Develop Bugs

Perhaps a dumb Question, but I'm a Bit New

I'm getting a VZ Pixel XL (hold the "you're buying it from where" comments, please) because I need to move rather quickly from a Note 7 to a less hostile phone. I'm paying full price, so I can avoid VZ's 2-year lockdown via contract. I'm hearing that, even for those that ordered right away from Google, their deliveries are extending into November, and I need a new phone before then (even assuming the reordering process reopened).
Is it possible to put the Stock Google Pixel software on this phone (assuming, if I understand this correctly, that either someone figures out how to unlock the bootloader, or VZ lets me do it, since I own the whole phone)?
I don't fully understand this 'locked bootloader' thing, even though I've been reading XDA for quite a while, so I don't even know if I'll attempt to do this - for now my question is academic. "Can it be done?"

Verizon locked the bootloader and I am not sure if @jcase or @beaups will try to unlock the bootloader. The phone has yet to be released. It has HTC drivers and we will in the near future find out if it can be unlocked or not. Jcase mentioned to buy the google phone from google if you want unlocked bootloader.

Right now, if you want a solid unlockable/rootable Verizon phone get a HTC 10, either unlocked do s-off and convert or buy Verizon and s-off it.
Verizon Pixel will NOT be unlockable, odds of it getting unlocked is unknown.
You won't be able to flash teh Google edition firmware without s-off/unlock, which it is unkown if we will see that.

Thanks for the information. It's not crucial that I put the Google software in it - more of a curious question for me. The few times I rooted a phone was to install BusyBox or Titanium; I really didn't fully exploit what root can do, lest I create a brick.
Given that I need to get into something *right now*, I can put up with VZW's, er, 'idiosyncrasies' to get what I want right away, and out of the Note 7.

n4ogl said:
Thanks for the information. It's not crucial that I put the Google software in it - more of a curious question for me. The few times I rooted a phone was to install BusyBox or Titanium; I really didn't fully exploit what root can do, lest I create a brick.
Given that I need to get into something *right now*, I can put up with VZW's, er, 'idiosyncrasies' to get what I want right away, and out of the Note 7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Pixel you buy from Verizon has the "google software" . The only two differences it has from the one sold directly from Google is a locked bootloader and several Verizon apps that can be uninstalled. The locked bootloader will prevent you from installing custom software or rooting.

Didn't the Nexus 6 purchased from Google direct come with a locked bootloader? Same as the one bought from Verizon direct. What makes anyone think the Pixel will be any different? They all come locked....
Sent from my SM-N930V using Tapatalk

neyenlives said:
Didn't the Nexus 6 purchased from Google direct come with a locked bootloader? Same as the one bought from Verizon direct. What makes anyone think the Pixel will be any different? They all come locked....
Sent from my SM-N930V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
perhaps this.

neyenlives said:
Didn't the Nexus 6 purchased from Google direct come with a locked bootloader? Same as the one bought from Verizon direct. What makes anyone think the Pixel will be any different? They all come locked....
Sent from my SM-N930V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All bootloaders are locked when shipped. The difference is the Verizon bootloader will be encrypted, rendering it unlockable without the key.
It was all just an illusion

jcase said:
Right now, if you want a solid unlockable/rootable Verizon phone get a HTC 10, either unlocked do s-off and convert or buy Verizon and s-off it.
Verizon Pixel will NOT be unlockable, odds of it getting unlocked is unknown.
You won't be able to flash teh Google edition firmware without s-off/unlock, which it is unkown if we will see that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@jcase what are the odds of both the Google sold Pixel and VZW sold Pixel having the exact same hardware and software out of the box and then the process of activating either phone on VZW is what renders the bootloader not unlockable (not sure if this is even possible), pushes the bloat from the play store (that can be done) and controls the software update process (this can be done as well)?
If this is true, then buying a Pixel from VZW and activating it on a non-VZW network would be the equivalent of buying it from Google.

uicnren said:
perhaps this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I don't see that as evidence until it's in hand. We all know nobody at Verizon that we have ever talked to has ever understood the difference between carrier lock and bootloader lock. At this point it's all speculation because a Verizon rep isn't a reliable source.
Sent from my SM-N930V using Tapatalk

neyenlives said:
Yeah I don't see that as evidence until it's in hand. We all know nobody at Verizon that we have ever talked to has ever understood the difference between carrier lock and bootloader lock. At this point it's all speculation because a Verizon rep isn't a reliable source.
Sent from my SM-N930V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the evidence in hand, I've been studying the firmware for weeks

Does anybody think that vzw will block features in their phones that will not be in a Google bought phone?
Sent from my SGP771 using Tapatalk

Telus Pixel XL Bootloader unlock status?

