This guide aims to help you on how to convert your Google Pixel to an another model, without rooting or having an unlocked bootloader after the process. This can be particularly useful for things like enabling FeliCa, or removing the shutter sound.
Please note, all of your data will be WIPED! Backup any important data before doing this.
I am not responsible for bricked devices, dead SD cards, thermonuclear war, or you getting fired because the alarm app failed. Please do some research if you have any concerns about features included in this patch before doing it! YOU are choosing to make these modifications, and if you point the finger at me for messing up your device, I will laugh at you.
Things you will need:
- A computer
- ADB + drivers installed
- A USB-C cable to connect your phone
- Developer mode, USB debugging enabled and OEM unlocked
- Patience
With that out of the way, let's get started.
Update your phone to the latest firmware. Download the correct firmware for your phone via the firmware page.
Extract the file, then copy the boot.img file in the nested zip file. Copy or transfer it to your phone.
Download APatch (i recommend downloading it on your computer, then copy it to your phone, you'll see why later) and install it on your phone. In the app, select the phone icon with the arrow, then choose your boot.img file.
Please note: Keep the key safely! You will be needing it for later!
The file should be patched. Copy it to your computer.
Open up a terminal window, and type this command:
adb devices
A prompt will appear on your phone. Click allow/yes.
Next, type
adb reboot bootloader
This will reboot your phone into ADB mode.
Then, type
fastboot flashing unlock
Use your volume button to choose the option to unlock your bootloader.
As soon as you hit the power button (to confirm), your phone will reboot immediately. Press the power and volume down button right away to reboot back into the bootloader.
When you've entered the bootloader, type
fastboot flash boot [patched image].img
After flashing has been done, reboot into Android.
At this point, your device has been wiped.
SKIP THROUGH THE OOBE, then connect to WiFi. Install APatch again, input your key, then install AndroidPatch. APatch should be working now.
Enable Developer Mode and USB debugging again.
In the terminal of your computer, type
adb shell
su
dd if=/dev/block/by-name/devinfo of=/sdcard/devinfo.img
This will create a devinfo.img file. Move it to your computer. You can use tools like copyparty or miniserve if you want.
Open the file with a hex editor. Find your phone model (CTRL+F) and change it to the model you want. For example, to change my Global US Pixel 7 Pro to the Japanese version, I will replace GE2AE with GFE4J1.
Save the file as devinfo.img. Copy it back to the root of your phone.
Open adb again, and type these commands:
adb shell
su
dd if=/sdcard/devinfo.img of=/dev/block/by-name/devinfo
Your phone should now be the model you changed it to.
Boot your phone into bootloader, by turning it off and holding the power+vol down key to turn it back on.
Extract the nested zip file, then run the flash-all script to flash the factory firmware.
After it's done, type
fastboot flashing lock
to re-lock the bootloader.
Reboot into Android, do the OOBE and your phone is now your other desired model.