Installing ethOS

Below are a few helpful hints/tips for installing ethOS on a Google Pixel 3. Before you get started, check to see what version of Android your Pixel 3 is running. It's strongly recommended that you upgrade to Android 12 before starting this process. Notes below on how to do this.


These steps assume that you are starting immediately after a Factory Reset. Instructions for factory reset below:

  • Put the phone in Bootloader mode. This is done by powering-on or restarting the device while holding down the Volume-Down button. Your screen should display something like this (*At this point in time don't worry about Device state being locked):

Use the volume buttons to select 'Recovery Mode' and then tap the Power Button to select it. Once in Recovery Mode, Hold the Power Button and tap the Volume Up button. This should bring up a menu where you will be able to select 'Wipe data/factory reset':

Now you're ready to get started. Power the phone on and let it boot into Android OS normally.

First, let's double-check to make sure that the phone is not carrier-locked (If your Pixel is carrier locked, you will not be able to proceed with the ethOS install). (The steps for this may be a little different, depending on what version of Android you are running.)

  • Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Advanced > Carrier


Next, we need to change the following settings to enable installation via 'Developer mode':

  • Navigate to: Settings > About Phone > Build number
    -     Keep tapping 'Build number' until the phone says that you are in 'developer mode'

  • Navigate to: Settings > System > Advanced > Developer Options
    -     Enable 'USB debugging'

  • Under: Settings > System > Advanced > Developer Options
    - tap 'Default USB Configuration'
    - select 'File Transfer'

Now you're ready to connect the phone to a PC and proceed to https://installer.ethereumphone.org/

If you find that the phone will not connect or is not recognized in the web interface, you may need to install the latest Android Drivers:


*CHECKPOINT*: By now your phone should be able to get to through the 'Connect' step in the web installer.


If the bootloader on your phone is already unlocked, the web installer will move you to the 'Download' step. If your bootloader is not unlocked:

  • Navigate to: Settings > System > Developer options > OEM unlocking
    - Tap to enable

*Possible issue*: OEM unlocking is greyed out and not selectable.
*Potential Solution*: Provided that your phone is not carrier-locked, allowing the phone to connect to the Internet via WiFi may resolve this issue

  • Try connecting the device to the internet and going back to Settings > System > Developer options > OEM unlocking


*CHECKPOINT*: At this point in time, your bootloader should be unlocked:

With your phone back in Bootloader mode, proceed with downloading and installing ethOS.

  • You will see a few messages, including 'Unpacking images' and restarting

If you experience the following behavior, see below:

  • After clicking 'Install' in the web interface, the Bootloader restarts two times, fairly quickly

  • You see the "Unpacking Images" progress bar advance and finish in about 10 seconds

  • You see the "Restarting Device" progress bar advance and finish in about 30-40 seconds

  • But, the phone remains in Bootloader mode and the web installer remains on this screen:

If you experience this behavior, you may need to load a later version of Android:

  • New versions here: https://flash.android.com/release/12.0.0 (Release SP1A.210812.016.C2 (8618562) seemed to work well)

  • You may be required to re-lock the bootloader for installation of the updated Android OS, but this can be unlocked again later.

  • MAKE SURE you close any other windows (such as the ethereumphone.org web installer) that may be trying to access the device before you attempt to flash the new version of Android!

  • Once the newer Android version is installed, you will need to boot the OS and reconfigure the Developer/USB Options again

*SIDENOTE: If you engage with the Development team, they may need you to look at the browser console logs. You can do this by pressing F12 (while in the browser) and selecting 'Console'.
- You may also want to watch the Console on your own while ethOS is being installed for more details
- Additionally, the Dev team may need you to "Clear Site Data" if an older version of the web installer files are cached in your browser. To do this, find the 'Application' tab (to the right of the 'Console' tab) and Select 'Storage'. You should then see an option/button to "Clear site data"


Best of luck,

-Matt D