[GUIDE] Unlock/Flash/Root for the Pixel 2 XL (taimen)

[GridironTrenches]

Yeah I followed 'Android Explained's' video step by step and typing unlock first and unlock_critical second worked

 

[Schroeder09]

I have never rooted anything. My pixel 2 xl 128GB will be arriving Monday. It will be going on the Verizon network, but it is NOT the Verizon variant. I want to root it right away before I have to worry about backing stuff up, etc. I am worried about rendering my phone inoperable. Is this thread the best how to? I think a lot of these guides are written for you masters. I don’t even know how to boot into the boot loader? Is that where you press the power button and the volume down button simultaneously at boot up?

I’d like to use greenify to its full capability, try the ad blocking thing, use substratum, use the swipe navigation app, and maybe titanium back up to some degree. I’d also like to try over/under clocking. I will never try something like a custom ROM. I’d still like to get OTA updates and not break the safety net so I can use android pay, snap chat, etc. from my understanding magisk won’t break the safety net and allows easy and fast un/rooting for receiving OTA updates.

Is my understanding correct? Is one of the methods outlined here for me? I have NOT read through this entire thread yet, but I have read the first post. Thank you in advance for all your help.

 

[nathanchance]

I have never rooted anything. My pixel 2 xl 128GB will be arriving Monday. It will be going on the Verizon network, but it is NOT the Verizon variant. I want to root it right away before I have to worry about backing stuff up, etc. I am worried about rendering my phone inoperable. Is this thread the best how to? I think a lot of these guides are written for you masters. I don’t even know how to boot into the boot loader? Is that where you press the power button and the volume down button simultaneously at boot up?

I’d like to use greenify to its full capability, try the ad blocking thing, use substratum, use the swipe navigation app, and maybe titanium back up to some degree. I’d also like to try over/under clocking. I will never try something like a custom ROM. I’d still like to get OTA updates and not break the safety net so I can use android pay, snap chat, etc. from my understanding magisk won’t break the safety net and allows easy and fast un/rooting for receiving OTA updates.

Is my understanding correct? Is one of the methods outlined here for me? I have NOT read through this entire thread yet, but I have read the first post. Thank you in advance for all your help.

This thread is pretty much designed exactly for your use case: how to unlock the bootloader, root your device, and update your OS after the fact. I'll be updating the thread in a few days with the steps in Magisk's OTA tips and tricks section: https://github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk/blob/master/docs/tips.md#ota-installation-tips

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using XDA Labs

 

[dredq]

I have never rooted anything. My pixel 2 xl 128GB will be arriving Monday. It will be going on the Verizon network, but it is NOT the Verizon variant. I want to root it right away before I have to worry about backing stuff up, etc. I am worried about rendering my phone inoperable. Is this thread the best how to? I think a lot of these guides are written for you masters. I don’t even know how to boot into the boot loader? Is that where you press the power button and the volume down button simultaneously at boot up?

I’d like to use greenify to its full capability, try the ad blocking thing, use substratum, use the swipe navigation app, and maybe titanium back up to some degree. I’d also like to try over/under clocking. I will never try something like a custom ROM. I’d still like to get OTA updates and not break the safety net so I can use android pay, snap chat, etc. from my understanding magisk won’t break the safety net and allows easy and fast un/rooting for receiving OTA updates.

Is my understanding correct? Is one of the methods outlined here for me? I have NOT read through this entire thread yet, but I have read the first post. Thank you in advance for all your help.

I am more then willing to help you out. You can do this. It is not that hard. You just need to follow directions. I was in your place several years ago on a new LGG2. I learned so much on that phone. The biggest lesson I learned is that if you get stuck there are multiple people on XDA that will help you. Just take your time, read the instructions, then read them again. Ask questions BEFORE you do it, Even if they are dumb questions. There are a few people that may flame you for asking these questions (which I have never understood their anger or frustration at new people) but the majority of people will go way out of their way for you. Be patient; people will respond eventually, usually within a few hours to 24. Check things out on Google. Read all the major XDA threads for the Pixel 2 XL. And by the time the new ROMs come out you will be flashing them with a smile on your face. You can do this.

 

[Schroeder09]

Thanks a lot! I’m gonna scan thru this thread in depth tomorrow and start posting questions.

 

[probono10]

Magisk Manager Install (Step 3)

Never installed this before, so please pardon the newbie questions:

Executed the "adb push" command using the latest factory image from the link included in the instructions and the message returned was "6 files push..."
On the device, chose "Install" when asked "Do you want to install Magisk-v14.4.zip now"
Chose "Patch Boot Image File"
On the device, when installing Magisk Install, I'm unclear as to what file to choose next of the 6 files. I chose the "image-taimen" file, but after seeing the "Flashing" screen, received the following message: "Magisk Manager has stopped".

Any thoughts?

 

[outbackpaul]

I have never rooted anything. My pixel 2 xl 128GB will be arriving Monday. It will be going on the Verizon network, but it is NOT the Verizon variant. I want to root it right away before I have to worry about backing stuff up, etc. I am worried about rendering my phone inoperable. Is this thread the best how to? I think a lot of these guides are written for you masters. I don’t even know how to boot into the boot loader? Is that where you press the power button and the volume down button simultaneously at boot up?

