Develop Bugs

Verizon Pixel XL on T-Mobile

So I just bought a Verizon Pixel XL off ebay with the intention of using it on T-Mobile because I was under the impression that taking it to T-Mobile was no issue and would be no different than using a google store one on T-Mobile. Although I am reading some concerning threads about the bootloader issue. If this phone happens to have 7.11 will I be unable to flash the T-Mobile factory image onto it? Or is there really no benefit in doing this anyway? Do I and will I be able to flash at least the T-Mobile radio over to it?
Then if it is before 7.11 and I unlock the bootloader right away can I keep it unlocked even if I play around with images and stuff such as trying out the O beta? or do I have to avoid Factory images once its unlocked and only use custom roms?
Thanks in advanced!

tuxdreamerx said:
So I just bought a Verizon Pixel XL off ebay with the intention of using it on T-Mobile because I was under the impression that taking it to T-Mobile was no issue and would be no different than using a google store one on T-Mobile. Although I am reading some concerning threads about the bootloader issue. If this phone happens to have 7.11 will I be unable to flash the T-Mobile factory image onto it? Or is there really no benefit in doing this anyway? Do I and will I be able to flash at least the T-Mobile radio over to it?
Then if it is before 7.11 and I unlock the bootloader right away can I keep it unlocked even if I play around with images and stuff such as trying out the O beta? or do I have to avoid Factory images once its unlocked and only use custom roms?
Thanks in advanced!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only thing that matters is if the origin of the phone is Verizon or Google.
If the origin is Google you can install the Google factory image and use it on anywhere, unlock the bootloader, root and have a grand old time.
If the origin is Verizon you are relegated to the Verizon image regardless of where you use the phone, no flashing for you.
Compare the build code of your phone to the build codes on google factory image website and you will know what you have.
good luck

parakleet said:
Only thing that matters is if the origin of the phone is Verizon or Google.
If the origin is Google you can install the Google factory image and use it on anywhere, unlock the bootloader, root and have a grand old time.
If the origin is Verizon you are relegated to the Verizon image regardless of where you use the phone, no flashing for you.
Compare the build code of your phone to the build codes on google factory image website and you will know what you have.
good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well this was a display model I guess, no specifics on what kind of store but its listed as being a Verizon model. So I may be SOL. As far as working on T-Mobile if that is the case are there any downsides to using the Verizon model aside from flashing?

tuxdreamerx said:
Well this was a display model I guess, no specifics on what kind of store but its listed as being a Verizon model. So I may be SOL. As far as working on T-Mobile if that is the case are there any downsides to using the Verizon model aside from flashing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon model is fine for what the phone is.

You shouldn't have any issues using it on T-Mobile USA . Verizon phones are sim unlocked . The only thing with the Verizon version is that if it had the update where they don't let the bootloader unlock then you can't unlock it and root. Besides that you can use it on TMobile as a regular Google phone.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

parakleet said:
Only thing that matters is if the origin of the phone is Verizon or Google.
If the origin is Google you can install the Google factory image and use it on anywhere, unlock the bootloader, root and have a grand old time.
If the origin is Verizon you are relegated to the Verizon image regardless of where you use the phone, no flashing for you.
Compare the build code of your phone to the build codes on google factory image website and you will know what you have.
good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is partially false, I'm using a Verizon pixel XL on TMO and when I dropped out of beta, Google rolled out the TMO branch to my phone.
If you can depixl8 it and unlock the bootloader, you can flash custom Roms or the factory images to your heart's desire with no issues. Just never relock the bootloader, since it won't be able to be unlocked again(if it truly is a Verizon pixel XL)

parakleet said:
Only thing that matters is if the origin of the phone is Verizon or Google.
If the origin is Google you can install the Google factory image and use it on anywhere, unlock the bootloader, root and have a grand old time.
If the origin is Verizon you are relegated to the Verizon image regardless of where you use the phone, no flashing for you.
Compare the build code of your phone to the build codes on google factory image website and you will know what you have.
good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can sideload updates to a locked device so OP could sideload a current ota from tmobile. It can in fact beneficial to run the tmobile software on tmo because of optimizations for network connectivity

If you haven't updated it yet and its version is older than last November, you should be able to unlock the bootloader. Once it's been updated to a newer version, it can't be unlocked.

