enable it, and re-lock the bootloader, it will put you in a situation where you can only unlock the booloader in certain situations -- and if you happen to have a bootloop with a locked bootloader, that's when you are in trouble.
EDIT: On Nexus devices, I personally unlock the bootloader as soon as I take it out of the box, without first booting into Android, and then leave it unlocked. But of course, you give up some security by doing that.
efrant said:
As USBhost said, you'll be able to unlock it. However, when you are first setting it up and are running through the set-up wizard, there will be an option to "Protect Device" or something like that. If you enable it, and re-lock the bootloader, it will put you in a situation where you can only unlock the booloader in certain situations -- and if you happen to have a bootloop with a locked bootloader, that's when you are in trouble.
EDIT: On Nexus devices, I personally unlock the bootloader as soon as I take it out of the box, without first booting into Android, and then leave it unlocked. But of course, you give up some security by doing that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Considering this is a tablet, hopefully I won't lose or misplace it
Thanks, guys! Glad I stumbled across this thread before the thing arrived.
Locking the bootloader doesn't protect you from anything. If the device leaves your physical control in a potentially hostile environment, whatever is on the system or boot partition becomes suspect, regardless of whether the bootloader is locked or unlocked.
doitright said:
Locking the bootloader doesn't protect you from anything. If the device leaves your physical control in a potentially hostile environment, whatever is on the system or boot partition becomes suspect, regardless of whether the bootloader is locked or unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Example: I have a device running a stock ROM with no encryption, the stock recovery and a lock screen password. I happen to lose my phone. What happens to the photos of me dancing to Old Time Rock & Roll in my underwear that are stored on the device? If the bootloader is unlocked, someone just plugs it into a PC, boots TWRP and pulls them off. If the bootloader is locked, there is no easy way to see or get the photos off the device.
That is all I was saying about security. Nothing to do with you leaving your device somewhere or losing it, and then finding it again. Strictly about the personal content on the device.
efrant said:
EDIT: On Nexus devices, I personally unlock the bootloader as soon as I take it out of the box, without first booting into Android, and then leave it unlocked. But of course, you give up some security by doing that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought Lollipop always requires you to go in and check the Enable OEM Unlock box? Or is that not true if you never booted into Android even once?
bailyc said:
I thought Lollipop always requires you to go in and check the Enable OEM Unlock box? Or is that not true if you never booted into Android even once?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have never booted into Android, then you don't need to check that setting. As I said, that's the way I did it on my N6: take out of box -> charge -> boot directly into bootloader -> "fastboot oem unlock". No other steps required if you don't boot into Android first.
can i use this guide for safely relock my Bl on Nexus 9 ..... Relocking coz of RMA and warranty purpose as bought from amazon India instead of Play Store
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/general/guide-safely-lock-bootloader-android-5-1-t3067302
lilliput222 said:
can i use this guide for safely relock my Bl on Nexus 9 ..... Relocking coz of RMA and warranty purpose as bought from amazon India instead of Play Store
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/general/guide-safely-lock-bootloader-android-5-1-t3067302
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that should work for the N9 as well.
The bootloader on my Nexus 9 Android 5.1.1 is locked forever due to my mistake
Short backstory:
- I wanted to install the Android M developer Preview for the Nexus 9 but I forgot to check "Enable OEM unlock" in developer options (worst mistake).
- I used adb command to flash the new image but failed somehow
- I carelessly type # fastboot oem lock
- I tried to factory reset from bootloader to bring it back to Stock. Now it couldn't factory reset and my Nexus 9 hangs in a nice boot loop.
- I try # fastboot oem unlock but failed with permission denied error
I tried some ways to save my device but no hopes
- I used Nexus Root Tookit to unlock bootloader or restore image with force mode but failed,
- I follow instruction in HTC dev forum to get identifier token in order to receive your unlock code binary file but failed
- Unluckily, I don't installed any custom recovery.
Please help if you know a way unlock the bootloader or flash the factory ROM to save the nexus 9
quekl84 said:
Please help if you know a way unlock the bootloader or flash the factory ROM to save the nexus 9
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not possible. You will have to return it to HTC for repair or replacement.
quekl84 said:
Short backstory:
- I wanted to install the Android M developer Preview for the Nexus 9 but I forgot to uncheck "Enable OEM unlock" in developer options (worst mistake).
- I used adb command to flash the new image but failed somehow
- I carelessly type # fastboot oem lock
- I tried to factory reset from bootloader to bring it back to Stock. Now it couldn't factory reset and my Nexus 9 hangs in a nice boot loop.
