Pixel 6 Pro [Raven]
March 9, 2023
I recommend sticking with 33.0.3. Note that two users in my Pixel 7 Pro thread have said that 34.0.1 did not work correctly for them.
Someone reported it to Google (added a comment about 34.0.1 to the existing 34.0.0 report).
Anyone that updated their platform tools and needs to downgrade can use these links.
Windows
Mac
Linux
Note that two users in my Pixel 7 Pro thread have said that 34.0.1 did not work correctly for them.
Windows: https://dl.google.com/android/repository/platform-tools-latest-windows.zip
Mac: https://dl.google.com/android/repository/platform-tools-latest-darwin.zip
Linux: https://dl.google.com/android/repository/platform-tools-latest-linux.zip
developer.android.com
Platform-Tools v34.0.1 is up!
Note that two users in my Pixel 7 Pro thread have said that 34.0.1 did not work correctly for them.
Mac: https://dl.google.com/android/repository/platform-tools-latest-darwin.zip
Linux: https://dl.google.com/android/repository/platform-tools-latest-linux.zip

SDK Platform Tools release notes | Android Developers
Android SDK Platform-Tools is a component for the Android SDK.

Platform-Tools v34.0.1 is up!
Note that two users in my Pixel 7 Pro thread have said that 34.0.1 did not work correctly for them.
34.0.1 (March 2023)
- adb
- macOS: Reverted "unstable connectivity (MacBook high speed cable)" resolution due to adb install hang (issue #270205252).
- fastboot
- Windows: Fixed "mke2fs: Illegal or malformed device name while trying to determine filesystem size" error introduced in Platform tools 34.0.0 (issue #271039230).
March 20, 2023

Factory Images for Nexus and Pixel Devices | Google Play services | Google Developers

13.0.0 (TQ2A.230305.008.E1, Mar 2023) | Flash | Link | def2deefd33b1d70f9d800cb297cf6a8437b73d959cf531300ee40b924c3d369 |
13.0.0 (TQ2A.230305.008.F1, Mar 2023, WINDTRE/Canada) | Flash | Link | 0d60c5da557bba63a78d6c5c10e22c4d0f8399a1a0e29451571567cfb6cb506c |
https://support.google.com/profile/79501506
Kush M.
Community Manager•Original Poster
40 min. ago
Google Pixel Update - March 2023
Announcement
Google Pixel Update - March 2023
Hello Pixel Community,
We have provided the monthly software update for March 2023. All supported Pixel devices running Android 13 will receive these software updates starting today. The rollout will continue over the next few weeks in phases depending on carrier and device. Users will receive a notification once the OTA becomes available for their device. We encourage you to check your Android version and update to receive the latest software.
Details of this month’s security fixes can be found on the Android Security Bulletin: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin
Thanks,
Google Pixel Support Team
Software versions
Global
- Pixel 4a: TQ2A.230305.008.C1
- Pixel 4a (5G): TQ2A.230305.008.C1
- Pixel 5: TQ2A.230305.008.C1
- Pixel 5a (5G): TQ2A.230305.008.C1
- Pixel 7: TQ2A.230305.008
- Pixel 7 Pro: TQ2A.230305.008.C1
T-Mobile & MVNOs, Google Fi (US)
- Pixel 4a (5G): TQ2A.230305.008.A3
- Pixel 5: TQ2A.230305.008.A3
- Pixel 5a (5G): TQ2A.230305.008.A3
Canada
- Pixel 7: TQ2A.230305.008.A1
- Pixel 7 Pro: TQ2A.230305.008.A3
WINDTRE (Italy)
What’s included
- Pixel 7: TQ2A.230305.008.A1
- Pixel 7 Pro: TQ2A.230305.008.A3
In addition to new features, the March 2023 software update for Pixel devices includes several fixes and improvements across several areas, including device stability, connectivity, performance and more – see below for some notable improvements.