JimSmith94 said:
If you haven't updated it yet and its version is older than last November, you should be able to unlock the bootloader. Once it's been updated to a newer version, it can't be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a BL unlocked, Verizon rooted Pixel XL. Can I put an ATT sim card in it and use it on the ATT network? Would I need to flash a different rom?

STraver said:
I have a BL unlocked, Verizon rooted Pixel XL. Can I put an ATT sim card in it and use it on the ATT network? Would I need to flash a different rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should be able to just pop in the ATT sim

JimSmith94 said:
If you haven't updated it yet and its version is older than last November, you should be able to unlock the bootloader. Once it's been updated to a newer version, it can't be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess that'll be the big question. If the phone was only a display model since it was released. I wonder if the display models get the updates pushed automatically... I will find out tomorrow.

Well the phone came with 7.1.2 so no fun for me. Thanks for the info from everyone.

Very interesting, I stuck a T-mobile SIM in it and I can now switch on OEM unlocking. It was greyed out before I put the SIM in.

tuxdreamerx said:
Very interesting, I stuck a T-mobile SIM in it and I can now switch on OEM unlocking. It was greyed out before I put the SIM in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm curious, have you tried unlocking the BL now that you can toggle OEM unlocking?

Grubling said:
I'm curious, have you tried unlocking the BL now that you can toggle OEM unlocking?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not I will this evening or tomorrow though. I was just under the impression that all Verizon Editions had that switch disabled no matter what SIM card went it. As I stated before this was a display model, I got it for next to nothing due to very minor screen burn from the demo mode, I can barely see it so i'm good with what I paid. So I wonder if display models weren't Verizon models? Or maybe this was a third party Verizon store and not corporate. Either way is there anyway to tell which one it is? The SKU on the back is G-2PW2100-021-B and it has build number N2G47E on it, which is not the verizon build I don't think.

tuxdreamerx said:
I have not I will this evening or tomorrow though. I was just under the impression that all Verizon Editions had that switch disabled no matter what SIM card went it. As I stated before this was a display model, I got it for next to nothing due to very minor screen burn from the demo mode, I can barely see it so i'm good with what I paid. So I wonder if display models weren't Verizon models? Or maybe this was a third party Verizon store and not corporate. Either way is there anyway to tell which one it is? The SKU on the back is G-2PW2100-021-B and it has build number N2G47E on it, which is not the verizon build I don't think.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google points to that being a Verizon SKU. But with the build number being non-Verizon, you might be able to unlock it.
There may be some relevant information here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel/help/bootloader-unlock-verizon-pixels-t3616101

tuxdreamerx said:
Very interesting, I stuck a T-mobile SIM in it and I can now switch on OEM unlocking. It was greyed out before I put the SIM in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Count your blessings, most of us with Verizon models are still locked on other carriers.

parakleet said:
Only thing that matters is if the origin of the phone is Verizon or Google.
If the origin is Google you can install the Google factory image and use it on anywhere, unlock the bootloader, root and have a grand old time.
If the origin is Verizon you are relegated to the Verizon image regardless of where you use the phone, no flashing for you.
Compare the build code of your phone to the build codes on google factory image website and you will know what you have.
good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I was about to buy Google Pixel XL off the eBay how can I tell if its Verizon phone or Google phone? I asked two sellers, they didn't know if it was Verizon on Google phone, they are just selling as Unlocked GSM , I never bought Google phone so I'm very new to it, per my understanding Verizon phones wont able to have unlock bootloaders? and Google phones will do? also Google phones can work with Verizon and GSM phones without any issues or they are only good with GSM?
you were saying something about build id to check
https://developers.google.com/android/images
I went to this webpage but I dont see any differences in model # for both ver?

zfk110 said:
Hi, I was about to buy Google Pixel XL off the eBay how can I tell if its Verizon phone or Google phone? I asked two sellers, they didn't know if it was Verizon on Google phone, they are just selling as Unlocked GSM , I never bought Google phone so I'm very new to it, per my understanding Verizon phones wont able to have unlock bootloaders? and Google phones will do? also Google phones can work with Verizon and GSM phones without any issues or they are only good with GSM?
you were saying something about build id to check
https://developers.google.com/android/images
I went to this webpage but I dont see any differences in model # for both ver?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can unlock the bootloader on Verizon.

tuxdreamerx said:
So I just bought a Verizon Pixel XL off ebay with the intention of using it on T-Mobile because I was under the impression that taking it to T-Mobile was no issue and would be no different than using a google store one on T-Mobile. Although I am reading some concerning threads about the bootloader issue. If this phone happens to have 7.11 will I be unable to flash the T-Mobile factory image onto it? Or is there really no benefit in doing this anyway? Do I and will I be able to flash at least the T-Mobile radio over to it?
Then if it is before 7.11 and I unlock the bootloader right away can I keep it unlocked even if I play around with images and stuff such as trying out the O beta? or do I have to avoid Factory images once its unlocked and only use custom roms?
Thanks in advanced!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I literally just did this 2 months ago. Got a pixel xl and it was a verizon phone but I have Tmobile. The phone can be unlocked, it can be rooted, it can be rommed, yes it can! Mine came with 711 or 712 cant remember but whatever doesnt matter. Just follow the guide in the other thread by @Homeboy76, it's a GREAT read and tutorial. It will put you from stock nougat to stock pie, but afterwards you can go to nougat, oreo, or pie. I know because after I did it, i went to an custom rom, then to a custom oreo rom, back to stock pie, back to custom pie lol. I would put a link up to the thread but idk how to do hyperlinks lmao, i skipped that day of school.

Mobile hotspot

This is my first pixel device I have ever bought the unlocked Pixel 2 XL upgrading from my unlocked Samsung S8. I use my S8 mobile hotspot without any issues now that I bought my Pixel it says that I have to call customer service to sign up for it. It's there a way to bypass that verification. My S8 is unlocked and it doesn't ask to call customer service but my unlocked pixel does.

I am wondering the same thing. Got my phone from Google and on Verizon with no hotsp
mdiaz5 said:
This is my first pixel device I have ever bought the unlocked Pixel 2 XL upgrading from my unlocked Samsung S8. I use my S8 mobile hotspot without any issues now that I bought my Pixel it says that I have to call customer service to sign up for it. It's there a way to bypass that verification. My S8 is unlocked and it doesn't ask to call customer service but my unlocked pixel does.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ErisThunderboltNote2Nexus6Pixel2xl

Any solutions? I just received my first pixel, 2 XL unlocked. I haven't even opened the box yet. I'm on Verizon with the gUDP, grandfathered unlimited data plan.

Unlock the bootloader so you can root, and use the Tethering Enabler magisk mod.

mdiaz5 said:
This is my first pixel device I have ever bought the unlocked Pixel 2 XL upgrading from my unlocked Samsung S8. I use my S8 mobile hotspot without any issues now that I bought my Pixel it says that I have to call customer service to sign up for it. It's there a way to bypass that verification. My S8 is unlocked and it doesn't ask to call customer service but my unlocked pixel does.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon never let anyone use hotspot for free. If you were able to on your old device then it was either rooted or the S8 was a special case. Whenever I wanted to use hotspot on my verizon devices I had to find a special provisioning patch for you device.

Tethering Mod didn't work for me. It unlocked the tether just fine but no Internet connections or any data transfer at all. I also modified the prop build file to enable tethering... same no Internet, anyone have any ideas here?
Rooted pixel 2xl

slingblade01 said:
Any solutions? I just received my first pixel, 2 XL unlocked. I haven't even opened the box yet. I'm on Verizon with the gUDP, grandfathered unlimited data plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So i activated mobile hotspot by useing the skipsoft tool in development area. Unlock bootloader
Custom recovery
Root with magisk
Downloaded tether module in magisk download, installed, reboot
Works just fine ?
ErisThunderboltNote2Nexus6Pixel2xl

https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-2-xl/how-to/sprint-hotspot-method-t3703205

My man/woman (s) can't wait to try these .

A vpn subscription or connection, plus the app "vpn tether". Not sure if it will work for you but I seen someone on reddit say this method works now.

Toejam1998 said:
So i activated mobile hotspot by useing the skipsoft tool in development area. Unlock bootloader
Custom recovery
Root with magisk
Downloaded tether module in magisk download, installed, reboot
Works just fine
ErisThunderboltNote2Nexus6Pixel2xl
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't rooted a phone in a while. Should I update the phone from 8.0.0 first? It's asking for critical bug update...59MB.

eloko said:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-2-xl/how-to/sprint-hotspot-method-t3703205
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, this works great!! I'm on Verizon old unlimited.
1. ) buildprop editor add this line
> net.tethering.noprovisioning=true
2.) Open adb shell.
3.) Type following command
>settings put global tether_dun_required 0
>reboot

Does this method still work? I'm planning on buying a Google unlocked version of the pixel 2 XL, and want to know if editing the build.prop or magisk method still work. Thanks. Sorry for bumping this topic.

Unlocked Pixel XL 2 Verizon Sim

I'm sorry if this has been asked and answered, I did a bit of searching but didn't find an exact answer. Maybe I'm getting two narrow sighted in my search, but anyhoo! I ordered a Pixel Xl 2 unlocked from Google. My question is if I pop a verizon sim into the deivce, will updates or any changes cause it to lock the bootloader. Should I unlock the bootloader to make sure it retains it's unlockable state or is it fine to pop in the verizon sim with no worries?

I am on Verizon also, and I too ordered the Google store unlocked version just so I could unlock bootloader when I got my phone. What I read and did was boot the phone WITHOUT SIM card connect to WiFi, skipped the setup, and enabled developer options to be able to unlock bootloader, unlocked bootloader and then I put the Sim card in and continued to set my phone up. If I were you, I would also do the unlock_critical command as well since it will also wipe data. I was unaware of that when I did mine. So future wipe is necessary for me.
Edit: wording

I used my pixel xl witch I ordered from Google on verizon for 2 months last year before I decided to unlock it and had no issues. If you concerned about it just unlock it now. If you not as worried but still think this could happen just manually side the update from Google every time a update is released just remember to remove the -w from the flash file and then you are ensured that it will flash all the unlocked able software!

tdct12 said:
I'm sorry if this has been asked and answered, I did a bit of searching but didn't find an exact answer. Maybe I'm getting two narrow sighted in my search, but anyhoo! I ordered a Pixel Xl 2 unlocked from Google. My question is if I pop a verizon sim into the deivce, will updates or any changes cause it to lock the bootloader. Should I unlock the bootloader to make sure it retains it's unlockable state or is it fine to pop in the verizon sim with no worries?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure I've ever heard of a sim being able to lock the BL, the Verizon model to the best of my knowledge is locked from google before it ships to vzw stores.

No... If you buy unlocked, the phone is unlocked.
I bought the Unlocked one from Google store and popped my Verizon SIM in. Bootloader is unlockable still
---------- Post added at 08:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:14 AM ----------
No... If you buy unlocked, the phone is unlocked.
I bought the Unlocked one from Google store and popped my Verizon SIM in. Bootloader is unlockable still

Same here, ordered the 2xl from Google, unlocked version. On Verizon. Unlocked the P2XL before putting the sim in (I did both bootloader and unlock_critical). Popped in the sim. No problem.
However, I would agree, and assume (again, didn't test this) even if you put the sim in first, you can still unlock, it's just that it won't ask you for WiFi when you activate the first time, it will simply use the LTE connection to connect.

The SIM controlling the unlock in the Pixels is an urban myth that just won't seem to die.

