Fix Pixel 6 Radio OFF, No Service & Airplane Mode Loop After IMEI 0 fix
📅 Updated: June 24, 2026 | ✅ Fact-checked & verified
Fix Pixel 6, 6 Pro & 6a Radio OFF error with airplane mode turning on automatically after IMEI 0 fix. Free Disable Factory Mode tool. Works on April 2026 update and newer.
Download Google Pixel Technicians Toolkit V3
Table of Contents
- What is the Radio OFF / Airplane Mode Loop Issue?
- Error Symptoms
- Devices Compatible with This Fix
- Why This Happens (The April 2026 Update Bug)
- Tools Required (All Free)
- Step-by-Step Fix Guide
- How to Avoid This Issue (For Future Repairs)
- Why This Method is Better Than Reflashing or Reset
- Video Guide
- Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Important Notes & Warnings
- FAQs
⚠️ Important Legal & Ethical Disclaimer
🔒 PROFESSIONAL REPAIR USE ONLY
This guide is for educational and repair purposes on devices you own. Unlocking bootloader will wipe ALL data. The author and GSM6 assume no liability for misuse of this information. Proceed at your own risk.
What is the Radio OFF / Airplane Mode Loop Issue?
The Radio OFF / Airplane mode loop is a post-repair bug that affects Google Pixel 6 series devices after performing IMEI 0 (CPID) repair. The phone successfully gets its IMEI back, but the cellular radio remains disabled. The system continuously forces Airplane Mode ON, and any attempt to turn it off results in a “Radio OFF” error when calling.
This issue does not mean your IMEI repair failed. Your IMEI is still fixed. The problem is that the phone remains stuck in Factory Mode – a low-level diagnostic state that disables the cellular radio.
Our Testing Experience: We tested this fix on 20 Pixel 6 series devices (8x oriole, 6x bluejay, 6x raven) running Android 16 with April 2026 security patch. The Disable Factory function successfully resolved the Radio OFF/Airplane mode loop on all 20 devices with 100% success rate. Average fix time: 2-3 minutes for the Disable Factory step.
Check our Pixel 6 series permanent IMEI fix guide
Above: Pixel 6 stuck with Airplane Mode ON and No Service after IMEI repair.
Error Symptoms
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| No Service / No Signal | Status bar shows no cellular signal |
| Airplane mode turns ON automatically | Every few seconds, the system forces it on |
| Cannot disable airplane mode permanently | Re-enables itself after ~10 seconds |
| ”Radio OFF” error | When attempting to make a call |
| Wi-Fi works | Data works on Wi-Fi only |
| IMEI shows correctly | Dialing *#06# shows correct IMEI |
| Baseband Unknown | Baseband version shows as “Unknown” in some cases |
Devices Compatible with This Fix
| Device | Codename | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Pixel 6 | oriole | ✅ Fully Supported |
| Pixel 6 Pro | raven | ✅ Fully Supported |
| Pixel 6a | bluejay | ✅ Fully Supported |
Android Versions Confirmed:
- Android 14 (all security patches up to March 2026)
- Android 15 (all security patches)
- Android 16 (including April 2026 update)
- Android 17 (beta/stable)
Bootloader Status Required: ✅ Unlocked (temporary requirement for fix)
Why This Happens (The April 2026 Update Bug)
The Google Pixel Technicians Toolkit V3 fixes IMEI 0 by performing these steps:
- Enables Airplane Mode (to isolate the modem)
- Enables Factory Mode (to gain low-level NV parameter access)
- Repairs IMEI/NV data permanently
- Attempts to disable Factory Mode (using the standard command)
The Problem: Starting with the April 2026 Android security patch, Google changed the protocol required to exit Factory Mode on Tensor chips (Pixel 6 series). The standard fastboot command no longer works on patched devices.
The Result: Factory Mode remains ENABLED after repair → Radio stays OFF → System forces Airplane Mode ON → User sees the loop.
The Solution: The toolkit now includes a dedicated “Disable Factory” function in the Repair Tab that sends both standard AND alternative commands to ensure Factory Mode is disabled regardless of security patch level.
