How to Install GrapheneOS on a Pixel 6a

These device-specific instructions cover installing GrapheneOS on a Google Pixel 6a using a Windows PC and the command-line installation method.

Before you begin

Download the following files:

• ADB/Fastboot
• GrapheneOS
• Google USB Driver. Extract the ZIP, right-click the .inf file, and select Install.

Prepare the working folder:

1. Extract platform-tools_XXX.X.X-windows.zip to C:\ADB.
2. Extract bluejay-factory-xxxxxxxxxx.zip to C:\ADB.
3. Find image-bluejay-xxxxxxxxxx.zip inside the extracted factory-image folder and extract its contents to C:\ADB as well.

Enable OEM unlocking

OEM unlocking must be enabled before the bootloader can be unlocked.

1. Open Settings > About phone.
2. Scroll to Build number and tap it seven times, or until Android confirms that developer mode is enabled.
3. Open Settings > System > Developer options > OEM unlocking, then enable it.

If OEM unlocking is greyed out on your device

1. Connect the Pixel 6a to the internet.
2. Open Settings > System > System update.
3. Install the first critical system update and reboot.
4. Check OEM unlocking again. If it is still unavailable, continue below.
5. Remove the SIM card and connect the phone to Wi-Fi.
6. Open Settings > System > Reset options.
7. Select Erase all data (factory reset).
8. Complete setup after the reset and connect to Wi-Fi.
9. Reboot the phone, then check OEM unlocking again.

Install GrapheneOS

This section uses the command-line installation method.

1. Power off the Pixel 6a.

2. Hold Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode.

3. Connect the phone directly to the computer with a reliable USB data cable.

4. Open Command Prompt and enter:

   C:\
   cd C:\adb
   fastboot devices
   fastboot flashing unlock

5. On the phone, use the volume buttons to select Unlock the bootloader, then confirm with the Power button.

6. In Command Prompt, run:

   flash-all.bat

If flash-all.bat fails

1. Open flash-all.bat in a text editor.

2. Delete everything above the first line that starts with fastboot flash.

3. Save the file.

4. Return to Step 6 and run flash-all.bat again.

5. When flash-all.bat finishes and returns to the prompt, enter:

   fastboot flashing lock

6. On the phone, use the volume and power buttons to select Lock the bootloader.

7. Select Start to boot the phone.

References

• Official CLI installation guide
• Troubleshooting discussion for an older flash-all failure