- I try # fastboot oem unlock but failed with permission denied error
I tried some ways to save my device but no hopes
- I used Nexus Root Tookit to unlock bootloader or restore image with force mode but failed,
- I follow instruction in HTC dev forum to get identifier token in order to receive your unlock code binary file but failed
- Unluckily, I don't installed any custom recovery.
Please help if you know a way unlock the bootloader or flash the factory ROM to save the nexus 9
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
u mean u forgot to CHECK to box to allow oem UNLOCK? im confused lol
cobyman7035 said:
u mean u forgot to CHECK to box to allow oem UNLOCK? im confused lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I forgot to check the box to allow oem UNLOCK. And now my device is locked forever.
A quick question: A lot of N9 ROMs require flashing an updated bootloader from the factory image. Aren't these bootloaders locked by default? Can we flash a factory bootloader over a custom ROM?
It seems that we might bork our Nexus 9s if we flash a locked bootloader in.
I'm new to Android. Recently I got a new nexus 6p. I was so confused that whether I have to unlock bootloader or not. Currently I just want to experience the pure Android simply without rooting or changing anything. But I heard a lot about bricked nexus 6 that the device would not be manually fixed if it was not bootloader unlocked before. As I am in China where I have no warranty for my nexus 6p, I have to keep my device safe as possible as I can.
So my question is under the circumstance that I haven't unlocked bootloader or OEM:
How much probability could it be I do nothing but unexpectedly brick the device?
If it is bricked, is it possible to recover it?
Do common nexus 6p users have to unlock bootloader?
Another important thing should be mentioned. Generally I can't access to any service by google in China, so I utilize a proxy tool to get over the great firewall to use google. Is there any experience about the situation like me? I also heard a saying that upgrading nexus 6 firmware by OTA through a proxy tool in China may brick the device, because google can not save the upgrading information of the device for the reason that the proxy IP is not static, then google will push update again, and once you click it, brick.
Puzzled enough...Thanks in advance.
I am not 100% certain what you are asking... If you do not unlock the bootloader, you should not be able to brick your device. The only reason to unlock it is to flash a custom ROM (not official from Google) or to flash Google factory images, which it sounds like might be necessary for you being that you are in China and may not receive OTAs properly. This is a process of downloading a file from Google and flashing to your device after unlocking the bootloader.
Your post was not exactly clear partially, but is your phone already bricked and you are trying to recover, or simply asking for your own reference?
fury683 said:
I am not 100% certain what you are asking... If you do not unlock the bootloader, you should not be able to brick your device. The only reason to unlock it is to flash a custom ROM (not official from Google) or to flash Google factory images, which it sounds like might be necessary for you being that you are in China and may not receive OTAs properly. This is a process of downloading a file from Google and flashing to your device after unlocking the bootloader.
Your post was not exactly clear partially, but is your phone already bricked and you are trying to recover, or simply asking for your own reference?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for replying. Could you please point out the unclear expressions? And I could edit them.
I have only unlocked nexus 6p bootloader, and the device is running well. I do not understand exactly why I have to do this, I just do it in case the situation described by other nexus 6 users happen to my nexus 6p. So I want to figure out the logic.
If you have no reason to unlock it, then you can relock it. Unlocking will always cause a full wipe (factory reset) of the device. Some users have stated that relocking the bootloader will also induce a wipe. If you want to leave it unlocked, this will allow you to flash factory images (such as updates from Google) as often as you'd like. It is possible to flash a factory image without losing any data by modifying the batch file used to flash the firmware.
Simply having the bootloader unlocked should not pose any threat to your device. You have to try very intentionally to flash firmware and risk bricking the device, it's not really something you can do by accident. The one thing I will mention is that with the bootloader unlocked, someone with the correct knowledge could flash a new image on your phone without needing your password or other security information. They would only need to power off the device, enter bootloader mode and plug into a PC to begin flashing. This would remove every trace of you and your data from the device and make it like it was brand new from the factory.
By keeping the bootloader locked and the "Allow OEM unlocking" option turned OFF, a person would need to have your password (or fingerprint) to gain access to this option in the settings, thus not allowing them to flash over the device as it is today.
Hope this helps.
fury683 said:
If you have no reason to unlock it, then you can relock it. Unlocking will always cause a full wipe (factory reset) of the device. Some users have stated that relocking the bootloader will also induce a wipe. If you want to leave it unlocked, this will allow you to flash factory images (such as updates from Google) as often as you'd like. It is possible to flash a factory image without losing any data by modifying the batch file used to flash the firmware.
