Develop Bugs

Why are so many of you buying from Verizon & BestBuy instead of Google?

Just wondering. Why are so many of you buying from Verizon & BestBuy instead of Google?
You do realize the phones not purchased from Google will have a locked bootloader. So why would you buy from Verizon or BestBuy instead of Google, who has the same price and you can use either phones on Verizon if you so choose to do so.
I don't want to say ya'll are dumb, but I kind of feel this way.
I'm sure there is something I'm missing though, so help me understand please.

Are the payment plan options the same? If so that might be one reason. I have Verizon because that's what my employer (who pays for the phone and the bill) uses.
Sent from my SM-N930V using Tapatalk

Believe it or not, not everyone needs a bootloader unlocked these days. My days of tinkering with Android are over as I feel Android is better than ever. It is unfortunate the OP feels that I am dumb because everyone doesn't agree with his way of thinking...

It was also cheaper to purchase from Verizon for a new 2 year cobtract
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers mobile app

I personally ordered mine from Verizon due to my work account, and also don't care about root or unlocked boot loaders since I haven't needed either in several years. That being said I also believe many people have not been buying directly from Google because Google hasn't been able to keep them in stock. Which of course also implies that many people are buying them from Google, lol.

Best Buy is cheaper with a 2 year agreement ($299.99) as well as a 24 month installment ($31 a month), for 32GB version.
Also, best buy is giving a $100 gift card, which you can do whatever you want with. (resell it, use it, etc).
If you are only keeping the phone for two years, and don't care about updates after that, then its probably a better route. After two years, you are SOL for getting an up to date OS.

I had the note 7....the last return I just upgraded to the pixel xl. In exchange So....through Verizon it was.

Its an economic decision for me. In Germany I'll get the Device from T-Mobile Germany for 179€ (around 197 US$) for the renewal of my contract - I think this ist much better than the 1097€ direct from Google. The only downside is that it will have a locked bootloader...I'm still hoping someone finds a way to unlock the bootloaders of the Devices wich doesnt come directly from Google.

I ordered mine from Verizon. I haven't rooted a phone in a long time so locked or unlocked bootloader doesn't really matter for me.
Sent from my SM-N930V using Tapatalk

CZ Eddie said:
You do realize the phones not purchased from Google will have a locked bootloader.
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Click to collapse
I have my phone rooted for Tasker and Xposed, but the Verizon phone can effectively be considerably cheaper right now.
So why would you buy from Verizon or BestBuy instead of Google, who has the same price and you can use either phones on Verizon if you so choose to do so.
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Best Buy will currently give a $100 gift card if you don't want a new line, a $200 gift card for a new line, another $25 for a sign-up will be available after the pre-order is over, and it can be done with monthly payments to allow porting out or cancelling the line. Verizon has phone trades that total $200-$300, which is done through reduced monthly payments, and my Razr M qualified for $200. Some people have other options on Verizon. Google does not offer similar sort of ways to essentially reduce the phone's cost at this time.
I don't want to say ya'll are dumb, but I kind of feel this way.
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Personally I question the idea of paying iPhone 7 prices, and since I'm not interested in the VR headset, that's basically what initial Google store customers are doing. As much as I like what Tasker can do with root, I'm not sure it's worth giving up automatic updates and effectively spending another $175 that I could have with $225 in Best Buy gift cards. If it turns out that there are limitations on the Verizon phones for anything other than the bootloader unlock, I'll probably change my opinion, but at this time it looks like Google's bottom-line price is considerably higher than what is possible at Verizon.

Purely inventory for me. Google shipments are a month or more out. They won't even take my money to pre-order it. VZW device I can have in 3 days.
Sent from my SM-N930T using Tapatalk

Buying it as a contract renewal over Deutsche Telekom is way cheaper for me, especially because I work there and get a monthly discount on the main contract.
I have to 29,95€ monthly instead of 64,95€ and get the Pixel XL 128 GB for 279,95€ on time fee.
But even the phone for my wife is way cheaper. I paid 19,95€ for here family card without a phone before, now we upgraded it to a contract with phone to 29,95€ a month and also 279,95€ for the small Pixel 32 GB.
Yes, I would also love to have a unlockable bootloader and instant updates from Google but after not rooting phones for a couple of years I will get along with it.

