Flashing a Pixel is a two-part process. You must unlock the bootloader before you can overwrite the system firmware.

Checklist

  • USB-C Cable: Use a high-quality data cable (avoid charge-only cables).
  • Platform-Tools: Download Android SDK Platform-Tools{:target="_blank" rel=“noopener noreferrer”} and extract it.
  • Google USB Drivers: Install the Google USB Driver{:target="_blank" rel=“noopener noreferrer”} if you are on Windows.
  • Factory Image: Download the correct firmware for your specific model from Google’s Pixel Factory Images{:target="_blank" rel=“noopener noreferrer”}. Extract the zip file and move all contents into your platform-tools folder.

Part 1: Unlocking the Bootloader

Note: This will wipe your phone entirely. Back up your data first.

  1. Enable Developer Options: Go to Settings > About Phone and tap Build Number 7 times.
  2. Enable OEM Unlocking: Go to Settings > System > Developer Options and toggle on OEM Unlocking.
  3. Boot to Fastboot: Turn the phone off. Hold Volume Down + Power until the Fastboot menu appears.
  4. Connect: Plug the phone into your PC.
  5. Unlock: Open a terminal in your platform-tools folder and run: fastboot flashing unlock
  6. Confirm: Use the volume buttons on the phone to select “Unlock the bootloader” and press Power to confirm. The phone will reset.

Part 2: Flashing the Firmware

  1. Boot to Fastboot: Turn off the phone and hold Volume Down + Power again to reach the bootloader menu.
  2. Connect: Ensure the phone is connected to your PC.
  3. Flash: Run the script from the files you moved into the platform-tools folder:
    • Windows: Double-click flash-all.bat.
    • Linux/Mac: Run ./flash-all.sh.
  4. Wait: The phone will reboot multiple times. Do not touch the cable until the phone boots into the initial welcome/setup screen.

Troubleshooting

  • “Command not found”: You are not running the command inside the platform-tools folder.
  • “Device not found”: Drivers are missing or the cable is faulty. Try a different USB port.
  • “Flash-all script fails”: If the script fails, try flashing the bootloader, radio, and image files manually using fastboot flash commands rather than the batch file.