Pixel 7 can't relock bootloader after iodé install

Installation Help
1

Hello there,
I have successfully installed iodé on a Pixel 7, following the officials instructions and using the latest build (iode-6.0-20250131-panther-fastboot.zip).
It went well, except the bootloader can’t be locked.
fastboot flashing get_unlock_ability returns get_unlock_ability: 1.
But when I run fastboot flashing lock I get

FAILED (remote: 'invalid android images, skip locking')
fastboot: error: Command failed

I see that on the /e os install guide for the device there is an AVB custom key to download and flash with fastboot (Install /e/OS on a Google Pixel 7 - “panther”). I can confirm that /e os is able to lock the bootloader on this device.
But I guess this key will only work with /e, right?

2

I have actually the same problem that I can not lock the bootloader but my device Google Pixel 7 Pro works without any issues. I am not in a bootloop.
Only one thing does not work: Relocking the bootloader, that I would be fine.

If I try to relock the bootloader, I get the feedback as follows:

~$ fastboot flashing lock
FAILED (remote: ‘invalid android images, skip locking’)
fastboot: error: Command failed

I have installed it via installer.

For this issue I already have opened a thread:

Would be so great to get that problem solved.

Do you have found a solution?

3

Unzip your fastboot zip file.
You will find your avb_custom_key there

reboot your phone in bootloader

adb reboot bootloader

Erase old (if exist) custom_key

fastboot erase avb_custom_key

Flash correct custom_key

fastboot flash avb_custom_key avb_custom_key-panther.bin
or
fastboot flash avb_custom_key avb_custom_key-cheetah.bin

Relock bootloader

fastboot flashing lock

Follow instructions on phone display

The fastboot zip file is the correct, not the ota

4

Thx. for your feedback but this still does not work :frowning:

Erasing has been done:

Erasing ‘avb_custom_key’ (bootloader) avb custom key: erase done
OKAY [ 0.067s]
Finished. Total time: 0.068s

Flashed correct custom key:

fastboot flash avb_custom_key avb_custom_key-cheetah.bin
Warning: skip copying avb_custom_key image avb footer (avb_custom_key partition size: 0, avb_custom_key image size: 1032).
Sending ‘avb_custom_key’ (1 KB) OKAY [ 0.001s]
Writing ‘avb_custom_key’ (bootloader) avb custom key: flash done
OKAY [ 0.059s]
Finished. Total time: 0.062s

Locking still not working:

fastboot flashing lock
FAILED (remote: ‘invalid android images, skip locking’)
fastboot: error: Command failed

What could be the problem with the warning?

“Warning: skip copying avb_custom_key image avb footer (avb_custom_key partition size: 0, avb_custom_key image size: 1032).”

I have enough free space on the phone and on the laptop.
I changed to the right directory in that my files are: /home/…/Downloads/iode-6.1-20250303-cheetah-fastboot

Please help, what could be the problem.

5

the developer @vince31fr should comment on this

1 Like
6

I confirm the issue. New builds will be released soon to fix that problem.

7

New builds are available as OTA.

8

Hi Vince, thanks for your feedback. So that means I only need to make a over the air update on my iodé on my Pixel 7 Pro and then I can close the bootloader without a error?
Or should I re-install the OS from scratch?

9

An OTA is enough, provided that you didn’t erase the avb key. In that case you reflash it manually.

10

Ok, thanks Vince, I have to reflash it manually because I have deleted yesterday the key. My plan was yesterday to update the key but it didn‘t worked.

11

Please give feedback here