How to Relock Bootloader on Google Pixel and Pixel XL phones

Google’s Pixel phones are very much Nexus devices but only more focused on premium user experience. But that doesn’t change what runs inside these devices.

Google’s Pixel and Pixel XL phones can boot into bootloader and recovery mode just like Nexus devices does, and support bootloader unlock and relock as well.

Relocking bootloader on Pixel phone is as easier as it can be. You just have to connect the device to PC in bootloader mode and issue fastboot oem lock command from PC’s command line tool.

How to Relock Bootloader on Pixel and Pixel XL

  1. Setup ADB and Fastboot on your PC.
  2. Enable USB debugging on your Pixel device.
  3. Connect your Pixel device to the PC with a USB cable.
  4. Open a command window on your PC.
  5. Boot your Pixel device into bootloader mode using the following command:
    adb reboot bootloader

    └ You may get a request to authorize USB debugging on the device, accept it.

  6. Once your device is in bootloader mode, issue the following command to relock bootloader:
    fastboot oem lock
  7. Once bootloader locked, your device will reboot into bootloader mode. You need to boot into system now, either press Power button to reboot OR issue the following command:
    fastboot reboot

    └ This step won’t be needed if your Pixel phone automatically reboots into system after bootloader relock.

That’s it.

Image source: The Verge

Posted by
Shivam Malani

Shivam is our resident designer and web developer who also enjoys writing. He loves to meditate, drive on the freeways and hunt for snipers during his Call Of Duty playtime. Email: [email protected]

10 Comments

  1. thanks, what about if you want to UN-root and back to stock! what are the steps!
    which come first ! the Relock Bootloader or unroot?

    thanks

  2. thanks, what about if you want to UN-root and back to stock! what are the steps!
    which come first ! the Relock Bootloader or unroot?

    thanks

  3. This method bricked my phone for some reason.

    1. You didn’t follow the instruction!!! what a shame…

  4. This method bricked my phone for some reason.

  5. Thanks. it work !!! Thanks a lot

  6. how to find out if the bootloader is locked or unlocked ?

    1. There should be a warning when starting your phone if the bootloader is unlocked.

  7. will this wipe the data?

  8. Hi! I am flashing AOSP on a pixel 4 and pixel 4a device, but once after flashing the AOSPinto the device when I tried to re-lock the bootloader, the custom ROM would not load and the device failed to flash.
    Can you guide me on how to re-lock after flashing especially in pixel 4 and 4a devices?

    Waiting for your response.
    Thank You

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