Develop Bugs

Root and bootloader questions for an XL2 from Google store going on Verizon network.

MY 2 XL unlocked arrived from google today. It's going on the Verizon network. Do I need to root and unlock the bootloader before putting in the verizon sim? Does the verizon sim prevent me from rooting and unlocking after putting it in?
Do I need to unlock the bootloader if I'm not installing a custom rom? I'm mostly interested in root for all the Tasker stuff I like my phone to do.
I'm very worried I'll do something wrong and be prevented from rooting/unlocking after putting the phone on the verizon network. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

ThirtyThirtyWin said:
MY 2 XL unlocked arrived from google today. It's going on the Verizon network. Do I need to root and unlock the bootloader before putting in the verizon sim? Does the verizon sim prevent me from rooting and unlocking after putting it in?
Do I need to unlock the bootloader if I'm not installing a custom rom? I'm mostly interested in root for all the Tasker stuff I like my phone to do.
I'm very worried I'll do something wrong and be prevented from rooting/unlocking after putting the phone on the verizon network. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google offered you two choices to buy. A Verizon version and a unlockable Google version. Which one did you buy? I would try and unlock it now. Your sim won't matter either way. If you bought the Verizon version your toast.

I am sure its unlocked as it did not come with a sim and came from Google. I hope I bought the unlocked version.

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]"

New LM-G820UM (AT&T) purchased from ebay. Using on T-Mobile and have update question

New LM-G820UM (AT&T) purchased from ebay. Using on T-Mobile and have update question
Hi all,
Grabbed a G8 Thinq for my son off ebay (which scared me but it was cheap). It's an AT&T variant but it's working just fine with T-Mobile. However, the security updates are from July and I'd like to update. I tried LG Bridge and get a "cannot check software version" error. Before I send this thing back I wanted to check here. I understand that OTA updates are super slow to arrived when you unlock and switch carriers but will I ever get one? Is there another way to update this thing?
I'm pretty Android savvy but just haven't messed around on here since my Nexus 6P days. Thanks!

sahively said:
Hi all,
Grabbed a G8 Thinq for my son off ebay (which scared me but it was cheap). It's an AT&T variant but it's working just fine with T-Mobile. However, the security updates are from July and I'd like to update. I tried LG Bridge and get a "cannot check software version" error. Before I send this thing back I wanted to check here. I understand that OTA updates are super slow to arrived when you unlock and switch carriers but will I ever get one? Is there another way to update this thing?
I'm pretty Android savvy but just haven't messed around on here since my Nexus 6P days. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There should be newer firmware kdzs that you can download and manually flash using lgup for Att variant just look it up.

antintin said:
There should be newer firmware kdzs that you can download and manually flash using lgup for Att variant just look it up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I'll do some reading on that. Appreciate the look.

Are AT&T KDZs even available? I can't find them anywhere that doesn't look like a complete scam site.

sahively said:
Are AT&T KDZs even available? I can't find them anywhere that doesn't look like a complete scam site.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T is known not to release KDZs ever, and to only provide updates to postpaid AT&T customers. I assume that's true with G8 as well. I saw those unlocked AT&T G8 on eBay for $320, but I wouldn't expect any updates, nor would I expect warranty to be honored.

TheDannemand said:
AT&T is known not to release KDZs ever, and to only provide updates to postpaid AT&T customers. I assume that's true with G8 as well. I saw those unlocked AT&T G8 on eBay for $320, but I wouldn't expect any updates, nor would I expect warranty to be honored.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welp, this baby's going back. Just ordered up a T-Mobile version for only $20 more so "hopefully" it will actually update. Thanks for the guidance.

sahively said:
Hi all,
Grabbed a G8 Thinq for my son off ebay (which scared me but it was cheap). It's an AT&T variant but it's working just fine with T-Mobile. However, the security updates are from July and I'd like to update. I tried LG Bridge and get a "cannot check software version" error. Before I send this thing back I wanted to check here. I understand that OTA updates are super slow to arrived when you unlock and switch carriers but will I ever get one? Is there another way to update this thing?
I'm pretty Android savvy but just haven't messed around on here since my Nexus 6P days. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint unlocked variant updates just fine on any carrier

sahively said:
Welp, this baby's going back. Just ordered up a T-Mobile version for only $20 more so "hopefully" it will actually update. Thanks for the guidance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile is pretty good with updates. I have T-Mobile V30 on Red Pocket GSMA (AT&T MVNO) and receive updates.
But T-Mobile phones are very hard to carrier unlock. They can only be unlocked with a T-Mobile Device Unlock app, which queries T-Mobile servers for approval. If the phone is relocked (such as after LG repair, or if you get a warranty replacement) you won't be able to unlock it again unless you're a T-Mobile customer and/or have had the phone on their service for some time (40 days postpaid, 1 year prepaid). It can't be unlocked with a code like other phones.
Like AT&T, Sprint also doesn't release KDZs, but as noted they are less restrictive about OTA updates. T-Mobile and Verizon release KDZs.
Carrier phones generally suck for the same reason that carriers generally suck: Everything they do is always designed to suck you

TheDannemand said:
T-Mobile is pretty good with updates. I have T-Mobile V30 on Red Pocket GSMA (AT&T MVNO) and receive updates.
But T-Mobile phones are very hard to carrier unlock. They can only be unlocked with a T-Mobile Device Unlock app, which queries T-Mobile servers for approval. If the phone is relocked (such as after LG repair, or if you get a warranty replacement) you won't be able to unlock it again unless you're a T-Mobile customer and/or have had the phone on their service for some time (40 days postpaid, 1 year prepaid). It can't be unlocked with a code like other phones.
Like AT&T, Sprint also doesn't release KDZs, but as noted they are less restrictive about OTA updates. T-Mobile and Verizon release KDZs.
Carrier phones generally suck for the same reason that carriers generally suck: Everything they do is always designed to suck you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah we just wait for bootloader unlock now

sahively said:
Hi all,
Grabbed a G8 Thinq for my son off ebay (which scared me but it was cheap). It's an AT&T variant but it's working just fine with T-Mobile. However, the security updates are from July and I'd like to update. I tried LG Bridge and get a "cannot check software version" error. Before I send this thing back I wanted to check here. I understand that OTA updates are super slow to arrived when you unlock and switch carriers but will I ever get one? Is there another way to update this thing?
I'm pretty Android savvy but just haven't messed around on here since my Nexus 6P days. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have a look on this thread:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg...e-released-t3958979/post81261151#post81261151
I faced the precise same situation, I was able to get the updates by moving my # to ATT prepaid.

antintin said:
Yeah we just wait for bootloader unlock now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The T-Mobile V30 has official bootloader unlock, as the only North American carrier model. I believe the same was true with V20: Just Enable OEM Unlock in Developer Settings, boot into fastboot mode (Vol- while inserting cable with phone off) and enter fastboot oem unlock. The problem is the bootloader is neutered, with fastboot flash and fastboot boot commands stripped out. So even after BL unlock fastboot cannot be be used to flash or boot TWRP. But it still relaxes the secure boot chain. So once @runningnak3d found a way to flash TWRP using Download Mode (laf) we were golden.
Of course that laf vulnerability is long since fixed. And I am sure somebody must have already checked if the T-Mobile G8 has official bootloader unlock like earlier LG phones. Right? Or are we just assuming it doesn't because other carrier models don't? I only began following the G8 threads recently, so I wouldn't know.

TheDannemand said:
The T-Mobile V30 has official bootloader unlock, as the only North American carrier model. I believe the same was true with V20: Just Enable OEM Unlock in Developer Settings, boot into fastboot mode (Vol- while inserting cable with phone off) and enter fastboot oem unlock. The problem is the bootloader is neutered, with fastboot flash and fastboot boot commands stripped out. So even after BL unlock fastboot cannot be be used to flash or boot TWRP. But it still relaxes the secure boot chain. So once @runningnak3d found a way to flash TWRP using Download Mode (laf) we were golden.
Of course that laf vulnerability is long since fixed. And I am sure somebody must have already checked if the T-Mobile G8 has official bootloader unlock like earlier LG phones. Right? Or are we just assuming it doesn't because other carrier models don't? I only began following the G8 threads recently, so I wouldn't know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No g8 has 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.

Question Flashing Generic Firmware on Unlocked ATT Pixel 6 Pro

Hi,
Can u pls let me know if it is possible to flash generic firmware(like firmware from Google Store's Pixel6 pro) on Unlocked ATT Pixel 6 Pro?
The reason I'm asking is, because i have ATT specific functionality on esim addition that prevents me to add Non- ATT esim.
Thanks

I would refer you to this link https://developers.google.com/android/images

@mindseye0803 If by unlocked you mean the bootloader is unlocked, then yes. If you merely mean it's carrier unlocked, then no - not unless you are able to unlock the bootloader as well. Keep in mind, unlocking the bootloader will fully wipe your phone including internal storage so be prepared.

roirraW edor ehT said:
@mindseye0803 If by unlocked you mean the bootloader is unlocked, then yes. If you merely mean it's carrier unlocked, then no - not unless you are able to unlock the bootloader as well. Keep in mind, unlocking the bootloader will fully wipe your phone including internal storage so be prepared.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, since it is carrier unlocked and ATT one, i can unlock the bootloader. Do i need to unlock bootloader before flashing generic firmware? Can i lock bootloader back after flashing generic firmware?
I'm ok with wiping the phone.

mindseye0803 said:
Yeah, since it is carrier unlocked and ATT one, i can unlock the bootloader. Do i need to unlock bootloader before flashing generic firmware? Can i lock bootloader back after flashing generic firmware?
I'm ok with wiping the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you say generic firmware, you just mean the official Pixel firmware Google provides, correct?
As far as I know, all the carriers use the same official firmware, and would be the same as Google provides for manual flashing.
Yes, you need to unlock the bootloader before manually flashing.

roirraW edor ehT said:
When you say generic firmware, you just mean the official Pixel firmware Google provides, correct?
As far as I know, all the carriers use the same official firmware, and would be the same as Google provides for manual flashing.
Yes, you need to unlock the bootloader before manually flashing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, when i say generic firmware, i mean Official Pixel firmware Google provides.
Yeah, i know currently there is just same official firmware but initially there were individual versions. The leftover from individual version is that while adding esim , it shows ATT specific messages and might be limiting the additon of non ATT esims.

Nothing can be "left over". If your phone has been updated to 12.1, then you have the universal/only factory firmware build available. But note that there ARE carrier specific packages installed in that firmware, the specifics of which will be selected based on whatever criteria they've decided on. Might be whose sim card is installed, or could be some hardware model code.
In other words, the procedure you are attempting to follow will not yield the results you're looking for.

Are you certain that it is SIM-unlocked? If you put in a physical sim from a different carrier, does it work?

96carboard said:
Nothing can be "left over". If your phone has been updated to 12.1, then you have the universal/only factory firmware build available. But note that there ARE carrier specific packages installed in that firmware, the specifics of which will be selected based on whatever criteria they've decided on. Might be whose sim card is installed, or could be some hardware model code.
In other words, the procedure you are attempting to follow will not yield the results you're looking for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, i was looking at options as I'm having trouble porting to US Mobile. Since this was sold as ATT branded Pixel 6 pro, carrier specific packages installed in the firmware based on hardware model code makes more sense.

96carboard said:
Are you certain that it is SIM-unlocked? If you put in a physical sim from a different carrier, does it work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, it is SIM unlocked. I'm using ATT as physical sim and Tmobile as e-sim. Earlier I had ATT as e-sim.

If you find the Att version of the Pixel 6pro, please tell me how to unlock the OEM.
如果您找到 Pixel 6pro 的 Att 版本，请告诉我如何解锁 OEM。

决明55 said:
如果您找到 Pixel 6pro 的 Att 版本，请告诉我如何解锁 OEM。
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Translated
If you find an Att version of the Pixel 6pro, please tell me how to unlock the OEM.

Nergal di Cuthah said:
Translated
If you find an Att version of the Pixel 6pro, please tell me how to unlock the OEM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has to be unlocked by ATT after device payoff and 6 months of continuous service.

决明55 said:
如果您找到 Pixel 6pro 的 Att 版本，请告诉我如何解锁 OEM。
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlock a Phone or Device - AT&T Device Unlock Portal
www.att.com