Apps
- Fix for issue causing Live Translate feature to prompt for translation too frequently in certain apps *[1]
- Fix for issue occasionally keeping display on while certain app activities are active
- Fix for issue occasionally preventing screenshots from being captured in certain apps
- Fix for issue occasionally preventing Wallpaper & style settings to open
Battery & Charging
- Fix for issue occasionally causing app-specific battery restriction settings to be reset after a software update
- Fix for issue occasionally preventing Battery Share from charging certain devices or accessories *[2]
- General improvements for charging, battery usage or performance in certain conditions *[1]
- General improvements for wireless charging stability or performance in certain conditions *[2]
Biometrics
- Additional improvements for fingerprint recognition and response in certain conditions *[1]
Bluetooth
- Fix for issue occasionally preventing Android Auto to connect wirelessly with certain vehicle head units
- Improvements for connection stability with certain Bluetooth LE headsets or accessories
Camera
- General improvements for camera stability and performance in certain conditions *[1]
- Improvements for color accuracy or exposure level while using the front camera in certain conditions *[3]
Display & Graphics
- Fix for issue occasionally causing display flicker or artifacts in certain apps or conditions *[1]
- Fix for issue occasionally causing instability or playback errors with certain media apps or content *[1]
- Fix for issue occasionally causing video preview to flicker in certain apps *[1]
Framework
- Fix for issue occasionally preventing keyboard from displaying in certain apps or conditions
Sensors
- Additional tuning for haptics intensity and response in certain conditions *[4]
- General improvements for adaptive brightness response in certain conditions
System
- Fix for issue preventing device bootloader from being unlocked in certain conditions *[4]
- Fix for issue preventing device from booting to Android in certain conditions *[4]
- General improvements for system stability and performance in certain conditions
- Kernel updates to 4.14.295 *[5], 4.19.261 *[6], 5.10.149 *[1]
Telephony
- General improvements for network connection stability and performance in certain conditions
Touch
- General improvements for touch response and performance in certain conditions *[3]
User Interface
- Fix for issue causing certain on-device search results to launch apps in work profile
- Fix for issue causing certain text entries in Battery Usage settings to overlap each other while scrolling
- Fix for issue causing home screen UI to appear blurred in certain conditions
- Fix for issue causing lag or delay with switching between apps while third-party launcher apps are in use
- Fix for issue occasionally causing inner launcher icons to appear clipped after closing a folder
- Fix for issue occasionally causing input text to overlap inside search bar
- Fix for issue occasionally causing media player notification to appear cut off or trimmed
- Fix for issue occasionally causing navigation UI to display over Assistant interface
- Fix for issue occasionally causing notification drawer to appear empty or blank
- Fix for issue occasionally causing Overview screen panels to display over home screen
- Fix for issue occasionally causing Quick Settings tiles to be activated while menu is not pulled down
- Fix for issue occasionally causing screen unlock to overlap with notifications, home screen or other UI elements
- Fix for issue occasionally causing silent mode icon to appear hidden or missing from status bar
- Fix for issue occasionally preventing app icon size to scale correctly when changing display size
- Fix for issue occasionally preventing screenshot sharing or editing to work when tapping overlay buttons
- Fix for issue preventing haptic feedback when interacting with notification drawer in certain conditions
- General improvements for performance in certain UI transitions and animations
- Improvements for home screen icon behavior when switching between different grid sizes
- Improvements for status bar layout and response in certain device orientations
Wi-Fi
---------------------------------------------------------------
- General improvements for Wi-Fi network connection stability & performance in certain conditions
- Improvements for connection stability with certain Wi-Fi 6E-capable routers or networks *[1]
Device Applicability
Fixes are available for all supported Pixel devices unless otherwise indicated below.
*[1] Included on Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro
*[2] Included on Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro
*[3] Included on Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro
*[4] Included on Pixel 6a
*[5] Included on Pixel 4a
*[6] Included on Pixel 4a (5G), Pixel 5, Pixel 5a (5G)
Details
Other
Android Security Bulletin—March 2023 | Android Open Source Project

Android Security Bulletin—March 2023
bookmark_border
Published March 6, 2023 | Updated March 8, 2023
The Android Security Bulletin contains details of security vulnerabilities affecting Android devices. Security patch levels of 2023-03-05 or later address all of these issues. To learn how to check a device's security patch level, see Check and update your Android version.