Does anyone know if the Telus sold Pixel XL is bootloader unlocked? Not that I want to start messing around right away, but I consider this a 2 year + investment, and once the 1 year warranty is up, I like having options.
I checked the Model number of the demo phone at the local Telus store this morning and it is: G-2PW2100 . I'm not sure that helps directly as from what I can find, that is the US play store and Verizon specific model number.
Is anyone on Telus and been able to unlock the bootloader the "easy" way? I am worried about a future OS update disabling the Verizon bootloader unlocks if they are also required for the Telus model.
Thanks in advance.

Hy bro,
I unlocked mine with the dePixel8 tool. It worked like a charm and i rooted with chainfire boot to root img and it worked.
If you have questions just ask me!

I have the Verizon model and used the dePixel8 tool as soon as I got it. The OTA that is expected to block it isn't expected until Nov 7 or so. So why not use the verizon method if the easy way doesn't work?

Also i tested and i was able to lock it back and unlocked it After with the command oem unlock no need for dePixel8 so i assume that when you relock it it lock with Google lock not telus lock

Marghost said:
Hy bro,
I unlocked mine with the dePixel8 tool. It worked like a charm and i rooted with chainfire boot to root img and it worked.
If you have questions just ask me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you have a Telus phone and it did require the dePixel8 method?
This is going to be a corporate phone so I don't know that I can get it ahead of the Nov 7th OTA with the red tape involved. Also, I don't necessarily want to unlock it now, I just want to know my options going forward.
Thanks for the reply!

I also have a telus corpo pixel XL and i needed dePixel8. If you dont unlock it before the ota i think you Will need another way to unlock the bootloader.

Marghost said:
I also have a telus corpo pixel XL and i needed dePixel8. If you dont unlock it before the ota i think you Will need another way to unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for confirming, this is exactly what I wanted to know, and also exactly what I feared.
I'll have to wait it out a bit and see if dePixel8 unlock, or some variation, still works after the November update.
All the best, I'm off to the Moto Z forums to see what is up over there as a possible alternative

Would the Nov 7 OTA be applied automatically to a new phone? Wouldn't you still have to accept the OTA once the phone is activated? I am just wondering, I am in the exact same corporate situation as you (wanting to replace my LG G5, which has sadly gone unrooted thus far).

yosifcuervo said:
Would the Nov 7 OTA be applied automatically to a new phone? Wouldn't you still have to accept the OTA once the phone is activated? I am just wondering, I am in the exact same corporate situation as you (wanting to replace my LG G5, which has sadly gone unrooted thus far).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good question. I'm worried that by the time I got my Pixel XL it might come with the update pre-applied (it could take a while around here). Then I'd be waiting/wondering if there would be another unlock available and how persistent that would be etc. I guess I was hoping for the play store version from Telus, where I could run it stock for a while, possibly until the warranty is up, and then easily unlock and start messing.
After exploring all the options available from Telus I am genuinely disappointed that nothing they offer has reasonable aftermarket ROM support. The Pixel line was my last hope, but with this bootloader lock thing I'm not sure I want to fight that battle.
Maybe I can convince work to get me a ZTE Axon 7 or Oneplus 3.
Good luck

I can say from my experience with the G5, that with the current versions of Android, being able to bypass the protections to root/TWRP is not guaranteed by any means. The problem with the G5 was that people gave up - the scene died fairly quickly, and anyone out there who might have the skills to crack it has moved on. For the Pixel, I am fairly certain that there will always be people who are ready (and able) to take on the challenge of bypassing the protections... or, maybe I just haven't learned my lesson yet.

