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

Pixel XL 2: Unlocked and Verizon Variants in Google Store

This may be premature since the phones haven't shipped yet but when I go to order the phone on Google's website they give an option for a Verizon version with a sim card or an unlocked version. If both phones are the same except one has a locked bootloader then why bother to do this? Why not let Verizon sell their own variant with a locked bootloader? Are there any disadvantages or missing features when using the unlocked version on Verizon???
If both phones were the same and acted the same when on Verizon then I'd be royally pissed if I bought the Verizon pixel from Google's site only to find it had a locked bootloader. I'll bet that a lot of people will buy the Verizon version from the Google store thinking that the bootloader can still be unlocked because they bought it from Google and not at the Verizon store. I'm surprised more people aren't discussing this and warning others. In the past if you bought a gen. 1 pixel from the Google store it was guaranteed to be unlockable but now it doesn't seem to be the case and Verizon probably convinced Google to con purchasers into doing this since they get such a hard-on about locking bootloaders.
Now if the unlocked version doesn't work the same on the Verizon network (I.e. Volte does not work or signal strength isn't as good then I don't feel too bad about Google selling both variants directly from their store.
Thoughts??

I don't believe the Gen 1 Verizon pixel was ever intended to have an unlockable bootloader.

No it wasn't but there was no way to purchase a Verizon Gen 1 pixel from Google like there is for the Gen 2. If you wanted an unlocked bootloader you just bought the only pixel offered on the Google store. Now there is two options from the same store. I'm just worried that people will get the Verizon version from the Google store (not Verizon store) thinking that it's unlocked because they bought it from Google, not Verizon.
Do both phones (Verizon and unlocked versions) operate on the same bands with same features when activated on Verizon network?

The option for the version states that a SIM is included. My only guess is that they toss a SIM card in the box for you if you select Verizon.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

I was wondering the same thing, I plan on activating on Verizon when I receive my unlocked XL 2. But decided to buy the unlocked version just in case there was something stupid like a locked down bootloader or something weird.

I ordered mine so fast I'm worried I selected the Verizon version by accident. In order status it shows nothing about whether you ordered the unlocked or the Verizon version. Can someone that ordered a Verizon version check and see if their order status says Verizon or anything? Mine just says Pixel 2 XL (128 GB, Just Black). No mention of unlocked or Verizon anywhere.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

sabbotage said:
I ordered mine so fast I'm worried I selected the Verizon version by accident. In order status it shows nothing about whether you ordered the unlocked or the Verizon version. Can someone that ordered a Verizon version check and see if their order status says Verizon or anything? Mine just says Pixel 2 XL (128 GB, Just Black). No mention of unlocked or Verizon anywhere.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go in and reorder it, I switched from a Panda Verizon XL 2 128gb that was gonna get delivered Nov7-9th to just black 128gb xl 2 unlocked which said Oct 25th. The shipping dates havent really changed much.

sabbotage said:
I ordered mine so fast I'm worried I selected the Verizon version by accident. In order status it shows nothing about whether you ordered the unlocked or the Verizon version. Can someone that ordered a Verizon version check and see if their order status says Verizon or anything? Mine just says Pixel 2 XL (128 GB, Just Black). No mention of unlocked or Verizon anywhere.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same for me: no mention of Unlocked or Verizon on order acknowledgment...
If you are unsure, the advice to cancel and reorder is good, just with penalty of
later shipping.

I ordered mine while *slightly inebriated" last night. This morning I simply canceled my order and reordered it while 100% sober so that I knew 100% that I ordered an unlocked version and not the Verizon model. The order history didn't state unlocked or Verizon so I just wasn't sure... You can't be too sure of these types of things lol =)

Thanks for the post. I made the mistake of ordering the Verizon version. It does say this in the description on the order confirmation. Reordered and delivery date was reduced to October 27 from Nov 20.
(64 GB, Just Black, Verizon SIM-enabled
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

It would be the first time for me to order a google (pixel) phone.
Im am from Germany, will the pixel from "Deutsche Telekom" (T-Mobile) be different than the one straight from the google store? :/
@EDIT: Asked the Support from Telekom Deutschland and tehy told me, that there isnt a difference between the Telekom Device and the Google Store Device in relation to Bootloader, updates or bloatware.

