Does anyone know definitively if a non-VZW pixel gets activated with VZW, does the bootloader become non-unlockable?
DevADX said:
Does anyone know definitively if a non-VZW pixel gets activated with VZW, does the bootloader become non-unlockable?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't.
Just did that myself. I put in the Vzw sim, have service and bootloader remains unlockable.
wtherrell said:
It doesn't.
Just did that myself. I put in the Vzw sim, have service and bootloader remains unlockable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this true even after VZW OTA update? I'm thinking about buying an used Pixel but want to be certain that the bootloader is unlockable.
DevADX said:
Is this true even after VZW OTA update? I'm thinking about buying an used Pixel but want to be certain that the bootloader is unlockable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That, I don't know. I have not taken a Vzw ota in years.
DevADX said:
Is this true even after VZW OTA update? I'm thinking about buying an used Pixel but want to be certain that the bootloader is unlockable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Google phone on VZ. It stays unlocked no matter what you do.
TonikJDK said:
I have a Google phone on VZ. It stays unlocked no matter what you do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So just to confirm, as long as it's not a Verizon variant of the Pixel, even if it's running stock VZW ROM & has received OTA updates while the bootloader is locked, it's still unlockable? I'd feel more confident buying an used one if this is the case; just need to confirm the SKU prior to purchasing.
nothing you do (besides manually relocking the device) will re-lock the bootloader.
My google bought xl runs a full verizon image.
Is there another way to differentiate the VZW & non-VZW Pixels besides the SKU on the box?
DevADX said:
So just to confirm, as long as it's not a Verizon variant of the Pixel, even if it's running stock VZW ROM & has received OTA updates while the bootloader is locked, it's still unlockable? I'd feel more confident buying an used one if this is the case; just need to confirm the SKU prior to purchasing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The non-Verizon Pixel has nothing to do with Verizon. The only thing Verizon about a non-Verizon variant is the Verizon sim card you put in. You mentioned it running a Verizon ROM however...the only way to have the Verizon ROM on it would to have unlocked the bootloader at some point and replaced the stock android with a Verizon ROM.
markcyst said:
The non-Verizon Pixel has nothing to do with Verizon. The only thing Verizon about a non-Verizon variant is the Verizon sim card you put in. You mentioned it running a Verizon ROM however...the only way to have the Verizon ROM on it would to have unlocked the bootloader at some point and replaced the stock android with a Verizon ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I should mention that I made a USUnlocked Pixel XL be never unlockable again.
Before putting in a VZN sim, I unlocked it. Sometime after, I got tired of the warning on boot-up and locked it.
The Verizon sim or the Google Verizon Image greyed out the Developer's Option of Unlock bootloader choice.
Forever. There was no way to get that icon to become alive again. So, the VZN sim or the VZN image will not relock
your phone, but it for sure prevents you from locking and unlocking it again. Felt like an idiot for relocking.
michaelbsheldon said:
I should mention that I made a USUnlocked Pixel XL be never unlockable again.
Before putting in a VZN sim, I unlocked it. Sometime after, I got tired of the warning on boot-up and locked it.
The Verizon sim or the Google Verizon Image greyed out the Developer's Option of Unlock bootloader choice.
Forever. There was no way to get that icon to become alive again. So, the VZN sim or the VZN image will not relock
your phone, but it for sure prevents you from locking and unlocking it again. Felt like an idiot for relocking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait a minute. You are leaving out some very pertinent information.
1. Was this a Google phone or a Verizon phone
2. Did you unlock with depixel 8 or not
3. After you locked the bootloader did you slide the switch over in dev options
This is the first I heard anything like that happening. If this is a Google phone then you can certainly return it stating what happened. You bought a developer device and somehow it became a consumer phone. That sounds like a warranty return to me.
bobby janow said:
Wait a minute. You are leaving out some very pertinent information.
1. Was this a Google phone or a Verizon phone
2. Did you unlock with depixel 8 or not
3. After you locked the bootloader did you slide the switch over in dev options
This is the first I heard anything like that happening. If this is a Google phone then you can certainly return it stating what happened. You bought a developer device and somehow it became a consumer phone. That sounds like a warranty return to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.) Bought directly from Google.
