Overview

This post is a continuation of my Rooting My Pixel. Over the past months, I’ve been using my rooted phone to bypass storage limits and enjoy unlimited Google Photos storage. However, using a rooted device isn’t without its challenges—if someone gains physical access to my phone, my data becomes vulnerable. Banking appsa and even general purpose applications refuse to run on rooted devices because they detect system tampering. In some cases, the Play Store won’t allow you to install certain apps at all. To get around these restrictions, I rely on LSPosed modules that help conceal root access, allowing these apps to function without issues.

The Update Dilemma: Keeping Root Intact

Every time my Pixel receives an update, I’m forced to patch the boot image, a critical step for Magisk to continue functioning properly. The process generally involves:

  • Downloading the stock image for my Pixel model.
  • Extracting the boot image.
  • Patching the boot image using Magisk.
  • Flashing the patched boot image back onto the device.

Skipping any of these steps means Magisk (and its modules) won’t load, breaking the tweaks I depend on.

Why Not Disable Updates?

It might seem tempting to simply disable updates, but the monthly Pixel updates often include important stability and OS fixes. For instance, the December 2024 Android 15 update introduced a bug where Wi-Fi and mobile internet would disconnect automatically after a period of inactivity, a problem that’s been widely discussed on Reddit, Google Forums, and other communities. I’m now waiting for the January patch that should resolve this issue. The takeaway? Staying updated is crucial despite the extra work it sometimes entails.

Emulating the Old Pixel Without Root

If you’ve followed my previous posts, you know that rooting was once the only method to emulate the old Pixel’s functionality. Today, patching offers a robust alternative. The ReVanced Patches repository provides a comprehensive collection of smali patches that let you modify apps without needing root access.

I stumbled upon these patches while exploring alternatives to YouTube Premium. After canceling my subscription.

There was some controversy earlier in the ReVanced journey. The project initially faced criticism on GitHub for directly hosting mods, which led to pressure from the google and github. In response, the devs decided to split the project, hosting the patch files separately from the patched binaries. This move not only addressed the concerns but also streamlined the development process, keeping the patch logic distinct and easier to manage.

Downloading the Patches and APK

Before patching, you need to:

  1. Download the Latest Google Photos APK
    Make sure to obtain the standalone APK file rather than a bundled format. sites like APKMirror are a good source.

  2. Download the Latest ReVanced Patches
    Head over to the ReVanced Patches repository to get the most recent version of the patch file (the .rvp file). Using the latest patches ensures better compatibility with the app version you’re patching.

Patching the APK

Once you have both the APK and the patch file, you can patch the app using the following command.

java -jar revanced-cli.jar patch --patches patches.rvp -o patched.apk my_app.apk

Simply replace our_app.apk with the path to the downloaded APK (for example, my Google Photos APK). This command tells the Revanced CLI to apply the patches defined in patches.rvp to my APK and output a patched version named patched.apk.

How It Works

The magic happens in the .rvp file—it acts as a manifest that lists all supported packages along with their corresponding patches. When you run the command, the tool detects the package name in my APK and applies only the relevant modifications. (A small caveat: the current patching process only works via the PC command-line interface; the Android-based ReVanced Patcher app has issues patching google photos app for years now..)

Installing the Patched App

After patching, simply install the new APK on the device. On first launch, the app will prompt you to install ReVanced MicroG—a companion component needed for proper operation. For my convenience, I’m including download links for all the essential files at the end of this post. I’ll update this section as I patch new versions.

Relocking the Pixel Device

Relocking Pixel device is a critical step if I want to revert my device back to its original, secure state. Whether we choose to relock via fastboot or by flashing the official ROM, please note that both methods will erase our device data. Make sure to backup all important files before proceeding.

Method 1: Fastboot Relock

  1. Enter Fastboot Mode:

    • Power off device completely.
    • Hold the Power and Volume Down buttons simultaneously until the fastboot screen appears.

  2. Relock the Bootloader:

    • Connect my device to my computer using a USB cable.

    • Open a terminal (or Command Prompt) and execute the command:

      fastboot flashing lock

      Note: Some devices might require the command fastboot oem lock instead.

  3. Disable OEM Unlocking:

    • Once the bootloader is relocked, navigate to Developer Options on the device.
    • Disable the OEM Unlocking option to prevent unauthorized bootloader modifications in the future.

Method 2: Flashing the Official ROM

  1. Download the Official ROM:

  2. Flash the ROM:

    • Follow the detailed instructions provided on the support site to flash the official ROM. This method restores the device to its factory state and automatically relocks the bootloader.

Choose the method that best fits your comfort level and requirements. Relocking via fastboot is generally quicker if you’re familiar with command-line operations, while flashing the official ROM provides a comprehensive reset to stock software.

References

Patched Files

Note: Any future patches that I release will be updated in this section.

Patches Files

File NameDownload Link
gphotos-patched-jan-2025 (Part 1)Download Part 1
gphotos-patched-jan-2025 (Part 2)Download Part 2
gms-core-jan2025Download

Note:
The gphotos-patched-jan-2025 file is split into parts using Keka on macOS with a 99MB split threshold to help manage file sizes and site tracking. After downloading both parts, simply extract the first file (with the .zip.001 extension) using your preferred archive tool (such as Keka, 7-Zip, or WinRAR..etc). The tool will automatically combine the parts and extract the complete APK.

Personal Update

AI is taking over, wth! For historical matching… DeepSeek is released, competing with OpenAI’s latest thinking model. I’m sure OpenAI will have some response to it. I’ve enjoyed a 5-day vacation—it was pleasant and something I’ll remember for the upcoming days. (Spent with Vi, aka 3’rd Frost.) I’m planning to go home and spend some time with family, and I have to set up Jio AirFibre, converting my SIMs to Jio for unlimited internet (you’ll see a post about this later). The broadband over there isn’t that good and the signal inside the home is weak; plus, it comes bundled with TV, movies, and disney+, discovery+,..etc I’m going to disconnect Airtel TV/DTH in favor of this since it works with just WiFi and doesn’t require routing everywhere. Since I’m planning to vacate Chennai in March, after February (Frost’s 3rd birthday), things are going well. I even decided to tell Mom and Dad about Vi and show them by taking them to our Chennai home. Currently, as of this writing, they are not in Chennai with me—they went hometown last time I visited for functions and to take care of Grandma.