I wanted the one from the google store but didn't feel like waiting for it. I would like to have the bootloader unlocked just for the option but i haven't had time or need to mess with rooting and custom roms, so just having pure android is perfect for me. So for me it made sense to just order from Verizon, everyone has different needs or reasons and i would say for 90% of the people buying this phone has no need to ever unlock the bootloader or even know much about that world of roms and rooting. I thinks its a stretch to insinuate people are dumb for having a choice and choosing one over the other

dbrohrer said:
Troll. Glad you like your OP3. I'm sure there are plenty people on the OP3 threads that agree with you and would love to hear your comments.
I ordered from Verizon because I was able to trade in an old phone for monthly device credit. It should save me $100-200 depending on how long I stay on Verizon DPP. I preordered one from the Google Play Store as well. I don't plan on opening the box from the play store unless the Verizon model upsets me and needs to be returned.
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Whats the point of buying two then? Everything about the Verizon version is the same except for boot loader.....

Buying it directly from Verizon because
1) My job will be paying for it
2) I feel once I have stock Android I don't really need to have root or an unlocked bootloader.
3) Don't have to wait until it comes back in stock via the playstore.

Major discount through employee. 419 vs 869 for xl 128gb and plus availability. Still waiting though as I want to see if anyone cracks that Verizon bootloader within the first month.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

IkeBiker said:
Whats the point of buying two then? Everything about the Verizon version is the same except for boot loader.....
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I am planning on keeping the Verizon Pixel because it is cheaper for me. As more reviews and info come out that is ACTUALLY reputable, I want to be able to return it to Verizon within the first 2 weeks if I decide there are significant differences between the Verizon version and the Google Play version. If I do that, I want to have the Google Play store Pixel in a box ready for me to switch over. This way I also get to take advantage of the Daydream VR, no matter which device I return.
Since the announcement on October 4th, there has not been any real credible information about the Pixel. Everything has been "so and so said this... Don't buy the Verizon version... etc." Then every Android blog site just blindly regurgitates what was said as if it was real news. NO ONE fact checks. Some CSR at Verizon who doesn't know what a freaking bootloader even is said something, then everyone freaks out and android headlines and forums go crazy. Then someone at Google says something else and everyone takes that as the truth. Does anyone even look at where the info came from? The only group I believe at all at this time is Google Pixel team. If they didn't say it or someone cannot show me in a video with their phone in their hand, I'm not going to believe it.
As long as I am confident that the Verizon pixel will get updates straight from Google when Google promises (just like what I'm used to with Nexus), I don't see a convincing reason not to go with Verizon. I would like the ability to unlock the bootloader so that I can flash the factory images if that promise is not kept. With every new version of Android, I find less need to try custom roms. With what I have seen from 7.1, I don't think I will even have the urge.

destes37 said:
It is unfortunate the OP feels that I am dumb because everyone doesn't agree with his way of thinking...
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I regret saying it the way I did.
I don't think you're dumb at all.
XDA is all about development, I guess I'm still surprised when there are people here who don't care about flashing ROM's or backing up in TWRP and even some who apparently don't care about root any longer.
If I didn't care about flashing ROM's (or root), I'd be on a S7 Edge right now.