2.) Unlocked just after opening box and getting on Wi-Fi.
3.) Yes, after locking it, I enabled Dev Options and slid that slider back to locked stock status.
I basically ruined the phone for tinkering. Because it was locked, I could not go back to an Android version
that could be unlocked with depixel8.
michaelbsheldon said:
I should mention that I made a USUnlocked Pixel XL be never unlockable again.
Before putting in a VZN sim, I unlocked it. Sometime after, I got tired of the warning on boot-up and locked it.
The Verizon sim or the Google Verizon Image greyed out the Developer's Option of Unlock bootloader choice.
Forever. There was no way to get that icon to become alive again. So, the VZN sim or the VZN image will not relock
your phone, but it for sure prevents you from locking and unlocking it again. Felt like an idiot for relocking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
michaelbsheldon said:
1.) Bought directly from Google.
2.) Unlocked just after opening box and getting on Wi-Fi.
3.) Yes, after locking it, I enabled Dev Options and slid that slider back to locked stock status.
I basically ruined the phone for tinkering. Because it was locked, I could not go back to an Android version
that could be unlocked with depixel8.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is concerning. So does this mean a Verizon SIM permanently locks all Pixel variants regardless whether it's a Google one or Verizon one?
michaelbsheldon said:
VZN sim or the VZN image will not relock your phone, but it for sure prevents you from locking and unlocking it again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I were to buy an used non-VZW Pixel that was activated with VZW, then the bootloader is no longer unlockable (given that it's stock & locked) even if I'll be using it with another carrier?
DevADX said:
This is concerning. So does this mean a Verizon SIM permanently locks all Pixel variants regardless whether it's a Google one or Verizon one?
If I were to buy an used non-VZW Pixel that was activated with VZW, then the bootloader is no longer unlockable even if I'll be using it with another carrier?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, in my experience. But I’m just 1 gumbah on 1 phone.
Maybe someone with HTC knowledge can tell us..
michaelbsheldon said:
1.) Bought directly from Google.
2.) Unlocked just after opening box and getting on Wi-Fi.
3.) Yes, after locking it, I enabled Dev Options and slid that slider back to locked stock status.
I basically ruined the phone for tinkering. Because it was locked, I could not go back to an Android version
that could be unlocked with depixel8.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So on your dev options under the grayed out oem unlock, what does it say? Depixel8 was only meant for Verizon phones not Google ones.
Have you tried calling Google? Because even on wifi only, no sim, you bought a device that you could unlock and develop with. Somehow that device malfunctioned and you deserve a replacement. It's as simple as that imo.
I don't believe this to be common. In fact I've never heard of this happening before.
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers Legacy app
bobby janow said:
So on your dev options under the grayed out oem unlock, what does it say? Depixel8 was only meant for Verizon phones not Google ones.
Have you tried calling Google? Because even on wifi only, no sim, you bought a device that you could unlock and develop with. Somehow that device malfunctioned and you deserve a replacement. It's as simple as that imo.
I don't believe this to be common. In fact I've never heard of this happening before.
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't call Google. It's now on a family T-Mobile line and still can't be unlocked. She likes it as it is.
michaelbsheldon said:
Didn't call Google. It's now on a family T-Mobile line and still can't be unlocked. She likes it as it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get that. I don't unlock my bootloader and I'm perfectly happy too.
But you are correct, it's ruined for tinkering. Think in the future for a few. What about when you get a new device for the family member and yourself. Now you have a great device you can play with to either test stuff or mess with new roms or images. But you can't.
Just sayin. But it's always good for a trade in. I'd love to hear if this has happened to anyone else.
Sent from my Pixel using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Related
I'm getting a VZ Pixel XL (hold the "you're buying it from where" comments, please) because I need to move rather quickly from a Note 7 to a less hostile phone. I'm paying full price, so I can avoid VZ's 2-year lockdown via contract. I'm hearing that, even for those that ordered right away from Google, their deliveries are extending into November, and I need a new phone before then (even assuming the reordering process reopened).
