Why Aren’t Fastboot Commands Working on GrapheneOS? (With a Surprising Fix!

Is Your GrapheneOS Device Stuck? The Simple Steps to Get Fastboot Working Again!

If you’re struggling with Fastboot commands not working on GrapheneOS, you’re not alone. Many users hit this wall, especially after flashing new ROMs or making changes with the device bootloader. Fixing this is possible, and you won’t need any fancy tricks. Here’s a guide to help you get Fastboot working again so you can flash, unlock, or restore your device without stress.

What’s Happening?

Many users report:

• Pixel device on GrapheneOS (commonly Pixel 6A).
• Device Manager detects Fastboot (shows Android Bootloader Interface).
• Fastboot commands work on other devices.
• Command-line Fastboot fails only on your GrapheneOS phone.
• Android Flash Tool and other Fastboot-based tools do not recognize the device.

What Causes the Issue?

Flashing GrapheneOS using the WebUSB Installer sometimes leads to Fastboot problems—commands don’t work even though the device is visible as a “bootloader.”

Cables, ports, or drivers usually aren’t the problem if your computer recognizes other phones.

The issue typically happens after locking and then unlocking the bootloader or re-flashing ROM.

Step-by-Step Fix

Step 1: Open the GrapheneOS WebUSB Installer

Go to the project’s official WebUSB installer page.

Step 2: Unlock the Bootloader

1. Click “Unlock Bootloader“. A prompt appears on your device screen.
2. Use the Volume keys to select “Unlock the Bootloader“, then press Power to confirm.

Step 3: Erase the Custom AVB Key (Optional, but Recommended)

1. Before changing ROMs, remove the custom boot key.
2. In the WebUSB Installer, find the option labeled “Remove Non Stock Key” or similar.
3. Click it to erase the custom Android Verified Boot key.

Step 4: Re-Flash the Firmware

1. Download the GrapheneOS ZIP file for your specific model.
2. Extract the file.
3. Double-click flash-all.bat (Windows) or run the appropriate command/script for your OS.
4. This will flash GrapheneOS or get you set to flash stock firmware.

Step 5: Verify Fastboot Commands

1. Once flashing is complete, put your device back into Fastboot Mode.
2. Try the Fastboot commands again in your command prompt or terminal; they should now work.

Step 6: (If Needed) Flash Stock Firmware

Use Android Flash Tool to install the stock Google OS if you want to revert fully.

Extra Tips

• If “Unlock Bootloader” does not appear, ensure “OEM Unlocking” is enabled in Developer Options. Sometimes, enabling and then disabling airplane mode, or a full reboot, helps the menu show up.
• Always use high-quality USB cables and connect directly to a computer port (not a hub).
• If you see “waiting for device” in Fastboot, check your computer’s drivers and USB permissions, especially on Linux, where udev rules may block Fastboot by default.
• If you used the WebUSB Installer and Fastboot is broken, using the Command Line Interface (CLI) method in the future avoids this headache.

Why Does This Fix Work?

The problem occurs because the WebUSB Installer’s method of flashing or locking/unlocking the bootloader can leave the device in a state where standard Fastboot commands fail, even when everything looks fine in device manager. Completing the unlock and key erasure through the WebUSB Installer resets the bootloader state, allowing Fastboot commands to work again.

Key Takeaways

• This problem is common after using the WebUSB Installer on GrapheneOS devices.
• Fixing it takes only a few steps—using the same installer to unlock the bootloader, erase the custom AVB key, and re-flash the system.
• Switching to the command line method can prevent this in the future.
• Linux users should check USB rules and run Fastboot with proper permissions.
• High-quality cables and correct device detection by your OS are crucial.

Feeling stuck? Just take a break and return to it. Sometimes, stepping away brings fresh results. Fixing Fastboot is completely doable—your device can be restored, and you can install any ROM you like without going in circles.