Google Pixel AI Features Disabled on Bootloader-Unlocked Devices

PSA: Some Pixel AI features may not work if you unlock your device's bootloader

Unrooting and locking the bootloader seems to be the only reliable fix so far. Although unlocking a device's bootloader and rooting opens a world of new features and capabilities, you might want to steer clear of it if you have a Google Pixel device and plan on using its built-in AI features. That's because some of the new AI-powered features that debuted with the Pixel 9 series don't seem to work on devices with an unlocked bootloader. As per several reports on the XDA forums, some Pixel AI features apparently stop working as soon as you unlock your device's bootloader. These include new features like Pixel Screenshots, Pixel Studio, Call Notes, and AI weather reports from the new Pixel Weather app. User reports indicate that these features don't work on Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series devices with an unlocked bootloader. In addition, Google's one-year free Gemini Advanced promo, which is offered with the Pixel 9 Pro, is not available on bootloader-unlocked devices. Some users were able to get a few features to work with varying degrees of success by installing various Magisk modules and spoofing the device fingerprint to a Pixel 9 series device. However, the only reliable fix so far seems to be unrooting and locking the bootloader. While we don't know exactly why Google may be preventing users from accessing these features on rooted and bootloader-unlocked devices, the underlying cause seems to be related to an error in server-side integrity verification. Preliminary testing conducted by users on the forums reveals that the issue affects features that rely on AICore models, and locking the bootloader resolves the problem. We've contacted Google for a comment on the matter, and we'll update you as soon as we have more information.

Unlocking Your Device's Bootloader May Cause Certain Pixel AI Features To Stop Functioning

The Pixel 9 series unveiled at the Made by Google event 2024 managed to grab a lot of attention, but it was mainly the AI capabilities that were being incorporated this time around that were truly the star of the show. Many users have been able to get their hands on the new models and try the latest features and advancements. While it has been exciting for buyers to check the debuted AI tools for the lineup, many have shared trouble with using the features when the device's bootloader is unlocked. Generally, unlocking a device's bootloader paves the way for more features as capabilities otherwise restricted can now be accessed by installing custom ROMs and even removing pre-installed bloatware. While this technique usually comes in handy, you should not try it with the Google Pixel devices, as some of the built-in AI features cease to work as a result. Many users took it to XDA forums to share their experience with unlocking the bootloader and how it led to several features such as Pixel Screenshots, Call Notes, Pixel Studio and even AI weather updates for the new Pixel Weather app. Several reports claimed that the features seem to not be working with the unlocked bootloader on the Pixel 8 and 9 lineup. The Google Gemini Advanced promo additionally, gives free access to advanced capabilities but would not work when the bootloader is unlocked due to compromised device integrity. Users have tried different fixes to resolve the ongoing issue, with some suggesting that installing Magsik modules did help them get access to a few features. In contrast, others suggested altering the device fingerprint to a Pixel 9 series model did the trick. While many workarounds tend to work, the only proper way of dealing with this hiccup is to unroot and lock the bootloader. We are not certain as to why Google would be blocking the access of certain AI features on rooted and unlocked bootloader phones, but it could be linked to the security and integrity verification process that is there to ensure a device is unmodified prior to certain features being allowed. While Google has not officially commented on this limitation on accessing AI capabilities claimed by some users, the company must have some integrity checks in place that are causing certain AI features to be disabled for the Pixel 9 lineup. Users have a reliable fix for now until the company resolves the issue or gives a statement on it.