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HELP PIXELIFY-GOOGLE-PHOTOS EOL CRASHES ON PIXEL 4XL BUT WORKS ON XIAOMI 6. ANY ALTERNATIVES FOR

Troubleshooting Pixelify-Google-Photos (EOL) Crashes on Pixel 4XL and Finding the Best Pixel 1 Spoofing Alternatives in 2026

Introduction

We understand the frustration that arises when a trusted utility ceases to function correctly, especially when it is critical for maintaining a seamless experience like unlimited original quality Google Photos backups. The transition of Pixelify-Google-Photos to End of Life (EOL) status has left many users in a precarious position, particularly those attempting to utilize this module on specific hardware configurations like the Google Pixel 4XL. It is a paradoxical situation where a module designed to emulate Pixel features fails on an actual Pixel device while functioning perfectly on a Xiaomi 6.

At Magisk Modules, our primary goal is to provide robust, up-to-date solutions for the Android rooting community. We have analyzed the reported issues regarding the Pixelify-Google-Photos module and compiled a comprehensive guide to not only diagnose the crashes on your Pixel 4XL but also to present the most stable and reliable Pixel 1 spoofing alternatives available for 2026. This article will delve deep into the technical nuances of device spoofing, kernel compatibility, and the superior methodologies currently employed by top-tier developers like Kingsman and the BootloaderSpoof team.

Understanding the Crash: Pixel 4XL vs. Xiaomi 6

The core issue described—where the module crashes on a native Pixel 4XL but works on a Xiaomi 6—requires a technical analysis of how Pixelify-Google-Photos operates. The module is not merely a simple overlay; it attempts to modify system properties and inject specific Google Photos features that were exclusive to later Pixel generations.

The EOL Nature of the Module

Because the project is End of Life, it relies on outdated methods of injection and resource replacement. Google continuously updates the Google Photos application and the underlying Google Play Services. On a device like the Xiaomi 6, which likely runs an older or highly customized version of Android (MIUI), the environment might be more permissive or the conflicts with existing system hooks less severe. However, on a Pixel 4XL, which runs stock Android, the integrity checks and Project Mainline updates are far more rigorous.

Hardware and Kernel Compatibility

The crash likely stems from a system overlay conflict. The Pixel 4XL utilizes specific hardware identifiers (ro.product.model, ro.build.product, etc.) that the module attempts to override to mimic a Pixel 1. On the Xiaomi 6, these overrides are applied cleanly because the system is not expecting specific Pixel hardware drivers to be present. Conversely, on the Pixel 4XL, the framework-res.apk and SystemUI are deeply intertwined with the hardware. When a legacy module forces a property change that conflicts with the active hardware drivers of the Pixel 4XL (such as the Soli radar or specific camera drivers), the result is a fatal SystemUI crash or a Google Photos force close.

The Risks of Continuing with EOL Modules

Continuing to rely on the Pixelify-Google-Photos (EOL) module is not recommended for several reasons:

  1. Security Vulnerabilities: EOL software does not receive patches for newly discovered exploits.
  2. Instability: As Google updates the Photos app, the hooks used by the EOL module will break further, leading to more crashes.
  3. Data Corruption: Improperly applied system overlays can lead to boot loops or data corruption in the worst-case scenarios.

We strongly advise moving away from this specific legacy module and adopting the modern standards of device spoofing.

Alternative 1: The Pixelify Module (By Kingsman)

The most direct successor and widely recommended alternative today is Pixelify (maintained by Kingsman). This is a comprehensive Magisk module that goes far beyond simple photo backup spoofing.

Why Pixelify is Superior

Unlike the old Pixelify-Google-Photos, Kingsman’s Pixelify module is actively maintained and includes a wide array of features designed to bring Pixel-exclusive software to any device. It includes:

Is the Kingsman Repository Safe?

Regarding the repository at https://github.com/Kingsman44/Pixelify: Yes, this is the legitimate and official source. In the rooting community, verifying the source is critical. Kingsman has a long-standing reputation in the Magisk development scene. You should always download the module directly from the GitHub Releases page to ensure you are getting the unmodified binary. Do not trust third-party re-uploads on random file-sharing sites.

Installation and Configuration

To get the best results with Pixelify:

  1. Download the latest zip from the official GitHub repository.
  2. Flash it via the Magisk app in the “Modules” section.
  3. Reboot your device.
  4. After rebooting, open the Pixelify app (installed alongside the module) to enable specific features. Navigate to the Photos section and ensure the “Spoof Device” option is set to a Pixel model that supports your desired backup tier (usually Pixel 1 or Pixel 4 XL depending on the specific tier you want, though for “Original Quality” free, Pixel 1 is the target).

Alternative 2: BootloaderSpoof (The Universal Solution)

For users who face issues with Pixelify or prefer a lighter touch approach, BootloaderSpoof is a highly effective alternative. This method is distinct because it targets the ro.boot.bootloader property, which is a deep-level system identifier.

How BootloaderSpoof Works

Google Photos servers identify device models primarily by checking the bootloader string. Standard spoofing methods change the model name (ro.product.model), but the bootloader often remains a giveaway (e.g., blueline for Pixel 4). BootloaderSpoof intercepts the read request for the bootloader property and returns a string associated with a Pixel 1 (e.g., sailfish or marlin).

Stability on Pixel Hardware

This method is often more stable on native Pixel devices (like your Pixel 4XL) because it does not require heavy overlaying of framework resources. It simply tricks the specific query sent by Google Photos. However, some versions of BootloaderSpoof may require LSPosed to function, depending on the specific implementation.

