Develop Bugs

6 months to achieve root?

Hey all. I am looking to upgrade to the Note 4. I have used my Note 3 T- mobile version on AT&T for the past year which had an unlocked bootloader so it got root and custom recovery almost right away. Did it really take 6 months to just get root on the ATT version of the Note 3? And if so, what are the chances it will take that long again?
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

drmacrofish said:
Hey all. I am looking to upgrade to the Note 4. I have used my Note 3 T- mobile version on AT&T for the past year which had an unlocked bootloader so it got root and custom recovery almost right away. Did it really take 6 months to just get root on the ATT version of the Note 3? And if so, what are the chances it will take that long again?
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No one will work on it. Even with a bounty no one really seemed to care about getting root on the N3, we all just gave up hope when suddenly GeoHot swooped in with towelroot totally surprising everyone, but this was months later. There are still no custom ROMs and with safestrap development going away it just seems there is little incentive to root, especially when it's possible we may get the L upgrade in the spring.
But we won't know until the phones are released. Maybe there is a simple exploit and we get lucky, maybe not and we wait months or forever and it never gets rooted.

Oh wow. I didn't realize the ATT version didn't get root till towelroot. Man, that was forever. I am debating getting the Note 4 on T mobile, but to get it right away may be a pain, plus I don't think I will be able to get the 200$ off from Samsung if I go that route. I kinda want to just buy the phone outright and 200$ off is pretty nice.
Maybe I will just go with the ATT version and see how it goes and if development sucks and I really want to root or run custom ROMS I could always sell it in the future and get a T mobile one later....
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

drmacrofish said:
Oh wow. I didn't realize the ATT version didn't get root till towelroot. Man, that was forever. I am debating getting the Note 4 on T mobile, but to get it right away may be a pain, plus I don't think I will be able to get the 200$ off from Samsung if I go that route. I kinda want to just buy the phone outright and 200$ off is pretty nice.
Maybe I will just go with the ATT version and see how it goes and if development sucks and I really want to root or run custom ROMS I could always sell it in the future and get a T mobile one later....
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe it did have Root when it was first released. But the update to KK fixed that root exploit, that's when we waited 5 or so months before towelroot came out. So the smart guys didn't update to KK, of course I was one of the stupid ones who did upgrade and I remember painfully waiting for root. Most of us had given up and assumed it would never happen, then literally one day GeoHot released towelroot with no warning at all.
I had the Tmobile one preordered, but I am pretty sure I'm going to cancel it and go with the ATT one. I'm reading here and there of reception and LTE issues with the Tmobile one on the Note 3 and really don't want to deal with that as my phone actually working is much more important than being rooted. I'll miss root greatly, but if I want to stay with ATT I guess that's the price I pay. And maybe we get lucky and a root pops up. Otherwise the only things I'm missing are titanium, and xposed which I mainly use for the multi windows module. I don't bother flashing custom ROM's so don't really care about that.

It did have root at launch and even with the first update. However for those who took the KK update, they were stuck until towelroot.

spinedoc said:
I believe it did have Root when it was first released. But the update to KK fixed that root exploit, that's when we waited 5 or so months before towelroot came out. So the smart guys didn't update to KK, of course I was one of the stupid ones who did upgrade and I remember painfully waiting for root. Most of us had given up and assumed it would never happen, then literally one day GeoHot released towelroot with no warning at all.
I had the Tmobile one preordered, but I am pretty sure I'm going to cancel it and go with the ATT one. I'm reading here and there of reception and LTE issues with the Tmobile one on the Note 3 and really don't want to deal with that as my phone actually working is much more important than being rooted. I'll miss root greatly, but if I want to stay with ATT I guess that's the price I pay. And maybe we get lucky and a root pops up. Otherwise the only things I'm missing are titanium, and xposed which I mainly use for the multi windows module. I don't bother flashing custom ROM's so don't really care about that.
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Click to collapse
Ok, that makes more sense. That is kinda what I remember now. Had forgotten all that and didn't pay too much attention cause I had the T mobile version. That was with that Root De La Vega or whatever.
Yeah, I am pretty sure I am gonna go with AT&T version at least at first. I can do it through Best Buy that way and get the 200$ instant credit with turning in a phone. Then on top of that hopefully sell my Note 3 and come out pretty good. At least that is the current idea. Will see for sure. At least now I know I don't want the iPhone 6+ after seeing the Note 4 in person.
As to reception issues, yeah, I don't think my Note 3 T mobile version ever got quit as good a signal or data speeds as the ATT note 3 does on AT&T network, which makes sense really. You don't have the ATT modem installed.
I initially had the Note 3 ATT phone too, and then the t mobile one which I got off ebay. I had both at the same time and did do some initial testing. The db signal was close, but not quite as good as the ATT version one was. That I do recall for sure. Not that the t mobile one was horrible, but just not as good. I am not sure about the data speeds however. I guess if you really want to be sure the phone is working the best it can, then better to use the one designed for the network you will use it on.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

The way I figure it is the Tmobile version is almost always cheaper on swappa/ebay. So if I really get sick of the locked bootloader, and also read reports on XDA that there are no reception issues I can always sell my ATT Note 4 and pick up a Tmobile one. Samsung phones seem to drop a bit in value at that 2-3 month mark, that plus the $200 rebate will mean I will prob make money off such a trade. That's the worst case scenario, realistically I'll probably just adjust to no root and keep the ATT one.

Randomly walked into an ATT store this morning and got a Note 4...

...So when are we getting a good root?

WwOliveros said:
...So when are we getting a good root?
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Click to collapse
Probably never.

I bet by the end of this week. Root will be easy, bootloader will not be broken though. I just want my Titanium Backup and Root Explorer so root is all need.

I called a few att stores in my area and each of them said they have them in stock, but cannot sell them... How'd you pull this off?

Offline21 said:
I called a few att stores in my area and each of them said they have them in stock, but cannot sell them... How'd you pull this off?
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Click to collapse
I just walked in and asked? Ha. And would we not be able to flash custom ROMS? I need my CM11!

You'll never have CM11 on it. Never. But you can use exposed and do other mods. Just no ROMS.

Wow. I guess a lot of things have changed since my old S3.

WwOliveros said:
Wow. I guess a lot of things have changed since my old S3.
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Click to collapse
Exactly. That was the most recent samsung phone I've had where everything was in happy order. But that's why I'm buying t mobile version
They already have root

fcb1 said:
Exactly. That was the most recent samsung phone I've had where everything was in happy order. But that's why I'm buying t mobile version
They already have root
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Click to collapse
Shoot. I might consider returning it and getting a Nexus 6 then. I never even bothered doing my homework on this, I assumed it would always be possible

WwOliveros said:
Shoot. I might consider returning it and getting a Nexus 6 then. I never even bothered doing my homework on this, I assumed it would always be possible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was surprised when it happened because samsung phones were always so open. Nexus 6 looks good but it's just a big phone with no feature that I know of at least to take advantage if that screen. At least they finally went above 32gb now. But I don't think I'll ever buy an AT&T phone ever again.

I did the same. Walked into an AT&T near me during lunch and got a white Note 4. I wasn't expecting to be able to get one but they are selling them here in Milwaukee.
Much like some of you here, I don't need anything more than root to run titanium and a couple other things. I never understood the idea of getting a note device to throw an AOSP rom on it that negates the S Pen functionality and other Note qualities. Why not just get any other big phone?

Tikerz said:
Probably never.
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Click to collapse
Why do you say that? Root and bootloader are two completely different things.
Root should be easy and we should get it. Custom recovery on the other hand, probably not.