Simply having the bootloader unlocked should not pose any threat to your device. You have to try very intentionally to flash firmware and risk bricking the device, it's not really something you can do by accident. The one thing I will mention is that with the bootloader unlocked, someone with the correct knowledge could flash a new image on your phone without needing your password or other security information. They would only need to power off the device, enter bootloader mode and plug into a PC to begin flashing. This would remove every trace of you and your data from the device and make it like it was brand new from the factory.
By keeping the bootloader locked and the "Allow OEM unlocking" option turned OFF, a person would need to have your password (or fingerprint) to gain access to this option in the settings, thus not allowing them to flash over the device as it is today.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to you, I should not be able to brick my device if I did not unlock the device. I can understand this. But the problem is I am in China...By using proxy, I could receive OTAs correctly. But some nexus 6 users in China still encountered with device bricked after upgrading firmware by OTAs even they didn't unlock bootloader. One possible reason is like what I mentioned in last paragraph #1.
I don't like the prompt each time when I reboot the device after unlocking bootloader. Let's make the problem simpler. Can I unbrick the device if it is bricked and bootloader locked?
I can't really speak to your concern regarding bricking from OTA. This should nearly never happen, but I would suspect that the proxy is the issue. If you are concerned about that particular instance being an issue, I would simply not accept the OTA and don't install it. The file will download to your device and you will see a notification very similar to this: http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08/12/1c244e92c6a0cd69ca6e1a3037a05d62.jpg If you do not click Install, it will not install itself. You can click Later but usually cannot dismiss the notification. I have had the update pending on my Nexus 7 tablet that I don't often for months, but simply have not upgraded because I don't use it often enough to justify it.
If you want to be on the latest firmware for security reasons (Android 6/M will have monthly security patch releases from Google), you can download the factory images and flash yourself. However, if you believe there may be an issue because of the proxy you are using, the factory image could face the same issue as the OTA as you described. As I said, because I am not in China and do not use a proxy as you do, I cannot comment on how or why other users may have faced a hard brick scenario.
Ultimately, having the bootloader unlocked will allow you to flash the factory image over a bricked firmware caused by a corrupt (or otherwise unusable) OTA. If the phone can enter bootloader mode, you can flash the firmware and restore it to like new state. The warning message you see when booting is not able to be disabled without locking the bootloader again, but it only appears for a few moments. It was previously hidden on the Nexus 6 (not the 6p) so it might be possible in the future, but that is just a guess.
fury683 said:
I can't really speak to your concern regarding bricking from OTA. This should nearly never happen, but I would suspect that the proxy is the issue. If you are concerned about that particular instance being an issue, I would simply not accept the OTA and don't install it. The file will download to your device and you will see a notification very similar to this: If you do not click Install, it will not install itself. You can click Later but usually cannot dismiss the notification. I have had the update pending on my Nexus 7 tablet that I don't often for months, but simply have not upgraded because I don't use it often enough to justify it.
If you want to be on the latest firmware for security reasons (Android 6/M will have monthly security patch releases from Google), you can download the factory images and flash yourself. However, if you believe there may be an issue because of the proxy you are using, the factory image could face the same issue as the OTA as you described. As I said, because I am not in China and do not use a proxy as you do, I cannot comment on how or why other users may have faced a hard brick scenario.
Ultimately, having the bootloader unlocked will allow you to flash the factory image over a bricked firmware caused by a corrupt (or otherwise unusable) OTA. If the phone can enter bootloader mode, you can flash the firmware and restore it to like new state. The warning message you see when booting is not able to be disabled without locking the bootloader again, but it only appears for a few moments. It was previously hidden on the Nexus 6 (not the 6p) so it might be possible in the future, but that is just a guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK I choose to give in...leave it unlocked there.
Thank you very much!
gnange said:
OK I choose to give in...leave it unlocked there.
Thank you very much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The decision to leave it unlocked is the right decision. The other person replying in this thread is completely wrong when he says you can't brick a phone if you don't unlock it, that's completely and utterly incorrect. Sometimes things happen, unforeseen spontaneous problems happen all the time with smartphones. If this happens to you and your bootloader is locked there's absolutely nothing you can do to fix it. So yes, leave your bootloader unlocked as an insurance policy against the unforeseen.
@fury683, I'd think twice before telling someone that nothing bad can happen to their phone as long as it's locked, this is false information, and could potentially lead to someone being unable to repair a soft-bricked device due to following your advice.
Heisenberg said:
The decision to leave it unlocked is the right decision. The other person replying in this thread is completely wrong when he says you can't brick a phone if you don't unlock it, that's completely and utterly incorrect. Sometimes things happen, unforeseen spontaneous problems happen all the time with smartphones. If this happens to you and your bootloader is locked there's absolutely nothing you can do to fix it. So yes, leave your bootloader unlocked as an insurance policy against the unforeseen.
@fury683, I'd think twice before telling someone that nothing bad can happen to their phone as long as it's locked, this is false information, and could potentially lead to someone being unable to repair a soft-bricked device due to following your advice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be fair, I said should not. I've never bricked a device from normal use.
I offered my opinion, and the reasons why. I've been burned by comments and advice from people plenty of times and try my best to help out where I can. I don't think my post was misleading, and I appreciate your comments on the matter as well.
Heisenberg said:
The decision to leave it unlocked is the right decision. The other person replying in this thread is completely wrong when he says you can't brick a phone if you don't unlock it, that's completely and utterly incorrect. Sometimes things happen, unforeseen spontaneous problems happen all the time with smartphones. If this happens to you and your bootloader is locked there's absolutely nothing you can do to fix it. So yes, leave your bootloader unlocked as an insurance policy against the unforeseen.
@fury683, I'd think twice before telling someone that nothing bad can happen to their phone as long as it's locked, this is false information, and could potentially lead to someone being unable to repair a soft-bricked device due to following your advice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your advice. So, I can make the conclusion that we should unlock nexus bootloader no matter where we are, when it is and whether we will root or not, right ?
gnange said:
Thanks for your advice. So, I can make the conclusion that we should unlock nexus bootloader no matter where we are, when it is and whether we will root or not, right ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The choice is ultimately yours, but my advice is always to have it unlocked, that way you're able to access and use fastboot in the event that something goes wrong.
fury683 said:
To be fair, I said should not. I've never bricked a device from normal use.
I offered my opinion, and the reasons why. I've been burned by comments and advice from people plenty of times and try my best to help out where I can. I don't think my post was misleading, and I appreciate your comments on the matter as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I am new to android, your reply benefits me a lot. I notice you replied me before dawn while it was afternoon in China, thanks for your kindness but you should pay more attention to getting enough sleep, don't burn yourself out. : )
Heisenberg said:
The choice is ultimately yours, but my advice is always to have it unlocked, that way you're able to access and use fastboot in the event that something goes wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I used to suppose one has to unlock bootloader only if in China. Now I get it. Thank you !
Heisenberg said:
The choice is ultimately yours, but my advice is always to have it unlocked, that way you're able to access and use fastboot in the event that something goes wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep what Heisenberg said is 100% true. My phone got bricked after the OTA update resulted in an error. I hadn't enabled the OEM Unlock setting, so couldn't unlock the phone. Have to wait for a replacement now
Hi There,
My colleague complained that he had an OTA update on his Nexus 6P and the after the update it was stuck in a boot loop where the Google logo keep on displaying.
When he bought back, he had showed it a shop already which they said they couldn't fix. However, the phone was later given to me for help and I have somehow manage to connect the device on fastboot and adb. Tried all the possible options such as unlocking the bootloader, loading .img's one by one... sideloading... etc.
No matter what I do, it keeps on doing the same boot loop. And when I leave the bootloader unlocked, it gives an error at first, then again goes back to the same.
Not sure whether what I am doing wrong or whether am I choosing the wrong build or so... would anyone care to advise?
.G33K said:
Hi There,
My colleague complained that he had an OTA update on his Nexus 6P and the after the update it was stuck in a boot loop where the Google logo keep on displaying.
When he bought back, he had showed it a shop already which they said they couldn't fix. However, the phone was later given to me for help and I have somehow manage to connect the device on fastboot and adb. Tried all the possible options such as unlocking the bootloader, loading .img's one by one... sideloading... etc.
No matter what I do, it keeps on doing the same boot loop. And when I leave the bootloader unlocked, it gives an error at first, then again goes back to the same.
Not sure whether what I am doing wrong or whether am I choosing the wrong build or so... would anyone care to advise?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the bootloader is unlocked? Exactly which build have you attempted to flash with fastboot? Have you tried flashing one of the full OTA zips with the stock recovery?
PS. Whatever you do don't lock the bootloader. And don't worry about the warning you get with the bootloader unlocked, that's normal.
Heisenberg said:
So the bootloader is unlocked? Exactly which build have you attempted to flash with fastboot? Have you tried flashing one of the full OTA zips with the stock recovery?
PS. Whatever you do don't lock the bootloader. And don't worry about the warning you get with the bootloader unlocked, that's normal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the reply.. I have only locked the bootloader when I'm done with flashing... etc as it was giving me error. Regardless of the bootloader state, it kept on going through the bootloop like it didn't care.