Tools Required (All Free)
| Tool | Download Link | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel Technicians Toolkit V3 | https://gsm6.com/google-pixel-technicians-toolkit-v3-download/ | Main fixing tool (includes Disable Factory function) |
| Google USB Drivers | Included in toolkit (Help & Support tab) | Required for ADB/fastboot communication |
| Stock Firmware | Google’s official images | Needed after disabling factory mode |
Important: The toolkit is completely free. You will need a daily activation token from the official download page. The token refreshes daily at 00:00 UTC.
Step-by-Step Fix Guide
Step 1: Install Google USB Drivers
If you haven’t already installed Google USB Drivers:
- Launch Google Pixel Technicians Toolkit V3
- Go to Help & Support tab
- Click Download Google USB Drivers
- Install the drivers on your Windows PC
- Restart your computer after installation
Step 2: Unlock Bootloader (If Not Already Unlocked)
⚠️ WARNING: Unlocking the bootloader will WIPE ALL DATA on your phone. Backup your photos, contacts, and files before proceeding.
If your bootloader is already unlocked (most IMEI repair users already unlocked it), skip to Step 3.
To unlock bootloader:
- Enable Developer Options (Settings → About Phone → Tap Build Number 7 times)
- Enable OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging in Developer Options
- Boot phone to bootloader:
adb reboot bootloader - Run command:
fastboot flashing unlock - Confirm on phone screen using volume keys and power button
- Phone will wipe data and reboot
Step 3: Download & Install Google Pixel Technicians Toolkit V3
Download the latest version from the official page: → https://gsm6.com/google-pixel-technicians-toolkit-v3-download/
Run the installer as Administrator (right-click → Run as Administrator). Follow the installation wizard. After installation, launch the toolkit from your desktop or Start Menu.
Step 4: Launch Toolkit & Activate with Daily Token
When you first launch the toolkit, it will ask for an activation token:
- Visit the toolkit download page: https://gsm6.com/google-pixel-technicians-toolkit-v3-download/
- Copy the daily token displayed on the page
- Paste the token into the toolkit activation window
- Click VERIFY
The toolkit will activate and show the main interface.
Step 5: Boot Phone into Fastboot Mode
On your Pixel 6 device:
- Power off the phone completely
- Press and hold Volume Down + Power buttons simultaneously
- Release when you see the Fastboot Mode screen (green start arrow)
Alternatively, if phone is booted to system:
- Connect to PC, open command prompt, run:
adb reboot bootloader
Step 6: Connect Phone to PC
Using an original USB data cable, connect your phone (in fastboot mode) to your Windows PC. The toolkit should automatically detect the device.
Above: The Disable Factory button located in Repair Tab → Fastboot Functions.
Step 7: Navigate to Disable Factory Function
In the toolkit main window:
- Click on the Repair Tab
- Look for the Fastboot Functions section
- Find the button labeled “Disable Factory”
Step 8: Click Disable Factory Button
Click the Disable Factory button. The toolkit will:
- Send the standard fastboot command to disable factory mode
- If that fails or times out, send alternative commands
- Show a green success message in the log window when done
Wait for the success message before proceeding. This usually takes 5-10 seconds.
Step 9: Flash Stock Firmware
After factory mode is disabled:
- Download the correct stock firmware for your exact Pixel 6 model from Google’s official images or your preferred source
- In the toolkit, go to the Flash Tab
- Click Flash Factory Firmware
- Select the firmware file you downloaded
- Click Execute and wait for flashing to complete (5-10 minutes)
Do not disconnect the phone while flashing is in progress.
Step 10: Lock Bootloader
After flashing stock firmware successfully:
- Keep the phone in bootloader/fastboot mode
- In the toolkit, go to Repair Tab → Fastboot Functions
- Click Lock Bootloader
- Confirm on your phone screen (use volume keys to select YES, power to confirm)
The phone will reboot and wipe data (one final time). This is normal.
Above: Bootloader successfully locked after completing the fix – device state shows LOCKED.
Step 11: Verify Service is Restored
After the phone reboots:
- Complete the Android setup wizard
- Check the status bar – No Service should be gone
- Turn off Airplane Mode (if it’s on)
- Make a test call
- Check mobile data
Your Pixel 6 should now have full cellular service with no automatic airplane mode toggling.
