Pixel Experience-arm64-ab.img !free! — Original

This indicates support for devices with A/B partitions (also known as seamless updates). Modern phones often have two copies of the system partition to allow for safer background updates.

But what exactly is this file? Why is the name so long and technical? And how do you wield its power without bricking your phone?

| Error Message | Cause | Solution | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | FAILED (remote: partition length get error) | Wrong partition name | Use fastboot flash super instead of system | | Cannot load image: File not found | Wrong working directory | CD into the folder containing the .img | | Bootloop at Google logo | Did not wipe data | Re-enter fastboot and run fastboot -w | | Verification failed | vbmeta issue | Flash vbmeta with disable flags (see above) | | Device stuck in fastboot | Corrupt boot image | Flash stock boot.img or Pixel Experience boot.img again | pixel experience-arm64-ab.img

getprop ro.build.ab_update

The ROM strips away bloatware, manufacturer skins (like Samsung’s One UI or Xiaomi’s MIUI), and unnecessary background processes, resulting in a snappier, more private, and more battery-efficient system. This indicates support for devices with A/B partitions

If you flash an ab ROM onto an A-only device, you will corrupt the partition table. Conversely, flashing an A-only ROM onto an A/B device will work, but you will lose the ability to use seamless updates.

You might see variations like:

Custom ROMs are a community effort. If you enjoy Pixel Experience, consider donating to the maintainer of your device or contributing logs to fix bugs. And as always—back up your data before you type fastboot flash .