I tried to flashing the factory image which is MTC19T and also tried the OTA which is MTC19V as said in here.
Still there's not luck!
.G33K said:
Thank you for the reply.. I have only locked the bootloader when I'm done with flashing... etc as it was giving me error. Regardless of the bootloader state, it kept on going through the bootloop like it didn't care.
I tried to flashing the factory image which is MTC19T and also tried the OTA which is MTC19V as said in here.
Still there's not luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't worry about the warning and definitely don't lock the bootloader because if it gets stuck locked you'll really be screwed. Go to my guide here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6p/general/guides-how-to-guides-beginners-t3206928
Follow the instructions in section 10 (use the latest MTC19X build). Skip the part at the beginning about performing a factory reset because you can't actually get the phone to boot to do that. Make sure you include the "fastboot format userdata" command at the end (this will erase all data on the device). Leave the bootloader unlocked.
Heisenberg said:
Don't worry about the warning and definitely don't lock the bootloader because if it gets stuck locked you'll really be screwed. Go to my guide here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6p/general/guides-how-to-guides-beginners-t3206928
Follow the instructions in section 10 (use the latest MTC19X build). Skip the part at the beginning about performing a factory reset because you can't actually get the phone to boot to do that. Make sure you include the "fastboot format userdata" command at the end (this will erase all data on the device). Leave the bootloader unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have actually tried doing what section 10 says but with a different stock build.. Does that effect as well? However, let me give another shot with your said build and post back.
.G33K said:
I have actually tried doing what section 10 says but with a different stock build.. Does that effect as well? However, let me give another shot with your said build and post back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you format userdata? It's worth a try.
Heisenberg said:
Did you format userdata? It's worth a try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, sire! I did all the possible things I could do without harming or bricking the device... Read each and every instruction carefully to do... but turned with no luck... however, I'm due to try the method and build you have suggested, I shall try that and get back to you!
.G33K said:
Yes, sire! I did all the possible things I could do without harming or bricking the device... Read each and every instruction carefully to do... but turned with no luck... however, I'm due to try the method and build you have suggested, I shall try that and get back to you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It probably won't work, any build should work, but it's worth a try. If that fails I can only suggest flashing TWRP recovery and trying to flash a custom ROM to see if that works.
So long as you have the bootloader.img and radio.img files, you can try to format boot as well, however Heisenberg may yell at me for even typing that
I had a similar issue - bootloop, but it was getting to the boot animation for about 3 seconds, then rebooting. When I formatted all the areas before flashing them from the stock image, it allowed me to boot up as normal. Stable ever since.
Hi There,
Coming back to the issue, I have just downloaded the build that was suggested by "Heisenberg" and tried it. It was still the same, as in the Google logo keep on flashing but the android bot just appeared once with the logo. But still there not luck as the device stays with Google logo but does nothing.
However, I'm able to see the device on fastboot. Nevertheless, I cannot seem to use adb command.. it doesn't even list on devices. Does that mean the adb isn't working?
Meanwhile, all my fastboot commands are working with no issues at all.
EDIT: When I tried the TWRP recovery, I can flash the recover, but I can seem to go to the recovery window at all as the device keep on showing "The device software can't be checked for corruption". When I pass that also the same boot loop.
I too am having the bootloop issue on my stock Nexus 6P. Is there a way to unlock the device from the bootloader? I'm unable to carry out step one on Heisenberg's guide because I'm unable to actually boot up my phone past the Google logo. Am I pretty much screwed?
bcjk8210 said:
I too am having the bootloop issue on my stock Nexus 6P. Is there a way to unlock the device from the bootloader? I'm unable to carry out step one on Heisenberg's guide because I'm unable to actually boot up my phone past the Google logo. Am I pretty much screwed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately yes. Unless you enabled OEM Unlocking in the developers menu before your phone went sideways you probably have a hard bricked phone. Is it under warranty?
I went through this in November with a completely stock Nexus 6P. I was 3 days past my one year warranty! Google would not send me a new phone. It was completely bricked by the OTA update I received! I was put in touch with Huawei. I had to send the bricked phone to them. 10 days later I received a working model back. Unacceptable that an OTA update trashes a one year old $650 phone. Luckily I had my OnePlus One still, and was able to use that while I waited. I was even able to update that to 7.1.1 since it was rooted. Obviously there is some sort of issue that we are not being told of regarding the dangers of accepting OTA updates on a stock/bootlocked phone.
