Verizon Pixel bootloader unlock tool now available

Following the successful effort to unlock the Verizon Pixel bootloader earlier this week, developers @firewaterdevs @jcase and @therootninja have publicly released a Pixel bootloader unlock tool called dePixel8. As one of the developers, Beaups noted in a tweet, “It’s not my best work, but it works…usually”.

dePixel8 works by forcefully enabling bootloader unlocking on the Verizon Pixel and Pixel XL. Unlocking the bootloader is then a simple process of launching a terminal window and issuing the ADB commands fastboot oem unlocking followed by fastboot oem unlock.

The developers have decided to release the tool for free on their website, Sunshine, on the condition that you don’t go hassling them for support. The Sunshine website mentions that dePixel8 will work for both Verizon and EE-branded Pixels.

You’ll find full instructions on running dePixel8 on your Verizon or EE Pixel on the Sunshine website, where you can also make a donation if you appreciate the efforts of these hard-working devs.

For the uninitiated, a bootloader is the first thing that runs when you boot up your Android device. It’s main job is to start up the operating system saved on the phone’s internal memory.

A bootloader is usually locked by default to prevent software tampering, but some manufacturers offer official unlocking tools for those who want to install custom ROMs and the like. Unfortunately, Verizon is not one of them.

As such, a locked bootloader is unlikely to affect a large number of consumers that Google is targeting with its new Pixel phones. Especially as security updates and patches should be frequent.

However, for some, this news unfortunately confirms that Google is happy to sever the ties from its highly developer friendly Nexus branded smartphones with the new Pixel range.

Pixels purchased from the Google Store will feature unlockable bootloaders and will work just fine with Verizon as well as T-Mobile. Meanwhile, Chainfire has managed to achieve full systemless root on the Google Pixel.

Will you unlock your Verizon Pixel?