How to unlock the bootloader of Verizon Pixel and Pixel XL

Google’s first generation Pixels smartphones were easier to modify, root and install custom ROMs. But, as usual, the Verizon locked devices in the United States were not subjected to go under the exploitation as easy as we thought. Many developers tried to unblock the bootloader and failed. But recently, the developers from XDA-Forum managed to find the ways you can do it. Here is how you can unlock the bootloader of Verizon Pixel and Pixel XL.

How to unlock the bootloader of Verizon Pixel and Pixel XL

Back when the smartphone launched, the developers found some crooked but possible ways to unlock bootloader and flash custom recoveries on to the Pixel and Pixel XL from Verizon Wireless. But some of them found deadlier and could brick your smartphone if you are not an expert in the matter. Several days ago, some developers found the best ways to unlock the bootloader of the Pixel and Pixel XL. Here is how.

Unlocking Method

1. From your Google Pixel smartphone, go to file manager and wipe all your personal data.
2. Remove Google Account and other social media/web account from the device to avoid facing issues later.
3. Remove security keys, fingerprints, PIN, pattern, password from the smartphone.
4. Go to settings and choose to reset factory settings, wipe complete data.
5. After the entire wiping, boot to the fresh start, skip every step.
6. Skip security, Google account, network, Wi-Fi, etc.
7. After setting up the device, go to Developer Settings. To enable the developer settings, go to Settings > About phone > tap on build number 7 times. Go back to settings home menu and tap Developer Settings.
8. Enable USB Debugging (ADB Bridge).
9. Install the ADB or Android SDK and Android drivers to the PC and connect the device using a USB Cable.
10. Open ADB Directory, Shift+Right Click > Open Command prompt/Powershell here.
11. In the command window, type in adb devices
12. If the device is not listed, reinstall the drivers and SDK.
13. If it is found, enteradb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.phone and reboot the smartphone.
14. Connect to Wi-Fi or Cellular network and enable Internet.
15. Go to Settings > Developer Settings > Check OEM Unlocking.
16. Do not disconnect the device meanwhile, and now power off the smartphone.
17. Press and hold Volume Down, and then click on the power button for a few seconds. Now release both and wait for the device to enter into the fast boot mode.

    

18. In the same CMD window on PC, enter fastboot oem unlock OR fastboot flashing unlock.
19. Voila! You have a device with an unlocked bootloader. If you want to relock it, enter fastboot oem lock OR fastboot flashing lock commands.

Unlocking the bootloader and installing custom ROMs can void the warranty and even brick the phone forever. So be cautious while playing with the bootloader and ADB commands.