TemplesOfSyrinx said:
I went through this in November with a completely stock Nexus 6P. I was 3 days past my one year warranty! Google would not send me a new phone. It was completely bricked by the OTA update I received! I was put in touch with Huawei. I had to send the bricked phone to them. 10 days later I received a working model back. Unacceptable that an OTA update trashes a one year old $650 phone. Luckily I had my OnePlus One still, and was able to use that while I waited. I was even able to update that to 7.1.1 since it was rooted. Obviously there is some sort of issue that we are not being told of regarding the dangers of accepting OTA updates on a stock/bootlocked phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bootloop issues are common on the 6P even with custom ROMs--it just happens to be much more likely you can recover with the custom ROMs installed since the bootloader is unlocked. I think it's a hardware issue with the 6P rather than an OTA issue. It's probably not an accident that Huawei didn't make the Pixels.
Doesn't seem right that I have to "void" my warranty and install a custom ROM on an unlocked, rooted phone in order to recover from a hardware defect. That's BS pure and simple. I want to use the latest software, that's why I bought a Nexus. I want to use all the conveniences like Android Pay. That's why I don't unlock or root anymore. I rooted every Android phone I ever had until now, starting with the original Motorola Droid. Now that security is so important to Google, and you can't use all the Android features with an unlocked bootloader, they need to step up to fix these problems.
This happened to my wife's phone, sent back to Bell. Will see what happens.
TemplesOfSyrinx said:
Doesn't seem right that I have to "void" my warranty and install a custom ROM on an unlocked, rooted phone in order to recover from a hardware defect. That's BS pure and simple. I want to use the latest software, that's why I bought a Nexus. I want to use all the conveniences like Android Pay. That's why I don't unlock or root anymore. I rooted every Android phone I ever had until now, starting with the original Motorola Droid. Now that security is so important to Google, and you can't use all the Android features with an unlocked bootloader, they need to step up to fix these problems.
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Unlocking the bootloader doesn't void the warranty on the Nexus 6P. If you are under warranty then just RMA the phone if an OTA bootloops your phone. It's your choice whether to keep the bootloader locked or not but if you keep the bootloader locked it's probably impossible to recover from a bootloop. Google keeps factory images for Nexus and Pixel phones on its website but you can't flash those images with a locked bootloader. Why would they provide the images if using them voided your warranty?
You are missing my point. If I unlock my bootloader so I can recover from a boot loop that may happen, I will no longer be able to use a huge feature of the phone. Android Pay will no longer function. In days passed the rumour was your warranty was void if you unlock. I assume that was started to keep people from doing it. All I know is I paid good money for a phone that is a disaster waiting to happen it seems.
If having an unlocked bootloader is so important to recover from a bricked phone, why do they lock it in the first place? And why won't Android Pay work with it unlocked? The answer is that you no longer have a secure phone if you unlock the bootloader.
bcjk8210 said:
I too am having the bootloop issue on my stock Nexus 6P. Is there a way to unlock the device from the bootloader? I'm unable to carry out step one on Heisenberg's guide because I'm unable to actually boot up my phone past the Google logo. Am I pretty much screwed?
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What Android version you had on your phone? What's your emmc name and ram name in bootloader? What's the manufacturing date in bootloader?
TemplesOfSyrinx said:
You are missing my point. If I unlock my bootloader so I can recover from a boot loop that may happen, I will no longer be able to use a huge feature of the phone. Android Pay will no longer function. In days passed the rumour was your warranty was void if you unlock. I assume that was started to keep people from doing it. All I know is I paid good money for a phone that is a disaster waiting to happen it seems.
If having an unlocked bootloader is so important to recover from a bricked phone, why do they lock it in the first place? And why won't Android Pay work with it unlocked? The answer is that you no longer have a secure phone if you unlock the bootloader.
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I think you bought the wrong phone. Nexus devices were never available commercially through carriers and were made for developers and people who like to flash things with their phones. There are ways to use Android Pay with an unlocked bootloader if you are so inclined. You are right that an unlocked bootloader is considered less secure but if you only install apps from Google Play or another trusted source you shouldn't have problems. You can also simply enable allow Oem Unlock in the developer menu. This doesn't actually unlock your bootloader but makes it possible for you to unlock it via fastboot if you get bootlooped and need to flash a factory image to restore. This way you can unlock the bootloader in an emergency but your phone is still secure. I think this should be enabled by default when the phones are shipped. Too many people with locked bootloaders end up with hard bricked phones where the Nexus 6P is concerned. Honestly, you would probably be better off selling your Nexus and getting something else that's more stable and made for people who have no Interest in flashing anything.
I'm getting a 6p for Christmas and I have a question.
