After installing the update, if the OEM unlocking option remains grayed out, you need to factory reset your Pixel 6A.
Factory reset can be helpful in fixing the issue with bootloader unlocking. If the problem is caused by a minor bug or system glitches, doing the factory reset on your Pixel 6A can fix it. Before I take you to the steps, it’s important to understand that factory reset involves data loss. Hence, take a full backup of your phone before doing this.
How to factory reset Pixel 6A:
- Open the Settings app on your Pixel 6A.
- Go to System and select Reset options.
- Tap on Erase all data (factory reset).
- Click Erase all data. If asked, enter the lock screen pin/password and tap Erase all data.
- Your device will reboot automatically. Do not press any button during the process.
Solution 3: Manually Install Android 12 Build
Some users were able to fix the grayed out OEM unlocking option on Pixel 6A after manually installing the Android 12 build. First, they installed the Android 13 Beta 4.1 build on the phone and then downgraded it to the latest Android 12 build. This process involves data loss. Hence, you should backup important data first before upgrading/downgrading your Pixel 6A.
Solution 4: Sideload Verizon Build
Pixel 6A units on the Verizon carrier haven’t had the grayed out OEM unlocking problem. So, you can sideload the Verizon update SD2A.220601.004 on your Pixel 6A to check if it can spell out success for you. To instal this Verizon build, here are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Install Android SDK
If you are into Android rooting, customizations, etc, you already know what it is and how beneficial it is. In short, it is used to connect the phone with the computer to perform ADB commands. Instal the Android SDK on your computer and move to the next step.
Step 2: Download Verizon Pixel 6A Firmware
Download the Verizon’s Pixel 6A SD2A.220601.004 update on your computer and move it to the platform-tools folder.
Verizon Pixel 6A – 6A SD2A.220601.004
For our convenience, rename the file to “pixel6a”. The filename would become pixel6a.zip.
Step 3: Enable USB Debugging
You need to enable the USB Debugging option on your phone for it to get recognized by the computer. You can find this option under the Settings > System > Developer options. If you can’t find Developer options, go to Settings > About phone and tap 7 times on the built version. Now, you can find the Developer options and on that page you’ll get the option to enable USB Debugging.
Step 4: Boot Pixel 6A to Stock Recovery
After you’ve enabled USB Debugging, connect your phone to the PC via a USB cable. You’ll be asked to verify the USB connection, if you are doing this for the first time on your computer. Tap Verify on your phone.
Now, open the platform-tools folder on your PC, and type CMD in the address bar and press Enter to open the Command Prompt. Alternatively, inside the platform-tools folder, press Shift and right-click area and select Open Windows powershell here to open the Command Prompt.
Type in the following command and press Enter to boot your Pixel 5A to stock recovery.
adb reboot recovery
You’ll see a No command screen on your phone. Now, press and hold the power button. Press and release the volume up key, while holding the power button key. Now, release the power key and your device should boot to stock recovery.
Step 5: Sideload Verizon Pixel 6A Firmware
This is the last step, where we’ll be installing the Verizon Pixel 6A firmware. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Navigate to Apply update from ADB option using the power button and press the power key to select.
- Go to the command window on your computer and run the following command to verify the connection.
adb devices
- If your computer shows you the text “sideload” next to a random string of numbers and letters, you are good to go.
- Run the following command to install the Verizon Pixel 6A firmware.
adb sideload pixel6a.zip
It may take a couple of minutes for the process to complete. Once done, navigate to Wipe data/factory reset option using the volume keys and press the power button to select. You device will reset and hopefully, the OEM unlocking option should not be grayed out.
Although Google has not confirmed the reason behind grayed out OEM unlocking problem on Pixel 6A, it has assured that a fix has been released in the form of a software update. I would highly recommend installing the latest update. In case it is currently not available on your phone, wait for a few days, or use the solutions mentioned in this article. If you have tried the solutions, let us know which one worked for you in the comments below?