Unlocking the bootloader on the Pixel 9 series disables some AI features

Google’s latest Pixel 9 series has been making waves with its advanced AI capabilities, but some users have discovered an unexpected drawback. According to reports on XDA forums, unlocking the bootloader on Pixel 9 devices disables several key AI features.

Android Authority reports that early adopters who chose to unlock their bootloaders found themselves unable to access popular AI-powered tools. Pixel Screenshots, a new feature introduced with the Pixel 9, appears to be completely non-functional on devices with unlocked bootloaders. Users report that even unrooted devices are unable to download the necessary models for the app to work.

The issue extends beyond just screenshots. AI-powered weather reports in the new Weather app have also been affected, along with the Call Notes feature. Interestingly, Pixel Studio seems to be the only AI app that continues to function with an unlocked bootloader, though some users note that further modifications can cause it to break as well.

While the exact cause remains unclear, speculation points to a server-side check that fails when the bootloader is unlocked. This integrity verification appears to be tied to features relying on AICore models.

For users who depend on these AI capabilities, there is a silver lining. Re-locking the bootloader and performing a device reset seems to restore full functionality to the affected features. However, this solution comes at the cost of losing the benefits that drive users to unlock their bootloaders in the first place, such as the ability to install custom ROMs or make advanced system modifications.

Google has yet to comment on the issue, leaving users to weigh the trade-offs between customization and access to the latest AI features. As the Pixel 9 series continues to roll out, it remains to be seen whether Google will address this limitation or if it will become a permanent aspect of the device’s security model.