Say the 6p is on Marshmallow, and I decide to unlock the bootloader (just that, no root or anything) on MM. Will I be able to update to 7.1.1 via ota (no I don't want to sideload or flash) without issues? Or is there a process to it like updating bootloader, vendor, radio or whatever else. Or does the Ota file contain the updated boot.img and vendor etc.
ricbaez said:
I'm getting a 6p for Christmas and I have a question.
Say the 6p is on Marshmallow, and I decide to unlock the bootloader (just that, no root or anything) on MM. Will I be able to update to 7.1.1 via ota (no I don't want to sideload or flash) without issues? Or is there a process to it like updating bootloader, vendor, radio or whatever else. Or does the Ota file contain the updated boot.img and vendor etc.
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Yes, you can unlock then update via OTA. OTAs patch every partition permitted there are no modifications done to system and boot.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
ricbaez said:
I'm getting a 6p for Christmas and I have a question.
Say the 6p is on Marshmallow, and I decide to unlock the bootloader (just that, no root or anything) on MM. Will I be able to update to 7.1.1 via ota (no I don't want to sideload or flash) without issues? Or is there a process to it like updating bootloader, vendor, radio or whatever else. Or does the Ota file contain the updated boot.img and vendor etc.
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Why would you want to unlock the bootloader if you don't intend to root or install a custom recovery? I don't understand what the benefit is.
jhs39 said:
Why would you want to unlock the bootloader if you don't intend to root or install a custom recovery? I don't understand what the benefit is.
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I actually intend to install megapixel rom
jhs39 said:
Why would you want to unlock the bootloader if you don't intend to root or install a custom recovery? I don't understand what the benefit is.
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@ricbaez
No disrespect, but I would say why would you NOT unlock the bootloader on a Nexus? Especially when you first get the phone because unlocking wipes it. Unlocking the bootloader allows you to use MANY more tools in the event your phone boot loops or becomes unresponsive. There are dozens of threads where people are completely screwed because they did NOT unlock the bootloader and so cannot salvage their device with ADB/Fastboot. If you bought a Nexus, one of the selling points is that Google ALLOWS the owner to unlock the bootloader right in the Dev Options! Even if the OP is not going to root or install a custom recovery, if he/she does not unlock the bootloader, they are going to be S.O.L. if the phone won't boot. There are many examples of this since Google has gone to the monthly security OTA's and updates. Or... simply put, if you are unlocked you can flash full Google images and use ADB/Fastboot. If you are locked, you can only sideload an OTA with the stock recovery and that hasn't been working out well for so many people here on XDA.
To the OP. Recommend you unlock your bootloader first thing which will wipe the phone and start you out fresh. Unlocking the bootloader will not prevent you from receiving OTA's. Make sure your Google login works properly. Login. Logout. Login. Then do whatever the F you want with your phone, knowing you will have serious options to recover in the event things go south for any reason. Next would be installing TWRP. Good luck!
v12xke said:
@ricbaez
No disrespect, but I would say why would you NOT unlock the bootloader on a Nexus? Especially when you first get the phone because unlocking wipes it. Unlocking the bootloader allows you to use MANY more tools in the event your phone boot loops or becomes unresponsive. There are dozens of threads where people are completely screwed because they did NOT unlock the bootloader and so cannot salvage their device with ADB/Fastboot. If you bought a Nexus, one of the selling points is that Google ALLOWS the owner to unlock the bootloader right in the Dev Options! Even if the OP is not going to root or install a custom recovery, if he/she does not unlock the bootloader, they are going to be S.O.L. if the phone won't boot. There are many examples of this since Google has gone to the monthly security OTA's and updates. Or... simply put, if you are unlocked you can flash full Google images and use ADB/Fastboot. If you are locked, you can only sideload an OTA with the stock recovery and that hasn't been working out well for so many people here on XDA.
To the OP. Recommend you unlock your bootloader first thing which will wipe the phone and start you out fresh. Unlocking the bootloader will not prevent you from receiving OTA's. Make sure your Google login works properly. Login. Logout. Login. Then do whatever the F you want with your phone, knowing you will have serious options to recover in the event things go south for any reason. Next would be installing TWRP. Good luck!
