How to Flash Firmware on Pixel 7/Pro via Fastboot [2 Methods]

In this guide, we will show you two different methods to flash the stock firmware on your Pixel 7/Pro via Fastboot: using script and commands. In a general use case scenario, you would receive an update over the air which you could directly download and install from the Settings menu. Or at the very most, you might take the ADB Sideload to flash the firmware. While they would do their job, but only under certain limited conditions.

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

1. Next up, grab hold of your device’s stock firmware [factory image] from below:

   Pixel 7 Pro [cheetah]: Download Link
   Pixel 7 [panther]: Download Link

   

2. Once you have downloaded the firmware, extract it inside the platform-tools folder.

STEP 5: Boot Pixel 7/Pro to Fastboot Mode

1. To begin with, connect your device to the PC via a USB cable. Make sure USB Debugging is enabled.
2. Then head over to the platform-tools folder, type in CMD in the address bar, and hit Enter. This will launch the Command Prompt.
   
3. Type in the following command in the CMD window to boot your device to Fastboot Mode

   adb reboot bootloader

   

4. To verify the Fastboot connection, type in the below command and you should get back the device ID.

   fastboot devices

   

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

1. Just double-click on the flash-all.bat file and the flashing will start.
2. Once done, use the below command to boot your device to the OS:

   fastboot reboot

Without Data Format

1. To begin with, download and install Notepad++ on your PC.
2. Then right-click on the flash-all.bat file and select Show More Options >Edit with Notepad++.
3. Now delete the -w keyword from the fastboot update command line.
4. For example, if the command was:

   fastboot -w update image-filename.zip

   

5. Then it will change to

   fastboot update image-filename.zip

   

6. Once done, hit Ctrl+V to save the changes.
7. Finally, launch this “modified” flash-all.bat file to start the flashing process.
8. Once done, use the below command to boot your device to the OS:

   fastboot reboot

STEP 6B: Flash Firmware on Pixel 7/Pro via Fastboot Commands

1. To begin with, extract the firmware inside the platform-tools folder.
2. Then, rename the bootloader, image, and radio files as instructed below so that it becomes easier to type in the CMD window:
   • bootloader-codename-codename-x.x-xxxxxxx.img to bootloader.img
   • image-codename-xxxx.xxxxxx.xxx.xx.zip to image.zip
   • radio-codename-xxxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxxx-x-xxxxxxx to radio.img
3. Next up, connect your device to the PC via a USB cable. Make sure it is booted to Fastboot Mode
4. Then head over to the platform-tools folder, type in CMD in the address bar, and hit Enter. This will launch the Command Prompt.
   
5. Now type in the following command in the CMD window to flash the bootloader file:

   fastboot flash bootloader bootloader.img

6. After that, execute the below command to boot your device back to Fastboot Mode:

   fastboot reboot-bootloader

   

7. Next up, flash the radio file using the below command:

   fastboot flash radio radio.img

8. You will now again have to boot your device to Fastboot Mode, so use the below command for that:

   fastboot reboot-bootloader

   

9. Now, decide whether you want to format your device or not. Generally, it is recommended to perform a factory reset [and is a must in case of bricked or bootloop]. On the other hand, if you are only installing monthly security patches without any change in the Android version, then you may skip the format.
10. We have listed both commands below, you may refer to the one that is in sync with your requirement

    FACTORY RESET: fastboot -w update image.zip
    WITHOUT RESET: fastboot update image.zip

11. Once the flashing is complete, you may now use the below command to boot your device to the OS

    fastboot reboot

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/Pro
• Root Pixel 7/Pro via Magisk Patched Boot
• Pass SafetyNet and Hide Root from Apps on Rooted Pixel 7/Pro
• Flash Firmware on Pixel 7/Pro via ADB Sideload