These are instructions on how to unlock bootloader of the Google Pixel smartphone using the ADB and fastboot tools on a Windows Computer.

Caution: The Google Pixel Smartphone powered by Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821 chipset comes with the locked Bootloader. Unlocking the Bootloader on Google Pixel Smartphone will wipe/delete the data from the device. Therefore, we recommend you back up your data before following the guidelines below.

How to Unlock Google Pixel Bootloader

  1. Download and install Google ADB Driver on your computer. If in case, Google ADB Drivers are already installed on the computer, then SKIP this step.

    2. USB Logo

  2. Download and install Minimal ADB and Fastboot Tool on your computer.

    3. Download Logo

  3. Enable Developer Options on your Google Pixel Smartphone. To Enable Developer Options: Open Settings > About Phone > Tap on the Built Number for 6-8 times until developers option is enabled.

    4. Go to System> Developer Options. Tap on the ON checkbox to enable it.

    Scroll down and Tap on the OEM unlocking and USB debugging checkbox to enable it.

  4. Connect your Google Pixel smartphone to the computer.

    5. Mobile USB Computer

  5. Once your device is connected to the computer, you may get Allow USB Debugging popup on the smartphone, Accept it to continue.
  6. Launch Minimal ADB and Fastboot Tool (Launch it using the Startmenu Shortcut or directly from C:\Program Files (x86)\Minimal ADB and Fastboot\ folder). Once the Minimal ADB and Fastboot window is launched, you will be able to see the following window:

    7. minimal command window

  7. Write the following command: adb devices

    8. Google Pixel ADB Devices

    The above command will help recognize/verify the connected Google Pixel Device on the computer.

  8. Write the following command: adb reboot bootloader

    9. Google Pixel Reboot Bootloader

    The above command will boot your Google Pixel device into the fastboot mode.

  9. Your device will reboot into the bootloader mode.
  10. Once your device is booted into the bootloader mode, give the following command: fastboot flashing unlock

    11. Minimal ADB Fastboot Flashing Unlock

    The Above command will unlock the bootloader on your Pixel Device.

  11. Now, you will see the confirmation screen on your Google Pixel smartphone. Use Volume UP button to highlight and Press Power button to select Yes.
  12. Once your device bootloader is unlocked, you need to restart the device. To restart the device Press Power Button.
  13. During the reboot, your smartphone will go through a factory reset and then boot into the System.

    14. Congratulations! You just learned to unlock the bootloader of your Google Pixel Smartphone.

Notes

[*] Universal Method: The above method can be used to unlock the bootloader of all Google Pixel Devices.

[*] Platform Tools: If you are looking for the latest ADB and Fastboot Tools, then prefer using the official Google Platform Tool package.

[*] Google Pixel Firmware: If you are looking for the Google Pixel Stock Firmware (Flash File), then head over to the Download Google Pixel Stock Firmware page.

[*] Google USB Driver: If you are looking for Google Pixel USB Driver, then head over to Download Google USB Driver page.