Install Google Pixel 2/XL Lineage OS 17.1 Android 10 Official ROM

If you are a regular user, I advise you not to go for root and flash this custom ROM to stay secure with the latest patch updates. Because with Stock Android, Even if you are not getting regular patch updates, You can stay secure from major issues. The following Lineage OS version is the official version, which means it is fully compatible with your mobile and free from most major bugs. Official Custom ROMs are always better. They are free from significant issues and will receive regular patch updates. To flash the firmware, you should have root access with Custom recovery installed on your mobile.

Should you need to flash Official Lineage OS 17.1 Android 10 on Google Pixel 2/XL?

We are thankful for the Hard Work of the Lineage OS team. Without this team, this method is not possible. Your mobile has 4 GB of RAM. It is more than enough for everyday usage. The problem is that Google stopped maintaining the security patch and Major upgrades; It has a Flagship-level Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 processor. But coming to OS, You already have the latest Android 11 OS. The OS is not old. But, If you are comfortable using custom ROMs, you can use Lineage OS. Most of the users use Lineage ROM for the Stock Android Experience. If you love extra Lineage OS features, you can use this official Lineage OS. It is near the Stock Android with a lot of features.

If we optimize correctly with the correct Lineage OS after rooting, we can see some Improvements. So, after rooting, I can expect a Lag-free experience? Probably. If we hibernate and eliminate many unwanted apps and optimize some apps, your device is hardware limited. Within these limits, we can enhance performance by 30-40% compared with your old usage. If you use Lineage Custom ROMs, you can expect a 50-80% improvement in performance.

How to Install Google Pixel 2/XL Lineage OS 17.1 Android 10 Official ROM

Google Pixel 2/XL comes with a flexible bootloader other than Verizon devices. Verizon devices come with a locked Bootloader. It means that different smartphone variants can be easily rooted. The device can also accept installing TWRP recovery or any other custom recovery file/app.

TWRP recovery is a custom recovery file installed on Google devices because you can root them successfully. This article explained the easiest method to follow and install TWRP recovery on the Google Pixel 2/XL. However, the tool required for rooting this device is the Magisk App.

With the help of TWRP Recovery, you can quickly flash the latest version of Lineage OS into your Google Pixel 2/XL. Before sharing the tutorial, you may want to know that, with the TWRP recovery present on your device, you can easily install any custom ROM or firmware. Does it seem complicated? Relax, everything will be explained briefly in bullets. If you didn’t root your mobile, Refer– Root Google Pixel 2/XL.

Things to check out for;

• Check your device model number.

• Exynos processor only. Don’t try with the Snapdragon processor variants.

• It would be best if you had TWRP custom recovery installed on your mobile.

• Make sure your device battery is above 50%.

• You should back up your current files and data, just in case (save them on external storage using TWRP Backup).

Pre-Requirement Steps

• Enable USB Debugging Mode and OEM Unlock on your mobile. To do this, go to settings >>> about >>> Tap on the “Build Number” 7-10 times consistently to enable “Developer Options,” then go to the “Developer Options” and enable USB Debugging Mode and OEM Unlock. There is no complicated process in Google Pixel 2/XL.

• Download Google Pixel 2/XL Lineage ROM 17.1 and copy it in your SD Card/ Pendrive OTG Cable. There are plenty of works that can be done with OTG Cable.

• Walleye (Pixel 2).

• Taimen (Pixel 2 XL).

Flash Lineage OS 17.1 in Google Pixel 2/XL using TWRP

• Switch off your device. Then, enter into Recovery mode. To do this, press and hold down the Volume Down button + Power Button and connect your USB Cable. While holding Volume Up, release the Power Button.

• Press the Volume Up button to continue when you see the warning message.

• Now it Will Boot into TWRP Recovery Mode.

• Select Wipe->Advance Wipe->Select Cache, Dalvik, System Data. System Data will delete all files, including your Current OS.

• Return to Home of TWRP select Install.

• Select Lineage OS.Zip.

• After the Installation, Reboot Your Mobile.

• We have successfully Installed Lineage OS on our mobile.

Google Pixel 2/XL Lineage OS 17.1 Android 10 Features

There are a lot of features added to Lineage OS 17.1. Here I mentioned some Important features.

• Lineage OS 17.1 is Android 10 Stock Android ROM with System-Wide Color options available. Dark, Grey themes are also available.

• We have optimized Recent apps Switcher.

• Volume Rocker contains Silent/Vibrate/Mute Options with Easy adjustable navigation.

• Notification enhanced. Instead of replying to a single message, you can now respond to the whole conversation.

• Lock Screen Visualizer for music.

• New Set of Emoji.

• You can configure the notification light with a lot of colors.

• Google Camera app, All Banking apps, and Payment apps will work without any issues.

• Digital Wellbeing- Optimize your time with Social Network interaction. Also, the new flip to shhh features added.

• Adaptive Battery- Better Battery optimization.

Live Caption

• You know this already; if you turn on Subtitles on Youtube, It will auto-generate the captions. The Same functionality can be work on all over your device videos. It Doesn’t require Wi-Fi/ Data. This feature not yet available. But, It will be rolling out soon.

• We have limited Languages as per Google Data.

Smart Reply

• It is already available in the Pie version. But it is limited. Now you can explore more actions when you get the messages. You can Open Links, Open Apps based on the messages.

Sound Amplifier

• We always do this using Third-party apps. Now we can adjust the Volume and Tune, Equalize using the in-built feature. You can do a lot of things like Reduce noise, Enhance the Tune like that.

Enhanced Gesture Navigation

• The True Gesture Navigation has finally arrived. It may not be best compare with OnePlus devices, But It is way better than the Pie 9.0 version. If you swipe From Left to Right, It goes forward. Right to Left goes Backward. Home button work as usual. Recently used apps can be accessed By Swiping Quarter Screen to the Top. Simple navigation to avoid confusion.

Dark Mode

• It is not like Night Mode. It didn’t add a filter in the Display. If you have OLED Display, It will surely save your battery power from 5-30% based on your usage.

Privacy

• Google always added enhanced Privacy features in every Android version. In the 10th version, You can handle your Privacy a lot better. It will always tell you when your installed apps access your location in the background to manage whether you need that permission on Always or During the app usage.

Direct System Updates

• Unlike regular OTA updates from your Manufacturers, the regular patch updates will be handled by Google After you updated to the Android 10 version. It can be done using your Google Play App. If you have Custom Skin OS from your Manufacturer, Google will not change the UI. They will handle only Patch updates. This is one of the most critical steps taken from their side. It will help all the users who are tired of their Manufacturer’s Late updates. Due to we are in Custom ROM, we have to update our OS manually.

Focus Mode

• It can be an additional function of Digital Wellbeing. Now you can Pause some apps to avoid the Notifications For a short time or a Long time. Some mobiles are made based on this scenario. To avoid distractions and get focused on what you are doing. Think you are Studying, and a Single Whatsapp message can redirect you. With the help of this feature, you can use only Study apps during your Study time.

Family Link

• It is like Parental Control. You can control the App Timings within your Added Google Accounts.

Other improvements and changes

• HEIF Image, Monochrome Camera Support.

• New Set of Emoji.

• Enhanced Adaptive Battery Improvements compare with the Pie version.

• Contaminant Detection- If any moistures are in your USB Ports, your mobile will alert you.

• It supports Full device encryption.

• The new Partial screenshot option allows you to capture a small part of the screen.

• Adapted Theme selector allows you to change system-wide colors, Icons, and Sizes.

• Now Wi-Fi Display option is available.

• Support for Rotate and Pop-Up cameras added in the update.