I'm in Pa and just called my local store, they have them in as well and the guy said I can come get one now. I'M on my way to pick up note 4 also. I'm with u guys just want root for titanium backup and xposed , I really don't flash roms to often anymore.

verks said:
You'll never have CM11 on it. Never. But you can use exposed and do other mods. Just no ROMS.
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Click to collapse
Correct me if I'm wrong but these custom ROMS don't support the S Pen. If that is true, what use is the ROMS if you can't use the S Pen. That is one major point of the whole note.

mpazevedo said:
Correct me if I'm wrong but these custom ROMS don't support the S Pen. If that is true, what use is the ROMS if you can't use the S Pen. That is one major point of the whole note.
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The S Pen was never a real selling point for me. HTCs have bad cameras, LGs have have horrible reliability from mine/my buddies experience with the G2 and the Note is still the spec king. I could definitely get behind a Nexus though.

alpinesun said:
I did the same. Walked into an AT&T near me during lunch and got a white Note 4. I wasn't expecting to be able to get one but they are selling them here in Milwaukee.
Much like some of you here, I don't need anything more than root to run titanium and a couple other things. I never understood the idea of getting a note device to throw an AOSP rom on it that negates the S Pen functionality and other Note qualities. Why not just get any other big phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which store did you go to? I tried at the Greenfield store on 76th and Layton but they said they will start selling it on the 17th.

I don't mind touchwiz myself and if you haven't played with a note 4 in store you might be pretty happy with touchwiz this time around, its snappy and actually doesn't look nearly as bad as it used to. Can just install nova or google now launcher if it is that bothersome though from a UI perspective. Setting wise I think Samsung offers more a better features than aosp.
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk

I got the Note 4 in Pasadena, they had 5 white and 2 black. They are technically not suppose to sell them until Friday, but all the corp stores got them. It took a bit of effort to get them to admit they had them, and I pulled the corporate partner card on them so they went ahead with it.
Now what sucks is I can't transfer any of my data with titanium backup, I am wondering when root will be available.
I also agree with others here, if you don't need or care for the S-Pen the Nexus 6 is probably the device you want...
So who will be first to release a root?

Hopefully we can get root for now... Maybe we should check out the G3 forum as they got root with the bootloader locked...
Sent from my Note3 Rocking DynamicKat or my G3

Got mine from a store in Austin today. Just walked in and they said they'd sell it.

Sad panda here :(

This is horrible not having root this long. It's a completely new and raw feeling. Every android phone I've ever had had got root the same day I picked it up. The og DROID was a development veteran. The Droid X, eh.. The galaxy nexus speaks for itself. The note 2 had great development as did my note 3. Then I pick up a AT&T note 4 thinking I had nothing to worry about as this is my first AT&T phone. A month later and even though this phone is awesome, its horrible not having root. I don't blame anyone but AT&T. What's a**holes. I LONG for Viper Audio & Xposed...

I feel your pain...which is exactly why I'm chomping at the bit for my Nexus 6 to arrive . I'll probably carry them both, as I think the camera is better in the Note 4..........but I want my Xposed! I gotta save those snapchats! LOL

treytreytaylor said:
This is horrible not having root this long. It's a completely new and raw feeling. Every android phone I've ever had had got root the same day I picked it up. The og DROID was a development veteran. The Droid X, eh.. The galaxy nexus speaks for itself. The note 2 had great development as did my note 3. Then I pick up a AT&T note 4 thinking I had nothing to worry about as this is my first AT&T phone. A month later and even though this phone is awesome, its horrible not having root. I don't blame anyone but AT&T. What's a**holes. I LONG for Viper Audio & Xposed...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hard to believe you didn't do your research.. AT&T has been requesting locked bootloaders from the OEMs since before the Note 3.
Sad to say this phone will probably not get cracked before Lollipop gets pushed down. After that, thenodds are probably even more unlikely. I don't think, (even though there is a long list of folks donating), that we have actually gotten confirmation that any devs are working on an exploit for this one.
If you just must have root, you'd be better off using the T-Mobile variant.

treytreytaylor said:
I don't blame anyone but AT&T. What's a**holes. I LONG for Viper Audio & Xposed...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it sucks but its the price we pay for having a more secure device.

nyydynasty said:
it sucks but its the price we pay for having a more secure device.
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Click to collapse
If I wanted a "more secure" device, I would have bought an iPhone. Not having root on the N4 is frustrating.

