We have previously written an article on how to unlock the Google Pixel 6 Bootloader. Unlocking the bootloader will give users the option to perform extra functions on their smartphones that are, by default, restricted by the OEM. Users can also install custom mods and ROMs on their devices by unlocking the bootloader.
In this article, we will show you how to relock the bootloader on your Google Pixel 6 if you have already unlocked the bootloader. Before we begin, we do want to point out that relocking the bootloader will result in the device performing a factory data reset. This is a security measure put in place by Android, so be sure to back up as much of your data as possible before you proceed with this tutorial.
Reasons for Relocking the Bootloader
There are a number of reasons why someone would want to relock the bootloader of their smartphone. Whether you are done experimenting with a custom ROM or need to unlock it so that you can downgrade to an older version of Android,
Many people unlock the bootloader on their Google Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro so that they can downgrade their devices from the December 2021 security update. However, keeping the bootloader locked is important for a lot of people.
Precautions Before Relocking the Bootloader
Also, remember not to attempt to relock the bootloader of your Google Pixel 6 if you still have Magisk installed or if you are currently running a custom ROM or a custom kernel or anything custom on your device. You need to be running 100 percent stock firmware if you plan to lock the bootloader of your Google Pixel 6.
If you have a custom ROM installed on your device, then you first need to manually flash the stock firmware images through fastboot mode before locking the bootloader. This is necessary because the custom ROM or firmware made so many changes to Android via Root apps.
Relocking the Google Pixel 6 bootloader:
As you are going to relock the bootloader, we assume that you already have ADB and fastboot tools installed on your PC, which are also required to unlock the bootloader.
Here is the step-by-step guide to relocking the bootloader:
Booting into Fastboot Mode
- Boot your Google Pixel 6 or the Pixel 6 Pro into fastboot mode.
- Use the ADB reboot bootloader command in the ADB and Fastboot mode tool with the device connected to the PC with a USB cable while USB debugging mode is enabled.
- You can also confirm whether your PC can recognize your phone by typing out the command “fastboot devices” and making sure you have a device listed there.
Executing Relocking Command
- Next, type out the command “fastboot flashing lock” and hit enter. You need to execute this command in the same folder where you installed the ADB and Fastboot tools. Just open the command prompt or Windows PowerShell in the same folder and type this command out while your device is in Fastboot Mode and connected to the PC.
Device Confirmation
- When you type the command and hit enter, the screen on your Google Pixel 6 or the Pixel 6 Pro changes, and you should get an ok message right there.
- After that, your device will boot, and you will see a new screen.
- Here, you will see some different options at the top of the display next to the power button.
- By default, you will see the option “Do not lock the bootloader.” You can change the option by using the volume up and down button.
- Press the volume up or volume down button until you see “Lock the Bootloader.”
Final Steps
- When the “Lock the Bootloader” option is highlighted, press the power button to select this option.
- As mentioned previously, it is going to do a factory data reset, which it did just on that reboot.
- You will again be booted back into Fastboot mode once your device’s bootloader is locked. There is a “Start” option highlighted at the top; press the power button to select the “Start” option.
- Your device will boot back into Android. It is the first boot into Android, so it will take a little bit longer; just be patient and wait.
- Setup your device like you normally would. Remember that you just did a factory data reset, so all your device data will be formatted.
Conclusion
That’s it. You have now relocked the Bootloader on your Google Pixel 6 or the Pixel 6 Pro.
Experiencing difficulties with your Device, check out our “How To” page on how to resolve some of these issues.
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