Flash with Android Flash Tool

Android Flash Tool is a web-based tool that lets you flash a pre built Android build to your device for development and testing.

Android Flash Tool supports these devices:

Meet requirements

To run the Android Flash Tool, you must meet these requirements:

Enable your USB connection

Before running Android on a device, you must enable your USB connection:

  1. Enable OEM unlocking and USB debugging in the developer options:

    1. In the Settings app, tap About phone.
    2. Tap Build number seven times.
    3. When you see the message You are now a developer!, tap <-.
    4. Tap System, then tap Developer options.
    5. Enable OEM unlocking and USB debugging. If OEM unlocking is unavailable, connect to the internet so the device can check in. If that still doesn't work, you can force a check in: In the Dialer app, enter *#*#CHECKIN#*#* (*#*#2432546#*#*) (no SIM required). After entering the number (no need to press call), the text disappears and a success notification appears.

    If OEM unlocking remains unavailable, your device might be SIM locked by your carrier and the bootloader can't be unlocked.

  2. Connect your device to a USB port on your workstation.

Flash your device

  1. If you have Android Debug Bridge (adb) running on your machine, stop the adb service before proceeding so that it doesn't interfere with the flashing process. To stop adb, run:

    adb kill-server

  2. In a browser on your development workstation, open flash.android.com. The Welcome page appears.

  3. Click Allow ADB access to allow the tool to communicate with your test device through adb.

  4. Click Add new device.

  5. Select your device from the list and click Connect. This list might not contain the full device name.

  6. On your device's screen, select Always allow from this computer and click OK to accept the USB debugging connection.

  7. Select the connected device in your browser.

  8. Search for and select your build from the list. You can also select options, such as wiping the device or force flashing all partitions.

  9. To start flashing, click Install. The device reboots and enters fastboot mode.

  10. After Flash Complete appears, disconnect the device from the USB cable.

Flash devices unable to boot

If your device is unable to boot normally, you might not be able to flash your device using the previous instructions. Instead, you can try flashing with Fastboot.

To do this, you need to first boot your device into Fastboot mode by using a key combination:

  1. Determine the key combination for your device. For a table of Fastboot key combinations, see Fastboot key combinations.
  2. Turn the device off.
  3. Turn the device on and immediately hold down the key combination for your device (determined in step 1).

Once your device is in Fastboot mode, open flash.android.com and follow the earlier flashing instructions, ignoring the steps related to ADB.

Resolve USB transfer errors

Sometimes Android devices have trouble communicating through certain USB ports or hubs due to the high throughput of data. To resolve transfer errors:

  • Don't use USB hubs. This includes connections through monitors.
  • Don't use USB extension cables or adapters if possible.
  • Try a different USB port. Rear ports are often more reliable than front ones.
  • If you're using a USB C port, try a USB A port instead.

Return Pixel to public build

If you want to return your Pixel device to a public build, use the Android Flash Tool back-to-public option.