Sell the phone and get a T-Mobile... That's what I'm going to do if no root come out soon

flexfield said:
If I wanted a "more secure" device, I would have bought an iPhone. Not having root on the N4 is frustrating.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would make sense except the iPhone is actually less secure... Already has jailbreak...
The fact is that AT&T and Verizon want non rootable phones. Period. And that isn't likely to change.
People that 'need' root need to make 100% sure a phone is rooted before they buy it. It is going to be more and more unlikely that phones with locked boot loaders will be rooted.
If you buy a phone that doesn't have root, then don't complain.

JasonJoel said:
People that 'need' root need to make 100% sure a phone is rooted before they buy it. It is going to be more and more unlikely that phones with locked boot loaders will be rooted.
If you buy a phone that doesn't have root, then don't complain.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly, this has been said enough, and most people have happily moved on to non root apps.

Honestly I can't believe I didn't do the research either. I should have known better smh. might have been a little to excited to snatch one up on my own line. But I'll definitely be selling it for a SM-N910T as soon as I can. What the f*ck AT&T.

Meh. You should have known before you bought it.

I am having a hard time believing all of this as well. I'm actually putting off my upgrade because of it. Sitting here with my year-old Note 3 that I rooted 2 hours after I bought it, kinda thinking about going another direction, I just really like my current plan
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

How long did it take for the ATT note 3 to get rooted?

Blame Samsung
The bottom line is SAMSUNG makes the phone, not ATT. They should stop being a bunch of ******* and just say our phone comes with an unlocked bootloader. PERIOD. What are they going to do? Not carry the hottest device out there? I doubt it

I might be in the minority but to me, for the first time ever since I started using Android, I don't feel like root is necessary. Sure, it would be nice to have Xposed and TiBu, but I seem to manage fine with this phone.

redstar299 said:
The bottom line is SAMSUNG makes the phone, not ATT. They should stop being a bunch of ******* and just say our phone comes with an unlocked bootloader. PERIOD. What are they going to do? Not carry the hottest device out there? I doubt it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And what business reason is there for Samsung to do that? As long as people are buying the phones, they won't bother.
If sales falter (people buying tmobile instead of the att version doesn't count) and people are vocal on why, then something may change... But I doubt it.

Nexus 6
Mistake!
I bought my nexus 6 3 week ago.. I noticed immediately that the phone is faster that my note buy that's about it because my note had way more features, better hardware and I miss all of that now....

redstar299 said:
The bottom line is SAMSUNG makes the phone, not ATT. They should stop being a bunch of ******* and just say our phone comes with an unlocked bootloader. PERIOD. What are they going to do? Not carry the hottest device out there? I doubt it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amen... just upgraded to Note 4 from Note 2, two weeks after my AT&T contract expired and got a note from AT&T that I could now unlock my phone... whoops for them, a bit too late. Patiently waiting for these phone manufacturers to stop bending over for the carriers and start insisting on unlocked devices right out of the factory.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using XDA Premium HD app

If you have chosen to buy an AT&T/Verizon phone then you're gonna have to live with it, buddy. That's why I kept my N3 and didn't rush for the N4. That's what I've always done. Once a phone (from those two carriers) comes out, I'd just wait and watch for a couple of months if it gets rooted. If not then sell the old one and add a little bit of money and buy me an unlocked one.
From my Allianced S5!

If you want root figure a way to do it yourself, otherwise just wait patiently.

I got over not having root after maybe 5 or 6 days. Ads suck but the Note performs better than my old rooted phone, and the camera is epic, I can live without root...