Is it possible to put the Stock Google Pixel software on this phone (assuming, if I understand this correctly, that either someone figures out how to unlock the bootloader, or VZ lets me do it, since I own the whole phone)?
I don't fully understand this 'locked bootloader' thing, even though I've been reading XDA for quite a while, so I don't even know if I'll attempt to do this - for now my question is academic. "Can it be done?"
Verizon locked the bootloader and I am not sure if @jcase or @beaups will try to unlock the bootloader. The phone has yet to be released. It has HTC drivers and we will in the near future find out if it can be unlocked or not. Jcase mentioned to buy the google phone from google if you want unlocked bootloader.
Right now, if you want a solid unlockable/rootable Verizon phone get a HTC 10, either unlocked do s-off and convert or buy Verizon and s-off it.
Verizon Pixel will NOT be unlockable, odds of it getting unlocked is unknown.
You won't be able to flash teh Google edition firmware without s-off/unlock, which it is unkown if we will see that.
Thanks for the information. It's not crucial that I put the Google software in it - more of a curious question for me. The few times I rooted a phone was to install BusyBox or Titanium; I really didn't fully exploit what root can do, lest I create a brick.
Given that I need to get into something *right now*, I can put up with VZW's, er, 'idiosyncrasies' to get what I want right away, and out of the Note 7.
n4ogl said:
Thanks for the information. It's not crucial that I put the Google software in it - more of a curious question for me. The few times I rooted a phone was to install BusyBox or Titanium; I really didn't fully exploit what root can do, lest I create a brick.
Given that I need to get into something *right now*, I can put up with VZW's, er, 'idiosyncrasies' to get what I want right away, and out of the Note 7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Pixel you buy from Verizon has the "google software" . The only two differences it has from the one sold directly from Google is a locked bootloader and several Verizon apps that can be uninstalled. The locked bootloader will prevent you from installing custom software or rooting.
Didn't the Nexus 6 purchased from Google direct come with a locked bootloader? Same as the one bought from Verizon direct. What makes anyone think the Pixel will be any different? They all come locked....
Sent from my SM-N930V using Tapatalk
neyenlives said:
Didn't the Nexus 6 purchased from Google direct come with a locked bootloader? Same as the one bought from Verizon direct. What makes anyone think the Pixel will be any different? They all come locked....
Sent from my SM-N930V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
perhaps this.
neyenlives said:
Didn't the Nexus 6 purchased from Google direct come with a locked bootloader? Same as the one bought from Verizon direct. What makes anyone think the Pixel will be any different? They all come locked....
Sent from my SM-N930V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All bootloaders are locked when shipped. The difference is the Verizon bootloader will be encrypted, rendering it unlockable without the key.
It was all just an illusion
jcase said:
Right now, if you want a solid unlockable/rootable Verizon phone get a HTC 10, either unlocked do s-off and convert or buy Verizon and s-off it.
Verizon Pixel will NOT be unlockable, odds of it getting unlocked is unknown.
You won't be able to flash teh Google edition firmware without s-off/unlock, which it is unkown if we will see that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@jcase what are the odds of both the Google sold Pixel and VZW sold Pixel having the exact same hardware and software out of the box and then the process of activating either phone on VZW is what renders the bootloader not unlockable (not sure if this is even possible), pushes the bloat from the play store (that can be done) and controls the software update process (this can be done as well)?
If this is true, then buying a Pixel from VZW and activating it on a non-VZW network would be the equivalent of buying it from Google.
uicnren said:
perhaps this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I don't see that as evidence until it's in hand. We all know nobody at Verizon that we have ever talked to has ever understood the difference between carrier lock and bootloader lock. At this point it's all speculation because a Verizon rep isn't a reliable source.
Sent from my SM-N930V using Tapatalk
neyenlives said:
Yeah I don't see that as evidence until it's in hand. We all know nobody at Verizon that we have ever talked to has ever understood the difference between carrier lock and bootloader lock. At this point it's all speculation because a Verizon rep isn't a reliable source.
