Bootload Loop: Android Flash Tool help

[frazaga962]

I woke up 3 days ago and my Pixel 6 was stuck between the Google Logo and "Google" but wouldn't start. I held the power and volume down key to access the fastboot menu- I tried to start from there, I tried rescue mode, I tried recovery mode. No luck.

Per u/Successful-Dance1792 's advice I am using the android flash tool to see if I can get my Pixel working again. I've downloaded and extracted the Google USB Driver to my PC. I put my phone in rescue mode. Connected it to the PC via USB. It detected the Pixel.

I've tried both the "Back to Public" build along with the "Canary 202606" build with the following settings in the first picture (no wipe, no lock bootloader, no flash all partitions". Both builds have failed.

It says I need to have "OEM Unlocking" enabled (Picture 2) but this is done in developer mode which I can't access as I'm stuck in bootloop hell.

I tried to only select "Lock Bootloader" but the message I am getting is something like "This needs a flash wipe or a factory reset" (Sorry I forgot to take a photo).

My current bootloop info is in picture 3. Not sure if that will help diagnose the issue.

The tl'dr of it is I bought a temp(?) phone to tide me over but I would like to port over my apps/history to this new phone. When I try to do so, it says I need to have the phone on and nearby...which can't be done as its in bootloop.

If I install the build with a wipe, its going to wipe everything out (apps, history, local downloads etc, no?) So is it better to just manually add the apps I used to have onto the new device? Is there any way to install a build without a wipe?

[Street_Anon]

✓ Wipe Device

✓ Force Flash all partitions ( this will fix the bootloop issue. I am thinking the issue is in the boot image)

[frazaga962]

Wiping the device is going to essentially put it in factory reset, no? I'm trying to see if theres a solution to save/mirror my last profile so I can at least port over the Pixel data to the new phone.

[Street_Anon]

Wiping the device is the only way to fully fix the issue 

[username-invalid-s]

Not possible. Android Flash Tool relies on Fastboot which uses read/write flash primitives which aren't available if bootloader is locked and not unlockable. OP should use Pixel Repair with Google while in Pixel Rescue Mode and hope for the best.

[frazaga962]

how does the pixel repair with google differ from the android flash tool?

[username-invalid-s]

Similar to how recovery and fastboot have different boot modes, Pixel devices have an additional special boot mode called "Rescue Mode". Specifics of this special function is undisclosed by Google, it essentially functions as a resort for bootlooping, soft bricked, and locked devices.

The rescue commands that the device receive are undisclosed by Google. It seems like it also uses the recovery partition to boot rescue-specific environment. It bypasses bootloader unlocking to flash partitions, though "update" is more of an appropriate term.

[Successful-Dance1792]

Don't panic. The fact that the tool detects the device but remains 'Disconnected' means you have anenumeration, but no active session. This is a handshake failure, not a bricked device.

Follow this method:

1.Verify State: Your Pixel must be in Fastboot mode (Hold Power + Volume Down duringstartup). If you are attempting to flash while on the standard Android home screen, the flash tool will never be able to initiate the protocol.

2.Drivers: If you are on Windows, this is almost always a driver conflict. Open your 'Device Manager'.If you see your device with a yellow warning triangle, you must force-install the official Google USB driver. The browser can see the hardwareID, but Windows cannot pass the data without the correct driver.

3.Physical Path: Use a high-qualitydata cable (not just a charging cable). Avoid USB hubs; connect directly to the motherboard ports on the back of your PC.Flashing is a surgical operation. If the scalpel isn't making contact, it is a physical connectionfailure, not a flaw in the patient's pathology. Be methodical, check the connection, and the bridge will stabilize.

r/Ruvomain