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Fastboot allows you to flash software images, such as the boot loader, and helps in system recovery. Linux and Windows host machines support Fastboot. To enter Fastboot mode, you can use a hotkey for Fastboot.

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Fastboot using hotkey

After powering on the device, select VOL-. The figure shows the Fastboot logs from the device entering the Fastboot mode.
Fastboot detection

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Fastboot commands

When the system detects Fastboot mode, you can run the corresponding Fastboot commands.
CommandUsageExample or use case
fastboot rebootAllows you to reboot the device.Example command:

fastboot reboot

A system reboot may be required after:
  • Flashing the software images
  • Completing a software update
fastboot devicesIf it recognizes and connects to the device, Fastboot displays the device information.Example command:

fastboot devices
fastboot getvar <variable>Retrieves data from various partitions.

The following are the supported getvar commands.
  • fastboot getvar partition-size:system
  • fastboot getvar partition-size:xbl_a
  • fastboot getvar kernel
  • fastboot getvar max-download-size
Fastboot supports multiple variables. The data from these variables can be retrieved through this command.

Example command:

fastboot getvar version
fastboot flash <partition name> <full path to the SW image>Flashes the software images.To flash the xbl_config.elf image, run:

fastboot flash xbl_config_a xbl_config.elf

Where:
  • xbl_config_a indicates the partition label
  • xbl_config.elf is the software image that is flashed
fastboot eraseErases a partition.Example command:

fastboot erase xbl_config_a

Erases the xbl_config_a partition.
fastboot continueContinues with the bootup.Example command:

fastboot continue

Boots up the OS.

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Recovery with Fastboot

Fastboot serves as a recovery solution when the systemd-boot image and ESP are corrupted. The systemd-boot image boots from the EFI system partition (ESP). In such cases, Fastboot automatically initiates as a recovery option, allowing you to reflash the ESP.