setting forceImportRoot to false

common/global/default.nix

@@ -23,7 +23,10 @@
   boot = {
     tmp.useTmpfs = true;
     kernelPackages = lib.mkDefault pkgs.linuxPackages_6_12;
-    zfs.package = lib.mkDefault pkgs.zfs_2_4;
+    zfs = {
+      package = lib.mkDefault pkgs.zfs_2_4;
+      forceImportRoot = lib.mkDefault false;
+    };
   };
 
   hardware.enableRedistributableFirmware = true;

docs/zfs_failed_root_import_recovry.md

@@ -0,0 +1,76 @@
+# ZFS failed root import recovery
+
+## Fast path
+
+If the machine fails to boot because ZFS refuses to import `root_pool`:
+
+### GRUB
+
+1. At the bootloader menu, select the normal NixOS entry.
+2. Press `e`.
+3. Find the line that starts with `linux`.
+4. Append this to the end of that line:
+
+```text
+zfs_force=1
+```
+
+5. Boot once with `Ctrl+x` or `F10`.
+
+### systemd-boot
+
+1. At the bootloader menu, highlight the normal NixOS entry.
+2. Press `e`.
+3. Append this to the end of the options line:
+
+```text
+zfs_force=1
+```
+
+4. Press `Enter` to boot once.
+
+## After boot
+
+Run:
+
+```bash
+sudo zpool status
+sudo zpool import
+journalctl -b | rg "ZFS|zfs|import|root_pool"
+```
+
+## Expected result
+
+`sudo zpool status` should show `root_pool` as `ONLINE`.
+
+## Reboot test
+
+Run:
+
+```bash
+sudo reboot
+```
+
+Do not add `zfs_force=1` the second time.
+
+## If it still fails
+
+Boot once more with:
+
+```text
+zfs_force=1
+```
+
+Then run:
+
+```bash
+sudo zpool status -v
+sudo zpool history | tail -n 50
+journalctl -b | rg "ZFS|zfs|import|root_pool"
+```
+
+## Notes
+
+- Root pool name is `root_pool`.
+- This is a one-time recovery path after disk moves, controller changes, dirty exports, or interrupted imports.
+- Some hosts also need the LUKS unlock USB key inserted before boot.