Android partners are notified of all issues at least a month before publication. Source code patches for these issues have been released to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) repository and linked from this bulletin. This bulletin also includes links to patches outside of AOSP.
The most severe of these issues is a critical security vulnerability in the System component that could lead to remote code execution with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. The severity assessment is based on the effect that exploiting the vulnerability would possibly have on an affected device, assuming the platform and service mitigations are turned off for development purposes or if successfully bypassed.
Refer to the Android and Google Play Protect mitigations section for details on the Android security platform protections and Google Play Protect, which improve the security of the Android platform.
Android and Google service mitigations
This is a summary of the mitigations provided by the Android security platform and service protections such as Google Play Protect. These capabilities reduce the likelihood that security vulnerabilities could be successfully exploited on Android.
- Exploitation for many issues on Android is made more difficult by enhancements in newer versions of the Android platform. We encourage all users to update to the latest version of Android where possible.
- The Android security team actively monitors for abuse through Google Play Protect and warns users about Potentially Harmful Applications. Google Play Protect is enabled by default on devices with Google Mobile Services, and is especially important for users who install apps from outside of Google Play.
2023-03-01 security patch level vulnerability details
In the sections below, we provide details for each of the security vulnerabilities that apply to the 2023-03-01 patch level. Vulnerabilities are grouped under the component they affect. Issues are described in the tables below and include CVE ID, associated references, type of vulnerability, severity, and updated AOSP versions (where applicable). When available, we link the public change that addressed the issue to the bug ID, like the AOSP change list. When multiple changes relate to a single bug, additional references are linked to numbers following the bug ID. Devices with Android 10 and later may receive security updates as well as Google Play system updates.
Framework
The most severe vulnerability in this section could lead to local escalation of privilege after updating an app to a higher Target SDK with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
CVE References Type Severity Updated AOSP versions CVE-2023-20906 A-221040577 EoP High 11, 12, 12L, 13 CVE-2023-20911 A-242537498 EoP High 11, 12, 12L, 13 CVE-2023-20917 A-242605257 [2] EoP High 11, 12, 12L, 13 CVE-2023-20947 A-237405974 EoP High 12, 12L, 13 CVE-2023-20963 A-220302519 EoP High 11, 12, 12L, 13 CVE-2023-20956 A-240140929 ID High 12, 12L, 13 CVE-2023-20958 A-254803162 ID High 13 CVE-2023-20964 A-238177121 [2] DoS High 12, 12L, 13 System
The most severe vulnerability in this section could lead to remote code execution with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
CVE References Type Severity Updated AOSP versions CVE-2023-20951 A-258652631 RCE Critical 11, 12, 12L, 13 CVE-2023-20954 A-261867748 RCE Critical 11, 12, 12L, 13 CVE-2023-20926 A-253043058 EoP High 12, 12L, 13 CVE-2023-20931 A-242535997 EoP High 11, 12, 12L, 13 CVE-2023-20936 A-226927612 EoP High 11, 12, 12L, 13 CVE-2023-20953 A-251778420 EoP High 13 CVE-2023-20955 A-258653813 EoP High 11, 12, 12L, 13 CVE-2023-20957 A-258422561 EoP High 11, 12, 12L CVE-2023-20959 A-249057848 EoP High 13 CVE-2023-20960 A-250589026 [2] [3] EoP High 12L, 13 CVE-2023-20966 A-242299736 EoP High 11, 12, 12L, 13 CVE-2022-4452 A-251802307 ID High 13 CVE-2022-20467 A-225880741 ID High 11, 12, 12L, 13 CVE-2023-20929 A-234442700 ID High 13 CVE-2023-20952 A-186803518 ID High 11, 12, 12L, 13 CVE-2023-20962 A-256590210 ID High 13 CVE-2022-20499 A-246539931 DoS High 12, 12L, 13 CVE-2023-20910 A-245299920 DoS High 11, 12, 12L, 13 Google Play system updates
The following issues are included in Project Mainline components.