Using LSPosed Modules

If you opt for an LSPosed module, the setup involves:

  1. Installing the LSPosed framework (Zygisk version is recommended).
  2. Downloading a specific spoofing module (often named Device Spoofer or similar).
  3. Activating the module within LSPosed and selecting Google Photos (and Google Play Services) as the scope.
  4. Configuring the spoofed device ID to that of a Pixel 1.

Comparing Stability: Pixelify vs. BootloaderSpoof vs. LSPosed

When determining the “most stable” solution for a Pixel 4XL in 2026, the choice depends on your end goal.

For Maximum Feature Set: Pixelify

If you want the unlimited backup AND the advanced camera features (Magic Eraser, etc.), Pixelify is the only choice. However, it is a heavier module. On a Pixel 4XL, ensure you are using the “Stable” channel of the repository. If you experience lag or UI glitches, the module might be conflicting with the native Pixel hardware drivers. In such cases, you should disable specific features within the Pixelify app rather than uninstalling the whole module.

For Pure Backup Stability: BootloaderSpoof

If your only goal is unlimited storage and you want to keep your system as close to stock as possible, BootloaderSpoof is the superior choice. It is lightweight and minimizes the risk of SystemUI crashes. It addresses the specific query that Google Photos uses to determine “Original Quality” vs. “Storage Saver” quality. By spoofing the bootloader, you effectively tell Google servers that you are uploading from a device that has the legacy grandfathered storage plan.

The “Calibrating” Method

We have observed that on Pixel 4XLs running the latest Android 15 Beta or Stable, the Google Photos app has hardened its checks. A simple property spoof is often not enough.

Specific Troubleshooting for Pixel 4XL Crashes

If you are absolutely determined to make the older Pixelify-Google-Photos work on your Pixel 4XL (though we discourage it), try the following “Hail Mary” steps. This is essentially legacy troubleshooting:

  1. Disable Pixel Core: Some older modules included a “Pixel Core” overlay. On the Pixel 4XL, this directly conflicts with the native Google Play Services for AR and Camera modules. You would need to extract the module zip and manually remove the system/priv-app/PixelCore folder before flashing.
  2. Magisk Systemless Context: Ensure Magisk is installed in “Systemless” mode. If you have modified your system partition manually previously, the EOL module might be trying to write to read-only blocks, causing a crash loop.
  3. Grant Permissions via ADB: Sometimes, the Google Photos crash is due to missing runtime permissions that the EOL module fails to request. Run:
    adb shell pm grant com.google.android.apps.photos android.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE
adb shell pm grant com.google.android.apps.photos android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE

However, again, we strongly recommend migrating to the Kingsman Pixelify module found in our Magisk Module Repository for a permanent fix.

Conclusion: The Best Path Forward

For a user in 2026 with a Pixel 4XL seeking unlimited original quality backups, the landscape has shifted from simple spoofing to integrated system modifications.

The Pixelify-Google-Photos (EOL) module is obsolete and fundamentally incompatible with the security architecture of modern Pixel devices. The crash on your Pixel 4XL is a symptom of this incompatibility.

We recommend the following hierarchy of solutions:

  1. Primary Recommendation: Install Pixelify (by Kingsman) from the official repository. It offers the best balance of features and stability, provided you keep it updated.
  2. Secondary Recommendation: If Pixelify causes instability, use BootloaderSpoof via Magisk or LSPosed to target the specific API call used for storage tier verification.

By utilizing these modern, actively maintained tools, you ensure that your device remains stable, secure, and capable of handling your storage needs without the frustration of random crashes. Always verify the source of your modules, prefer GitHub repositories linked by the developers, and keep your Magisk environment updated to ensure seamless compatibility with these advanced spoofing techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why does the EOL module work on Xiaomi 6 but not Pixel 4XL?

The Xiaomi 6 runs a heavily modified version of Android (MIUI) which handles system overlays and resource injection differently than the stock Android on a Pixel 4XL. The Pixel 4XL has stricter integrity checks and hardware-specific drivers that conflict with the outdated hooks used in the EOL module, causing the crash.

Is the Kingsman Pixelify repository safe to use?

Yes, the repository hosted at https://github.com/Kingsman44/Pixelify is the official source for the module. It is widely trusted in the Android rooting community. Always download releases directly from the “Releases” section of that GitHub page.

Does spoofing a Pixel 1 still work for unlimited storage in 2026?

Yes, it does. However, it requires passing the Google Play Integrity check (or previously SafetyNet). If your device fails the integrity check (e.g., due to an unlocked bootloader), the backups will upload, but they may count against your storage quota regardless of the spoof. Using Pixelify often includes a fix for this, but it requires careful configuration.

What is the difference between Pixelify and BootloaderSpoof?

Pixelify is a comprehensive suite that modifies the device fingerprint, enables Pixel-specific features (like Magic Eraser), and handles the storage spoofing. BootloaderSpoof is a specialized tool that only changes the bootloader string to trick the Photos server. Pixelify is feature-rich; BootloaderSpoof is lightweight and surgical.

Can I use these modules on Android 15?

Yes, both the active Pixelify and BootloaderSpoof modules are compatible with Android 15, provided you are using the latest stable version of Magisk (or KernelSU, if the module supports it). Always check the GitHub issues page for the specific module for any known bugs regarding the latest OS update.

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