dbrohrer said:
I am planning on keeping the Verizon Pixel because it is cheaper for me. As more reviews and info come out that is ACTUALLY reputable, I want to be able to return it to Verizon within the first 2 weeks if I decide there are significant differences between the Verizon version and the Google Play version. If I do that, I want to have the Google Play store Pixel in a box ready for me to switch over. This way I also get to take advantage of the Daydream VR, no matter which device I return.
Since the announcement on October 4th, there has not been any real credible information about the Pixel. Everything has been "so and so said this... Don't buy the Verizon version... etc." Then every Android blog site just blindly regurgitates what was said as if it was real news. NO ONE fact checks. Some CSR at Verizon who doesn't know what a freaking bootloader even is said something, then everyone freaks out and android headlines and forums go crazy. Then someone at Google says something else and everyone takes that as the truth. Does anyone even look at where the info came from? The only group I believe at all at this time is Google Pixel team. If they didn't say it or someone cannot show me in a video with their phone in their hand, I'm not going to believe it.
As long as I am confident that the Verizon pixel will get updates straight from Google when Google promises (just like what I'm used to with Nexus), I don't see a convincing reason not to go with Verizon. I would like the ability to unlock the bootloader so that I can flash the factory images if that promise is not kept. With every new version of Android, I find less need to try custom roms. With what I have seen from 7.1, I don't think I will even have the urge.
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So much this right here. They said this about the Verizon N6 also. That everything would be locked down and look what happened. Nothing was locked down at all. I ordered the Verizon Pixel XL because of this also and i dont really need root anymore. If i am able to root its a plus but not a deal breaker for me.

arcanexvi said:
Purely inventory for me. Google shipments are a month or more out. They won't even take my money to pre-order it. VZW device I can have in 3 days.
Sent from my SM-N930T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
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.
Yes, I also am grumpy and pissed at google for messing up the "orders / pre-orders". Year after year, they keep screwing up on the first step. They "could" have manufactured an extra 50, 000 and it would not have hurt their economics and it would have greatly helped their public image. Did the 'Note 7' burn put a snag in things ?
.
What if the "big and detailed" reviews start coming in and it shows a narley wart about the phone ? ? ? My biggest, desired attribute is the big leap in the camera ( camcorder ? ) area . . .

honest opinion please.

I am on the verge of purchasing this phone from Verizon but I am just wondering do you guys think that the devs will be able to unlock the boot loader?. Or is it highly unlikely?

You should buy it from Google Store, that's an honest opinion.

egren58 said:
I am on the verge of purchasing this phone from Verizon but I am just wondering do you guys think that the devs will be able to unlock the boot loader?. Or is it highly unlikely?
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I would say no but maybe one day

egren58 said:
I am on the verge of purchasing this phone from Verizon but I am just wondering do you guys think that the devs will be able to unlock the boot loader?. Or is it highly unlikely?
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Highly unlikely I would guess. I think you can get it from the google store tho and have it activated on verizon network still, from what I have read. That version would come ready to be unlocked.

frch0603 said:
Highly unlikely I would guess. I think you can get it from the google store tho and have it activated on verizon network still, from what I have read. That version would come ready to be unlocked.
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I am not even on Verizon . lol I'm on tmbile but Google rep said about a month until they go back up for sale. There is one on craiglist for 1,000$ for 32 GB idk if I should make the move or not.

egren58 said:
I am not even on Verizon . lol I'm on tmbile but Google rep said about a month until they go back up for sale. There is one on craiglist for 1,000$ for 32 GB idk if I should make the move or not.
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I definitely would not buy the Verizon one with the expectation of using it on any carrier besides verizon.

frch0603 said:
I definitely would not buy the Verizon one with the expectation of using it on any carrier besides verizon.
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Is factory unlocked from my end

Negotiating a 32gb google edition..

frch0603 said:
I definitely would not buy the Verizon one with the expectation of using it on any carrier besides verizon.
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Click to collapse
Why wouldn't you buy a "Verizon version with expectation of using it on another carrier"?
I bought a Verizon version last night from Best Buy (im not really worried about unlocking the bootloader at this point. Been doing it for years lol ) and put my T-Mobile sim card in and it worked immediately.
All these Google Pixel phones are carrier unlocked. Every single one. The only difference is that the Verizon version currently cannot be Bootloader unlocked, but I'm sure it will someday.

I would say buy from google if you really want to have an unlocked bootloader. I wont say it will never be unlocked but i think there will be very few working on it for the simple fact that you can buy an unlocked version. I would have bought it from google but it was more cost effective for me to buy it from Verizon.

Honest opinion = It is highly unlikely!

