If you’re the proud owner of a Google Pixel Fold, you’re probably excited about the possibilities that come with it. The Pixel Fold offers a clean stock UI experience with just the right amount of Pixel goodies in a folding device. It has garnered a lot of attention from both general users and tech enthusiasts alike. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process to Unlock Bootloader On Google Pixel Fold. Pixel devices have always been known for their active custom development community, and this folding device is no different. However, before you can start customizing your device, you’ll need to unlock the bootloader.
Benefits and Risks of Unlock Bootloader On Google Pixel Fold
Unlocking the bootloader on your Pixel Fold opens up a world of possibilities. It allows you to take full advantage of Android’s open-source ecosystem. Once the bootloader is unlocked, you can install custom ROMs, flash custom recoveries like TWRP, and gain administrative privileges by rooting your device using Magisk. With these privileges, you can further enhance your device by installing Magisk Modules, Xposed Framework, Substratum Themes, and Viper4Android, among other modifications.
However, it’s important to note that unlocking the bootloader comes with a few risks. First, the process will wipe all the data on your device, so it’s crucial to take a backup before proceeding. Additionally, unlocking the bootloader may void your device’s warranty. Furthermore, some consequences include the degradation of Widevine L1 certification to L3, which prevents HD streaming. SafetyNet will also be triggered, leading to incompatibility with certain banking apps.
How to Unlock Bootloader on Google Pixel Fold
Before we proceed, please be aware that unlocking the bootloader will erase all data on your device and could potentially void the warranty. Take necessary precautions and create a backup of your important data. Droidwin and its members are not responsible for any damage or loss caused during the process. Now, let’s begin with the steps to unlock the bootloader on your Google Pixel Fold.
STEP 1: Install Android SDK
To begin, you need to install the Android SDK Platform Tools on your PC. These tools include ADB and Fastboot binaries, and they are provided by Google. Download the Android SDK Platform Tools from the official source and extract them to a convenient location on your PC. This will give you the platform-tools folder, which we will use throughout this guide.
STEP 2: Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking on Google Pixel Fold
Next, you’ll need to enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking on your Google Pixel Fold. USB Debugging allows your device to communicate with the PC in ADB mode, while OEM Unlocking is required to unlock the bootloader.
Here’s how you can enable these options:
- Go to Settings on your Pixel Fold.
- Scroll down and tap on “About Phone.”
- Locate the “Build Number” and tap on it seven times to enable Developer Options.
- Go back to the main Settings menu and tap on “Developer Options.”
- Scroll down and find the “USB Debugging” option. Enable it.
- Scroll further and locate “OEM unlocking.” Enable this option as well.
- You may be prompted to enter your device’s PIN or pattern for security confirmation.
STEP 3: Boot Google Pixel Fold to Fastboot Mode
Now that you have enabled USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking, you need to boot your Pixel Fold into Fastboot Mode. This mode allows you to communicate with your device via Fastboot commands.
Follow these steps to boot into Fastboot Mode:
- Power off your Pixel Fold completely.
- Press and hold the Power button and Volume Down button simultaneously.
- Keep holding both buttons until you see the Fastboot Mode screen.
STEP 4: Unlock Bootloader Google Pixel Fold
With your Pixel Fold in Fastboot Mode, you’re ready to unlock the bootloader. However, please note that unlocking the bootloader will erase all data on your device. Make sure you have backed up any important data before proceeding.
To unlock the bootloader on your Pixel Fold, follow these steps:
- Connect your Pixel Fold to the PC using a USB cable.
- On your PC, navigate to the location where you extracted the Android SDK Platform Tools.
- Open a Command Prompt or Terminal window in that location.
- In the Command Prompt or Terminal, enter the following command to verify the connection:
fastboot Devices
This command should display the serial number of your Pixel Fold, confirming that it is connected properly.
- Next, enter the following command to unlock the bootloader
fastboot flashing unlock
A confirmation screen will appear on your Pixel Fold.
- Use the Volume buttons to highlight “Yes” and press the Power button to confirm.
- The bootloader unlocking process will begin, and your device will reboot into the bootloader mode.
- Once the process is complete, your Pixel Fold’s bootloader will be unlocked.
Congratulations! You have successfully unlocked the bootloader on your Pixel Fold. You can now proceed to install custom ROMs, custom recoveries, or root your device to further customize and enhance its functionality. Remember to exercise caution and research thoroughly before making any modifications to your device.