chrispayne said:
Good question. I'm worried that by the time I got my Pixel XL it might come with the update pre-applied (it could take a while around here). Then I'd be waiting/wondering if there would be another unlock available and how persistent that would be etc. I guess I was hoping for the play store version from Telus, where I could run it stock for a while, possibly until the warranty is up, and then easily unlock and start messing.
After exploring all the options available from Telus I am genuinely disappointed that nothing they offer has reasonable aftermarket ROM support. The Pixel line was my last hope, but with this bootloader lock thing I'm not sure I want to fight that battle.
Maybe I can convince work to get me a ZTE Axon 7 or Oneplus 3.
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any ETA on when you think you might get the phone? I doubt even if you got it in December, if it would have the OTA pre-applied.

death2all110 said:
Any ETA on when you think you might get the phone? I doubt even if you got it in December, if it would have the OTA pre-applied.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, possibly depending on their stock levels it might still be the older OS I suppose.
Regardless, I'm just tired of fighting every step of the way for a device that presumably we (me or the company) owns. It's frustrating, and I'm not even sure what they are protecting? It's not like bootloader unlock would carrier unlock it, or even un-obligate us from the device subsidy given that Canada has a device blacklist they could put it on if we bailed.
If I were a personal customer, I would be getting an unlocked device and exercising my right to change carriers, that's for sure.
Thanks

The carriers don't want you to be able to break the phone, and then try to have it repaired on warranty. Considering that their recommended solution to pretty much every problem is a factory reset, they can't have you messing with the system partition.

Marghost said:
I also have a telus corpo pixel XL and i needed dePixel8. If you dont unlock it before the ota i think you Will need another way to unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait, so there is an OTA coming from Telus that'll make it harder to unlock the bootloader?

Not from telus but from google. The exploit used un depixel8 Will surely be fixed in the next update

That is crappy news, I am currently waiting for my Telus Pixel XL to arrive through the ambassador program and was NOT expecting it to be the Verizon style one with the locked bootloader. Sure hope it arrives without the update or else I might have to go through the Google store. Can't take the chance of having a locked bootloader as it defeats the whole purpose for me and my love of custom roms.

Reechings said:
That is crappy news, I am currently waiting for my Telus Pixel XL to arrive through the ambassador program and was NOT expecting it to be the Verizon style one with the locked bootloader. Sure hope it arrives without the update or else I might have to go through the Google store. Can't take the chance of having a locked bootloader as it defeats the whole purpose for me and my love of custom roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. Please let us know which version you get, and if it is updated or not.
Thanks

chrispayne said:
Exactly. Please let us know which version you get, and if it is updated or not.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will do. I might just go straight to bootloader mode and depixel8 when I get it to make sure I don't accidentally get an update (it better not be updated already)

Reechings said:
Will do. I might just go straight to bootloader mode and depixel8 when I get it to make sure I don't accidentally get an update (it better not be updated already)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome plan - I will have my Pixel XL in 2-3 days and will likely try the same, and will post my specs here after I do. I'm sure any nefarious OTA could easily be blocked at first boot if necessary though, just start the phone with no SIM and don't connect to wifi.
Seriously guys, I don't know much about Google's supply lines, but there has to be at least a couple weeks before a phone with the latest OS preloaded can make it into your hands - keep in mind that you are buying this phone from a Telus distributor, which only compounds that time. That's why I am buying my phone now.

Good news from depixel8 developers - it still works after update
https://twitter.com/TheRootNinja/status/795745576801292288

Non-Verizon with Verizon Lock?

Does anyone know definitively if a non-VZW pixel gets activated with VZW, does the bootloader become non-unlockable?

DevADX said:
Does anyone know definitively if a non-VZW pixel gets activated with VZW, does the bootloader become non-unlockable?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't.
Just did that myself. I put in the Vzw sim, have service and bootloader remains unlockable.

wtherrell said:
It doesn't.
Just did that myself. I put in the Vzw sim, have service and bootloader remains unlockable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this true even after VZW OTA update? I'm thinking about buying an used Pixel but want to be certain that the bootloader is unlockable.

DevADX said:
Is this true even after VZW OTA update? I'm thinking about buying an used Pixel but want to be certain that the bootloader is unlockable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That, I don't know. I have not taken a Vzw ota in years.

