Cause: Bootloader not unlocked.
Fix: Run fastboot flashing unlock (this wipes data).
Once you disable verification, your device will fail Google’s SafetyNet attestation. By 2021, this meant:
If you are looking to replicate the rooting workflow that was standard in 2021, here is the process that was widely recommended on forums like XDA: vbmeta disableverification command 2021
Prerequisites:
The Steps:
This command flashes the stock vbmeta image but flips the "disable" flags in the header. This allows the phone to boot while retaining the structural integrity of the vbmeta partition, but ignoring the fact that you have modified the boot or system partitions.
To disable vbmeta verification (often needed after patching the boot image or using a custom ROM): Cause: Bootloader not unlocked
fastboot flash vbmeta --disable-verification --disable-verity vbmeta.img
If you don’t have a vbmeta.img (e.g., from your stock firmware), you can create a blank vbmeta image:
fastboot flash vbmeta --disable-verification --disable-verity /dev/null
⚠️ This works on many devices (especially Google Pixels, OnePlus, Xiaomi) but requires unlocked bootloader. The Steps: