Reference
Commands that inspect. They do not flash.
Device writes stay in the desktop review flow. These flags read files and catalogs.
PowerShell.\PixelFlasher.exe --inspect .\images\init_boot.img
.\PixelFlasher.exe --process .\firmware\factory-image.zip
.\PixelFlasher.exe --library
.\PixelFlasher.exe --import-legacy .\PixelFlasher4.db
.\PixelFlasher.exe --catalog factory --acknowledge-google-terms
.\PixelFlasher.exe --catalog ota --acknowledge-google-terms
| Flag | It does | It does not |
|---|---|---|
--inspect | Read image metadata | Flash the image |
--process | Process a supported firmware archive | Accept an incremental OTA |
--library | Show the local library | Talk to a device |
--import-legacy | Import a legacy BOOT database, read-only | Modify that database |
--catalog | Fetch stable Factory or Full OTA metadata after you acknowledge Google's terms | Download firmware, or contact a device |
Optional local MCP is off unless you enable it in Settings. It cannot run a device operation, a shell, or read secrets. MCP contract.
Build from source
Rungit clone https://github.com/contactjayclatty/PixelFlasher-Rust-Edition.git
cd PixelFlasher-Rust-Edition
cargo run -j 2
Checkscargo fmt --all --check
cargo test --locked --workspace -j 2
cargo clippy --locked --workspace --all-targets -j 2 -- -D warnings
cargo build --locked --workspace --release -j 2
Windows CI is not device evidence. Packaging rules: docs/RELEASING.md.
When something looks wrong
| What you see | What to check |
|---|---|
| Scan finds nothing | Settings points at a folder with both adb.exe and fastboot.exe. The app does not scan at startup. The phone has to already be in the mode that task needs. |
| The catalog stays empty | You have not acknowledged Google's terms, or you expected a beta, canary, or watch catalog. |
| A file or root package is refused | Incremental OTAs are rejected. Live boot accepts boot images only. Root adapters reject versions they do not pin. |
| Settings or images vanished | Data is per directory. Another PIXELFLASHER_DATA_DIR is another library. |
| You expected the Python app | This build never starts it. See coverage. |
Source layout: crates/core, src, crates/mcp. License notes: NOTICE.md. Pixel is a trademark of Google.