DevADX said:
Is this true even after VZW OTA update? I'm thinking about buying an used Pixel but want to be certain that the bootloader is unlockable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Google phone on VZ. It stays unlocked no matter what you do.

TonikJDK said:
I have a Google phone on VZ. It stays unlocked no matter what you do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So just to confirm, as long as it's not a Verizon variant of the Pixel, even if it's running stock VZW ROM & has received OTA updates while the bootloader is locked, it's still unlockable? I'd feel more confident buying an used one if this is the case; just need to confirm the SKU prior to purchasing.

nothing you do (besides manually relocking the device) will re-lock the bootloader.
My google bought xl runs a full verizon image.

Is there another way to differentiate the VZW & non-VZW Pixels besides the SKU on the box?

DevADX said:
So just to confirm, as long as it's not a Verizon variant of the Pixel, even if it's running stock VZW ROM & has received OTA updates while the bootloader is locked, it's still unlockable? I'd feel more confident buying an used one if this is the case; just need to confirm the SKU prior to purchasing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The non-Verizon Pixel has nothing to do with Verizon. The only thing Verizon about a non-Verizon variant is the Verizon sim card you put in. You mentioned it running a Verizon ROM however...the only way to have the Verizon ROM on it would to have unlocked the bootloader at some point and replaced the stock android with a Verizon ROM.

markcyst said:
The non-Verizon Pixel has nothing to do with Verizon. The only thing Verizon about a non-Verizon variant is the Verizon sim card you put in. You mentioned it running a Verizon ROM however...the only way to have the Verizon ROM on it would to have unlocked the bootloader at some point and replaced the stock android with a Verizon ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I should mention that I made a USUnlocked Pixel XL be never unlockable again.
Before putting in a VZN sim, I unlocked it. Sometime after, I got tired of the warning on boot-up and locked it.
The Verizon sim or the Google Verizon Image greyed out the Developer's Option of Unlock bootloader choice.
Forever. There was no way to get that icon to become alive again. So, the VZN sim or the VZN image will not relock
your phone, but it for sure prevents you from locking and unlocking it again. Felt like an idiot for relocking.

michaelbsheldon said:
I should mention that I made a USUnlocked Pixel XL be never unlockable again.
Before putting in a VZN sim, I unlocked it. Sometime after, I got tired of the warning on boot-up and locked it.
The Verizon sim or the Google Verizon Image greyed out the Developer's Option of Unlock bootloader choice.
Forever. There was no way to get that icon to become alive again. So, the VZN sim or the VZN image will not relock
your phone, but it for sure prevents you from locking and unlocking it again. Felt like an idiot for relocking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait a minute. You are leaving out some very pertinent information.
1. Was this a Google phone or a Verizon phone
2. Did you unlock with depixel 8 or not
3. After you locked the bootloader did you slide the switch over in dev options
This is the first I heard anything like that happening. If this is a Google phone then you can certainly return it stating what happened. You bought a developer device and somehow it became a consumer phone. That sounds like a warranty return to me.

bobby janow said:
Wait a minute. You are leaving out some very pertinent information.
1. Was this a Google phone or a Verizon phone
2. Did you unlock with depixel 8 or not
3. After you locked the bootloader did you slide the switch over in dev options
This is the first I heard anything like that happening. If this is a Google phone then you can certainly return it stating what happened. You bought a developer device and somehow it became a consumer phone. That sounds like a warranty return to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.) Bought directly from Google.
2.) Unlocked just after opening box and getting on Wi-Fi.
3.) Yes, after locking it, I enabled Dev Options and slid that slider back to locked stock status.
I basically ruined the phone for tinkering. Because it was locked, I could not go back to an Android version
that could be unlocked with depixel8.