Sent from my SM-N930V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the evidence in hand, I've been studying the firmware for weeks
Does anybody think that vzw will block features in their phones that will not be in a Google bought phone?
Sent from my SGP771 using Tapatalk
I bought an XL from Verizon outright (paying full retail) because I use straightalk. My question is did I hurt myself by getting it through Verizon? Does Verizon somehow lock down the device or cause OTA updates to come from Verizon? Are there other pitfalls like rooting or unlocking the bootloader?
I don't think you can unlock the bootloader from Verizon
Read around. You can unlock the bootloader from Verizon.
...yup they figured how to unlock the Verizon phones now. So other than that I don't know of any other differences
nbhadusia said:
Read around. You can unlock the bootloader from Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did see that but if I understood it correctly that may change after the next update.
I have had nothing but Nexus phones since the Galaxy so I got used to cutting edge ROMs without having to jump through hoops.
I think, to be safe, I am returning it to Verizon and buy one from Google. I will have to eat a $30ish restocking fee.
Riley Martin said:
I did see that but if I understood it correctly that may change after the next update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But since your bootloader is unlocked you can flash whatever you want... Therefore you will have to manually update the phone monthly to stay up to date, but you can and that's the big plus. As for SIM unlock, Verizon doesn't lock any of there LTE phones
TechBSwift said:
But since your bootloader is unlocked you can flash whatever you want... Therefore you will have to manually update the phone monthly to stay up to date, but you can and that's the big plus. As for SIM unlock, Verizon doesn't lock any of there LTE phones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, correct me if I am wrong, once I unlock the bootloader I have the same abilities with the Pixel as I had with the other Nexus phones (5, 6, 6p, etc...)? I am used to having it unlocked, rooted, and install updates manually so I am very comfortable with that process. My only reason for rooting is Xposed.
Very small window we got for unlocking Verizon Pixels. Now that they are all back-ordered, if you order from Verizon, you have to hope that they don't ship with November updates. If they do, those of us that are waiting are all out of luck, unless another method is found.
spotmark said:
Very small window we got for unlocking Verizon Pixels. Now that they are all back-ordered, if you order from Verizon, you have to hope that they don't ship with November updates. If they do, those of us that are waiting are all out of luck, unless another method is found.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine will be here Tuesday so I should be safe
What Spotmark said.
If you want an unlocked bootloader then buy from Google or T-Mobile.
You can unlock the Verizon Bootloader *today* but don't ever take an OTA update in the future without first checking the boards to see if unlocked bootloader gets lost somehow.
CZ Eddie said:
What Spotmark said.
If you want an unlocked bootloader then buy from Google or T-Mobile.
You can unlock the Verizon Bootloader *today* but don't ever take an OTA update in the future without first checking the boards to see if unlocked bootloader gets lost somehow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
since when can you buy a Pixel from T-Mobile?
wase4711 said:
since when can you buy a Pixel from T-Mobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Technically you buy it from Google and bring it to T-Mobile who gives you a huge money incentive, something like half your payments.
https://newsroom.t-mobile.com/news-and-blogs/pixel-offer.htm
13 dollars a month for 24 months; not that "huge" of a money incentive..
plus, you arent buying it from T mobile, its from Google..
The way I understand it (and I could be wrong) is that once you apply depixel8 to a verizon model, it breaks whatever verizon implemented preventing a bootloader unlock. After that, you can unlock the bootloader just like a GS version. There are no guarantees verizon won't be able to reengage the lock, but it seemed like Jcase and Firewaterdevs made it sound like once you run depixel 8 before the next update, the bootloader should remain unlockable. If that November patch is applied before depixel8 is, then it's locked. I don't think the November update will be able to reengage the lockout. So like the above, always check the boards first to find out what's safe and not.
I am getting quite confused about if the Pixel 2 XL for verizon is unlockable and rootable, or if its not?
There are so many thread saying that it is with guides and some that say it is impossible.
