Google’s Nexus 6P comes with forced encryption enabled, which means the device encrypt itself on first boot. Forced Android encryption is certainly a good security feature, but it will also mean something that it cannot be hacked. For example, you cannot install the custom recovery TWRP on Nexus 6P, as the current TWRP does not support decrypting the device.
In this guide, we will let you know how to decrypt a Nexus 6P and disable forced encryption. Thanks to the XDA contributor DespairFactor for the workaround. You can decrypt your Nexus 6P by flashing a modified boot image with Force Encryption and Verity check disabled and formatting the userdata.
Note: Even if you decrypt your Nexus 6P, you can still encrypt it by going to Settings -> Security -> Encrypt phone
How to Decrypt Nexus 6P and Disable Forced Encryption
Disclaimer: Follow the instruction at your own risk. We will not be liable if any damage occurs to your device and/or its components. It is recommended for technically talented users only.
1. It requires ADB and Fastboot drivers installed on your computer. Also, your Nexus 6P’s bootloader must be unlocked.
2. Download modified boot image MDB08K [HERE] and save it inside the folder where ADB and Fastboot tool is installed.
3. Now, within the ADB and fastboot installed folder, open a command window (Shift + Right click and select “Open command window here” from the context menu)
4. Connect your Nexus 6P to your computer and issue the below command:
adb reboot bootloader
5. Once Nexus 6P boot into bootloader mode, flash the modified boot image (MDB08K) by issuing the below command.
fastboot flash boot decryptedboot.img
6. Now, issue the below command to format userdata, which will disable encryption.
fastboot format userdata
[This will completely wipe all data on your device. Back up every data before proceeding]
7. Finally, reboot your Nexus 6P by issuing the below command:
fastboot reboot
Your Nexus 6P is now decrypted and will not encrypt itself on boot now.
Note: You can still encrypt your Nexus 6P by going to Settings -> Security -> Encrypt phone. (Source – XDA)
