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How to Install Firmware via ADB Sideload on Pixel 8/Pro

In this guide, we will show you the steps to install the firmware on your Pixel 8 Pro via ADB Sideload. The Silicon Valley giant has recently rolled out the weight iteration of its devices and with that, there are a plethora of intriguing goodies to look forward to, with the likes of improved cameras, AI integration, and a whopping 7 years of OS upgrades being the talk of the town [though the temperature sensor should not have been given entry to this town in the first place!].

If we talk about software updates, then Google is usually quick to roll them out and you could easily grab hold of the same from the Settings menu. So when Google is already streamlining the update process, why is there a need to go out of the way and install these updates? Well, that’s a great question and in this guide, we will be answering just that. More importantly, we will also show you the steps to install the firmware on your Pixel 8 Pro via ADB Sideload. Follow along!

Benefits and Drawbacks of ADB Sideload

ADB Sideload Pixel 8 Pro

Since Pixel devices could easily grab hold of the updates from the Settings menu, why is there a need for ADB Sideload? Well, there could be quite a few reasons why this method could come in handy. In some instances, the OEM might be a tad bit late in rolling out the update, but if you have managed to get the update ZIP file, then you could easily install it via the sideload process.

Moreover, as opposed to the Fastboot Method, sideloading does not require an unlocking and there might not be any need for the data format. On the flip side though, you wouldn’t be able to use this method in case the device is bricked/boot looped. Likewise, even downgrading will not be possible. So with this, you would have a decent idea regarding this method, let’s now make you aware of the steps to install the firmware on your Pixel 8 Pro via ADB Sideload.

How to Install Firmware via ADB Sideload on Pixel 8/Pro

The below instructions are listed under separate sections for ease of understanding. Make sure to follow the same sequence as mentioned. 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.

install adb platform tools windows

STEP 2: Download Pixel 8/Pro OTA Image

  1. Next up, download the OTA Image for your Pixel 8/Pro (not the Factory Image):
    Pixel 8 [Shiba]: OTA Image
    Pixel 8 Pro [Husky]: OTA Image
  2. Once you have downloaded the firmware, transfer it to the platform-tools folder on your PC.
  3. Likewise, rename the file to update, so that the complete name becomes update.zip.ADB Sideload Pixel 8 Pro
  4. This renaming is done just to make the file name easier to type in Command Prompt.

STEP 3: Enable USB Debugging

Next up, you will have to enable USB Debugging so that your device is recognizable by the PC in ADB mode. This will then allow you to boot your device to Recovery Mode. So head over to Settings > About Phone > Tap on Build Number 7 times > Go back to Settings > System > Advanced > Developer Options > Enable USB Debugging.

ADB Sideload Pixel 8 Pro

STEP 4: Boot to Stock Recovery

  1. 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.command-prompt-inside-adb
  3. After that, type in the following command in the CMD window to boot your device to the stock recovery
    adb reboot recovery
  4. Your Pixel 8/Pro will now boot to the No Command screen.
    ADB Sideload Pixel 8 Pro
  5. To exit this screen, press and hold the Power Button and while doing, so press and release the Volume Up key and then release the Power key as well. You will now be taken to the stock recovery.
    ADB Sideload Pixel 8 Pro

STEP 5: Install Firmware on 8/Pro Via ADB Sideload

  1. Use the Volume keys to highlight the “Apply Update from ADB” option and press the Power key to confirm it.
    ADB Sideload Pixel 8 Pro
  2. You should now see a message along the following lines on your device.
    ADB Sideload Pixel 8 Pro
  3. Now head over to the platform-tools folder, type in CMD in the address bar, and hit Enter. This will launch the Command Prompt.
  4. Type in the following command in the CMD window to verify the ADB Sideload connection:
    adb devices

    ADB Sideload Pixel 8 Pro

  5. If you get the sideload keyword in the Command Prompt, then the connection stands successful and you may proceed ahead.
  6. So go to the CMD window (that you have opened inside platform-tools) and type in the below command to install the OTA file:
    adb sideload update.zip
  7. The installation process will now begin and could take a few minutes. Once done, use the Volume keys to select the Reboot System Now option and press the Power key to confirm it.

These were the steps to install stock firmware on your Pixel 8/Pro using ADB Sideload. 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.

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