Can anyone tell me if its possible? I recently purchased one of these phones via ebay and it was suppose to be google unblocked but its verizon.
So I am wondering if its worth keeping or returning for the unlocked one.
Thanks
js2shanks said:
I am getting quite confused about if the Pixel 2 XL for verizon is unlockable and rootable, or if its not?
There are so many thread saying that it is with guides and some that say it is impossible.
Can anyone tell me if its possible? I recently purchased one of these phones via ebay and it was suppose to be google unblocked but its verizon.
So I am wondering if its worth keeping or returning for the unlocked one.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go dev options and see if bootloader unlock is greyed out, if so no unlock for you
p70shooter said:
Go dev options and see if bootloader unlock is greyed out, if so no unlock for you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so the one exploit using abd does not work on it?
it is indeed grayed out
js2shanks said:
so the one exploit using abd does not work on it?
it is indeed grayed out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No unlocked bootloader for you then.
p70shooter said:
No unlocked bootloader for you then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my dreams of leaving the note 8 are crushed=(
thank you for the information
p70shooter said:
No unlocked bootloader for you then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You big meanie!! ??????
Badger50 said:
You big meanie!! ??????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
??
js2shanks said:
so the one exploit using abd does not work on it?
it is indeed grayed out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could try it for a bit before dumping it. You may find that you can disable the apps you don't
like and customize it enough to not miss root apps. The P2 XL is actually a great phone out of the box.
Great daily user with strong battery.
michaelbsheldon said:
You could try it for a bit before dumping it. You may find that you can disable the apps you don't
like and customize it enough to not miss root apps. The P2 XL is actually a great phone out of the box.
Great daily user with strong battery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really would love to but I want that xposed youtube adaway among other things haha
js2shanks said:
I really would love to but I want that xposed youtube adaway among other things haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is an app called Virtual Xposed on github, which is basically a rootless Xposed module in a virtual enviornment on the phone, which can do that for you.
I am really gonna test that right now on my note.
If that works I love you man
Not going to help you, but I heard some people were able to unlock the bootloader by turning phone on , not inserting SIM card, & oem unlocking wasn't greyed out. Something about the phone connecting to vzw made the oem unlocking greyed out. I'm sure if that was still working would here more about it
sjpritch25 said:
Not going to help you, but I heard some people were able to unlock the bootloader by turning phone on , not inserting SIM card, & oem unlocking wasn't greyed out. Something about the phone connecting to vzw made the oem unlocking greyed out. I'm sure if that was still working would here more about it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It still works, just only a few people tried it. Lmao
Lol
MColbath said:
It still works, just only a few people tried it. Lmao
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not true. It only worked one person's refurb unit. Quit lying or you'll be sued for liable and slander lol what's up man? Sucks that we haven't found a root option
GokuSSJgod said:
That's not true. It only worked one person's refurb unit. Quit lying or you'll be sued for liable and slander lol what's up man? Sucks that we haven't found a root option
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before the first boot the device doesn't have any configuration from Verizon. The only difference between the Google and Verizon model is that there is a pre-installed sim card in it. So, if you were to take the sim card out it wouldn't be recognized as a verizon phone and thus you would be able to unlock the bootloader. The only reason so few people get to unlock the bootloader is because the employee at Verizon turns the phone on in the store and activate it registering the device with Verizon.
MColbath said:
Before the first boot the device doesn't have any configuration from Verizon. The only difference between the Google and Verizon model is that there is a pre-installed sim card in it. So, if you were to take the sim card out it wouldn't be recognized as a verizon phone and thus you would be able to unlock the bootloader. The only reason so few people get to unlock the bootloader is because the employee at Verizon turns the phone on in the store and activate it registering the device with Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that were true the Google phones would lock if they were first started with a VZ SIM in it. Mine didn't, nor did anyone else's.
TonikJDK said:
If that were true the Google phones would lock if they were first started with a VZ SIM in it. Mine didn't, nor did anyone else's.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I might be wrong because I don't know exactly how the activation process goes but it mostly has to do with imei being registered with Verizon. Which doesn't happen when you buy them directly from Google. I mean they both have the same model number and the software version you have when you get the phone has nothing to do with the oem lock being greyed out. Actually, it might also be the serial for a pre-installed sim card has a different activation process then one that isn't, although that is unlikely.