I’d like to use greenify to its full capability, try the ad blocking thing, use substratum, use the swipe navigation app, and maybe titanium back up to some degree. I’d also like to try over/under clocking. I will never try something like a custom ROM. I’d still like to get OTA updates and not break the safety net so I can use android pay, snap chat, etc. from my understanding magisk won’t break the safety net and allows easy and fast un/rooting for receiving OTA updates.

Is my understanding correct? Is one of the methods outlined here for me? I have NOT read through this entire thread yet, but I have read the first post. Thank you in advance for all your help.

I followed the guide yesterday and it worked perfectly.

 

[dredq]

Never installed this before, so please pardon the newbie questions:

Executed the "adb push" command using the latest factory image from the link included in the instructions and the message returned was "6 files push..."
On the device, chose "Install" when asked "Do you want to install Magisk-v14.4.zip now"
Chose "Patch Boot Image File"
On the device, when installing Magisk Install, I'm unclear as to what file to choose next of the 6 files. I chose the "image-taimen" file, but after seeing the "Flashing" screen, received the following message: "Magisk Manager has stopped".

Any thoughts?

You need to get the boot.img file from the Factory images. Make sure you download the right image.

https://developers.google.com/android/images

 

[probono10]

You need to get the boot.img file from the Factory images. Make sure you download the right image.

Downloaded the 8.0.0 (OPD1.170816.010, Sep 2017) image. The only other image that doesn't have anything after the "2017" such as "Verizon" is the "025".

How do I know which image to install?
Which of the 6 files pushed to the device should be used when installing Magisk (I assumed the one beginning with "image-taimen", but wanted confirmation)?

 

[Schroeder09]

This was something I was wondering about as I skimmed over the links and directions. I’m guessing we can see which version of android we have in the system or developer menus on the phone. I will have an unlocked phone going on a Verizon network. Do I use the standard 8.0.0 files or 8.0.0 VZW files?


Also, which part if any is going to junk my phone if I mess it up? Where do I need to pay extra special attention at in the process?

Is my understanding of this magisk correct?ill still be able to pass safety net for snap chat, android py, etc?

 

[Badger50]

This was something I was wondering about as I skimmed over the links and directions. I’m guessing we can see which version of android we have in the system or developer menus on the phone. I will have an unlocked phone going on a Verizon network. Do I use the standard 8.0.0 files or 8.0.0 VZW files?

Use the standard 8.0 files :good:

 

[fracman]

To Ubuntu users: the packages won't necessarily work. The fastboot from the repos didn't have the same options as the one from the zip from Google. So if you are getting a usage dialog after running fastboot, that is why.

Do u know how to fix this?

 

[TheMathemagician]

Do u know how to fix this?

https://dl.google.com/android/repository/platform-tools-latest-linux.zip

This zip has the latest tools. Download, unzip, cd to the directory you extracted it to, and use ./fastboot for the fastboot things, and ./adb for those.

 

[fracman]

https://dl.google.com/android/repository/platform-tools-latest-linux.zip

This zip has the latest tools. Download, unzip, cd to the directory you extracted it to, and use ./fastboot for the fastboot things, and ./adb for those.

Thank you. I'm new to Ubuntu and still trying to figure it all out.

 

[Az Biker]

Will fastbooting the Verizon Modem and Radio from the Nov Verizon build mess with root or Flash Taimen kernel?

I'm thinking not, but these are unfamiliar waters still (for me at least) just wanting ot make sure before I dive in

Thanks!

 

[CyberpodS2]

Will fastbooting the Verizon Modem and Radio from the Nov Verizon build mess with root or Flash Taimen kernel?

I'm thinking not, but these are unfamiliar waters still (for me at least) just wanting ot make sure before I dive in

Thanks!

It shouldn't. Interestingly enough (been mentioned somewhere else but..) , if you're on the non verizon build and take the ota with a Verizon sim in the phone it installs the Verizon build of the update.

 

[jrbxx7]

You need to get the boot.img file from the Factory images. Make sure you download the right image.

Downloaded the 8.0.0 (OPD1.170816.010, Sep 2017) image. The only other image that doesn't have anything after the "2017" such as "Verizon" is the "025".

How do I know which image to install?
Which of the 6 files pushed to the device should be used when installing Magisk (I assumed the one beginning with "image-taimen", but wanted confirmation)?

Are you on the sept or nov update? If on nov i would just download the latest flash kernel img and patch it with magisk. Then fasboot flash the patched_img for root. Thats what I did without issue.

 

[probono10]

Error: Failed to Load 'image...' Not Enough Space

Anybody seen this when trying to flash a factory image? If so, any ideas how to get around it?
This is a new Pixel 2 XL 128GM straight from Google.

 

[Badger50]

Anybody seen this when trying to flash a factory image? If so, any ideas how to get around it?
This is a new Pixel 2 XL 128GM straight from Google.

Anybody seen what??

 

[dredq]

Anybody seen this when trying to flash a factory image? If so, any ideas how to get around it?
This is a new Pixel 2 XL 128GM straight from Google.

do you have the latest abd and fastboot? Are you trying to install a factory image?