[CLOSED] [Guide] Pixel XL Android 7(Nougat) Unlock/Install Stock Images + Kernels/Recovery +

[GroovinChip]

Hi, new PIxel XL owner here, just got my device from Google in the mail today. I have a question about the guide in the OP. Is the custom kernel necessary for this procedure? What benefits do the custom kernels bring? Also, would I be able to simply flash TWRP and Magisk? Is it necessary for me to install a factory image before I do any of this (I don't think so, but I ask because those steps are first in the OP, before TWRP and root)?

 

[Kisakuku]

Ok.

So, why is SuperSu 2.82 SR2 needed for the August firmware/bootloader if we (stock Pixel XL users) no longer need 'verified boot signing' ?

Changelog:
- ZIP: Detect TWRP UI slot switch (Pixel/XL: 3.1.0-RC2+)

 

[pcriz]

Changelog:
- ZIP: Detect TWRP UI slot switch (Pixel/XL: 3.1.0-RC2+)

For my own curiosity what exactly does that mean, or a better question is whats the delta in performance between having that and not having it detect a slot switch? Does that mean we can flash su in the same session as the rom and twrp? As opposed to having to reboot once and then flash?

 

[Kisakuku]

For my own curiosity what exactly does that mean, or a better question is whats the delta in performance between having that and not having it detect a slot switch? Does that mean we can flash su in the same session as the rom and twrp? As opposed to having to reboot once and then flash?

No, this is detection of a manual slot switch using the TWRP UI, after TWRP is booted but before SuperSU is flashed.

 

[Homeboy76]

Hi, new PIxel XL owner here, just got my device from Google in the mail today. I have a question about the guide in the OP. Is the custom kernel necessary for this procedure? What benefits do the custom kernels bring? Also, would I be able to simply flash TWRP and Magisk? Is it necessary for me to install a factory image before I do any of this (I don't think so, but I ask because those steps are first in the OP, before TWRP and root)?

If you have the latest Pixel XL firmware August 2017 with current bootloader and radio. You can check the Build Number of your firmware by Clicking Settings > About phone. If the Build number is NGH47Q, NJH47F, NKG47S, or NZH54D depending on your carrier. You have the latest firmware installed, start at #5d. Skip #5e3. If not I would suggest you do #3 and #5. Yes the kernel is necessary to install Magisk. If you want to know the benefits of Custom Kernels click on the kernel links

 

[GroovinChip]

Thanks OP! I'll read closer and report back if I have more questions.

Sent from my Google Pixel XL using XDA Labs

 

[Homeboy76]

Np SM

 

[GroovinChip]

OK I have another question before I get started on this. Does having a different kernel mean that the camera won't function the same way that it does normally? I mean with all the EIS awesomeness and generally Pixel camera goodness. Also, will installing a custom kernel remove all my apps and data?

 

[Homeboy76]

OK I have another question before I get started on this. Does having a different kernel mean that the camera won't function the same way that it does normally? I mean with all the EIS awesomeness and generally Pixel camera goodness. Also, will installing a custom kernel remove all my apps and data?

I've never heard/read of a kernel affecting camera functions on a stock ROM. So, your 'EIS (Electronic image Stabilization) awesomeness and general camera goodness' should function 'the same way that it does normally'. No, the kernel will not remove all your apps and data. That is why I suggested #3 (Install Factory Image and keep data) and #5 if you need to update your firmware.

 

[GroovinChip]

I've never heard/read of a kernel affecting camera functions on a stock ROM. So, your 'EIS (Electronic image Stabilization) awesomeness and general camera goodness' should function 'the same way that it does normally'. No, the kernel will not remove all your apps and data. That is why I suggested #3 (Install Factory Image and keep data) and #5 if you need to update your firmware.

Gotcha. Thanks!

 

[GroovinChip]

I just tried to do this, and Magisk would not install after flashing TWRP and Franco kernel. I got an error code 1 I couldn't boot to system, so I had to flash back to stock.

 

[pcriz]

I just tried to do this, and Magisk would not install after flashing TWRP and Franco kernel. I got an error code 1 I couldn't boot to system, so I had to flash back to stock.

Did you try to flash with Rc1 because magisk requires rc2

 

[GroovinChip]

Yes, I did use RC1. My mistake!

Side question - it occurs to me that since Android O is dropping this month, it might be prudent to wait to do all this until everything gets updated for O. Do you guys think that's true, or will TWRP and Magisk and the kernels be compatible with O?

 

[saneparadox]

So say if I do get my phone rooted with stock. How would I update it safely? Would I need to go through these steps when the next monthly update comes up?

 

[pcriz]

So say if I do get my phone rooted with stock. How would I update it safely? Would I need to go through these steps when the next monthly update comes up?

Yes because if you take a update it will replace the boot.img which means you will lose twrp and root.

 

[GroovinChip]

Yes because if you take a update it will replace the boot.img which means you will lose twrp and root.

Do you think the TWRP and root processes will be the same for Android O?

Sent from my Google Pixel XL using XDA Labs

 

[pcriz]

Do you think the TWRP and root processes will be the same for Android O?

As far as Android O, there is a thread for a test build of twrp and apparently the newest SuperSU works with it. Magisk can't be tested because there are no custom kernels.

https://xdaforums.com/pixel/development/mod-twrp-recovery-pixel-android-o-dp4-t3651896

 

[GroovinChip]

As far as Android O, there is a thread for a test build of twrp and apparently the newest SuperSU works with it. Magisk can't be tested because there are no custom kernels.

https://xdaforums.com/pixel/development/mod-twrp-recovery-pixel-android-o-dp4-t3651896

Thanks. Could you please clear up why we need custom kernels for root on Pixel, where as on Nexus this wasn't the case?

Sent from my Google Pixel XL using XDA Labs

 

[Homeboy76]

Thanks. Could you please clear up why we need custom kernels for root on Pixel, where as on Nexus this wasn't the case?

Sent from my Google Pixel XL using XDA Labs

You do not need a custom kernel to 'root' your phone. You can root your Pixel/Pixel XL with SuperSu 2.82 without installing a custom kernel. You need the custom kernel to root with Magisk. More specifically, the Custom Kernel is needed for Magisk. The Pixel/Pixel XL have dual slots the Nexus did not.

 

[GroovinChip]

You do not need a custom kernel to 'root' your phone. You can root your Pixel/Pixel XL with SuperSu 2.82 without installing a custom kernel. You need the custom kernel to root with Magisk. More specifically, the Custom Kernel is needed for Magisk. The Pixel/Pixel XL have dual slots the Nexus did not.

Ok I understand. Thanks!

Sent from my Google Pixel XL using XDA Labs