michaelbsheldon said:
I should mention that I made a USUnlocked Pixel XL be never unlockable again.
Before putting in a VZN sim, I unlocked it. Sometime after, I got tired of the warning on boot-up and locked it.
The Verizon sim or the Google Verizon Image greyed out the Developer's Option of Unlock bootloader choice.
Forever. There was no way to get that icon to become alive again. So, the VZN sim or the VZN image will not relock
your phone, but it for sure prevents you from locking and unlocking it again. Felt like an idiot for relocking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
michaelbsheldon said:
1.) Bought directly from Google.
2.) Unlocked just after opening box and getting on Wi-Fi.
3.) Yes, after locking it, I enabled Dev Options and slid that slider back to locked stock status.
I basically ruined the phone for tinkering. Because it was locked, I could not go back to an Android version
that could be unlocked with depixel8.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is concerning. So does this mean a Verizon SIM permanently locks all Pixel variants regardless whether it's a Google one or Verizon one?
michaelbsheldon said:
VZN sim or the VZN image will not relock your phone, but it for sure prevents you from locking and unlocking it again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I were to buy an used non-VZW Pixel that was activated with VZW, then the bootloader is no longer unlockable (given that it's stock & locked) even if I'll be using it with another carrier?

DevADX said:
This is concerning. So does this mean a Verizon SIM permanently locks all Pixel variants regardless whether it's a Google one or Verizon one?
If I were to buy an used non-VZW Pixel that was activated with VZW, then the bootloader is no longer unlockable even if I'll be using it with another carrier?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, in my experience. But I’m just 1 gumbah on 1 phone.
Maybe someone with HTC knowledge can tell us..

michaelbsheldon said:
1.) Bought directly from Google.
2.) Unlocked just after opening box and getting on Wi-Fi.
3.) Yes, after locking it, I enabled Dev Options and slid that slider back to locked stock status.
I basically ruined the phone for tinkering. Because it was locked, I could not go back to an Android version
that could be unlocked with depixel8.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So on your dev options under the grayed out oem unlock, what does it say? Depixel8 was only meant for Verizon phones not Google ones.
Have you tried calling Google? Because even on wifi only, no sim, you bought a device that you could unlock and develop with. Somehow that device malfunctioned and you deserve a replacement. It's as simple as that imo.
I don't believe this to be common. In fact I've never heard of this happening before.
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers Legacy app

bobby janow said:
So on your dev options under the grayed out oem unlock, what does it say? Depixel8 was only meant for Verizon phones not Google ones.
Have you tried calling Google? Because even on wifi only, no sim, you bought a device that you could unlock and develop with. Somehow that device malfunctioned and you deserve a replacement. It's as simple as that imo.
I don't believe this to be common. In fact I've never heard of this happening before.
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't call Google. It's now on a family T-Mobile line and still can't be unlocked. She likes it as it is.

michaelbsheldon said:
Didn't call Google. It's now on a family T-Mobile line and still can't be unlocked. She likes it as it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get that. I don't unlock my bootloader and I'm perfectly happy too.
But you are correct, it's ruined for tinkering. Think in the future for a few. What about when you get a new device for the family member and yourself. Now you have a great device you can play with to either test stuff or mess with new roms or images. But you can't.
Just sayin. But it's always good for a trade in. I'd love to hear if this has happened to anyone else.
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Will Verizon unlock the Pixel?

If you own the phone and there's no balance why can't Verizon unlock it so that I can unlock the bootloader? I have a Tmobile Oneplus 6t as well and I purchased it outright and the TMobile Rep unlocked it for me. Has anyone ever called Verizon to unlock the Pixel?

I've used my pixel on T-Mobile without any issues.
mackentosh said:
If you own the phone and there's no balance why can't Verizon unlock it? I have a Tmobile Oneplus 6t as well and I purchased it outright and the TMobile Rep unlocked it for me. Has anyone ever called Verizon to unlock the Pixel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

slimc84 said:
I've used my pixel on T-Mobile without any issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is true I am also using the Verizon variante on TMobile but what I'm saying is my TMobile OnePlus 6t came with a greyed out OEM Unlock option. So I called TMobile and told them I want the phone unlocked and they did it. I just had to factory reset the phone and the option was no longer greyed out. So I'm wondering why can't Verizon do the same for the Pixel? I mean I do own the phone out right no finance.