Most likely not since there is an google verison that comes with an unlocked bootloader for the same price.

I'm with verizon but bought it from the Google store. I am thinking about switching carriers sometime soon so I don't want to be stuck with monthly payments from Verizon on a device that won't be used on their carrier. That's why I did Google finance. Plus I already give too much money to Verizon each month. Bootloader being unlocked or not doesn't bother me but some people will want root and one day I may root and I want that option.

Yeahci will just wait till its available again. I'm on tmobile and I will never leave. Lol I only pay 50$ for unlimited everything

egren58 said:
Yeahci will just wait till its available again. I'm on tmobile and I will never leave. Lol I only pay 50$ for unlimited everything
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Same here. My wife is on Verizon and I looked at adding a line. If I buy it outright (pixel xl) I don't get the big credit for my V10, only fair market value and I don't get the free data bump either. At the end of the day, staying with T-Mobile with unlimited data just makes sense

TheFuzz said:
Same here. My wife is on Verizon and I looked at adding a line. If I buy it outright (pixel xl) I don't get the big credit for my V10, only fair market value and I don't get the free data bump either. At the end of the day, staying with T-Mobile with unlimited data just makes sense
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Yeah man ilove being grandfather in. I scanned a copy of my original contract, and a few times they tried to switch my plans to the new jump and I was like nope I have a SIGNED contract. Lol LOVE IT!! also I can't get throttle after using 20+ gigs of data.

Never buy a phone for what it MIGHT do in the future.
If you need root/unlocked bootloader buy a phone that already has that.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

So I will let the hypedye down now I'll just stick to 7.1.1 on the 6p. And than I'll sell my 6p and op3 to buy the xl in the coming months.

It seems there are too many Verizon models running around now that somehow came with an unlockable bootloader.... makes me think there is a better chance at the devs finding a way. Mostly just a hunch but....
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

Will an at&t sim in verizon model prevent software updates?

Selling Pixel from Project Fi?

Has anyone here sold a Pixel that was purchased through Project Fi on monthly payments?
I'm thinking about selling my 32GB and buying the 128GB whenever it becomes available.
Don't want to get suck with a huge payoff bill though, and need to make sure the buyer can use the phone without it being restricted somehow.
I'm assuming I'm good-to-go, but want to make sure.

You will have a hard time finding a buyer for a device that is still under contract.

Hmm, I've sold at least four phones in the past that were under contract.
But this is my first time with Project Fi.
Is it any different than say, AT&T or Verizon?

CZ Eddie said:
Hmm, I've sold at least four phones in the past that were under contract.
But this is my first time with Project Fi.
Is it any different than say, AT&T or Verizon?
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I'm not familiar with eBay's requirements, but Swappa will not let you list a phone that's under contract.

Why is that? It's good to know for sure though. Thanks.

CZ Eddie said:
Why is that? It's good to know for sure though. Thanks.
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See 5th bullet point > https://swappa.com/faq/devices/listing_device_criteria

If you pay the phone off then you can sell it on swappa. You just cant owe money on a payment plan is what they list. Pay the phone off then sell it and you will be fine. But honestly not sure how anyone would know if the phone is on a payment plan as I believe someone else can still activate the phone, unless they changed that and will no longer let someone else activate the phone on another account if the original owner is still making payments on it. Originally the phone could be activated and used but if the original owners account went to collection then that phone would get blacklisted with that carrier for nonpayment.

Google Trade-in Program for Pixel 2 XL

I traded in my verizon Pixel XL that was a year old that was in mint condition with an unlocked bootloader. I did a factory flash of the latest factory image on my trade in before I sent in. Google is trying to tell me that my device was not factory reset and are only giving me $160 with an estimated trade in value of $400. Is anyone else having the same issue?
Is that a reasonable price for my trade in? I'm livid over this situation and they won't even send me back my old device so I can sell somewhere else.

hdirani said:
I traded in my verizon Pixel XL that was a year old that was in mint condition with an unlocked bootloader. I did a factory flash of the latest factory image on my trade in before I sent in. Google is trying to tell me that my device was not factory reset and are only giving me $160 with an estimated trade in value of $400. Is anyone else having the same issue?
Is that a reasonable price for my trade in? I'm livid over this situation and they won't even send me back my old device so I can sell somewhere else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've seen some people complain about this, so I'm just going to keep my phone. I think some people mentioned this in the below thread:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-2-xl/how-to/trade-status-post-t3691298
I also think some people mentioned issues on the Google product forums.