TonikJDK said:
The SIM controlling the unlock in the Pixels is an urban myth that just won't seem to die.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds as ridiculous as people that wipe three times before flashing

drumst1x said:
Same here, ordered the 2xl from Google, unlocked version. On Verizon. Unlocked the P2XL before putting the sim in (I did both bootloader and unlock_critical). Popped in the sim. No problem.
However, I would agree, and assume (again, didn't test this) even if you put the sim in first, you can still unlock, it's just that it won't ask you for WiFi when you activate the first time, it will simply use the LTE connection to connect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you using the stock or Verizon factory image on it?

Lawlrus said:
Sounds as ridiculous as people that wipe three times before flashing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What the..,,.. oh! I thought you said before flushing.

michaelbsheldon said:
Are you using the stock or Verizon factory image on it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using the stock Google image. But I did download the Verizon image and used the Verizon radio.img.

busarida123 said:
I am using the stock Google image. But I did download the Verizon image and used the Verizon radio.img.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that. Had tried to load the Verizon factory image on my US Unlocked bootloader unlocked P2XL, but it would not boot at all
after several tries. Doing just the radio img is a great solution.

michaelbsheldon said:
Are you using the stock or Verizon factory image on it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't flashed anything whatsoever, all I did was get the device, open the case, charge it, unlock the bootloader (and critical), then set it up, then put in my sim (may have put the sim in before I set it up, can't remember, but definitely unlocked first, to be safe).
Is there an advantage to using the Verizon Radio Image? Does it give us something we don't already have? I'm getting expected LTE speeds (~18-20 mb/s down, ~4 mb/s up) with my phone so far...?
Lawlrus said:
Sounds as ridiculous as people that wipe three times before flashing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can understand people being cautious, though. Not knowing ahead of time, I definitely read a bunch of threads first before I just turned it on, again, to be safe.... Is there any source you can point us to, so in the future when people ask this, we can say "Sims do not control the ability to lock/unlock.... See Here: [insert link here]"

Unlocked sprint lg g8 on new network that doesn't have its own firmware

Ok before I start I just want to say I'm a complete noob at android and how it works (got my first android a month ago) so don't get too angry if I say something stupid :/
So I bought an unlocked sprint g8 off of ebay but switched to another carrier called mint (uses t-mobile network) so I'm not sure how the software updates work. I'm aware I won't be getting updates from sprint, but I know that I have gotten 1 or 2 updates from lg since I got it. I'm a little confused as to if the updates from lg are all I need or if they are just security patches, and if there is a way to install sprint updates anyway.
I know I can solve this by unlocking the bootloader and installing custom roms once they start coming out, and on sprint I can enable oem unlock, but there is no way to access fast boot. If I do adb reboot-bootloader (or whatever the command is) it just does a normal restart. If I'm not wrong I should be able to do the bootloader unlock after lg adds the g8 to their supported devices, but I don't know how I'll be able to do this without accessing the fastboot. Recovery mode seems to be incomplete too (I can't use adb in recovery I think the drivers are not installed yet), so I think part of the sprint firmware is still kind of in a beta. So if the not being able to access fastboot and an incomplete recovery mode is a problem with the sprint firmware, will the lg updates themselves be able to solve this? Or is there anything else I'm completely missing?
Sorry if that was a little confusing but any answers would be great!

You will still get software updates. I have a sprint lg g8 unlocked on cricket and yesturday i just recieved the August 1 security software update.

I don't have an answer to your question, but does your Sprint model get VoLTE on Mint/T Mobile? Thinking about buying one.