Verizon will not allow the bootloader unlock and I highly doubt any devs are looking into it either.

slimc84 said:
Verizon will not allow the bootloader unlock and I highly doubt any devs are looking into it either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's stupid specially if I own the phone, it's like they still have control over it even though I own it. I guess that's what I get for being impatient and rushing to get the Pixel instead ordering it from Google and waiting on the shipping

I'm in the same boat but to be honest the whole point of a pixel in my opinion is to get a pure Google experience.. I don't have a valid reason to root to be honest. Also my work apps won't work on a rooted phone so might as well be bootloader locked
As I'm in Ireland and bought the 3xl while on a work trip on launch day I'm tempted to see if Verizon might unlock it for me.. really it's not making much difference to me

mackentosh said:
That's stupid specially if I own the phone, it's like they still have control over it even though I own it. I guess that's what I get for being impatient and rushing to get the Pixel instead ordering it from Google and waiting on the shipping
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So please elaborate. You bought the phone from Verizon to use on another network? How and why would you do that? If I wasn't on VZW I'd never get the phone from them... oh wait, did you buy it from BB, i.e. the VZW version on discount? If so you probably need to return it if it's still possible. If not then you are locked forever. Only way is to sell it and buy another. Yes, you own the phone but they own the discount you got from BB and basically you're screwed. Damn that sucks man.

bobby janow said:
So please elaborate. You bought the phone from Verizon to use on another network? How and why would you do that? If I wasn't on VZW I'd never get the phone from them... oh wait, did you buy it from BB, i.e. the VZW version on discount? If so you probably need to return it if it's still possible. If not then you are locked forever. Only way is to sell it and buy another. Yes, you own the phone but they own the discount you got from BB and basically you're screwed. Damn that sucks man.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I say I bought it outright I mean no discount, I paid just over $1000 for the pixel 3xl from best buy but it's all good I'll sell it and buy another one from google

Mine unlocked within 10 hours after purchase. I've read that all their phones were locked to Verizon before they're sold to prevent theft.

shawn605 said:
Mine unlocked within 10 hours after purchase. I've read that all their phones were locked to Verizon before they're sold to prevent theft.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your bootloader or your sims card,?

Homeboy76 said:
Your bootloader or your sims card,?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He's talking about the SIM card.

VZW will not and has never unlocked a BL on any phone that had a locked BL. They say it protects their nerwork... More like they hate people hacking their apps and loosing money.
Last unlocked BL they sold was Nexus 6... Correct me, cuz I did zero research on this... Just my cloudy damaged memory
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

airmaxx23 said:
He's talking about the SIM card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thread: Pixel 3 XL Questions and Answers...
Question: Will Verizon unlock the Pixel?
I thought that's what he meant, I asked for clarification.

As for the bootloader, no they will not. I just moved to Pixel 3 XL after getting an OG Verizon PIxel XL right after launch (actually immediately after the dePixel exploit was published or I would have purchased direct from Google or chose another phone). This same discussion along with the same "it's not fair since I own the device" arguments has been going on for years. Look at Huawei for evidence that bootloader locking is becoming more restrictive and not less. You can only purchase the device outright, and even they have discontinued the bootloader code request system. Eventually an exploit might come around, but maybe it won't. jcase pretty much said the original dePixel find was an accident, and it took another year and a half or so to find another for a phone that was already being replaced. Either take a risk that one will be found knowing that it might never come, or bite the bullet and buy a Google version or a 6T (where even if you get it at full price from T-Mobile you might have to wait to get BL and carrier unlock).

MArtyChubbs said:
VZW will not and has never unlocked a BL on any phone that had a locked BL. They say it protects their nerwork...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does it protect their network if I never accept any OTA updates because such updates could fix any exploits that eventually will be used to allow me to root the phone that I bought and own?
I mean, I'm just wondering what they would say/do if a lot of people start telling them point blank that they are going to boycott all security and other updates until they allow BL unlocking.

andy214 said:
Does it protect their network if I never accept any OTA updates because such updates could fix any exploits that eventually will be used to allow me to root the phone that I bought and own?
I mean, I'm just wondering what they would say/do if a lot of people start telling them point blank that they are going to boycott all security and other updates until they allow BL unlocking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Easy answer. They don't care about consumer opinion until results are felt. They are concerned with brand, lawsuits , and corporate spending. Look at it this way, this thread was last posted on (by me) over a year ago, and there hasn't even been a sniff of an exploit or getting Big Red to change even once.