If they do this to me, I will NEVER buy anything from Google again.

hdirani said:
I traded in my verizon Pixel XL that was a year old that was in mint condition with an unlocked bootloader. I did a factory flash of the latest factory image on my trade in before I sent in. Google is trying to tell me that my device was not factory reset and are only giving me $160 with an estimated trade in value of $400. Is anyone else having the same issue?
Is that a reasonable price for my trade in? I'm livid over this situation and they won't even send me back my old device so I can sell somewhere else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you dont find it acceptable, call google, posting here isnt going to help you.
complain until they make it right.
and for the record, google doesnt handle the trade-ins, they are handled by third party companies.

hdirani said:
I traded in my verizon Pixel XL that was a year old that was in mint condition with an unlocked bootloader. I did a factory flash of the latest factory image on my trade in before I sent in. Google is trying to tell me that my device was not factory reset and are only giving me $160 with an estimated trade in value of $400. Is anyone else having the same issue?
Is that a reasonable price for my trade in? I'm livid over this situation and they won't even send me back my old device so I can sell somewhere else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. I made a video of me reseting my Pixel and showing the screen was perfect. I've got Google's attention with that. They called me today to say they were going to credit me 400.00. They already gave me 160 so I'm guessing I'll get 240 back.
I made a video for fear that the Pixel XL would get damaged in that shi*tty mailer. I think Google is intentionally weasling out of what they promised for trade in. Without the video, I doubt they would have credited me. I'll never trade a phone into them again. I'll just sell on Swappa.

hdirani said:
I traded in my verizon Pixel XL that was a year old that was in mint condition with an unlocked bootloader. I did a factory flash of the latest factory image on my trade in before I sent in. Google is trying to tell me that my device was not factory reset and are only giving me $160 with an estimated trade in value of $400. Is anyone else having the same issue?
Is that a reasonable price for my trade in? I'm livid over this situation and they won't even send me back my old device so I can sell somewhere else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How long till they even got it? I sent mine Nov 2.
Was your bootloader locked? I did factory reset and locked bootloader. Will be pissed if I don't get full value....it wasn't a month old.
Sent from my marlin using XDA Labs

The device was delivered October 26th. I had contacted Google support a couple of times and they told me it was stuck in shipping. On November 6 they magically received the device and valued my device at $160. I have a case open right now with Google and I disputed the charge through Synchrony Bank who Google uses for financing the new device. So right now I'm not making any payments until the dispute has been resolved.

If anyone gets burned on their trade in and didn't take pictures of their phones before sending it in let this be a lesson in a relatively unimportant part of our lives(phones). You always document everything.....and I mean everything when it there is any possibility that you will need to provide proof of something. As someone who has been through 2 natural disasters and has lost everything I have ever worked for in my life twice at a relatively young age of 34 you could have made this same mistake in something much more costly like proving damage in your residence due to a disaster or even proving fault at the scene of an accident. Pictures and video are your best tools to prevent issues. Good luck.

Not trying to hijack here but has anyone else worried that the phone would end up there with a broken screen due to the minimal return packaging?

piaa_nissan said:
Not trying to hijack here but has anyone else worried that the phone would end up there with a broken screen due to the minimal return packaging?
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Click to collapse
Yes, many have. Some even called Google. Some put the bag in a box or cardboard reinforcement. Many took pictures.

Yeah, I took a lot of pictures of the additional packaging and it being factory reset in case they want to challenge me. It's not Google that reviews the phones, it's 3rd party so I didn't trust they would do a good job

Got notice today that I am getting the full $410 for my XL trade - in! Woo hoo! Now, where's my home mini code?

wtherrell said:
Got notice today that I am getting the full $410 for my XL trade - in! Woo hoo! Now, where's my home mini code?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When did you send in your trade in?