antintin said:
Ok before I start I just want to say I'm a complete noob at android and how it works (got my first android a month ago) so don't get too angry if I say something stupid :/
So I bought an unlocked sprint g8 off of ebay but switched to another carrier called mint (uses t-mobile network) so I'm not sure how the software updates work. I'm aware I won't be getting updates from sprint, but I know that I have gotten 1 or 2 updates from lg since I got it. I'm a little confused as to if the updates from lg are all I need or if they are just security patches, and if there is a way to install sprint updates anyway.
I know I can solve this by unlocking the bootloader and installing custom roms once they start coming out, and on sprint I can enable oem unlock, but there is no way to access fast boot. If I do adb reboot-bootloader (or whatever the command is) it just does a normal restart. If I'm not wrong I should be able to do the bootloader unlock after lg adds the g8 to their supported devices, but I don't know how I'll be able to do this without accessing the fastboot. Recovery mode seems to be incomplete too (I can't use adb in recovery I think the drivers are not installed yet), so I think part of the sprint firmware is still kind of in a beta. So if the not being able to access fastboot and an incomplete recovery mode is a problem with the sprint firmware, will the lg updates themselves be able to solve this? Or is there anything else I'm completely missing?
Sorry if that was a little confusing but any answers would be great!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is almost a 0% chance LG will let US variants be unlocked. And with the impl lock we cant even crossflash the G8, so yea you are stuck with the sprint rom.

Your phone will update. Received August Security patch yesterday. Use ADB to remove Sprint bloat.

Any way to get WiFi calling to work on mint mobile using an unlocked Sprint G8?

I just received Android 10 update on LG G8. I'm on Total Wireless. The biggest thing is RCS is working now. It's a great update btw.

Apn issues
rldev said:
I just received Android 10 update on LG G8. I'm on Total Wireless. The biggest thing is RCS is working now. It's a great update btw.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you add or edit your apn settings?

acekid109 said:
Can you add or edit your apn settings?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just do reset to default with ##3282# and it will adjust to your current sim. Often mms needs that

After reset apn, my issues got resolved

wow it worked thanks . i just reset whatever now i can send photos through messenger

antintin said:
Ok before I start I just want to say I'm a complete noob at android and how it works (got my first android a month ago) so don't get too angry if I say something stupid :/
So I bought an unlocked sprint g8 off of ebay but switched to another carrier called mint (uses t-mobile network) so I'm not sure how the software updates work. I'm aware I won't be getting updates from sprint, but I know that I have gotten 1 or 2 updates from lg since I got it. I'm a little confused as to if the updates from lg are all I need or if they are just security patches, and if there is a way to install sprint updates anyway.
I know I can solve this by unlocking the bootloader and installing custom roms once they start coming out, and on sprint I can enable oem unlock, but there is no way to access fast boot. If I do adb reboot-bootloader (or whatever the command is) it just does a normal restart. If I'm not wrong I should be able to do the bootloader unlock after lg adds the g8 to their supported devices, but I don't know how I'll be able to do this without accessing the fastboot. Recovery mode seems to be incomplete too (I can't use adb in recovery I think the drivers are not installed yet), so I think part of the sprint firmware is still kind of in a beta. So if the not being able to access fastboot and an incomplete recovery mode is a problem with the sprint firmware, will the lg updates themselves be able to solve this? Or is there anything else I'm completely missing?
Sorry if that was a little confusing but any answers would be great!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Planning to get one, may i know which seller did you get yours?

scypth said:
Planning to get one, may i know which seller did you get yours?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yywireless

antintin said:
Yywireless
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also bought one from them but cant update it to android 10 , how did you do it?

Can You Unlock the Sprint Pixel 3a Bootloader?

Hello,
I recently purchased a used Sprint version of the Pixel 3a XL and after receiving it, I see that the bootloader is locked. My plan was to root this device and install a custom ROM to bring over to Verizon since all Verizon phone lock down the bootloader. Apparently I didn't do enough research as I assumed this bootloader would be unlocked.
After checking with Sprint this afternoon and confirming that there is no SIM lock, does anyone know if it is possible to unlock the bootloader? As mentioned, my goal is mostly to root the phone... then 'maybe' install a custom ROM.
Any help is greatly appreciated!

In dev options what does it say under oem unlocking? Is oem unlocking greyed out?

41rw4lk said:
In dev options what does it say under oem unlocking? Is oem unlocking greyed out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, unfortunately it is grayed out :-/

I would say that it is in fact sim locked. I have a TMO version and oem unlocking was greyed out for me. I had to hit up TMO and request a sim unlock to enable oem unlocking. You should persist and see if you can't get someone to sim unlock it. Might be worth popping the sim out and doing a factory reset, then boot it and see if oem unlocking is still greyed out, though it was for me. That was TMO though, but I doubt there is any difference as far as carrier locking is concerned. Does it say contact your carrier under oem unlocking? Another sign that it is sim locked.