Once, a long time ago, Verizon carried bootloader unlockable phones. My Nexus 6 was from Verizon and it was fantastic. Google made a marketing decision for Verizon to push the Pixel OG exclusively, Verizon forced them to make a varient that could be locked down and full of Verizon crapware, just like every phone on their network. OG, 2, 3 and now 4, sold by Verizon will never get natively unlocked. The only hope would be a temp root solution and being able to toggle the unlock in developers options.
6 years ago unlocked "dev" phones weren't readily available, but Google sells an unlockable version now, with financing if you want, most people that want root just buy that.

mackentosh said:
When I say I bought it outright I mean no discount, I paid just over $1000 for the pixel 3xl from best buy but it's all good I'll sell it and buy another one from google
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea sell that for sure. I bought a new unlocked P3XL for 400.00 on Amazon last month.

Asking the age old question, should I root now it later?

I originally bought a Pixel 3 XL to take me in the future. Aside from getting the newest updates and newest operating systems for the next 2/3 years, I've always found these devices to be The easiest to unlock, root and mod.
My plan was too keep Android stock until Google announced that it wouldn't do further updates then I would unlock bootloader, root and mod. However I have been reading on the forums how some providers are fixing exploits that would not allow us to mod the phone (mostly verizon). This makes me question if it is worth waiting.
I am currently with bell Canada. Does anyone have any experience with Bell and there willingness to block unlocking and rooting? Should I be worried that bell will fix these exploits in the future? Has anyone unlocked the bootloader with bell yet or run into any issues when doing it with bell?
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

If you bought the phone FROM Google, carrier shouldn't be able to enforce a lockdown. If you got it from your carrier you may not be able to unlock it at all. The Verizon/Best Buy versions are not unlockable but the Google Store ones are, even when being used on Verizon's network.
You can unlock the bootloader and not root, but you may lose access to some apps due to SafetyNet checks. Android Pay I believe is one that won't work, Pokemon Go, Netflix used to, not sure if they still do or not. If you unlock your bootloader and root, then install Magisk or similar, I believe you can spoof SafetyNet and get around that. If you don't have any concerns with SafetyNet you could just unlock and root later.
If the phone is from Google as far as I know it will always be unlockable no matter what so the only risk of waiting is that you'll have to wipe when you unlock it. I haven't rooted since my Pixel XL 1 so I'm not up on the current processes. Rooting may still require a wipe beyond the one induced by unlocking the bootloader.

Clarification. Bootloader unlock depends on one thing, did it come from Google or did it come from a carrier that bootloader locks it.
There is no exploit needed to unlock a Google phone. There is no exploit available for any that the carrier locked, such as Verizon in the US.
Google will not lock their versions, they support bootloader unlocking.
It is my understanding that Bell sells a pure Google version.
What are the first two numbers of your IMEI? If it is 99 you are good to go.
Downside to waiting is that unlocking causes a full wipe, there is no avoiding that.

Mine was bought through Bell. The imei starts with 35. I should have looked into this further before I bought the phone. I didn't realize pixel s were carrier locked like that. I'm going to have to try to unlock the bootloader sooner then I expected just to be safe.
Thanks for the help.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

icanrule said:
Mine was bought through Bell. The imei starts with 35. I should have looked into this further before I bought the phone. I didn't realize pixel s were carrier locked like that. I'm going to have to try to unlock the bootloader sooner then I expected just to be safe.
Thanks for the help.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've heard that some of the European providers sim lock their device until it's paid off. They then carrier unlock it and sometimes allow bl unlock. I have no idea what the IMEI number is, however. If you're only unlocking for future device support after 3 years I wouldn't worry about it much. You'll probably have a new device by then hopefully. The only other option is to sell it now while it's relatively new and purchase a Google branded one. General consensus is that there will not be an exploit in order to allow bl unlock on these devices. It will probably cost you about $100 on the swap. I lost close to $150 on my Pixel 3 this week and it was mint condition.

