in this guide Many OnePlus 13 device users are currently faced with a problem of missing Fastboot Mode. This significant bootloader environment that is necessary for various activities related to initiation, for example, is not available sometimes in specific situations, particularly after performing an upgrade or switching firmware versions from another region like ColorOS to OxygenOS.
If your OnePlus 13 Fastboot Mode has been missing and you are unable to flash or root, this guideline describes the very exact method with the commands and the handling of the software to reestablish the bootloader functionality.
✅ What Causes Fastboot Mode to Go Missing on OnePlus 13?
The loss of Fastboot Mode often arises when switching regional firmware. Say, changing from ColorOS 822 to OxygenOS EU 821 might make the ABL (Android Bootloader) partition incompatible, and consequently the Fastboot mode will not be available.
Despite the fact that the FastbootD (a subsystem of recovery) component may be operational, it still cannot take the place of Fastboot Mode performing such functions as bootloader unlocking or abl.img flashing.
🛠️ What Should Be There Before Starting with the Task?
- You have to back up your device fully. The process includes the change of the bootloader partitions.
- Get the Android SDK Platform-Tools on your PC.
- For a stable connection, use the original USB-C cable and a USB 3.0 port.
- Turn on USB Debugging from Developer Options.
🔧 Restore Fastboot Mode on OnePlus 13 via ABL Flashing
Step 1: Extract abl.img from Firmware Payload
- Download the official firmware that syncs with your current build (e.g., EU 602).
- Run the payload dumper tools to extract the content.
- Find and get the abl.img file.
Make sure the version of the official firmware is trusted and is your current slot number to avoid soft/hard bricks.
Step 2: Download Files to the Platform-Tools Directory
Simply transfer the extracted abl.img file to the platform-tools directory, which houses the ADB and Fastboot binaries.
Step 3: Connect and Authorize Device
- Go to the phone and open the Settings > About Phone > Build Number. Then, tap the Build Number at least 7 times to get the Developer Options feature enabled.
- After opening Developer Options, tick the USB Debugging checkbox.
- Link up the device to your computer with a USB cable.
- Initial Schemes:
adb devices
When you receive a prompt on the device, opt for the RSA fingerprint acceptance.
Step 4: Reboot to FastbootD (if available)
In case you have no Fastboot Mode, but the feature FastbootD does work, write:
adb reboot fastboot
This process takes you to FastbootD, which still gives you the chance to flash A/B slots.
Step 5: Burn abl.img to Slots A and B
Go to the platform-tools directory using the commands below:
fastboot flash abl_a abl.img
fastboot flash abl_b abl.img
With this step, you are configuring the bootloader environment by flashing both slots A and B.
Step 6: Restart the Device
After flashing, perform the command:
fastboot reboot
On the OS booting process, test the Fastboot Mode again by entering Android:
adb reboot bootloader
If you have succeeded, entering the original Fastboot Mode again is expected, not still FastbootD.
✅ Confirming Fastboot Mode is Restored
Having rebooted into Fastboot Mode, you will see:
- Device state: Locked or Unlocked
- Bootloader screen with device ID and command options
- No boot to FastbootD
By this, it is for sure that one can fully use the bootloader partition (abl) because it gives access to the Fastboot mode.
🧠 More Tips
- Always use the same locality firmware base (e.g., EU firmware for EU ROMs).
- Never replace ABL files between different Android versions.
- And after that, think about keeping a copy of abl.img as one of the measures for backup:
fastboot getvar all > device_info.txt
This is how your job will last in the environment for future recovery.
🛑 Troubleshooting
Fastboot commands not identified?
- Make sure to use the latest Platform-Tools from the Android developer website.
- If your 3.0 ports are having inconsistent detection, plug your device into USB 2.0 ports instead.
Device restarts instead of going to Fastboot mode?
- Most likely, you are using the wrong or unmatched ABL version. Go back to the initial firmware’s abl.img and check if it solves the problem.
🔚 Conclusion
The issue of Fastboot Mode skipped on OnePlus 13 can be definitely dealt with by the flashing process when the correct abl.img is installed in both slots. Thus, you can not only recover the bootloader but also have access to plenty of other functionalities like rooting, firmware flashing, and advanced recovery.
It is a good idea to store your firmware files and to be careful to avoid issues such as soft bricks.
If you have any unusual situations to share with us, please drop a few words in the comments as we keep this guide updated, and we really appreciate hearing from our readers. We often cite user-contributed edge cases as examples.
FAQ: Fixing Fastboot Mode on OnePlus 13
1. What is Fastboot Mode in OnePlus 13, and how can I recover it if missing?
ans. Fastboot Mode is a special mode in the device that is used as a channel for various device hardware and system software operations, such as bootloader unlock or root permission. The absence of the mode can be accounted for by the following factors:
Changing firmware from one region to another (e.g., ColorOS to OxygenOS).
Corruption or incompatible abl.img on the device (Android Bootloader partition).
Bootloader behavior changes as a result of firmware updates.
2. Will using FastbootD as an alternative to Fastboot Mode be supported?
ans. Unfortunately, no. FastbootD is actually recovery-based fastboot. Thus, it is not the same as the initial Fastboot Mode (bootloader-level). It is also impossible to unlock a bootloader if FastbootD is used or to flash, for example, abl.img.
3. How can I verify if my device is Fastboot enabled?
ans. Type the following into the command prompt:adb reboot bootloader
If it boots into FastbootD or restarts normally, the bootloader partition may be corrupt.
4. What if accidentally abl.img is flashed?
ans. Flashing an incorrect or not the same abl.img can result in the following:
Unterminated booting process
Device turn into soft brick (stuck in a boot loop, unresponsive device)
Loss of Fast boot functionality forever The abl.img from the firmware version that is on the device must always be used.
5. How to get abl.img out of firmware?
ans. Get the stock firmware that is identical to your device model and region.
Use some kind of a payload dumper (e.g., payload-dumper-go) to get abl.img.
6. What to do in case the commands do not work?
ans. Make sure the latest Platform-Tools (ADB & Fastboot) are present (if not, here is the link to download the latest one).
Switch to a different USB port (the one with USB 2.0 is preferable).
Uninstall the current and reinstall new OnePlus USB drivers (in case of Windows).