Subcomponent CVE Media Codecs CVE-2023-20956 Permission Controller CVE-2023-20947 Tethering CVE-2023-20929 WiFi CVE-2022-20499, CVE-2023-20910 2023-03-05 security patch level vulnerability details
In the sections below, we provide details for each of the security vulnerabilities that apply to the 2023-03-05 patch level. Vulnerabilities are grouped under the component they affect. Issues are described in the tables below and include CVE ID, associated references, type of vulnerability, severity, and updated AOSP versions (where applicable). When available, we link the public change that addressed the issue to the bug ID, like the AOSP change list. When multiple changes relate to a single bug, additional references are linked to numbers following the bug ID.
Kernel
The vulnerability in this section could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
CVE References Type Severity Subcomponent CVE-2021-33655 A-240019719
Upstream kernel [2] [3]EoP High Frame Buffer MediaTek components
These vulnerabilities affect MediaTek components and further details are available directly from MediaTek. The severity assessment of these issues is provided directly by MediaTek.
CVE References Severity Subcomponent CVE-2023-20620 A-264149248
M-ALPS07554558 *High adsp CVE-2023-20621 A-264208866
M-ALPS07664755*High tinysys CVE-2023-20623 A-264209787
M-ALPS07559778 *High ion Unisoc components
These vulnerabilities affect Unisoc components and further details are available directly from Unisoc. The severity assessment of these issues is provided directly by Unisoc.
CVE References Severity Subcomponent CVE-2022-47459 A-264598465
U-2032124 *High Kernel CVE-2022-47461 A-264834026
U-2066617 *High system CVE-2022-47462 A-264834568
U-2066754 *High system CVE-2022-47460 A-264831217
U-2044606 *High Kernel Qualcomm components
These vulnerabilities affect Qualcomm components and are described in further detail in the appropriate Qualcomm security bulletin or security alert. The severity assessment of these issues is provided directly by Qualcomm.
CVE References Severity Subcomponent CVE-2022-22075 A-193434313
QC-CR#3129138
QC-CR#3112398 [2] [3]High Display CVE-2022-40537 A-261468700
QC-CR#3278869 [2] [3] [4]High Bluetooth CVE-2022-40540 A-261470730
QC-CR#3280498High Kernel Qualcomm closed-source components
These vulnerabilities affect Qualcomm closed-source components and are described in further detail in the appropriate Qualcomm security bulletin or security alert. The severity assessment of these issues is provided directly by Qualcomm.
CVE References Severity Subcomponent CVE-2022-33213 A-238106224 * Critical Closed-source component CVE-2022-33256 A-245402790 * Critical Closed-source component CVE-2022-25655 A-261469326 * High Closed-source component CVE-2022-25694 A-235102547 * High Closed-source component CVE-2022-25705 A-235102507 * High Closed-source component CVE-2022-25709 A-235102420 * High Closed-source component CVE-2022-33242 A-245402503 * High Closed-source component CVE-2022-33244 A-245402728 * High Closed-source component CVE-2022-33250 A-245403450 * High Closed-source component CVE-2022-33254 A-245403473 * High Closed-source component CVE-2022-33272 A-245403311 * High Closed-source component CVE-2022-33278 A-245402730 * High Closed-source component CVE-2022-33309 A-261468683 * High Closed-source component CVE-2022-40515 A-261469638 * High Closed-source component CVE-2022-40527 A-261470448 * High Closed-source component CVE-2022-40530 A-261471028 * High Closed-source component CVE-2022-40531 A-261469091 * High Closed-source component CVE-2022-40535 A-261470732 * High Closed-source component Common questions and answers
This section answers common questions that may occur after reading this bulletin.
1. How do I determine if my device is updated to address these issues?
To learn how to check a device's security patch level, see Check and update your Android version.
Device manufacturers that include these updates should set the patch string level to:
- Security patch levels of 2023-03-01 or later address all issues associated with the 2023-03-01 security patch level.
- Security patch levels of 2023-03-05 or later address all issues associated with the 2023-03-05 security patch level and all previous patch levels.
For some devices on Android 10 or later, the Google Play system update will have a date string that matches the 2023-03-01 security patch level. Please see this article for more details on how to install security updates.