How to Avoid This Issue (For Future Repairs)
If you are performing IMEI 0 repair on a Pixel 6 series device running April 2026 security patch or newer:
After fixing CPID/IMEI using Toolkit V3, immediately:
- Click Disable Factory (Repair Tab → Fastboot Functions)
- Flash stock firmware
- Lock bootloader
Do not reboot or disconnect the phone between the IMEI repair and the Disable Factory step. Perform them in the same session.
For devices on older security patches (March 2026 or earlier) , the toolkit automatically disables factory mode correctly. The manual Disable Factory function is only required for April 2026+ patches.
Why This Method is Better Than Reflashing or Reset
| Attempted Fix | Does It Work? | Why/Why Not |
|---|---|---|
| Toggle Airplane Mode manually | ❌ No | System re-enables it automatically |
| Network settings reset | ❌ No | Factory mode overrides radio state |
| Factory reset from recovery | ❌ No | Factory mode persists across resets |
| Reflash same stock firmware | ❌ No | Factory mode flag remains in NV partition |
| Flash older firmware (downgrade) | ⚠️ Sometimes | Risky, may brick device, not permanent |
| Disable Factory Mode (THIS METHOD) | ✅ Yes | Directly removes the root cause permanently |
Video Guide
Complete video walkthrough of the CPID/IMEI 0 repair process:
Video Tutorial
Watch this guide for visual instructions
Uploaded: May 11, 2026
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Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Toolkit does not detect phone in fastboot | Reinstall Google USB Drivers. Try different USB port. Use original cable. |
| Disable Factory button does nothing | Make sure phone is in fastboot mode (green start arrow). Restart toolkit as Administrator. |
| Error: “Device not unlocked” | Your bootloader is locked. Unlock it first (Step 2). This will wipe data. |
| Still have No Service after fix | Verify you flashed the CORRECT stock firmware for your exact model (oriole/raven/bluejay). |
| Phone boots to recovery after locking bootloader | Flash stock firmware again BEFORE locking bootloader. Never lock bootloader on non-stock firmware. |
| Airplane mode still turns on | Repeat Steps 7-8. Make sure you see green success message in toolkit log. |
| Toolkit asks for token every time | Normal behavior. Token refreshes daily. Copy new token from download page. |
| ”Radio OFF” error persists | Factory Mode is still enabled. Try Disable Factory button 2-3 times. If still fails, re-flash stock firmware WITHOUT locking bootloader, then try Disable Factory again. |
| Phone bootloops after locking bootloader | You locked bootloader on non-stock or modified firmware. Unlock bootloader again (wipes data), flash stock firmware, THEN lock bootloader. |
Important Notes & Warnings
| Note | Details |
|---|---|
| IMEI remains fixed | Disabling Factory Mode does NOT affect your repaired IMEI |
| Data loss warning | Unlocking and locking bootloader wipes data |
| Bootloader must be unlocked | Cannot disable factory mode on a locked bootloader |
| Works on all April 2026+ updates | Including Android 16 and Android 17 beta |
| One-time fix | Issue will not return unless you re-enter factory mode |
| No paid services needed | Toolkit is completely free with daily tokens |
| Pixel 7/8/9 not affected | This protocol change currently only affects Pixel 6 series |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will disabling factory mode wipe my data?
No. The Disable Factory function itself does not wipe data. However, unlocking bootloader (if needed) and locking bootloader (final step) WILL wipe data. Back up before starting.
Do I need to re-fix IMEI after doing this?
No. Your IMEI repair remains intact. Disabling factory mode only turns off the diagnostic state that blocks the radio.
Does this work on Pixel 7 or Pixel 8?
This specific issue (automatic airplane mode loop after IMEI fix) has NOT been reported on Pixel 7/8/9 series. If you encounter similar symptoms on newer Pixels, contact me on the forum.
I already locked my bootloader and still have No Service. What now?
You need to unlock the bootloader again (wipes data), perform the Disable Factory function, flash stock firmware, then lock bootloader again. Do not lock bootloader before disabling factory mode.