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You are right. I wasn't aware that people were having boot loop issues on phones running stock Android but that apparently is the case. But as long as USB Debugging and Allow OEM Unlock are ticked in the developer options you should be able to unlock the bootloader later through ADB if you need to. I assumed the warning about my phone being insecure since my bootloader is unlocked that pops up every time I boot was there for a reason. There is no security issue created by unlocking your bootloader?
jhs39 said:
You are right. I wasn't aware that people were having boot loop issues on phones running stock Android but that apparently is the case. But as long as USB Debugging and Allow OEM Unlock are ticked in the developer options you should be able to unlock the bootloader later through ADB if you need to. I assumed the warning about my phone being insecure since my bootloader is unlocked that pops up every time I boot was there for a reason. There is no security issue created by unlocking your bootloader?
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It's cool, and I respect your decision to stay locked if you decide that is best for you. I suppose you could set Allow OEM unlock in Dev settings AND USB debugging in USB just in case, but if for some reason you could not boot, unlocking bootloader would then wipe userdata and your backups would be gone before you could transfer them off. In the end it's up to the individual to choose security vs, recoverability. Many ppl are getting locked out of their phones in the interest of security (or just the default settings). As it turns out, they were just trying to perform a monthly security update and hosed their phone. Stock rom, stock recovery, unrooted. Every Nexus phone I've owned (Galaxy?) has been unlocked so that I could use all the tools available to get myself out of a bind if needed. I don't give a sh!t about the boot up warning, because I know that my nandroid and FF backups can get me back home in the event of a lockup. Unlocking will not stop you from receiving OTA's if you are stock. Even if you are not, unlocking will allow you to use ADB, custom recoveries, toolkits, etc. If you end up in a bootloop and your bootloader is locked you are S.O.L. plain and simple. Each to their own though... if you need encryption and value high security of your data over recoverability then you may want to stay bootloader locked. As owners of a Nexus phone we have that option. Many others do not. Cheers my friend!
Thank you guys everything was successful, unlocked it in no time, downloaded 7.1.1 and it's perfect. NOw time to flash twrp and MegaPixel Rom
Hey guys, I found this quick and tidy way to get a fastboot console inside the bootloader. You can use it to do stuff like "fastboot format (partition)", etc.
GUIDE:
Go to fastboot mode on your Pixel XL
Open a CMD on the computer in fastboot directory and write in "fastboot flash bootloader pixelcustombootloader.img" (make sure the bootloader is in the directory or else it will not flash!)
Download: s000.tinyupload.com/index.php?file_id=44700284262726497364
Note: I am NOT responsible if this screws up anything.
Also I do NOT know if theres and copyright trouble with this, if there is, Mods go take this down.
I wonder if this is the bootloader that was seen in screenshots that was used to downgrade a Verizon pixel to unlock it?
DR3W5K1 said:
I wonder if this is the bootloader that was seen in screenshots that was used to downgrade a Verizon pixel to unlock it?
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If the bootloader is locked you can't flash anything or boot anything that isn't signed by Verizon/Google/whoever.
As far as I know there's never been a downgrade workaround available where pixel8 wasn't patched, but could be wrong.
bobbarker2 said:
If the bootloader is locked you can't flash anything or boot anything that isn't signed by Verizon/Google/whoever.
As far as I know there's never been a downgrade workaround available where pixel8 wasn't patched, but could be wrong.
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There was a guy positing pictures of someone from a cell phone shop where he was recording the procedure that they did to his phone it was a signed bootloader that allowed him to downgrade for an unlock. It was labeled HTC which people thought was weird.
DR3W5K1 said:
There was a guy positing pictures of someone from a cell phone shop where he was recording the procedure that they did to his phone it was a signed bootloader that allowed him to downgrade for an unlock. It was labeled HTC which people thought was weird.
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Eh.. 3rd party pictures that don't come with a detailed "how to" are 99% BS or marketing.
Like I said I'm not all knowing but I'm pretty in touch with the goings-ons of the pixel and have never heard of a downgrade method for a locked bootloader.
If this shop has a private method of doing so then they sure as hell wouldn't let someone take pictures of the process.
Yea like u said the guy said they were spy shots that he snuck in. Probably bs like you said. I could careless for myself my Verizon pixel is unlocked. Feel bad for those stuck locked though. Wishful thinking I suppose.
Yeah, don't flash your bootloader with anything other than stock google imgs. If your bootloader is messed up, how do you get into fastboot to fix it? Can't change slots either afaik.
Thanks for sharing, this has loads of potential - could be used on-the-go to temporarily recover from the freeze/reboot glitch (flashing stock images tends to lower the probability of the glitch for a day or two), plus we could actually have tetherless TWRP support for Oreo with this as you could use it to fastboot boot the TWRP boot img.
That being said, I'm reluctant to flash a random bootloader on my phone with no info on where it came from. Did you make this? If so is it a patched version of the most recent bootloader? If not, where'd you find it? We need more info.