Install /e/OS on a Google Pixel 8 - “shiba”

The instructions in this guide will assist you to install /e/OS on your shiba. Please read through the instructions at least once before actually following them, so as to avoid any problems later.

It is important that you know that downgrading Smartphones on OS versions greater than the /e/OS OS version you plan to install, can cause instability or at worst brick some devices. We recommend that you check your current OS version, before attempting the installation.

It is advisable to flash your device only if you know what you are doing and are ok taking the associated risk. All /e/OS builds are provided as best effort, without any guarantee. The /e/OS project and its project members deny any and all responsibility about the consequences of using /e/OS software and or /e/OS services.

Requirements

  • If required take a backup of all important data from your phone on an external storage device before proceeding.
  • Do not take a backup on the same device as some of these actions will format the device and delete the backup.
  • Ensure your phone is charged more than 50%
  • Check that adb and fastboot are enabled on your PC. If not you can find the setup instructions here
  • Download all the files and images mentioned in the download section below before starting the installation

  • Make sure you have a working data cable to connect your device to the PC. There are cables which are only for charging and do not transfer data.

  • Enable USB debugging on your device. You can find the instructions here
  • Make sure that your model is listed in the Smartphone Selector. Check the model supported. Where available, information on the model supported should show as a pop-up when you hover the cursor on the Device name. The model number supported should be the exact same.
  • Boot your device with the stock OS at least once and check every functionality.
Warning: Make sure that you can send and receive SMS and place and receive calls (also via WiFi and LTE, if available), otherwise it will not work on /e/OS as well. Additionally, some devices require that VoLTE/VoWiFi be utilized once on stock to provision IMS.

Please share your experience , suggest tips or changes to this install guide documentation by visiting the Pixel 8 specific topic on our community forum.

To report issues in /e/OS please refer this guide

Downloads for shiba

Tip: Before installing /e/OS on the Google Pixel 8 shiba for the first time, install the latest stock OS version 14 build on the device

To understand the difference between /e/OS builds check this guide

Warning: Please note some of the above links can lead to external sites
  • Before following these instructions please ensure that the device is on the latest Android 14 firmware.

Unlocking the bootloader

Tip: The steps given below only need to be run once per device.
Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will erase all data on your device! Before proceeding, ensure the data you would like to retain is backed up to your PC and/or an online drive
Warning: Some vendors/manufacturers prevent the bootloader from being unlocked. Depending on where your device was acquired you may or may not be able to unlock the bootloader. To verify if your device is compatible please check the devices list.

  1. Enable OEM unlock in the Developer options under device Settings, if present.

  2. Connect your device to your PC via USB.

  3. On the computer, open a command prompt (on Windows) or terminal (on Linux or macOS) window, and type: 
     adb reboot bootloader

    You can also boot into fastboot mode via a key combination:

    • With the device powered off
    • hold Volume Down + Power
  4. Once the device is in fastboot mode, verify your PC finds it by typing: 
     fastboot devices
    Tip: If you see no permissions fastboot while on Linux or macOS, try running fastboot as root.

  5. Now type the following command to unlock the bootloader:

     fastboot flashing unlock

  6. If the device doesn’t automatically reboot, reboot it. It should now be unlocked.

  7. Since the device resets completely, you will need to re-enable USB debugging to continue.

Installing /e/OS

Tip: For Windows users, we advise to use Git Bash. For more info about Downloads and Installation see Official Documentation

  1. Unzip the archive

     unzip <fileyoudownloaded>

    Replace <fileyoudownloaded> with the name of the archive file you downloaded.

    Alternately you can create a folder and unzip the archive there.

  2. Confirm that extracted directory contains following content:

    • bin-linux-x86 directory - which contains linux tools including fastboot and adb
    • bin-msys directory - which contains Windows tools including fastboot and adb
    • img files - The img files that are to be flashed onto the device.
    • flash_shiba_factory.sh - The installer script.

  3. Boot into bootloader/fastboot mode.

    • Power OFF the device.
    • While holding Volume Down button, plug in a USB Cable that’s connected to a PC on the other end.

  4. Run the installer script on Terminal(Linux) or on Git Bash UI(Windows).

    • Make sure you are in the current directory which contains the flash_shiba_factory.sh file.

    Linux

    • Right click -> Open terminal here
    • Execute the following command:
     chmod +x flash_shiba_factory.sh && ./flash_shiba_factory.sh

    Windows

    • Right click -> Git Bash here
    • Execute the following command:
     chmod +x flash_shiba_factory.sh && ./flash_shiba_factory.sh

The script will flash all required files and will wait for input at the last step. Proceed to locking the bootloader.

Locking the bootloader

Warning: The bootloader is lockable in official builds only. The procedure to lock the bootloader will not work on community builds.

  1. Boot into bootloader/fastboot mode if not already there by

    • hold Volume Down + Power
  2. Once the device is in bootloader/fastboot mode, verify your PC finds it by typing: 
     fastboot devices
    Tip: If you see no permissions fastboot while on Linux or macOS, try running fastboot as root.
  3. Download the avb custom key
  4. Erase the previous key fastboot erase avb_custom_key
  5. Flash the new key previously downloaded fastboot flash avb_custom_key pkmd_pixel.bin
  6. Lock the device fastboot flashing lock
  7. Use the volume key to select Lock the bootloader

Reboot the device

  1. Use power button to Start the device

    The reboot process may take 5 - 10 minutes

Disabling OEM Unlocking.

Once you boot your device after locking bootloader:

  1. Finish SetupWizard
  2. Go to Settings > About phone > Build number.
  3. Tap the Build Number option seven times until you see the message You are now a developer! This enables developer options on your device.
  4. Return to the previous screen and go to System to find Developer options at the bottom.
  5. In Developer Options, turn OEM Unlocking off.
Success: Congratulations !! Your phone should now be booting into /e/OS !!

Please share your experience , suggest tips or changes to this install guide documentation by visiting the Pixel 8 specific topic on our community forum.

To report issues in /e/OS please refer this guide

This documentation “Install /e/OS on a Google Pixel 8 - “shiba”” is a derivative of “install LineageOS on shiba” by The LineageOS Project, used under CC BY.