Pixel 8A install, can toggle "OEM Unlock" setting but still locked in bootloader

de0u

DeletedUser223 I'm using a Windows 11 laptop, running the Web Installer using Chrome.

Is Chrome up to date? Is the web installer run in a regular tab (not an incognito tab)?

Maybe try installing Google's fastboot driver manually (see "Connecting the device")?

Also, you could try the CLI method.

DeletedUser223

de0u I verified that Chrome is up to date, and I am not using any incognito tabs/windows.

I also tried installing the drivers manually too. I had to download drivers from Motorola directly from the linked page on the web installer to get Windows to see the device at all, and I got the Google USB Driver through using the Android SDK manager.

But even after installing drivers, rebooting the laptop and trying to reconnect, I'm still getting the same error. Also tried using Brave with shields down, but same thing.

DeletedUser223

OfflinePuffin I did confirm that the web installer has access to connect to USB devices, and tried clearing the cache and reconnecting, but still get the same error.

DeletedUser223

DeletedUser223 nvm, apparently the seller I bought the device from shipped me a Motorola phone instead of a Pixel 8A. Will try install again once I receive the correct device.

DeletedUser223

I have also tried using the CLI method, I can follow the instructions up to using the command to unlock the bootloader, where I get a "command failed" error message. It is connecting to the phone when it tries to unlock it, as I get a "cmd: flashing unlock" in the bootloader logs on the device when I try to use the command.

DeletedUser223

DeletedUser87 I tried all the USB ports on my laptop, and multiple cables, but still get the error message each time. I don't have any other tabs or software running during the install. Also tried with Brave with shields down, but same thing.

I do have a Linux Mint install that I can try, but I only wanted to try that as a last resort as from the documentation it seems there are even more steps/issues with doing this on Linux than there are on Windows.

DeletedUser223

So I did decide to try doing the install on my Linux Mint.

Using the web installer, when I try to unlock the bootloader, I get an error message "Error: Failed to execute 'claiminterface' on 'USBDevice': Unable to claim interface", and the phone goes into a boot loop until I force it to start normally, when it boots into Android as usual.

Using the CLI, when I check my fastboot version following the install, I'm only at version 28.0.2, well below the 35.0.1 that the guide requires.

DeletedUser370

DeletedUser223 On the phone, I also see that it lists "oem_locked" in the text on the bootloader screen

Interesting. I am not seeing this in the bootloader interface on my Pixel 8 which has "OEM Unlocking" disabled.

DeletedUser223 "Error: Bootloader was not unlocked, please try again!".

I know you said that it is, but did you double-check that "OEM unlocking" in Developer options is still enabled after a reboot of the phone? It's the most common source of the error message, so it would be nice if you could tell us whether or not it's still enabled after a reboot.

If it is enabled, I wonder if you are on the latest version of the stock PixelOS. If you go to Settings > System > System updates and do a check for system updates, is there any update available?

DeletedUser370

DeletedUser223 Well, that would explain it! :)

Cauli-Flower

Hello community,

I am having similar troubles with installing Grapheneos, even though in all threads and yt videos it seems so easy. Does anyone know where I went wrong?

I have a new Pixel 8a, a USB A to C cable and a Windows Tablet with Windows 11. I use the webbased installation with Microsoft Edge Browser. I updated everything, enabled OEM unlocking, enabled bootloader interface which shows "device: locked (unlockable)", unlike in video instructions where it's only "locked".

When pressing the button "unlock bootloader" on webinstaller, the browser shows a notification and also shows Pixel 8a available. Although the button for "connect" is somehow faded and cannot be pressed.

According to the instructions, the actual command should be done on the device. However, I do not see any option. I also saw this step in the video, but the option does not appear on my device.

Can anyone help me with this task? I am grateful for every hint!

Best regards

DeletedUser370

Cauli-Flower Although the button for "connect" is somehow faded and cannot be pressed.

I believe you have to click (or tap, if you're using a touch screen) on the text "Pixel 8a" in the notification before the "connect" button can be pressed.

Cauli-Flower enabled bootloader interface which shows "device: locked (unlockable)", unlike in video instructions where it's only "locked".

That's fine: "locked (unlockable)" is how it should look; it confirms that OEM unlocking has been enabled. The video is showing you an outdated version of the bootloader interface. I recommend following the official installation guide, which is always up to date – unlike most video guides.

Cauli-Flower

DeletedUser370
that solved it! I was able to install successfully :) Thank you very much!

final

Locked as solved.