Possible Safestrap-esque recovery for our locked bootloader G4?

http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software-hacking/tool-multirom-recovery-replacement-t3102395 I came across this thread while browsing XDA, and I didn't know if this has been tried before on the G4. It's basically a recovery replacement for a locked bootloader phone that allows us to flash multiple roms to a device with a partitioned sd card (I think, I may be wrong). I don't have any extra SD cards so I'm throwing it out here in case anyone wants to try it out and see if it works. If it does maybe we'll start to see some rom development *fingers crossed*

mfun89 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software-hacking/tool-multirom-recovery-replacement-t3102395 I came across this thread while browsing XDA, and I didn't know if this has been tried before on the G4. It's basically a recovery replacement for a locked bootloader phone that allows us to flash multiple roms to a device with a partitioned sd card (I think, I may be wrong). I don't have any extra SD cards so I'm throwing it out here in case anyone wants to try it out and see if it works. If it does maybe we'll start to see some rom development *fingers crossed*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used this on my Note 3 and it worked really well! It's a great recovery replacement. Unfortunately you will need developers to build their roms to support MultiSystem.
I haven't tried this on my G4 because of the lack of MultiSystem roms for it. I haven't even been able to get FlashFire to work with my G4 (it may have been the file, I tried to flash to 60 FPS mod in flashfire and it failed, it didn't cause any issues, it just didn't flash like it was suppose to).
I am really hoping for a Bootloader unlock soon, or something similar to safestrap. IMHO MultiSystem works great, but SafeStrap was a better, and easier to use solution!

FlashFire works. I'm just waiting on the roms!

joshw0000 said:
FlashFire works. I'm just waiting on the roms!
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Click to collapse
It works for roms as well?

mfun89 said:
It works for roms as well?
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Click to collapse
So far it works for everything we've tried. We just don't have any roms to flash.
Some general discussion - http://forum.xda-developers.com/g4/general/flashfire-locked-bootloader-g4s-t3182105
Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

Maybe we can get another "Bump" type of recovery/images? Worked really well for the G3...

Ban-Hammer said:
Maybe we can get another "Bump" type of recovery/images? Worked really well for the G3...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes just hope it's in the works patiently waiting quietly
Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

Sorry for reviving old threads but is this possible yet

TheMadScientist420 said:
Sorry for reviving old threads but is this possible yet
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Click to collapse
No

Keep working on it guys

I'm not sure anybody's even working on the G4 anymore are they? I'm worried that people have moved on to greener pastures. I say this as a sad Verizon G4 owner btw.

RIP G4.. 6 mo left til contract ends.
Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

saColorfinger said:
I'm not sure anybody's even working on the G4 anymore are they? I'm worried that people have moved on to greener pastures. I say this as a sad Verizon G4 owner btw.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bootloader or bootloader bypass has been an after thought for quite some time now...

what are you going to get? I'm not even sure whats out there worth picking up. I NEED replaceable batteries.

supasoju said:
RIP G4.. 6 mo left til contract ends.
Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dang how are you already out in 6 months? I got this on release day and I still have a year to go. So sick of LG's skin but I can't get out early since I was dumb enough to do Verizon's device payment plan. Not that this phone is worth anything in resale.

Wumbonaut said:
Dang how are you already out in 6 months? I got this on release day and I still have a year to go. So sick of LG's skin but I can't get out early since I was dumb enough to do Verizon's device payment plan. Not that this phone is worth anything in resale.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The G4 has been out for a year plus. I don't understand your 6 month thought? Verizon also does early upgrades. I just don't see an upgrade worth the money over my G4 or V10.

leroybrute said:
The G4 has been out for a year plus. I don't understand your 6 month thought? Verizon also does early upgrades. I just don't see an upgrade worth the money over my G4 or V10.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Verizon g4 didn't come out until June of last year - which is when I got it. Just jealous you only have 6 months left with it.

Wumbonaut said:
The Verizon g4 didn't come out until June of last year - which is when I got it. Just jealous you only have 6 months left with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
May 2015 for the G4.. I like my v10 better. My S7 edge is okay but not worth the upgrade to me.I am planning for the lg V series upgrade or note 6.

I have until August of 2017 on mine. I upgraded to the iPhone 6 plus in August of 2015, then sold it for $500 and bought a brand new opened box G4 for $300 in February 2016. So my payment plan was for the iPhone, but in the end, I'll be paying $200 less total.