- [ro.build.version.security_patch]:[2023-03-01]
- [ro.build.version.security_patch]:[2023-03-05]
2. Why does this bulletin have two security patch levels?
This bulletin has two security patch levels so that Android partners have the flexibility to fix a subset of vulnerabilities that are similar across all Android devices more quickly. Android partners are encouraged to fix all issues in this bulletin and use the latest security patch level.
Partners are encouraged to bundle the fixes for all issues they are addressing in a single update.
- Devices that use the 2023-03-01 security patch level must include all issues associated with that security patch level, as well as fixes for all issues reported in previous security bulletins.
- Devices that use the security patch level of 2023-03-05 or newer must include all applicable patches in this (and previous) security bulletins.
3. What do the entries in the Type column mean?
Entries in the Type column of the vulnerability details table reference the classification of the security vulnerability.
4. What do the entries in the References column mean?
Abbreviation Definition RCE Remote code execution EoP Elevation of privilege ID Information disclosure DoS Denial of service N/A Classification not available
Entries under the References column of the vulnerability details table may contain a prefix identifying the organization to which the reference value belongs.
5. What does an * next to the Android bug ID in the References column mean?
Prefix Reference A- Android bug ID QC- Qualcomm reference number M- MediaTek reference number N- NVIDIA reference number B- Broadcom reference number U- UNISOC reference number
Issues that are not publicly available have an * next to the corresponding reference ID. The update for that issue is generally contained in the latest binary drivers for Pixel devices available from the Google Developer site.
6. Why are security vulnerabilities split between this bulletin and device / partner security bulletins, such as the Pixel bulletin?
Security vulnerabilities that are documented in this security bulletin are required to declare the latest security patch level on Android devices. Additional security vulnerabilities that are documented in the device / partner security bulletins are not required for declaring a security patch level. Android device and chipset manufacturers may also publish security vulnerability details specific to their products, such as Google, Huawei, LGE, Motorola, Nokia, or Samsung.
Versions
Version Date Notes 1.0 March 6, 2023 Bulletin Published 1.1 March 8, 2023 Bulletin revised to include AOSP links
Regarding Developer Support Android 12 images, see @Lughnasadh's post here.
I am not linking directly to the Developer Support Android 12 images because I don't want them to be confused with Stable Android 12, and since the Developer Support images won't receive any OTAs...ever. They likely also will never be manually updated on the Developer Support images site, so they will forever be stuck with the security patch level they're currently on, which will become further out of date every month. You can Google search
Developer Support Android images
if you want to find them.TL;DR regarding the PSA. If you update one slot to Android 13, you can
fastboot reboot bootloader
after and then fastboot --set-active=other
to change slots in order to flash Android 13 to the new slot, but IF you have Android 13 on one slot and still have Android 12 (including Android 12 bootloader) on the other slot and you try to fully boot into Android 12, you will be permanently bricked and have to seek repair from Google. No one has yet found a way to repair this on our own. I will update if there is any progress. At least a small handful, and probably more, people have done this already.At a minimum, do this first:
fastboot flash bootloader --slot all bootloader-devicename-slider-1.2-3456789.img
(change the name of the bootloader file to the one for your device), then you *should* be much safer than without doing that first. Also note that the bootloader is NOT the same as boot.img (kernel). The bootloader image file has "bootloader" in the filename.IF you have already bricked your phone and the screen is blank - there is likely nothing we can do to help. You should seek to get a repair from Google, possibly under warranty.
You CANNOT go back to Android 12 Stable. It *seems* as if you can, but Android 12 will not work 100% correctly after updating to the Android 13 bootloader.
My tiny, early, very mini-review of Android 13 is here.
Note that this is mainly for the officially listed "Unlocked" Pixel 6 Pro, available directly from the Google Store. All of this will also apply to any other (carrier-specific) variant of the Pixel 6 Pro which you can achieve an unlocked bootloader on. This includes T-Mobile and AT&T variants. It's likely Verizon variants will never be able to unlock their bootloader, or if so it will require paying the right person to do so.
Feel free to ask about general questions, but for anything that's specific to your variant, you should use one of the other already existing threads. You'll find Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile-related threads in those respective search results.
Here there be dragons.


