Unlocking bootloader on Pixel 9 disables key AI features
Top 3 Key Points:
- Unlocking the Pixel 9 bootloader disables several AI-driven apps.
- Affected features include AI in Pixel Screenshots and the Weather app.
- Re-locking the bootloader restores full AI functionality.
Google’s Pixel 9 series is packed with advanced AI features, making it one of the most anticipated tech releases. However, if you unlock the bootloader on your Pixel 9, you might lose access to some of these AI-powered tools.
Unlocking the bootloader is a common practice for Android enthusiasts who want to test new software, install custom ROMs, or make advanced modifications to their devices. But on the Pixel 9, this action has unintended consequences.
Users on XDA forums have discovered that unlocking the bootloader can disable several AI features. For instance, Pixel Screenshots, a key AI feature, stops working entirely after the bootloader is unlocked. Even if the device isn’t rooted, it can’t download the necessary models to make the feature functional. Similar issues have been reported with the new AI-driven Weather app and Call Notes. The only app that seems unaffected initially is Pixel Studio, though further modifications might break it as well.
The exact cause of these issues isn’t fully understood, but it seems related to a server-side verification that fails once the bootloader is unlocked.
Fortunately, this problem isn’t permanent. Re-locking the bootloader and resetting the device restores all AI functionalities, allowing users to enjoy the full suite of features once again.