Why use Fastboot to Flash Firmware on Pixel 7/Pro
When your device is in a bootloop or bricked state, then you wouldn’t be able to use either the ADB sideload or the Android Flash Tool. The only way of bringing your Pixel 7/Pro back to life is by flashing the firmware via Fastboot- either via the script or by manually flashing each file to its respective partition. Moreover, when it comes to performing an OS downgrade, then the Fastboot method is your best bet. Another major benefit of this method is that it gives you more granular control over the flashing process [such as bypassing the Anti Rollback Mechanism]. So owing to all these reasons, flashing the stock firmware via Fastboot on Pixel 7/Pro is usually the go-to choice for the tech enthusiast. If you also echo the same thought, then let’s get started with the guide!
How to Flash Firmware on Pixel 7/Pro via Fastboot [2 Methods]
Please take a complete device backup before proceeding with the below steps. Droidwin and its members wouldn’t be held responsible in case of a thermonuclear war, your alarm doesn’t wake you up, or if anything happens to your device and data by performing the below steps.
STEP 1: Install Android SDK
First and foremost, you will have to install the Android SDK Platform Tools on your PC. This is the official ADB and Fastboot binary provided by Google and is the only recommended one. So download it and then extract it to any convenient location on your PC. Doing so will give you the platform-tools folder, which will be used throughout this guide.
STEP 2: Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking
Next up, you will also have to enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking on your device. The former will make your device recognizable by the PC in ADB mode. This will then allow you to boot your device to Fastboot Mode. On the other hand, OEM Unlocking is required to carry out the bootloader unlocking process.
So head over to Settings > About Phone > Tap on Build Number 7 times > Go back to Settings > System > Developer Options > Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking.
STEP 3: Unlock Bootloader on Pixel 7/Pro
Next up, you will also have to unlock the device’s bootloader. Do keep in mind that doing so will wipe off all the data from your device and could nullify its warranty as well. So if that’s all well and good, then please refer to our detailed guide on How to Unlock the Bootloader on Pixel 7/Pro.
STEP 4: Download Pixel 7/Pro Firmware
STEP 5: Boot Pixel 7/Pro to Fastboot Mode
We are now done with all the prerequisites and could now begin with the flashing. Regarding this, there are two different methods that you could opt for- Fastboot Script or Fastboot Command. In the script method, the flash-all batch file will flash all the firmware files to their respective partitions. On the other hand, in the Commands method, we will be manually flashing each file to its respective partitions. We have explained both these methods below, you may refer to the one that is in sync with your requirement.
STEP 6A: Flash Firmware on Pixel 7/Pro via Fastboot Script
You will first have to decide whether or not you want to format your device. If you are unbricking your device, fixing bootloop, or performing an OS upgrade [such as from Android 13 to Android 14], then a reset is a must. On the other hand, if you are flashing the same OS version firmware, then you might skip the formatting [though we would still recommend a format]. So depending on your need, you may refer to the associated section given below.
With Data Format
Without Data Format
STEP 6B: Flash Firmware on Pixel 7/Pro via Fastboot Commands
That’s it. These were the two different methods to flash the stock firmware on your Pixel 7/Pro via Fastboot. If you have any queries concerning the aforementioned steps, do let us know in the comments. We will get back to you with a solution at the earliest.
How to Unlock Bootloader on Pixel 7/ProRoot Pixel 7/Pro via Magisk Patched BootPass SafetyNet and Hide Root from Apps on Rooted Pixel 7/ProFlash Firmware on Pixel 7/Pro via ADB Sideload
About Chief Editor