Unlocking or locking the bootloader will wipe the device every single time, so be sure to have your data backed up before doing so, or better yet, just unlock it as soon as you get the device.
Keep in mind that unlocking the bootloader or rooting might affect your phone's capability to use banking apps such as Google Pay, your local bank's app, or even the ability to install some apps like NetFlix. See @Pekempy's thread Working SafetyNet with Pixel 6 Pro Android 12
If you're going to re-lock the bootloader, make sure the ROM you have on your phone is completely stock (by flashing the latest official firmware) BEFORE re-locking it.
There are no negative consequences if you unlock or re-lock the bootloader other than it will wipe your phone, and while unlocked you get a brief screen when you boot the phone telling you (and anyone who sees your phone at the time) that the bootloader is unlocked. You will also continue to receive updates (if you've merely unlocked the bootloader, you can take updates as normal) unlike Samsung, Sony, et cetera, which have permanent major consequences with reduced functionality even if you un-root and re-lock your bootloader. If you're actually rooted (not just bootloader unlocked), you'll have to perform extra steps to manually update each month, and to keep root/re-root.
All posts about Google Pay or banking will be reported to be deleted. Please keep this thread on-topic. There are at least one or two other How To Guide threads in this section in which folks discuss how to get around banking app restrictions when you're rooted or just have an unlocked bootloader. See @Pekempy's thread Working SafetyNet with Pixel 6 Pro Android 12
If users persist in discussing banking apps in this thread, I will have this thread locked and only update this first post when there is new and updated information regarding the subjects of the title of the thread: Unlocking the Pixel 6 Pro bootloader, rooting, and TWRP. See @Pekempy's thread Working SafetyNet with Pixel 6 Pro Android 12
Honorable mention to @Jawomo's aodNotify - Notification Light / LED for Pixel 6 Pro! (XDA link) / Notification light / LED for Pixel - aodNotify (Play Store link), which in my opinion restores useful functionality missing in most phones these days. It also solves some subjective issues some folks have with AOD (Always On Display), and/or solves/works around the problem where AOD is required for the optical fingerprint reader to work without the screen being on.
Check warranty status - *may* reveal if a phone is refurbished, only if the phone was refurbished through Google - thanks to @Alekos for making me aware of the site.
Google's Help Page for Find problem apps by rebooting to safe mode - this can be a lifesaver and keep you from having to do a restore to 100% complete stock or even from having to do a factory reset. This will deactivate all Magisk modules, and they'll remain deactivated even after you boot normally after briefly booting to safe mode. You can reenable the Magisk modules as you wish to try to narrow down the problem if it was caused by a Magisk module. This can even get things working again after a Magisk Module wasn't finished installing and potentially causing a bootloop.
Official Google Pixel Install fingerprint calibration software (also available at the bottom of the Update and Software Repair page above) - I believe this is only helpful if you've replaced the screen
Official Google Android Flash Tool (OEM Unlocking needs to be toggled on - you may not have to manually unlock the bootloader - the "site" will do that on its own)
OEM unlocking in developer options needs to be toggled on. I don't "believe" you have to actually do the "fastboot flashing unlock" command.
ADB/Fastboot, Windows Drivers, and unlocking the bootloader (thanks @sidhaarthm for confirming unlocking the bootloader works as intended, be sure to thank him in his post)
- You'll need this if you're going to unlock the bootloader on your Pixel 6 Pro: SDK Platform Tools (download links for Windows, Mac, and Linux). Note that you can find links to download the tools elsewhere, but I wouldn't trust them - you never know if they've been modified. Even if the person providing the link didn't do anything intentionally, the tools could be modified without them being aware. Why take a chance of putting your phone security further at risk?
- You can alternately use the tools from the SDK Manager, but most of us will want to stick to the basic tools-only without the complications of the full development manager.
- For Windows, get Google's drivers here Get the Google USB Driver (ADB will likely work while the phone is fully booted, but if you're like me, you'll need these drivers for after you "adb reboot-bootloader", to be able to use ADB and Fastboot.