Can anyone verify if the unlocked version works the same as the Verizon version when on the Verizon network? Does volte and vvm work the same? Does the unlocked version have access to the same cell towers and lte bands? Or does Verizon cripple some features on the unlocked variant?

mattd860 said:
Can anyone verify if the unlocked version works the same as the Verizon version when on the Verizon network? Does volte and vvm work the same? Does the unlocked version have access to the same cell towers and lte bands? Or does Verizon cripple some features on the unlocked variant?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the old Pixel XL it worked the same on either model. I had an unlocked Pixel XL and a Verizon Pixel and they both worked the same with features. VoLTE and VVM both worked fine. The only difference was the unlocked model showed as "other" Pixel device with a generic picture in my Verizon account and the Verizon pixel showed as "Verizon Pixel" with an actual picture of the phone.
---------- Post added at 08:24 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:19 AM ----------
greencat2 said:
Thanks for the post. I made the mistake of ordering the Verizon version. It does say this in the description on the order confirmation. Reordered and delivery date was reduced to October 27 from Nov 20.
(64 GB, Just Black, Verizon SIM-enabled
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for confirming. I think I'm ok then since it looks like the Verizon version actually states it in the order status.

sabbotage said:
On the old Pixel XL it worked the same on either model. I had an unlocked Pixel XL and a Verizon Pixel and they both worked the same with features. VoLTE and VVM both worked fine. The only difference was the unlocked model showed as "other" Pixel device with a generic picture in my Verizon account and the Verizon pixel showed as "Verizon Pixel" with an actual picture of the phone.
---------- Post added at 08:24 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:19 AM ----------
Thanks for confirming. I think I'm ok then since it looks like the Verizon version actually states it in the order status.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would this also apply if you order the Pixel 2 XL from Verizon directly?

This is happening exactly as I predicted. People are being duped into buying the Verizon pixel 2 from the Google store thinking that the bootloader can be unlocked because they purchased from the Google store instead of the Verizon store.

mattd860 said:
This is happening exactly as I predicted. People are being duped into buying the Verizon pixel 2 from the Google store thinking that the bootloader can be unlocked because they purchased from the Google store instead of the Verizon store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can get the Verizon version directly from them through my work for $350, that is why I was wondering.

Can someone who ordered the Verizon Pixel show a snippet of the confirmation page?

If VZW version is the same as the unlocked one, and Google is simply throwing in the SIM card, insert the VZW SIM card after turn on the phone and unlock the bootloader.

Google Customer service confirmed to me on the phone that bootloader for Verizon version is locked but should get OS and security patch updates directly from Google if bought from Google Store. He wasn't sure about OS updates if phone is bought from Verizon.

nomifm said:
Google Customer service confirmed to me on the phone that bootloader for Verizon version is locked but should get OS and security patch updates directly from Google if bought from Google Store. He wasn't sure about OS updates if phone is bought from Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well last year was the Pixel different when ordering directly from Verizon with updates?
The boot loader unlocked really is not necessary in my case because I would be happy just to be on stock Android with regular updates.

Google Store Pixel 2 XL OEM Unlocked Greyed Out

Ok, so I went to the Google Store website and purchased the Verizon Panda (Black and White) version of the Pixel 2 XL.
It is my understanding that this phone, since purchased from the Google Store, should come with an unlocked bootloader. I have run through the settings to get it up and working and I can not get the OEM Unlocking to work.
I found the articles, though most of them were talking about the Pixel 2, not the 2XL, that stated you just needed to do a factory reset. I tried this and it didnt' work. So here's the questions:
If purchased from the Google Store should the Bootloader be locked?
Can the Panda version only be purchased on Verizon?
If the bootloader is locked on all Panda versions, what's the likelyhood of it being hacked?

Even though you bought from Google, if it's a Verizon variant your very likely not going to have an unlockable bootloader. There is a thread where people were returning their Verizon phones through Verizon and getting back a Google variant. If your stuck with Verizon phone the best you can hope for is a root exploit.

vMAC said:
Ok, so I went to the Google Store website and purchased the Verizon Panda (Black and White) version of the Pixel 2 XL.
It is my understanding that this phone, since purchased from the Google Store, should come with an unlocked bootloader. I have run through the settings to get it up and working and I can not get the OEM Unlocking to work.
I found the articles, though most of them were talking about the Pixel 2, not the 2XL, that stated you just needed to do a factory reset. I tried this and it didnt' work. So here's the questions:
If purchased from the Google Store should the Bootloader be locked?
Can the Panda version only be purchased on Verizon?
If the bootloader is locked on all Panda versions, what's the likelyhood of it being hacked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Afaik it takes a few hours/days after setting up the phone for the Oem Unlocking option to show up. The bootloader is locked until the user unlocks it manualy.