Clarification on Verizon 7.1.2

First of all apologies if this is in the wrong area. Please move and or let me know.
I've read through multiple threads and posts and I want to make sure I'm understanding things.
I have a pixel XL on Verizon at 7.1.2 with all the updates etc already applied (because I was stupid and didn't read before I did these things).
Based on what I read depixel8 it seems depixel8 was an option up until 7.1 andif you didn't get unlocked then then you are sol at this time. Is that right?
Am I correct that without an unlocked bootloader there is no TWRP no root and no custom ROMs? Some posts I read seem to say you can do these things with a locked bootloader. When I look at guides they all seem to say first unlock bootloader if you do that you can't go to step 2.
In short can those of us on Verizon 7.1.2 devices with a locked bootloader get TWRP root and custom ROMs?
I'm willing to try things and don't expect handouts. I just need a little guidance on where to start or someone to say yup you're sol.

No
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

If you can't​ slide the OEM Unlock button in dev options you are done. You cannot root or flash TWRP or anything else. No, I do not believe there will be a method to unlock it in the future.

Thank you both for the answers. Confirmed what I thought but didn't want to believe.

You may be able to put a sim from another provider and​ see if it lets you slide the toggle
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

tttuning said:
You may be able to put a sim from another provider and​ see if it lets you slide the toggle
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope.

This is a longshot as I have been out of the ROM game for a while... but would "upgrading" to the beta of Android O (soon to be 8.0) and then flashing a stock image back (un-enrolling) would that be able to drop the phone down to 7.1.0?
As I said...I may just be talking out my ass here.....

cirenj said:
This is a longshot as I have been out of the ROM game for a while... but would "upgrading" to the beta of Android O (soon to be 8.0) and then flashing a stock image back (un-enrolling) would that be able to drop the phone down to 7.1.0?
As I said...I may just be talking out my ass here.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. It will bring you back to the latest security release.

toknitup420 said:
No. It will bring you back to the latest security release.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can confirm this since the rollout OTA reverted me back to 7.1.2 with June's security.

I'm on 8.0 now, and OEM Unlock is still greyed out, even when I try to turn on with the sim card removed, and my "Android Security Patch Level" is May 05, 2017.... so still beyond what any of the bootloader unlocking methods have worked on....

cirenj said:
I'm on 8.0 now, and OEM Unlock is still greyed out, even when I try to turn on with the sim card removed, and my "Android Security Patch Level" is May 05, 2017.... so still beyond what any of the bootloader unlocking methods have worked on....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can sell the phone and then buy a Google version. That's the way to unlock your bootloader, the only way. And please don't let others tell you to say something is wrong with the device and return it if there is really nothing wrong. It's fraud and not well received on these forums. Your choices are to either sell it or live with it.

I am returning my Verizon phone as I just bought one right from Google... (anyone know where they ship the phones from?) Is there a special sequence in booting up for the first time to make sure the bootloader can be unlocked and VZW doesn't mess with it?

cirenj said:
I am returning my Verizon phone as I just bought one right from Google... (anyone know where they ship the phones from?) Is there a special sequence in booting up for the first time to make sure the bootloader can be unlocked and VZW doesn't mess with it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you buy it from Google there are no issues. You can do whatever you want, put in any sim, flash any image.
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Damn...My Google Pixel was shipped today...but FedEx wont deliver it until Monday.... GRRR....

Yup sell or live with it. We can only blame ourselves for not researching before we bought from Verizon.
Me I'm gonna live with it and sell when pixel 2 comes out most likely.
bobby janow said:
You can sell the phone and then buy a Google version. That's the way to unlock your bootloader, the only way. And please don't let others tell you to say something is wrong with the device and return it if there is really nothing wrong. It's fraud and not well received on these forums. Your choices are to either sell it or live with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