What about leaving the bootloader unlocked? I factory reset but did not re-lock. I've read the conditions several times and nothing was said about a locked bootloader. Sure hope they don't try to gig me over that.

v12xke said:
What about leaving the bootloader unlocked? I factory reset but did not re-lock. I've read the conditions several times and nothing was said about a locked bootloader. Sure hope they don't try to gig me over that.
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That makes two of us and probably many more. Nothing said to relock....

galaxys said:
That makes two of us and probably many more. Nothing said to relock....
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There is hope. See the last 3 posts on this thread.

mademan420 said:
When did you send in your trade in?
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November 4. They received it November 8.
---------- Post added at 10:08 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:06 AM ----------
v12xke said:
What about leaving the bootloader unlocked? I factory reset but did not re-lock. I've read the conditions several times and nothing was said about a locked bootloader. Sure hope they don't try to gig me over that.
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Click to collapse
I left mine unlocked. Still got the full credit.

v12xke said:
What about leaving the bootloader unlocked? I factory reset but did not re-lock. I've read the conditions several times and nothing was said about a locked bootloader. Sure hope they don't try to gig me over that.
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I asked Google rep before sending mine in. When I told them it was a Verizon version with unlocked bootloader they told me to leave the bootloader unlocked and just worry about doing a factory reset.

wtherrell said:
I left mine unlocked. Still got the full credit.
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toknitup420 said:
I asked Google rep before sending mine in. When I told them it was a Verizon version with unlocked bootloader they told me to leave the bootloader unlocked and just worry about doing a factory reset.
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Click to collapse
Cool. Thanks for the feedback guys.

Unlocking bootloader! blacklisted/lost/not paid from Sprint/T-Mobile

Hello everyone, let's share information and experience here to find a way to unlock the bootloader on these phones

yashkoff said:
Hello everyone, let's share information and experience here to find a way to unlock the bootloader on these phones
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I'm not sure your going to get people to help you with a potentially stolen phone. Not saying or implying you did steal it
Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

jmtjr278 said:
I'm not sure your going to get people to help you with a potentially stolen phone. Not saying or implying you did steal it
Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are mistaken, almost all phones that are considered stolen or lost were actually simply not paid. The first owner uses the phone for several months, and then, in order not to pay, he begins to trick ... He writes a statement that his phone was stolen, but in fact he is selling his phone to buy used phones. Further, the seller of used phones sells these phones via the Internet site (without describing what problems he has). And what’s the result? A poor guy from Africa bought himself such a phone and got into a bad situation, he cannot use it, although he paid money for it. I just want to find help for such people with their bad phones.

There are basically two choices.
1) Get the service provider to unlock the phone. If it has been blacklisted, they are never going to unlock it. Better move on to option 2.....
2) Use some sort of third party SIM card "unlocking" service. These are notoriously risky. Some may work, but many do not. Personally I cannot give any recommendations because I have never used a service like that.

sic0048 said:
There are basically two choices.
1) Get the service provider to unlock the phone. If it has been blacklisted, they are never going to unlock it. Better move on to option 2.....
2) Use some sort of third party SIM card "unlocking" service. These are notoriously risky. Some may work, but many do not. Personally I cannot give any recommendations because I have never used a service like that.
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Click to collapse
Here is something most people do not know about a black listed phone.. If the original owner say, did not fully pay for it, then sold it anyway.. The new owner has to pay all fees including late fees, past due monthly bills in order to have the phone removed from the black list.. How do I know? Because it happened to me once.

doubledragon5 said:
Here is something most people do not know about a black listed phone.. If the original owner say, did not fully pay for it, then sold it anyway.. The new owner has to pay all fees including late fees, past due monthly bills in order to have the phone removed from the black list.. How do I know? Because it happened to me once.
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Click to collapse
flashing in edl mode, just how?