- Thanks to @96carboard for posting the details of unlocking the bootloader, be sure to thank him in his post. Unlocking or locking the bootloader will wipe the device every single time, so be sure to have your data backed up before doing so, or better yet, just unlock it as soon as you get the device. Keep in mind that unlocking the bootloader or rooting might affect your phone's capability to use banking apps such as Google Pay, or your local bank's app. If you're going to re-lock the bootloader, make sure the ROM you have on your phone is completely stock (by flashing the latest official firmware) BEFORE re-locking it. My experience on my Pixel 1 was that there were no negative consequences if you unlock or re-lock the bootloader other than it will wipe your phone, and while unlocked you get a brief screen when you boot the phone telling you (and anyone who sees your phone at the time) that the bootloader is unlocked. All of this should still be the case. You will also continue to receive updates. Unlike Samsung, Sony, et cetera, which have major consequences with reduced functionality even if you un-root and re-lock your bootloader. If you're actually rooted (not just bootloader unlocked), you'll have to perform extra steps to keep root/re-root.:
The unlock process works like this:
1) Take brand new fresh phone out of box. Do NOT put sim card in it, just power it on (you can put a SIM card if you want, you just don't have to).
2) When it starts harassing you to join Google, hit "skip" and "remind me tomorrow" as applicable until you reach home screen. YOU DO NOT need to plug in a google account.
3) Settings --> About --> Build number. Repeatedly tap it until it says you're a developer.
4) Back --> Network --> WiFi and connect it.
5) Back --> System --> Developer --> OEM unlocking (check), USB debugging (check), plug in USB, authorize on the phone when requested.
Using the Platform Tools previously mentioned in command line/terminal:
6) #7) #Code:adb reboot-bootloader
Code:fastboot flashing unlock
Now that you've unlocked it, it has been wiped, so repeat 1-4, then disable all the google spyware, and go ahead and start using it while waiting for aosp and root.
Official Instructions for Locking/Unlocking the Bootloader
Personally, I would always use the official drivers Google provides unless they just don't work for whatever reason: Get the Google USB Driver (this is for Windows). They work for me. They are rarely updated, but they are every once in a great while, sometimes years in-between.
I agree with this. be careful using drivers or adb/fastboot tools. Some are fine, but there's no need for it really anymore. Google has made it very easy to install drivers and Platform-Tools (adb/fastboot tool).
Google provides the Fastboot/ADB tool (Platform-Tools) and Google USB Drivers (adb/fastboot interface). This will allow any Pixel to interface with Windows using the fastboot/adb protocol. Official Google USB Driver includes support for both the Fastboot and ADB driver interface. There are 3 main drivers (Fastboot, ADB and MTP/Portable File Transfer). The MTP/Portable File Transfer driver is built-in to Windows 7-11.
Fastboot/ADB Driver Interface - Official Download Link:
When flashing a full image or unlocking your bootloader, the fastboot interface is being used.
First Download official Google USB Drivers (it's a zip file). Extract the zip (important!). Right-click on the android_winusb.inf file and hit install. You can then restart your phone to the Bootloader Screen (hold vol-down while it restarts or turns on). When you plug in your phone, Windows Device Manager will show a new device at the top: Android Device: Android Bootloader Interface.
Using the ADB interface: It's the same driver. Enable USB Debugging on your phone, then plug it in to your computer. A prompt will appear on your phone (to allow USB Debugging). The driver in Device Manager will appear as Android Device: Android Composite ADB interface.
Now you can download and use Platform-Tools to flash an Android Image, OTA or run adb/fastboot commands.
Official Download Page
"Android SDK Platform-Tools is a component for the Android SDK. It includes tools that interface with the Android platform, such as adb, fastboot, and systrace"
It's best to make Platform-Tools available system-wide. Download Platform-Tools from the above link and extract it to your C:\ drive - that way you will have a folder to add to the PATH Environment under Window System Properties Menu, Advanced, Environment Variables, System Variables, PATH (google how to do this, very easy). What this does is allow adb/fastboot commands to be run from anywhere in the system, so you don't have to be in the platform-tools folder to run adb/fastboot commands and flash an Android Image (Official or Android Fork such as ProtonAOSP).