MColbath said:
Well, I might be wrong because I don't know exactly how the activation process goes but it mostly has to do with imei being registered with Verizon. Which doesn't happen when you buy them directly from Google. I mean they both have the same model number and the software version you have when you get the phone has nothing to do with the oem lock being greyed out. Actually, it might also be the serial for a pre-installed sim card has a different activation process then one that isn't, although that is unlikely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Other way around.All the phones are registered with Google. They all ship locked. The phone on first boot contacts Google to see if it has permission to unlock, if it is a Google phone it gets permission. If it is a VZ phone it doesn't. It has nothing to do with what SIM is in it. The few VZ phones that do unlock are because Google messed up and entered it as a Google phone.
We have seen and captured the packets as they go to the Google server, it is very clear what is happening.
No offense, but a lot of us have known this for a long time. Since early on in the OG Pixel days. We have explained it time and time again. When we do we get grief for it, which I will get any second now by someone that just got a mislabeld Verizon phone and it unlocked for them. They have no idea how but now they are an expert.
That's why no one is really trying to unlock the phone or help. Nothing but grief if you do. Same reason many of the ROM developers have left xda.
TonikJDK said:
If that were true the Google phones would lock if they were first started with a VZ SIM in it. Mine didn't, nor did anyone else's.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I pulled my VZW sim from my 6P and dropped it in the 2 XL prior to first boot and I'm still unlocked and never got any of the VZW crap for the two weeks I remained 100% stock.
So I'm thinking that theory can't be reverse engineered...
I originally bought a Pixel 3 XL to take me in the future. Aside from getting the newest updates and newest operating systems for the next 2/3 years, I've always found these devices to be The easiest to unlock, root and mod.
My plan was too keep Android stock until Google announced that it wouldn't do further updates then I would unlock bootloader, root and mod. However I have been reading on the forums how some providers are fixing exploits that would not allow us to mod the phone (mostly verizon). This makes me question if it is worth waiting.
I am currently with bell Canada. Does anyone have any experience with Bell and there willingness to block unlocking and rooting? Should I be worried that bell will fix these exploits in the future? Has anyone unlocked the bootloader with bell yet or run into any issues when doing it with bell?
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
If you bought the phone FROM Google, carrier shouldn't be able to enforce a lockdown. If you got it from your carrier you may not be able to unlock it at all. The Verizon/Best Buy versions are not unlockable but the Google Store ones are, even when being used on Verizon's network.
You can unlock the bootloader and not root, but you may lose access to some apps due to SafetyNet checks. Android Pay I believe is one that won't work, Pokemon Go, Netflix used to, not sure if they still do or not. If you unlock your bootloader and root, then install Magisk or similar, I believe you can spoof SafetyNet and get around that. If you don't have any concerns with SafetyNet you could just unlock and root later.
If the phone is from Google as far as I know it will always be unlockable no matter what so the only risk of waiting is that you'll have to wipe when you unlock it. I haven't rooted since my Pixel XL 1 so I'm not up on the current processes. Rooting may still require a wipe beyond the one induced by unlocking the bootloader.
Clarification. Bootloader unlock depends on one thing, did it come from Google or did it come from a carrier that bootloader locks it.
There is no exploit needed to unlock a Google phone. There is no exploit available for any that the carrier locked, such as Verizon in the US.
Google will not lock their versions, they support bootloader unlocking.
It is my understanding that Bell sells a pure Google version.
What are the first two numbers of your IMEI? If it is 99 you are good to go.
Downside to waiting is that unlocking causes a full wipe, there is no avoiding that.
Mine was bought through Bell. The imei starts with 35. I should have looked into this further before I bought the phone. I didn't realize pixel s were carrier locked like that. I'm going to have to try to unlock the bootloader sooner then I expected just to be safe.
