Google has finally released its new Pixel 9 lineup of smartphones globally, a huge upgrade compared to the Pixel 8 series. This year, Pixel is bringing two new models: the Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL. The Pro models are a huge upgrade for them, and they come with a new Tensor G4 chipset, which is more powerful and efficient than the Tensor G3 processor. In addition, the Pixel 9 lineup comes with several AI features, delivering the best experience with its top-notch functionality.
This time, the new Google Pixel 9 series has been launched at a hefty price tag due to its advanced AI features and new Tensor G4 chipset. By default, manufacturers lock the bootloader to ensure the privacy and security of the device’s software. This means you can’t customize the firmware, install custom ROMs, or access administrative controls (Root). To access this, you need to unlock the bootloader on your device.
If you are bored with using the stock UI and want to try something by customizing the overall experience of your smartphone or flashing custom firmware, you’re in the right place. In this tutorial, we will show you how to unlock the bootloader on Google Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL. By following each step carefully, you can effortlessly unlock the bootloader on your Pixel smartphone. Let’s dive in.
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What is Bootloader Unlock?
Android manufacturers don’t allow you to unlock the bootloader due to security and privacy concerns. While we already know that the Android operating system (OS) is an open-source platform that allows individual users to access various features without breaking its privacy. This is why smartphone OEMs always stick to their skin and OS which is mainly organized for their devices. For that reason, they don’t provide the bootloader system out-of-the-box.
Additionally, unlocking the bootloader on the device launched the gateway for the Android users to customize the features through its possibility. Through this, users can easily install the custom ROMs, access the recovery files, access the root system, install third-party apps, and much more. If you want to flash a custom ROM, then you need to unlock the bootloader on your device.
Advantages of Unlocking Bootloader
- Access to Flash Custom ROMs.
- Able to install a Custom Recovery (TWRP).
- Able to install different Root access.
- Access to third-party softwares.
Disadvantages of Unlocking Bootloader
- Unlocking the bootloader on the device completely invalidates the device warranty offered by the manufacturer (if applicable).
- Privacy and security measures may get affected.
- You may not be able to experience the performance of the device as normal.
- Unlocking the bootloader can erase all your phone data completely.
- Improper bootloader unlocking can affect a boot loop or brick the device completely.
How to Unlock Bootloader on Google Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL
Here’s how to unlock the bootloader on Google Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL.
Prerequisite
Before we begin the steps, you must fulfill some prominent requirements for unlocking the bootloader.
- You will require a PC or laptop and a USB cable.
- Keep your device charged up to 50%~70% before unlocking the bootloader.
- Download the ADB and Fastboot Tools on your PC and laptop. Then, download and install them for Windows and Mac.
Disclaimer: Unlocking the bootloader and rooting may void the warranty of your Google Pixel. We at GetDroidTips won’t be responsible for any damage or error to your handset while following the guide. Please completely back up your phone to avoid any unforeseen situations.
Step 1: Backup Your Phone Data
First, you must completely back up your Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL and save it to your computer or cloud storage. Don’t know how or what to back up your Android phone? Read our detailed guide on how to take a complete backup of any Android phone.
Step 2: Download Required Drivers
You will need to download some required drivers on your computer before you head to unlock the bootloader.
- Download Android USB Drivers on your computer.
- Download ADB Fastboot Setup and extract it in C:/Drive on your PC File Explorer.
Step 3: Download & Install Android SDK
If you are going to unlock the bootloader on your Google Pixel smartphone, you should know about the Android SDK tool, which is necessary to do so. You must download and install the Android SDK platform tool on your computer.
This tool includes the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and the Fastboot, which is important for unlocking Android smartphone bootloaders.
Download Android SDK Platform Tools
Navigate to the official website and extract the downloaded file to a safe location on your PC, which will allow you to access the platform tool folder.
Step 4: Enable the USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking
You have to enable the USB debugging and OEM unlocking before you unlock the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL bootloader. Ensure that the USB debugging and OEM unlocking are enabled on your device. Here’s how:
- Open the Settings app on your Pixel 9 series.
- Scroll down and tap on About phone.
- Then, scroll down to the bottom and tap on Build number 7 times.
- Enter your PIN when the prompt appears on the screen, and it will enable the Developer Options.
- Go back to the main settings page and tap on System, and choose Developer options.
- Now scroll down and enable the OEM unlocking and USB debugging toggle, allowing the PC to access your phone.
Step 5: Boot Your Device Into Fastboot Mode
Once you have enabled OEM unlocking and USB debugging on your Google Pixel phone, you can boot your device into fastboot mode. Here’s how to do it.
- Take a USB data cable and connect your Pixel device to the PC.
- Open the Platform-tools folder on your computer and type CMD in the address bar.
- Double-click on the CMD to open the Command Prompt, type the command below, and hit Enter.
adb reboot bootloader
Now, you can verify the connection by entering the fast boot device in the prompt. If you see the device ID followed by the fastboot keyboard, then your connection has been successfully completed.
Step 6: Unlock the Bootloader on Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL
Now you have successfully entered into the fastboot mode; you can proceed with the final steps to unlock the bootloader on the Google Pixel 9 series.
- Open the command prompt and type the following commands.
fastboot flashing unlock
- You will now see a confirmation message on your Pixel device. Use the Volume key button to select the “Unlock the Bootloader” option, then confirm it by pressing the power key.
- As soon as you confirm it, your Pixel phone will automatically reset. This process will take a few minutes.
- Once completed, your Pixel phone bootloader is successfully unlocked.
- Finally, reboot your device by typing the command below into the prompt.
fastboot reboot
Now, your device will automatically reboot, and you can complete the setup by reading and following the on-screen instructions.
That’s it. This is how you can successfully unlock the bootloader on Google Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL. Now, you can install any custom ROMs, firmware updates, custom recovery, etc. I hope this guide was helpful and helped you successfully unlock the bootloader of the Pixel 9 series.