How to Unbrick Dead Pixel Phone After Android 12 Update

If you’re not aware, some Pixel 3 series devices were stuck on the EDL mode a couple of weeks ago. Meanwhile, Google has finally released the Android 12 on Pixel devices after a bunch of developer previews and public beta builds. Now, it seems that plenty of Pixel device users are experiencing bricked issues after updating the latest OS. If you’re also one of them, you can check out How to Unbrick Dead Pixel Phone After Android 12 Update.

Android devices including the Pixel series do come with a wide range of customization options like bootloader unlocking, rooting, flashing custom firmware, and more. These customization tweaks may bring several issues that can be fixed manually with an unlocked bootloader. But if your Pixel device has a locked bootloader and somehow it gets stuck in the bricked status on Android 12 then make sure to follow this full guide carefully.

How to Unbrick Dead Pixel Phone After Android 12 Update

It’s quite fortunate that a leaked internal build for Pixel 3, 4, and 5 series models are available right now that can be flashed on a locked bootloader to go back to the stable Android 11 version (downgrade from Android 12). This will help you to revive your bricked Pixel device once again.

Warning: GetDroidTips won’t be held responsible for any kind of issue that may happen on your handset during/after following this guide. You should know what you’re doing and proceed at your own risk.

Pre-Requirements

• You’ll require a computer and a USB cable.
• Charge the device battery sufficiently.
• Install the Android USB Driver on the PC.
• Grab the Rollback OTA file for your specific model below.
• Install Android SDK Platform Tools on the PC.

Download Pixel Android 11 Leaked OTA (Rollback)

These are not the official OTA packages from Google. These are provided by a reputed Forum Member and shared at the 4PDA Forum. Now, it depends on you whether you’re in or not.

• Pixel 3 | Pixel 3XL
• Pixel 3a | Pixel 3a XL
• Pixel 4 | Pixel 4 XL
• Pixel 4a | Pixel 4a 5G
• Pixel 5

Steps to Boot Pixel Device to ADB Sideload Mode

• First of all, make sure to switch off your Pixel device.
• Next, press and hold the Power + Volume Down keys together for a few seconds to boot your device into the Bootloader Mode.
• Then you can use the Volume keys to highlight the Recovery Mode option on the screen > Press the Power key to confirm it.
• You may receive the ‘No Command’ message on your screen. So, press and hold the Power key then press the Volume Up key once.
• Then release the Power button and it may take a couple of attempts to bypass the ‘No Command’ screen. So, keep trying repeatedly.
• Once your device boot into the Recovery Mode, go to the Apply Update from ADB option via using Volume keys then press the Power key to confirm it.
• Your Pixel device has now been booted into the ADB Sideload Mode. You can now easily flash the downgrade OTA file by following the steps below on your bricked Pixel with a locked bootloader state.

Flash Rollback OTA on Pixel via ADB Sideload

• Now, you’ll need to rename the downloaded OTA firmware package. Rename it to update.zip on the PC so that it’ll be easier for you in the later part.
• Make sure to transfer this update.zip OTA file to the installed ADB Fastboot (platform-tools) folder on your PC.
• Next, connect your Pixel device to the PC via a USB cable (ensure that the device is booed to the ADB Sideload Mode).
• Then head over to the platform-tools folder, type in CMD in the address bar then hit Enter to open the Command Prompt window.
• Now, type the following command in the CMD window and hit Enter to flash the firmware file:

adb sideload update.zip

• The flashing process will start and it may take a couple of minutes or so. Just have some patience.
• Once done, you’ll need to use the Volume keys to open up the Reboot to Bootloader option then press the Power key to confirm it.
• Your bricked Pixel device will now reboot to the Bootloader Mode.
• Now, head over to the next method to complete the verification of the sideloading process.

Steps to Verify the Sideloading Process

• Once your Pixel device boots into the Bootloader Mode, make sure to use the Volume keys to open the Recovery Mode option then press the Power key to confirm it.
• Your device will now boot into the Recovery Mode.

Tip: Now, check for the yellow inscriptions. If it still says S instead of 11, then you will need to flash the firmware file again via the ADB Sideload method using the same steps above.

• Whereas if you can see the yellow inscription to showcase 11 then you’re good to go.
• Simply perform a Factory Reset (Wipe Data) from the Recovery Mode screen.
• Once done, reboot your device to the system normally from the Recovery Mode screen [Select Reboot System Now by navigating via Volume keys and confirming via the Power key]
• Finally, your Pixel device is unbricked and it’ll boot into the Android 11 stock firmware.
• The first boot to the system may take a couple of minutes or more. So, no need to worry. Just wait for it.
• Once booted, go through the initial setup screen, and enjoy!

That’s it, guys. We assume this guide was helpful to you. For further queries, you can comment below.