Thanks for the help.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
icanrule said:
Mine was bought through Bell. The imei starts with 35. I should have looked into this further before I bought the phone. I didn't realize pixel s were carrier locked like that. I'm going to have to try to unlock the bootloader sooner then I expected just to be safe.
Thanks for the help.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've heard that some of the European providers sim lock their device until it's paid off. They then carrier unlock it and sometimes allow bl unlock. I have no idea what the IMEI number is, however. If you're only unlocking for future device support after 3 years I wouldn't worry about it much. You'll probably have a new device by then hopefully. The only other option is to sell it now while it's relatively new and purchase a Google branded one. General consensus is that there will not be an exploit in order to allow bl unlock on these devices. It will probably cost you about $100 on the swap. I lost close to $150 on my Pixel 3 this week and it was mint condition.
I have a Virgin Mobile Pixel 3 XL & just unlocked bootloader after reading this. Since Bell & Virgin basically same company and carry the same phones you should be good! (IMEI Starts with 35)
TonikJDK said:
Clarification. Bootloader unlock depends on one thing, did it come from Google or did it come from a carrier that bootloader locks it.
There is no exploit needed to unlock a Google phone. There is no exploit available for any that the carrier locked, such as Verizon in the US.
Google will not lock their versions, they support bootloader unlocking.
It is my understanding that Bell sells a pure Google version.
What are the first two numbers of your IMEI? If it is 99 you are good to go.
Downside to waiting is that unlocking causes a full wipe, there is no avoiding that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am currently looking into getting the Rogers version. Is the bootloader unlockable and that version rootable? I am not sure what the IMEI would start with either.
Also is the carrier locking the bootloader different the lock which fastboot commands unlock?
spncr_wu said:
I am currently looking into getting the Rogers version. Is the bootloader unlockable and that version rootable? I am not sure what the IMEI would start with either.
Also is the carrier locking the bootloader different the lock which fastboot commands unlock?
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Yes carrier locking and bootloader locking are different. Carrier locks mean you can only use that phone on one network, bootloader lock controls the software on the phone.
It's mildly confusing because some carriers also restrict bootloader unlocking (like Verizon).
fury683 said:
Yes carrier locking and bootloader locking are different. Carrier locks mean you can only use that phone on one network, bootloader lock controls the software on the phone.
It's mildly confusing because some carriers also restrict bootloader unlocking (like Verizon).
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I was asking about the bootloader restriction. So for the Verizon version what is limiting it's ability to be rooted? No exploit yet?
spncr_wu said:
I was asking about the bootloader restriction. So for the Verizon version what is limiting it's ability to be rooted? No exploit yet?
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The software checks the IMEI against a database to see if it is unlockable or not. When you first boot the phone if you try to turn on OEM unlocking in settings it requires a network connection in order to verify the IMEI on that list. If it's a blocked carrier (like Verizon) it won't let you turn it on (it gets grayed out).
Exploits were found for previous Pixel devices but I don't know if anyone is pursing them anymore.
If I buy from Google and set it up with Sprint, can I root?
I'm currently on HTCU11, and thought it was one of the most recent you could root of using Qualcomm phones.
You can root this even if it's using Qualcomm chip?
spncr_wu said:
I was asking about the bootloader restriction. So for the Verizon version what is limiting it's ability to be rooted? No exploit yet?
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mcwups1 said:
If I buy from Google and set it up with Sprint, can I root?
I'm currently on HTCU11, and thought it was one of the most recent you could root of using Qualcomm phones.
You can root this even if it's using Qualcomm chip?
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If you buy from Google you can unlock and root no matter what carrier you use the device on. The carrier imposed bootloader locks are only imposed on phones sold by that carrier, not any phone used on that carrier's network.
fury683 said:
The software checks the IMEI against a database to see if it is unlockable or not. When you first boot the phone if you try to turn on OEM unlocking in settings it requires a network connection in order to verify the IMEI on that list. If it's a blocked carrier (like Verizon) it won't let you turn it on (it gets grayed out).
Exploits were found for previous Pixel devices but I don't know if anyone is pursing them anymore.