41rw4lk said:
I would say that it is in fact sim locked. I have a TMO version and oem unlocking was greyed out for me. I had to hit up TMO and request a sim unlock to enable oem unlocking. You should persist and see if you can't get someone to sim unlock it. Might be worth popping the sim out and doing a factory reset, then boot it and see if oem unlocking is still greyed out, though it was for me. That was TMO though, but I doubt there is any difference as far as carrier locking is concerned. Does it say contact your carrier under oem unlocking? Another sign that it is sim locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this... once I noticed that OEM locking was grayed out (and after doing some reading), I called up Sprint and provided them the IMEI number and they indicated that it should already be unlocked and I can take it to Verizon (I assume all this means the phone is paid off and it is carrier unlocked).
I purchased this device online and there was not any kind of SIM card shipped with it. Also, I have not yet tried activating it on Verizon as I wanted to see if I could unlock the bootloader first.

gil_happy said:
Thanks for this... once I noticed that OEM locking was grayed out (and after doing some reading), I called up Sprint and provided them the IMEI number and they indicated that it should already be unlocked and I can take it to Verizon (I assume all this means the phone is paid off and it is carrier unlocked).
I purchased this device online and there was not any kind of SIM card shipped with it. Also, I have not yet tried activating it on Verizon as I wanted to see if I could unlock the bootloader first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Curious what Sprint number you called? They keep giving me the run around about needing the old account owners information and pin/password.

pyroboarder said:
Curious what Sprint number you called? They keep giving me the run around about needing the old account owners information and pin/password.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't remember exactly which number I called, but I think during the automated prompts, I stated 'IMEI'. Once I was connected, I told them that I was looking to purchase a second hand phone and I needed to verify some info and they told me (not sure if it sounded like I knew what I was doing and made it sound like I was calling for a good reason, etc). I'm sure you've been here as well:
https://www.sprint.com/en/shop/bring-your-phone-to-sprint.html

Apologies for thread necromancy...
The short answer is yes, you can unlock the bootloader of a Sprint Pixel 3a. There are some caveats:
Only the original owner of the phone can ask Sprint to unlock the device.
You must have paid off the device, it can't be carrier subsidized.
You have to be running the stock ROM for Sprint.
I just went through this with two pixel 3a's I bought from the sprint store. I paid full price, but they came locked anyway. Won't make that mistake again, I'll buy the unlocked variants from google direct or best buy or whatever.
Sprint customer service was very friendly when asking to unlock them since I'm still a customer. All they needed was the IMEI numbers after I'd authenticated myself to the agent. If they ask for the MEID instead, give them the IMEI regardless. That's the difference between a 5 minute and 35 minute call and a transfer to "advanced tech support." From the stock rom phone app, dial *#06# will bring them up.
Once the phone is carrier unlocked, the option to unlock the bootloader will work as you expect.
HTH.

Hi, I think you are referring to carrier lock vs bootloader lock.

Correct, I am. However, you can't unlock the bootloader on a stock pixel 3a without first carrier unlocking it. The installed version of android won't let you. That was discussed much earlier in the thread.

I should also add that the 3A has an e-SIM. In the past on CDMA carriers, running the stock ROM was a requirement to reactivate the device on a new carrier. Haven't tried that on a newer device, but I wouldn't bring a phone running LineageOS to Verizon and expect it to properly activate.

Junkeon said:
I should also add that the 3A has an e-SIM. In the past on CDMA carriers, running the stock ROM was a requirement to reactivate the device on a new carrier. Haven't tried that on a newer device, but I wouldn't bring a phone running LineageOS to Verizon and expect it to properly activate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried reactivating my old 3A and lo, the lineageos 18.1 carrier sim activation tool gave me no joy after waiting hours for it to try. Reflashed to stock, and it activated within moments.