It seems MANY users still do not know that a majority of 2 XL fastboot / ADB related issues can be easily, and quickly resolved by following these few steps.
If you are having issues, getting "failed" or "not recognized" error messages while flashing files to your 2 XL via fastboot or ADB; these should be the FIRST troubleshooting steps you take, BEFORE going to the threads.
* Are Your SDK Tools Up To Date?
This doesn't mean kinda new, recently updated, worked well with your last device, it means the VERY LATEST VERSION POSSIBLE. Also, make sure that you do not have any older version that might conflict with the newer version. It's best just to completely UNINSTALL the older versions prior to installing the newest version.
* Are Your .zip Files Properly Unzipped AND In The Correct Platform Tools Folder?
After downloading the Google factory image from here, unzip the file. Within that zip file will be a second zip file. The files inside the SECOND zip file are the ones that need to be in the SAME platform tools folder as the FASTBOOT application.
*Are You Using A USB 2.0 Or 3.0 Cable?
If you run into issues, using eitherof these cables, SWAP OUT the cable for the other version. It will probably NEVER be explained, but there are weird issues that have to do with these cables. If you experience issues, SWAP the cables. TRUST ME!
*Are You Using The Same USB Port?
If you run into issues while using fastboot/ADB, move that USB cable to a NEW PORT and retry it.
Again, no one knows why or how this affects the process, but it sometimes does.
*Are You Flashing / Typing The Correct File Name?
This one is a two-parter: Make sure you have the CORRECT files to start with, and make sure that you are typing the names EXACTLY as they are in your platform tools folder. And always include the .zip or .img suffix in fastboot (except for flash-all it doesn't need the bat added [if you're on a Mac, I believe you use the flash-all.sh file]. Remember, guides are sometimes general and while the commands "fastboot flash radio" don't change, the radio filename does. And the repeated commands like "fastboot flash radio radio-taimen-xxxxx" where radio is listed twice is NOT a typo, they both need to be in the command.
*Are You Stuck In A G Screen Boot Loop?
There are a few things here that have worked for many users.
First, try a hard reboot. Long press the POWER button. If that doesn't boot you back into system try this.
Second, reboot into the bootloader. Simultaneously press POWER & VOL Down buttons until you get into the bootloader. Then cycle through the menu using vol buttons and select START with the power button. If that doesn't work, time to hit the Q&A threads
If you are having issues, getting "failed" or "not recognized" error messages while flashing files to your 2 XL via fastboot or ADB; these should be the FIRST troubleshooting steps you take, BEFORE going to the threads.
* Are Your SDK Tools Up To Date?
This doesn't mean kinda new, recently updated, worked well with your last device, it means the VERY LATEST VERSION POSSIBLE. Also, make sure that you do not have any older version that might conflict with the newer version. It's best just to completely UNINSTALL the older versions prior to installing the newest version.
* Are Your .zip Files Properly Unzipped AND In The Correct Platform Tools Folder?
After downloading the Google factory image from here, unzip the file. Within that zip file will be a second zip file. The files inside the SECOND zip file are the ones that need to be in the SAME platform tools folder as the FASTBOOT application.
*Are You Using A USB 2.0 Or 3.0 Cable?
If you run into issues, using eitherof these cables, SWAP OUT the cable for the other version. It will probably NEVER be explained, but there are weird issues that have to do with these cables. If you experience issues, SWAP the cables. TRUST ME!
*Are You Using The Same USB Port?
If you run into issues while using fastboot/ADB, move that USB cable to a NEW PORT and retry it.
Again, no one knows why or how this affects the process, but it sometimes does.
*Are You Flashing / Typing The Correct File Name?
This one is a two-parter: Make sure you have the CORRECT files to start with, and make sure that you are typing the names EXACTLY as they are in your platform tools folder. And always include the .zip or .img suffix in fastboot (except for flash-all it doesn't need the bat added [if you're on a Mac, I believe you use the flash-all.sh file]. Remember, guides are sometimes general and while the commands "fastboot flash radio" don't change, the radio filename does. And the repeated commands like "fastboot flash radio radio-taimen-xxxxx" where radio is listed twice is NOT a typo, they both need to be in the command.
*Are You Stuck In A G Screen Boot Loop?
There are a few things here that have worked for many users.
First, try a hard reboot. Long press the POWER button. If that doesn't boot you back into system try this.
Second, reboot into the bootloader. Simultaneously press POWER & VOL Down buttons until you get into the bootloader. Then cycle through the menu using vol buttons and select START with the power button. If that doesn't work, time to hit the Q&A threads
Last edited:
