Problem

While using the WebInstaller I got stuck at the flashing step.

Error: You need to download a release first!

The error message I get does not make a lot of sense to me, because the 4a image has been successfully downloaded at the previous step.
Screenshot-2023-10-13-at-11-17-10.png

Environment

macOS 12.7
ungoogled Chroumium v117.0.5938.62
Pixel 4a OEM unlocked and USB-Debug active

I have installed GrapheneOS on many devices (via Terminal & WebInstaller) and have never encountered an error.

Use a different browser, ungoogled-chromium isn't supported. Also, usb debugging doesn't need to be enabled.

    spring-onion switched to official Chromium and now it works :)

    I've installed it in the past multiple times with ungoogled-chromiuum... but I guess they've changes some flags which conflict with the flashing process

      a month later

      Hi. I am trying to flash Graphene OS on a Google Pixel 7a.

      I'm using Windows 10 and the Web Installer on Google Chrome.

      Downloading the image worked like a charm. Yet, when pressing on "Flash release" at the next step ("Flashing factory images") I also get "Error: You need to download a release first!".

      My browser is Google Chrome is the official one.

      Any clue of what I could do to get Installer to flash the image I just downloaded?

      Many thanks.

        Siobhan

        Have you downloaded a release using the button in this section? https://grapheneos.org/install/web#obtaining-factory-images

        According to the web installer code, the only time that message will be displayed is if the release wasn't downloaded first. If you have, maybe try exiting your browser and trying again. One important thing to remember is that you cannot flash while in incognito mode.

            other8026 It happended to me as well. I had to use another Android phone to flash.

              other8026

              "One important thing to remember is that you cannot flash while in incognito mode."

              YOU GOT IT !!!! Pure dead brilliant, mate !

              Thanks a million, other8026.

              II created a Google account, connected in the browser under this identity, and lo and behold : the Web Installer finally accepted to flash Graphene OS on my Pixel 7a.

              I confess I did struggle with this for the past two days. You're a genius, pal!

                  a year later

                  Hi. I seem to be having a very similar issue to Siobhan, using all the same technologies. However, I'm still having issues flashing the image even after linking my google account to chrome.

                  Any help would be awesome :)

                    _Tom_ Hi. I seem to be having a very similar issue to Siobhan, using all the same technologies.

                    Do you mean that you are also getting the error message "Error: You need to download a release first!"? If so, did you make sure that you are not in incognito mode?

                    What happens if you exit Chrome completely (all Chrome windows) and try flashing from one of the other supported browsers, such as Edge?

                    (By the way, a Google account is not needed).