vMAC said:
Ok, so I went to the Google Store website and purchased the Verizon Panda (Black and White) version of the Pixel 2 XL.
It is my understanding that this phone, since purchased from the Google Store, should come with an unlocked bootloader. I have run through the settings to get it up and working and I can not get the OEM Unlocking to work.
I found the articles, though most of them were talking about the Pixel 2, not the 2XL, that stated you just needed to do a factory reset. I tried this and it didnt' work. So here's the questions:
If purchased from the Google Store should the Bootloader be locked?
Can the Panda version only be purchased on Verizon?
If the bootloader is locked on all Panda versions, what's the likelyhood of it being hacked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should return it to Google and get the unlocked version from them, it works just fine on Verizon. If you buy the Verizon phone from Google it will not come with an unlockable bootloader. Also, you can get a panda unlocked version from Google.

Make sure it connected to the internet then takes a few minutes to make it available.

Thanks all for your responses. I just called Google and was told it will have a locked bootloader. So they RMA'd it.
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app

I had the same issue on my very first unit. I RMA it.
However I found that you MUST add your Google account to the phone in order for the pen unlocking option to turn on.
Like the others said above add your Google account and wait a few hours

You don't have to add Google account, just connect to internet via Sim or WiFi, and it'll be available almost instantly
Also, yes, the Verizon variant is bootloader locked even from Google store

That's what I hoped was not the answer.
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Verizon Google pixel xl 2

Is this device's bootlooder come unlocked? If not c a.z n it be unlocked?

GDane1 said:
Is this device's bootlooder come unlocked? If not c a.z n it be unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At the moment, Verizon bootloaders are locked and at the moment can't be unlocked

They are replacing phones with unlocked versions through verizon warranty replacement, hope this helps if you have any issues with your current device.

Thank you very much for your response to my question take care
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Chance Ill said:
At the moment, Verizon bootloaders are locked and at the moment can't be unlocked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Verizon pixel 2 xl and I unlocked the bootloader
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

How did you manage that?

Intelli69 said:
I have a Verizon pixel 2 xl and I unlocked the bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SigLover21 said:
How did you manage that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Likely that he got lucky and received a replacement that was able to be unlocked because google/verizon messed up. It's actually happened a few times with other members.

Badger50 said:
Likely that he got lucky and received a replacement that was able to be unlocked because google/verizon messed up. It's actually happened a few times with other members.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought my VZW Pixel 2 XL from Best Buy.

OEM Unlock
Badger50 said:
Likely that he got lucky and received a replacement that was able to be unlocked because google/verizon messed up. It's actually happened a few times with other members.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, I got a Verizon Google Pixel 2 XL with 8.1.0 & Android 9 waiting to download. The OEM unlocking, under developer options is greyed out. So, this phone has no hope for unlocked bootloader?
Any ideas.....
Thanks,
zach

coolbeans2016 said:
So, I got a Verizon Google Pixel 2 XL with 8.1.0 & Android 9 waiting to download. The OEM unlocking, under developer options is greyed out. So, this phone has no hope for unlocked bootloader?
Any ideas.....
Thanks,
zach
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exchange it for a google version. Other than that, I'm afraid there is no current, reliable, bootloader unlocking method for the verizon variant device.

thanks
Badger50 said:
Exchange it for a google version. Other than that, I'm afraid there is no current, reliable, bootloader unlocking method for the verizon variant device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, you are the 1st reply out of 5 peeps I've questioned about this.... on hour 3 & this learning curve is more like a roller coaster!!!
Last ?.... how does one go about exchanging? Do I contact Google directly? & if so..... Google store?
Sorry for the 2nd bother, just have no other options except list it as 4 parts on ebay.....
zach
been all over Google's Store site, & Verizon's.... I know I've read where people HAVE unlocked this bootloader, one through someone that charges kind of like Sunshine did/does for HTC devices.....
:^]-

coolbeans2016 said:
Thanks, you are the 1st reply out of 5 peeps I've questioned about this.... on hour 3 & this learning curve is more like a roller coaster!!!
Last ?.... how does one go about exchanging? Do I contact Google directly? & if so..... Google store?
Sorry for the 2nd bother, just have no other options except list it as 4 parts on ebay.....
zach
been all over Google's Store site, & Verizon's.... I know I've read where people HAVE unlocked this bootloader, one through someone that charges kind of like Sunshine did/does for HTC devices.....
:^]-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you purchased it from eBay, then your in a pickle. I have no idea what their policy is, or if the seller would even consider it. As far as bootloader unlocking it, I'm sure there are some folks that can/will do it for a fee, however, as the saying goes....buyer beware :fingers-crossed:

If "OEM unlocking" is greyed out, that means the bootloader is locked and cannot be unlocked. There is no way to hack a P2XL with locked BL to make it unlockable.
If you bought the P2XL directly from Google Store and you requested the "unlocked" version, then Google sent you the wrong one. Send it back and get the one you purchased.
If you bought it from Verizon store or Best Buy, those devices are *always* bootloader locked (buying directly from Google is the only way to get one with unlockable BL). You could return it but you will pay a restocking fee.
If you bought from an individual, you can try to get your money back. But it will be up to the seller to take it back.

UR Right
Badger50 said:
If you purchased it from eBay, then your in a pickle. I have no idea what their policy is, or if the seller would even consider it. As far as bootloader unlocking it, I'm sure there are some folks that can/will do it for a fee, however, as the saying goes....buyer beware :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your right on that.....!!! Just had my dad throw it up on his Ebay account for a bill $100.... Shame, even the Google Assistant is "OFF THE CHAIN"!!! Never saw what it's like on a Google phone before! I know now it IS the phone I want, & the Pixel 2 XL has dropped dramatically in price. Just make sure NEVER get a Verizon phone!!! If it wasn't for the "SHEEPLE", no way Verizon would last in a free market economy, with the way they cram restrictions down their customers throats....... js smh
zls

Do I have Verizon's Pixel XL?

Hello folks,
I am sorry for adding one more question to this dilemma?
I just got a refurb Pixel XL from ebay. I specifically told the seller that I am looking for a google version and not verizon but it seems, they sent me Verizon version as OEM Unlocking is grayed out in Developer options. Is that the only test there is to figure out if its Verizon or Unlocked google phone?
One of the threads linked http://www.imeipro.info/check_lg.html but it doesn't recognize IMEI of the phone I received.
Finally, I found this thread, https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/how-to/how-to-unlock-bootloader-verizon-pixel-t3796030 Can these instructions be used for a Verizon device running Android Pie/9.0? If yes, I will keep the device as its in pristine condition.
Thanks in advance, for all helpful comments.

You can unlock the bootloader on Verizon yes.

fuzzychicken said:
Hello folks,
I am sorry for adding one more question to this dilemma?
I just got a refurb Pixel XL from ebay. I specifically told the seller that I am looking for a google version and not verizon but it seems, they sent me Verizon version as OEM Unlocking is grayed out in Developer options. Is that the only test there is to figure out if its Verizon or Unlocked google phone?
One of the threads linked http://www.imeipro.info/check_lg.html but it doesn't recognize IMEI of the phone I received.
Finally, I found this thread, https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/how-to/how-to-unlock-bootloader-verizon-pixel-t3796030 Can these instructions be used for a Verizon device running Android Pie/9.0? If yes, I will keep the device as its in pristine condition.
Thanks in advance, for all helpful comments.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually bought an XL off eBay and sent it back as it was a Verizon, confirmed with a Google rep, and didn't know I could unlock the bootloader.
I bought another one and it was also a Verizon, but I did follow the guide after updating to Pie and it still works great. Now I'm fully rooted nad bootloader is unlocked.

Would unlocking the bootloader on a Verizon version essentially make it a normal Google Pixel XL? Any other differences? I want to use a Verizon Pixel for AT&T.

bobjohnson1221 said:
Would unlocking the bootloader on a Verizon version essentially make it a normal Google Pixel XL? Any other differences? I want to use a Verizon Pixel for AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No device difference. You would just use a GSM SIM for AT&T of course.

I just bought a pixel xl of 128gb, what is the exact way to know if it is a verizon version?
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

So if I'm shopping for a used Pixel XL, how can I tell with models have an unlockable bootloader?
I had previously read that only Play Store editions are unlockable, so I was surprised to see this thread say Verizon is unlockable.

Th3DaRk_Vampire said:
I just bought a pixel xl of 128gb, what is the exact way to know if it is a verizon version?
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To see if your phone is Verizon, go here ( https://www.verizonwireless.com/od/prepaid/bring-your-own-device/?imei=352630085164358#/checkDevice) and enter your IMEI. You'll get one of two responses:
If it's a Verizon phone, it will say "Awesome, your Google Pixel XL, Phone by Google is a perfect match for our network.."
If it's not Verizon, it will say "Awesome, your Google PIXEL XL NON-VZW is a perfect match for our network."