philo_ said:
Yup sell or live with it. We can only blame ourselves for not researching before we bought from Verizon.
Me I'm gonna live with it and sell when pixel 2 comes out most likely.
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Click to collapse
I wound up here in this thread after seeing promos pop up recently for discounts Verizon is offering on the Pixel and XL on the order of $269, as well as giving you a 100% rebate on a new Google Home as part of the package. I don't see a comparable promotion when buying directly from Google. I'm less than 2 years into our current phones, but wife and daughter are having problems with theirs, so I've been considering early replacements.
So - getting a 128GB XL via Verizon appears $269 cheaper than via Google, and I'd get a $129 rebate (6 weeks out?) if I purchase a new Google Home (already have 3 -- that's enough, but I guess I could sell the new one). Verizon's discount comes in the form of a monthly rebate, with the full credit being applied over 24 months. Not terrible, I guess, if you plan to stay with Verizon (I'm going to: I consult, and travel all over the country, and need the coverage), but annoying.
Then there's the whole issue of the locked bootloader. Sorry in advance for not being up to date on this and perhaps asking an obvious question: I know the boatloader issue would prevent rooting, and I imagine custom ROMs -- but do Verizon-branded Pixel's get all the same Android updates directly from Google as Pixels do that are unlocked, purchased directly from Google?
(please don't sneer when you see that I'm running a Droid Turbo 2! I had to replace 4 phones a year and a half ago, and the available promotions back then made it possible to get them each for $300 - a deal I couldn't afford to pass up at the time! )
Jon

Basically it comes down to this:
Verizon can screw you anyway they want. Nothing you can do. Deceptive advertising, No real service through 95% of the areas they say is great, locked bootloader on the "Google Phone" that everyone gets to have pure Android and not F%$ed with.
But, you try and do anything to it, OMG... might as well be in jail for killing someone.
When will we stop the power of these media companies?
Sorry, had to reply, I'm just so fed up with the adds, the false deals, the F%*king lies....
---------- Post added at 02:41 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:38 AM ----------
philo_ said:
Yup sell or live with it. We can only blame ourselves for not researching before we bought from Verizon.
Me I'm gonna live with it and sell when pixel 2 comes out most likely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So it's our fault they ripped us off and decided "Their Rules" apply?
No, not gonna buy it. Not gonna stand for it.
This is the attitude that got us here.
F*%$ YOU Verizon.
Stop buying their products?
Yeah, I know you can say nothing we can do, and there really is not much, but every bit counts.

scrufy said:
Basically it comes down to this:
Verizon can screw you anyway they want. Nothing you can do. Deceptive advertising, No real service through 95% of the areas they say is great, locked bootloader on the "Google Phone" that everyone gets to have pure Android and not F%$ed with.
But, you try and do anything to it, OMG... might as well be in jail for killing someone.
When will we stop the power of these media companies?
Sorry, had to reply, I'm just so fed up with the adds, the false deals, the F%*king lies....
---------- Post added at 02:41 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:38 AM ----------
So it's our fault they ripped us off and decided "Their Rules" apply?
No, not gonna buy it. Not gonna stand for it.
This is the attitude that got us here.
F*%$ YOU Verizon.
Stop buying their products?
Yeah, I know you can say nothing we can do, and there really is not much, but every bit counts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They didn't rip you off. You got the device you wanted. And you knowingly bought it from Verizon whom is known to lock down devices. They never sold it with the promises that you could unlock the bootloader and flash whatever you want. Don't get me wrong I hate vzw as much as the next guy. But they didn't use false advertising to sell this device. And if you want pure Android that's untouched then you should be buying directly from Google. Not from VERIZON.

To add to this, I have pretty much exhausted all methods, and it appears that if the phone came from Verizon, without a hack, there is no possible way to OEM Unlock! Here are the facts that I have;
1. I'm on firmware 7.1.2 - NJH47F - which is the non-Verizon firmware from the stock image download page
2. I have tried with both AT&T and T-Mobile SIM's
3. I chatted with Google Support, there is nothing they can do
4. I chatted with Verizon Tech support, there is nothing they can do (supposedly)
If it comes from Verizon, and you are past 7.1 then you cannot use dePixel8...
I can't believe there is no one willing to find even a temp Root exploit and find a way to mod the bootloader.img, even with a substantial bounty out there! I'd add $50 to it at this point!