Android Flash Tool is an official Google web-based flashing utility that runs in your browser and uses WebUSB to talk to your device over Fastboot.
It is designed for supported Google Pixel devices and AOSP reference builds, and lets you flash factory images or development builds without manually installing or running local fastboot scripts. It does not bypass bootloader or OEM security.
This guide explains when Android Flash Tool is appropriate, its limitations, and a safe, high-level workflow for flashing supported Pixel/AOSP firmware.
Who This Guide Is For
Use Android Flash Tool only if all of the following apply:
- ✔ You have a Google Pixel device on the supported list, or a device explicitly documented as compatible with Android Flash Tool for AOSP builds.
- ✔ You want to flash official factory images, Android Beta builds, or AOSP test builds from trusted sources.
- ✔ You can unlock the bootloader (if required by the build you are installing).
- ✔ You are comfortable with a full data wipe when flashing.
This guide is NOT for:
- ❌ Non-Pixel devices that are not documented as supported by Android Flash Tool.
- ❌ FRP / account lock removal, SIM/network unlocks, or any security bypass.
- ❌ Cross-model flashing (e.g. Pixel 6 image on a Pixel 7).
- ❌ Downgrading below supported rollback/anti-rollback limits.
Flashing Disclaimer
Flashing firmware with Android Flash Tool:
- Erases user data in most flows, especially when changing channels or major versions.
- Requires bootloader unlocking for many factory/AOSP images.
- Can lead to boot issues if you close the browser, disconnect the cable, or ignore on-screen warnings.
FlashGuideHub is not responsible for data loss, warranty impact, or device malfunction caused by incompatible builds, interrupted flashing, or unsupported usage.
Before proceeding, always verify:
- Exact Pixel model (and screen size, generation).
- Matching build or channel (Stable / Beta / Developer / AOSP) for your device.
- That the build comes from Google or an official AOSP source, not modified mirrors.
What You Need
- A supported Google Pixel device or documented AOSP test device.
- A desktop or laptop with a compatible browser:
- Google Chrome or other Chromium-based browser with WebUSB support.
- A reliable, data-capable USB cable.
- Access to the Android Flash Tool website:
- For Pixel factory/AOSP images, this is usually linked from Google’s official pages.
- Optionally, your Google account if the flow requires sign-in (e.g. Android Beta enroll).
Understanding How Android Flash Tool Works
Android Flash Tool runs in the browser and uses WebUSB to send Fastboot commands to your device over USB.
Instead of downloading and running flash-all.bat / flash-all.sh yourself, the tool:
- Downloads the correct image from Google or the selected AOSP source.
- Guides you to enable OEM unlocking and enter Fastboot mode.
- Handles the partition flashing sequence automatically.
- Shows progress and success/failure in your browser.
It does not circumvent OEM protections; it follows the same underlying fastboot flows that Google documents for manual flashing.
High-Level Android Flash Tool Workflow
⚠️ This is a conceptual overview, not a replacement for on-screen instructions. Always follow the exact prompts shown by Android Flash Tool and Google’s documentation.
1. Prepare Your Pixel Device
- Back up all important data; flashing will usually wipe the device.
- On the phone, enable:
- Developer options (Settings → About phone → tap Build number 7 times).
- OEM unlocking (Settings → System → Developer options).
- USB debugging if requested by the flow.
2. Open Android Flash Tool in Your Browser
- On your PC, open a supported browser (Chrome/Chromium-based).
- Navigate to the Android Flash Tool URL linked from Google’s Pixel factory images or AOSP docs.
- Grant any permissions requested for WebUSB and site access.
3. Select the Build to Flash
- In Android Flash Tool, choose:
- Device model (e.g. Pixel 7, Pixel 8).
- Target build or channel (Stable, Beta, Developer / AOSP target image).
- Review the warning about data wipe and bootloader state.
4. Connect the Device and Enter Fastboot
- Connect your Pixel to the PC with a reliable USB cable.
- When prompted, allow USB debugging if asked on the device.
- Android Flash Tool will guide you to reboot the device into Fastboot / Bootloader mode:
- Typically by holding Volume Down + Power or using adb reboot bootloader when offered by the tool.
- In the browser, click “Add new device” when prompted and select your Pixel from the list.
5. Unlock the Bootloader (If Required)
- If your bootloader is locked, Android Flash Tool will:
- Request permission to unlock.
- Show you instructions to confirm unlock on the device.
- Read the on-device warning, then confirm if you wish to proceed.
- Unlocking will factory reset the device and may affect certain warranty terms.
6. Start Flashing
- After the device is in Fastboot mode and recognized, click the “Install” / “Flash” button in Android Flash Tool.
- Do not close the browser, disconnect the cable, or put your PC to sleep while flashing.
- Watch the progress indicators as the tool:
- Downloads the selected image.
- Flashes partitions in the correct order.
- Optionally locks/unlocks according to your chosen options.
Once flashing completes, Android Flash Tool will show a success message, and the device will reboot.
Common Issues & Safe Responses
Browser Cannot Detect the Device
- Ensure you are using a supported browser with WebUSB.
- Try another USB cable/port and avoid USB hubs.
- Make sure the device is in Fastboot mode and the bootloader screen is visible.
“Device Not Eligible” or Build Selection Issues
- The chosen build may not support your exact Pixel model or current state.
- Verify you selected the correct device and channel from the list Google provides.
Flashing Fails Midway
- Do not unplug immediately; read any error shown.
- Often, re-running the same flow after a reboot (and confirming USB permissions) resolves transient issues.
- If failures repeat, revert to a stable factory image for your device from Google’s factory image page.
Android Flash Tool vs Local Fastboot Scripts
| Method | Primary Use |
|---|---|
| Android Flash Tool | Browser-based flashing of Pixel/AOSP images with guided flow and automatic fastboot commands. |
| Local Fastboot scripts | Manual flashing using flash-all.bat/flash-all.sh from downloaded factory images. |
| Manual fastboot | Advanced users flashing individual partitions with custom command sequences. |
Android Flash Tool is ideal when you want official, guided flashing for supported devices without installing local fastboot binaries or managing scripts yourself.
Final Notes
Android Flash Tool provides a safe, official, and browser-based path to flash factory or AOSP builds on supported Pixel and test devices, as long as you follow Google’s prompts carefully.
It does not bypass OEM security or unlock policies and should be used only with trusted images from Google or documented AOSP sources. If your device is not listed as supported, or if your OEM provides its own flashing software, follow the method intended for that specific device instead.