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This is good news because I have oem unlocking available in settings and was able to toggle the option. I may try to unlock the bootloader in the next week because Bell is big and I don't trust them. It may be unlocking now but may not be in the future.
I hate living in fear like this.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
bobby janow said:
I've heard that some of the European providers sim lock their device until it's paid off. They then carrier unlock it and sometimes allow bl unlock. I have no idea what the IMEI number is, however. If you're only unlocking for future device support after 3 years I wouldn't worry about it much. You'll probably have a new device by then hopefully. The only other option is to sell it now while it's relatively new and purchase a Google branded one. General consensus is that there will not be an exploit in order to allow bl unlock on these devices. It will probably cost you about $100 on the swap. I lost close to $150 on my Pixel 3 this week and it was mint condition.
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I'm Canada we get robbed here. My cellphone costs 1300 off contract, and according to eBay (if it's reliable) I can only get 1000 for it. That is a pretty big loss to me.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
I am happy to say that I was able to unlock the boot loader and reboot the phone. We now know that Bell Canada Pixel 3 XL can have the bootloader unlocked.
It appears that my Pixel 3a XL, bought from Google, is now locked after using a Verizon SIM. Has this happened to anyone else? Is there a way around this? The OEM bootloader is now grayed out and nothing I've seen posted to unlock the phone works.
I thought that if you bought the phone from Google, it wasn't supposed to be locked - little did I know.
If anyone knows of a way to unlock the bootloader so I can root the phone, please let me know.
THanks!
Sry brother Verizon won the rights in court to lock phones to it's network for 90 days. Only thing u can do is call and ask them to unlock it if u get someone nice enuff they might. Other than that ur stuck for 90 days unless u default on a bill for Verizon then it's forever.
Mech8 said:
Sry brother Verizon won the rights in court to lock phones to it's network for 90 days. Only thing u can do is call and ask them to unlock it if u get someone nice enuff they might. Other than that ur stuck for 90 days unless u default on a bill for Verizon then it's forever.
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He's referring to the bootloader being locked, not carrier locked.
spotmark said:
He's referring to the bootloader being locked, not carrier locked.
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Yes sir unfortunately when Verizon locks your phone they lock your bootloader also
Mech8 said:
Yes sir unfortunately when Verizon locks your phone they lock your bootloader also
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Mine didn't lock when I put my Verizon SIM in it.
spotmark said:
Mine didn't lock when I put my Verizon SIM in it.
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That's awesome I don't know how you did it I had a pixel 3XL, a pixel 3 and a Pixel 3A and once added to account and SIM inserted all bootloaders locked. Or maybe it has something to do with additional lines or adding lines I don't know. But thanks for letting me know.
Is there any fix to this. I'm experiencing same issue
ookami007 said:
It appears that my Pixel 3a XL, bought from Google, is now locked after using a Verizon SIM. Has this happened to anyone else? Is there a way around this? The OEM bootloader is now grayed out and nothing I've seen posted to unlock the phone works.
I thought that if you bought the phone from Google, it wasn't supposed to be locked - little did I know.
If anyone knows of a way to unlock the bootloader so I can root the phone, please let me know.
THanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You did not state which model number you bought from Google. Just because you bought it from the Google store does not mean it comes unlocked. There are at least two variants of the 3a XL in the US. If you purchased the Verizon variant it will be bootloader locked. If you bought the Google unlocked version (clearly marked on the purchase page) you will easily be able to unlock the bootloader. In fastboot mode go to "Barcodes" and report the first few digits of your IMEI (MEID), your SKU and your Serial number. If confirm for yourself that did purchase a Google unlocked version, do a factory reset and try a SIM from another carrier upon first boot. Go into dev settings and the toggle for OEM unlock should be available. Note: this should not be necessary because once your device "phones home" (even with your Verizon SIM) and checks your IMEI against a whitelist (finding Google unlocked device) your OEM toggle should be available. More than likely you were sent a Verizon variant. In this case check your receipt. It's within the realm of possibility they made a mistake and sent you the wrong variant. It's happened before.