Why does the toolkit need a daily token?
The daily token system helps protect the toolkit from unauthorized redistribution while keeping it completely free for legitimate users. Tokens refresh daily at 00:00 UTC.
Can I use this fix on a Pixel 6 with a locked bootloader?
No. Disable Factory function requires an unlocked bootloader. You must unlock first (Step 2), which wipes data.
Will this fix survive future OTA updates?
Yes. Once you disable factory mode, flash stock firmware, and lock the bootloader, the phone behaves like a normal, unmodified device. Future OTA updates will not re-enable factory mode.
What if I don’t want to lock the bootloader?
You can keep the bootloader unlocked after disabling factory mode. The phone will work normally. However, some banking apps and Google Pay may not work with an unlocked bootloader.
How do I know if Factory Mode is enabled?
There is no direct visual indicator. Symptoms (No Service, Airplane mode loop, Radio OFF error) indicate factory mode is enabled. The Disable Factory function removes these symptoms.
I see red errors in the toolkit log. Is that bad?
The toolkit shows informational messages. Only red errors that stop the process are problems. If Disable Factory shows a green “Success” message, ignore any other red text.
Does this fix work on Android 17 beta?
Yes. Tested on Android 17 DP2 and DP3. The alternative commands in Disable Factory function are designed to work across all future updates.
Can I use this method on a carrier-locked Pixel 6?
Bootloader unlocking on carrier-locked Verizon/AT&T Pixel 6 devices is impossible. This fix requires bootloader unlock. Contact your carrier for SIM unlock first.
My phone shows “Baseband Unknown” – will this fix it?
Yes. Factory mode often causes baseband to show as unknown. Disabling factory mode and flashing stock firmware restores baseband.
Do I need to root my phone for this fix?
No. The Disable Factory function works through fastboot and does not require root access.
What is the difference between “Disable Factory” and a factory reset?
Factory reset wipes user data and app settings. Factory Mode is a low-level diagnostic state that disables radio. Disable Factory exits the diagnostic state without wiping data.
Will this work if I used a different IMEI repair tool (not Toolkit V3)?
The Disable Factory function should still work, provided your bootloader is unlocked and the phone can enter fastboot mode. However, the preferred workflow is to use Toolkit V3 for both repair and cleanup.
How long does the entire fix take?
Approximately 8 minutes: Driver installation (2 minutes, one time), Disable Factory (10 seconds), Flash stock firmware (5 minutes), Lock bootloader (30 seconds).
My phone is stuck in a bootloop after IMEI repair. Can this help?
The Disable Factory function requires access to fastboot mode. If you can boot to fastboot (Volume Down + Power), yes. If the phone is completely dead, this fix will not help.
Is there a way to prevent this issue before doing IMEI repair?
If your device is already on April 2026 update or newer, the issue will occur after IMEI repair by default. Simply run Disable Factory immediately after repair before rebooting.
Can I use this fix on a Mac or Linux?
The toolkit is Windows-only. Mac/Linux users can run Windows via virtual machine (VMware/VirtualBox) or use fastboot commands manually. Contact me on the forum for manual command instructions.
Connect with the Author & Community
- Learn with AM - YouTube Channel
- GSM6 Official YouTube Channel
- Telegram Community
- GSM6 Community Forum
Download Links Summary
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Google Pixel Technicians Toolkit V3 | https://gsm6.com/google-pixel-technicians-toolkit-v3-download/ |
| Google USB Drivers | Included in toolkit (Help & Support tab) |
| Stock Firmware (Google Factory Images) | https://developers.google.com/android/images |
| Video Guide | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xV4Ha30fTQ0 |
| GSM6 Community Forum | https://forum.gsm6.com |
© 2026 GSM6.com | Pixel 6 Radio OFF Fix Guide
This guide is provided for educational and legitimate device repair purposes.
Always backup your data before proceeding. Proceed at your own risk.
Author:
Abdul MalikMobile Software Expert and founder of GSM6.com. Specializes in FRP bypass, IMEI repair, and advanced mobile tools. All tutorials are tested on real devices for accuracy and safety.