I have a Virgin Mobile Pixel 3 XL & just unlocked bootloader after reading this. Since Bell & Virgin basically same company and carry the same phones you should be good! (IMEI Starts with 35)

TonikJDK said:
Clarification. Bootloader unlock depends on one thing, did it come from Google or did it come from a carrier that bootloader locks it.
There is no exploit needed to unlock a Google phone. There is no exploit available for any that the carrier locked, such as Verizon in the US.
Google will not lock their versions, they support bootloader unlocking.
It is my understanding that Bell sells a pure Google version.
What are the first two numbers of your IMEI? If it is 99 you are good to go.
Downside to waiting is that unlocking causes a full wipe, there is no avoiding that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am currently looking into getting the Rogers version. Is the bootloader unlockable and that version rootable? I am not sure what the IMEI would start with either.
Also is the carrier locking the bootloader different the lock which fastboot commands unlock?

spncr_wu said:
I am currently looking into getting the Rogers version. Is the bootloader unlockable and that version rootable? I am not sure what the IMEI would start with either.
Also is the carrier locking the bootloader different the lock which fastboot commands unlock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes carrier locking and bootloader locking are different. Carrier locks mean you can only use that phone on one network, bootloader lock controls the software on the phone.
It's mildly confusing because some carriers also restrict bootloader unlocking (like Verizon).

fury683 said:
Yes carrier locking and bootloader locking are different. Carrier locks mean you can only use that phone on one network, bootloader lock controls the software on the phone.
It's mildly confusing because some carriers also restrict bootloader unlocking (like Verizon).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was asking about the bootloader restriction. So for the Verizon version what is limiting it's ability to be rooted? No exploit yet?

spncr_wu said:
I was asking about the bootloader restriction. So for the Verizon version what is limiting it's ability to be rooted? No exploit yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The software checks the IMEI against a database to see if it is unlockable or not. When you first boot the phone if you try to turn on OEM unlocking in settings it requires a network connection in order to verify the IMEI on that list. If it's a blocked carrier (like Verizon) it won't let you turn it on (it gets grayed out).
Exploits were found for previous Pixel devices but I don't know if anyone is pursing them anymore.

If I buy from Google and set it up with Sprint, can I root?
I'm currently on HTCU11, and thought it was one of the most recent you could root of using Qualcomm phones.
You can root this even if it's using Qualcomm chip?

spncr_wu said:
I was asking about the bootloader restriction. So for the Verizon version what is limiting it's ability to be rooted? No exploit yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mcwups1 said:
If I buy from Google and set it up with Sprint, can I root?
I'm currently on HTCU11, and thought it was one of the most recent you could root of using Qualcomm phones.
You can root this even if it's using Qualcomm chip?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you buy from Google you can unlock and root no matter what carrier you use the device on. The carrier imposed bootloader locks are only imposed on phones sold by that carrier, not any phone used on that carrier's network.

fury683 said:
The software checks the IMEI against a database to see if it is unlockable or not. When you first boot the phone if you try to turn on OEM unlocking in settings it requires a network connection in order to verify the IMEI on that list. If it's a blocked carrier (like Verizon) it won't let you turn it on (it gets grayed out).
Exploits were found for previous Pixel devices but I don't know if anyone is pursing them anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is good news because I have oem unlocking available in settings and was able to toggle the option. I may try to unlock the bootloader in the next week because Bell is big and I don't trust them. It may be unlocking now but may not be in the future.
I hate living in fear like this.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

bobby janow said:
I've heard that some of the European providers sim lock their device until it's paid off. They then carrier unlock it and sometimes allow bl unlock. I have no idea what the IMEI number is, however. If you're only unlocking for future device support after 3 years I wouldn't worry about it much. You'll probably have a new device by then hopefully. The only other option is to sell it now while it's relatively new and purchase a Google branded one. General consensus is that there will not be an exploit in order to allow bl unlock on these devices. It will probably cost you about $100 on the swap. I lost close to $150 on my Pixel 3 this week and it was mint condition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm Canada we get robbed here. My cellphone costs 1300 off contract, and according to eBay (if it's reliable) I can only get 1000 for it. That is a pretty big loss to me.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

I am happy to say that I was able to unlock the boot loader and reboot the phone. We now know that Bell Canada Pixel 3 XL can have the bootloader unlocked.