Rooting-related
No longer applies -
@V0latyle posted a new thread with some very important and fascinating information about the increased difficulty to root Android 12: Read this before rooting. Be sure to thank him there.
A list of the other important guides - be sure to thank the respective OPs
For all relevant guide threads just click the yellow "How To Guide" quick filter above the list of threads in the Pixel 6 Pro section.
- Here's the Magisk section of XDA's forums, for rooting. Magisk on GitHub. The most recent Magisk Stable is what's recommended these days.
- @sean222's thread Restore WiFi and Cellular Data in Quick Settings (Root Required)
- @rickysidhu_'s thread HBM (High Brightness Mode)
- @gururoop's thread Probable method to upgrade every month, without wiping data and retaining root
- @rickysidhu_'s thread Limit Charge
- @Typhus_' thread [MOD][MAGISK][ANDROID 12] Addon Features for Pixel Devices - Pixel 6 Pro Thread
- @siavash79's thread [MOD][Xposed+Magisk][Pre-Release] AOSP Mods - System modifications for AOSP-based Android 12+ - a mod that compliments @Typhus_' mod above, and may eventually completely replace it.
- @TotallyAnxious' thread [MOD] Collection of "Anxious" Modules for Pixel 6/Pro Series
- Every single one of @foobar66's posts.
TWRP (not made for the Pixel 6 Pro yet - will update when it has)
I would guess that this should be the appropriate URL for official TWRP custom recovery for the Pixel 6 Pro, but who knows when/if that will actually be made available, and it may become available unofficially in these forum sections before being made official. I'll adjust this URL as needed. https://twrp.me/google/googlepixel6pro.html.
Custom kernels for stock ROM(s)
@Freak07's Kirisakura-Kernel for the Pixel 6 Pro (and possibly the Pixel 6)
@DespairFactor's Despair Kernel (I believe also for both the P6P and P6)
@tbalden's CleanSlate Kernel
@acuicultor's Radioactive Kernel
Factory Images (requires an unlocked bootloader)
It's also handy to have to the full official firmware available, whether it's to recovery from accidents or for actual development. Note the official link to the general Factory Images for Nexus and Pixel Devices page. The following link goes directly to the Pixel 6 Pro (Raven) section: Pixel 6 Pro Factory Images. I prefer to actually bookmark a link to the device listed immediately below the device I want the firmware for, because Google dumbly (in my opinion) puts the latest firmware at the bottom of the list for each particular device, and that ends up making you scroll a lot after a year or two of monthly updates.
Note: You can still get the December 2021 Factory Images and OTA from this thread, if you need them for any reason: Alternate links to December - all full factory images and OTAs available
Full OTA Images (doesn't require an unlocked bootloader)
The usefulness of having Verity and Verification enabled (now that it's not needed for root) - post #2 below.
Regarding P6P 5G model numbers and capabilities - post #3 below.
List of all Pixel monthly security bulletins and Play System Updates - post #4 below.
How I root and update (which is identical whether rooting the first time or updating):
Back to modding!
- Use the latest Magisk Stable (in my case, I keep the app "hidden" / renamed)
- Used the full firmware zip, extracted to the same folder as the latest Platform Tools (S:\platform-tools)
- Extracted the new boot.img
- Copied new boot.img to the phone
- Patched the new boot.img with Magisk Stable
- Renamed Magisk'd boot.img so I know what version of firmware it's for
- Copied the Magisk'd boot.img back to the computer
- Disabled all my Magisk Modules
- Removed the "-w " from the flash-all.bat
- Re-edited the flash-all.bat to verify I saved it with the "-w " taken out
- Open a Command Prompt, navigated to S:\platform-tools
- adb reboot bootloader
- flash-all.bat
- Let phone boot, unlock it, check that it's working, allow the update process to finish (gave it five minutes or so)
- adb reboot bootloader
- fastboot flash boot kernel.img (renamed Magisk'd boot.img)
- fastboot reboot
- Unlock, check everything's working
- Re-enabled the most basic Magisk Modules which I was sure wouldn't cause a critical issue
- Reboot, unlock, made sure everything's working
I may append these first four posts with further useful information or links as needed.
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