Just days after the launch of the Pixel 6A, Google is rolling out an update to fix an issue that prevents users from unlocking the bootloader and making modifications, according to a report from Android Police. The change is included in the first update for the Pixel 6A, which Google just started rolling out last week.
In short, a bootloader is software that loads the operating system (OS) into a device when it is turned on. Gaining bootloader access on Android can give you full control over your operating system in a process known as rooting. It also allows you to install modified versions of Android, called ROMs. While some phone manufacturers and carriers don’t allow you to unlock your device’s bootloader, Google does things differently. It lets you dive right into Pixels that aren’t tied to a specific carrier (which, confusingly, are also known as “unlocked” devices).
Last week, Android Police found several reports of Pixel 6A users who were disappointed to find they couldn’t access the bootloader, and later confirmed the issue on their own Pixel 6A review unit . A Google spokesperson told Android Police that a fix is included in the latest Pixel 6A update, though it doesn’t explicitly mention it in the patch notes.
Google says the update will continue to roll out over the next week “depending on carrier networks.” So, if you’ve been dying to tinker with your new Pixel 6A, you shouldn’t have to wait too long.