Affiliate links on Android Authority may earn us a commission.Learn more.
Here’s an easy method to bootloader unlock a Verizon Pixel or Pixel XL
July 25, 2025
If you want to flashcustom ROMsto your smartphone, you usually need to unlock the device’s bootloader. However, carriers and OEMs are getting more and more strict about bootloader-unlocking (cough HUAWEI cough), withVerizonbeing one of the strictest companies when it comes to the practice.
For example, the Verizon-brandedGoogle PixelandGoogle Pixel XLhave been bootloader-locked almost since day one (there was a brief time where they could be unlocked, but the exploit was quickly patched). However, we just heard throughXDA Developersthat a new, incredibly simple method exists to bootloader-unlock your original Pixel or Pixel XL.
To be clear, this does NOT work on theGoogle Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL. Attempting this on those devices could cause major issues up-to-and-including bricking the phone. Don’t try it!
With that out of the way, unlocking the bootloader of your Verizon-branded Google Pixel or Pixel XL is a snap. We are assuming that you have ADB installed on your computer and know how to use it. If you don’t, get that all figured out first and then come back here to unlock your phone. We also are assuming you know that unlocking the bootloadercompletely wipes your device’s storage. Make sure you make a backup first!
That’s it! You now have a Verizon Pixel or Pixel XL with an unlocked bootloader. Keep in mind, unlocking the bootloader voids most warranties and could cause stability issues. But if you know what you’re doing, you can have a lot of fun flashing all sorts of new operating systems.
NEXT:HUAWEI will no longer allow bootloader unlocking (Update: Explanation from HUAWEI)
Thank you for being part of our community. Read ourComment Policybefore posting.
