If you are using Fastboot, which is a diagnostic protocol that allows users to modify Android devices, encountering the “Fastboot Partition (init_boot) Not Found” error becomes a critical matter. This means that the Fastboot tool is unable to find the init_boot partition on the device which is crucial for powering the device into the Android system.
Table of contents
This extensive article will highlight the causes of the problem and provide various feasible solutions to solve it.
What Is Fastboot and the init_boot Partition
Fastboot is a protocol for flashing images (such as recovery, bootloader, and system images) onto Android devices. It works at a lower level than the Android operating system, thereby enabling the user to make modifications even when the OS does not function well.
The init_boot partition (in some cases, which are older devices, it may be boot) is the initial location of the kernel and initial RAM disk (initrd) that play a very important role in the boot process of the device.
The OS kernel is the core of the operating system, and the initrd is the components that are necessary to mount the root filesystem. Without a proper init_boot partition, the device will not be able to boot into Android.
Most Reasons of “Fastboot Partition (init_boot) Not Found”
Incorrect Partition Name: The biggest factor is just a simple error in the Fastboot command due to human factors. Fastboot is a case-sensitive utility, so the commands init_boot, Init_boot, and INIT_BOOT all act differently. Be sure to use the right name for your device (on older devices it may only be boot).
Incorrect Device Drivers: Fastboot might not be able to communicate over the device correctly since the necessary USB drivers have a) either not been installed or b) become outdated.Thus this phenomenon is causing the ‘init_boot not found’ error.
Incompatible Fastboot Version: A possible scenario of facing communication problems is when you are using an outdated or an incompatible version of the Fastboot tool.
Corruption: One of the frequent reasons for which the init_boot partition has “gone” is the destruction or corruption of the partition by an upheaval during the flashing process, a power loss, or another malfunction. Fastboot fails to localize the broken or missing partition.
Incorrect Device State: For the tool to function properly, the device has to be in Fastboot mode. If anything other than Fastboot mode (e.g., recovery mode or normal mode) exists, the Fastboot commands will be unsuccessful.
Hardware Issues: In a few unusual cases, a mishap with the storage or USB connection of the device can lead to this error.
Steps to Solve the Problem
Carefully Review the Command and Partition Name
Go through the Fastboot command very attentively. Make sure you write correctly the partition name (init_boot or boot). Refer to the device-specific documentation or forums to know the correct partition name for your device.
Install/Update USB Drivers
If you are flashing a Google Pixel device or a Nexus device, install the Google USB Driver from the Android SDK Platform Tools. Other devices users have to download, install and set the necessary software according to the manual provided by the manufacturer e.g., for Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus etc.
Device Manager (Windows)
Under Windows Device Manager, scan for any devices containing a yellow exclamation mark. Right-click on them, select “Update driver,” and choose “Search automatically for drivers.”
Use the Latest Fastboot Version
The latest Android SDK Platform Tools can be downloaded from the official Android developer website. This pack contains the newest Fastboot tool.
Make Sure Device Is in Fastboot Mode
Start off by entering Fastboot mode on your device. The process for getting into Fastboot mode is different from one device to another.
Popular methods are: Hold down some hardware buttons (e.g., pressing Volume Down + Power, Volume Up + Power) or some other, while powering on the device. Enter adb reboot bootloader if your device is already powered on and ADB debugging is enabled. Once in Fastboot mode, your device should show a Fastboot logo or some text running on the screen.
Inspect USB Connection and Cable
Make use of an alternative USB cable as well as another USB port on your computer. At times a spurious cable or port can be the cause of communication problems.
Experiment with Different Fastboot Commands
In the case of a command like fastboot flash init_boot image.img, instead of “init_boot”, you could use “boot” in the command line of an alternative device. Running the fastboot devices command. If the device is identified in fastboot mode, it will be displayed. If it is not listed, the issue is with the drivers or the connection.
Check Partition Table (Advanced)
With utilities like fdisk (Linux) or other similar partitioning tools, you can see if the init_boot partition exists and is set accurately in the partition table. This is a high-level step and should be performed only by advanced users.
Re-flash Stock Firmware (Last Resort)
If the init_boot partition is either damaged or non-optional the best way to solve it is by re-flashing the stock firmware of your device. This will also restore the device back to its original state and re-create the necessary partitions. You will have to browse the web in order to find the correct firmware for your specific device model and to use a tool that would be appropriate to your device’s manufacturer (e.g., Odin for Samsung and MiFlash for Xiaomi).
General Cases
Error After Incorporating a Custom ROM or Kernel
Verify whether the custom ROM or kernel that you are trying to flash is compatible with your device model.
Error After Locking and Unlocking the Bootloader
Sometimes, re-locking and then re-unlocking the bootloader can resolve partition issues.
Warnings and Recommendations
Specific Information of the Device: The process of the steps and the commands may differ, to some extent, according to the device model which you are using. Consequently, always consult the device’s specific documentation and resources.
Backup
Where possible, save your data before you engage in any Fastboot operations because these activities may lead to data loss.
Caution
Wrongly using Fastboot commands might end up bricking your device. Hence, be careful and make sure to follow the official guides.
Even after you have completed all the troubleshooting steps and the error persists, it is still recommended to seek help on online forums or communities devoted to your device. The forum members might have experienced the same issues and will be able to provide you with a solution. Sometimes, there might be a hardware problem that needs the intervention of a professional repairman.
