Bought a Pixel XL from Bestbuy. I unlocked the bootloader and disabled updates. Having second thoughts about keeping over the Google Store version. Since it's unlocked would you just keep it or flash stock, relock, and return and wait out google on my Note 3? I like flashing custom roms but don't want to have issues down the road with a bad flash and trying to fix a bootloop.
I do have a small scuff on the corner so I'm not sure if Bestbuy would even take it back.
Well, I bought mine from google store in hope for it to stay untouched from the corporate greedy hands of vzw, but unfortunately the first update I installed was vzw-exclusive update pushed to my google bought XL
On the other hand, fortunately, I already unlocked it before taking in the update, so for now I am safe. After doing a little research, it turns out that I am not the only one bought from google/fi and received vzw's 63X update.
So, pixel phones (whether bought from google/fi/bb/vzw) on vzw network is like your first used car(vzw exclusive update), you don't want it, but daddy's (vzw) gonna give it to you anyway! Therefore, personally I don't think it would be beneficial to return bb and buy from google since you gonna get the same updates anyway.
n3far1us said:
Well, I bought mine from google store in hope for it to stay untouched from the corporate greedy hands of vzw, but unfortunately the first update I installed was vzw-exclusive update pushed to my google bought XL
On the other hand, fortunately, I already unlocked it before taking in the update, so for now I am safe. After doing a little research, it turns out that I am not the only one bought from google/fi and received vzw's 63X update.
So, pixel phones (whether bought from google/fi/bb/vzw) on vzw network is like your first used car(vzw exclusive update), you don't want it, but daddy's (vzw) gonna give it to you anyway! Therefore, personally I don't think it would be beneficial to return bb and buy from google since you gonna get the same updates anyway.
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Click to collapse
If you put in Vzw sim you will get a Vzw version of the update. It's nothing sinister apparently. Just fine tunes your device to work more efficiently with the VZW network. Mostly the radios. Also you may get several VZW applications that you are free to remove or use. So chillax and enjoy. If you put in AT&T sim you will get the GSM version of the updates instead.
Bought a Google pixel xl off swappa. Says he never had the phone activated. I think I read that if a pixel is on fi it won't work on another network. Took the pixel xl to Verizon to get a new sim. They asked for the ime number. His tablet said Verizon can't activate the device or acknowledge the device because it's not a Verizon device or something. I did do a network reset in settings. Any ideas?
My Pixel XL and wife's Pixel are both Google purchased phones running on Verizon. All I did was take the sim chip out of my Google purchased Nexus 6 and put it in my Pixel XL. My wife's old phone had the wrong size sim chip so we took it into a Verizon store to get activated.
Paul1201 said:
My Pixel XL and wife's Pixel are both Google purchased phones running on Verizon. All I did was take the sim chip out of my Google purchased Nexus 6 and put it in my Pixel XL. My wife's old phone had the wrong size sim chip so we took it into a Verizon store to get activated.
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Did they ask for the ime number?
93fuelslut said:
Bought a Google pixel xl off swappa. Says he never had the phone activated. I think I read that if a pixel is on fi it won't work on another network. Took the pixel xl to Verizon to get a new sim. They asked for the ime number. His tablet said Verizon can't activate the device or acknowledge the device because it's not a Verizon device or something. I did do a network reset in settings. Any ideas?
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Click to collapse
Project Fi devices can be used on other networks as long as they have been paid for in full and the device is no longer linked to a Project Fi account. I don't know the specifics of Verizon though. If you buy a Pixel from Verizon the bootloader is locked. If you buy a Pixel anywhere else the bootloader can be unlocked. If the Verizon rep told you they wouldn't active a non Verizon device it's possible that Verizon changed their bring your own phone policy (which is something some carriers like Virgin Mobile do not allow you to do) or that they changed their policy specifically for Pixels because they don't want the unlockable versions on their network. It's also possible you got a bad customer service rep who was misinformed and that you need to call back and speak to someone else.
There are also a couple of other possibilities. You might have purchased a stolen phone that is blacklisted or that your seller is on the up and up but needs to contact Project Fi to deregister the device with them before you can register it someplace else. I've had this happen with other carriers when I sold used phones I no longer wanted to keep.
I'm thinking about selling my Pixel XL because I'm not thrilled with it and contacted Pixel support yesterday to get some info. They said there was no restriction on my selling the device (which isn't even 6 weeks old) and that the warranty from the Google Store and the extended warranty I purchased could both be transferred to the new owner.
The thing you read about Project Fi devices not being usable on other networks was a temporary glitch where they were black listing former devices in error. It isn't Project Fi policy to prevent members from taking their phones to another carrier or selling them as long as the phone has been paid for. If you purchased a Pixel through the Fi Store rather than Google you can't change carriers with that phone until its been completely paid for.
jhs39 said:
Project Fi devices can be used on other networks as long as they have been paid for in full and the device is no longer linked to a Project Fi account. I don't know the specifics of Verizon though. If you buy a Pixel from Verizon the bootloader is locked. If you buy a Pixel anywhere else the bootloader can be unlocked. If the Verizon rep told you they wouldn't active a non Verizon device it's possible that Verizon changed their bring your own phone policy (which is something some carriers like Virgin Mobile do not allow you to do) or that they changed their policy specifically for Pixels because they don't want the unlockable versions on their network. It's also possible you got a bad customer service rep who was misinformed and that you need to call back and speak to someone else.
There are also a couple of other possibilities. You might have purchased a stolen phone that is blacklisted or that your seller is on the up and up but needs to contact Project Fi to deregister the device with them before you can register it someplace else. I've had this happen with other carriers when I sold used phones I no longer wanted to keep.
I'm thinking about selling my Pixel XL because I'm not thrilled with it and contacted Pixel support yesterday to get some info. They said there was no restriction on my selling the device (which isn't even 6 weeks old) and that the warranty from the Google Store and the extended warranty I purchased could both be transferred to the new owner.
The thing you read about Project Fi devices not being usable on other networks was a temporary glitch where they were black listing former devices in error. It isn't Project Fi policy to prevent members from taking their phones to another carrier or selling them as long as the phone has been paid for. If you purchased a Pixel through the Fi Store rather than Google you can't change carriers with that phone until its been completely paid for.
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Thanks for the clarification. I'll call Verizon tech service and go from there.
93fuelslut said:
Thanks for the clarification. I'll call Verizon tech service and go from there.
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Click to collapse
Good luck.
I actually bought my pixel XL from Google, and got on a plan with Verizon. Originally they said they couldn't do it. They asked for my imei and kept telling me it wouldn't allow the phone to be activated or that it was invalid.
I knew a bit more than the Verizon rep, so i asked if he can just use his phone and Imei to activate the SIM card, and then I'd take the activated sim card and slide it into the pixel.
I had to help a friend do this also, Verizon is picky when it comes to phones not purchased from them. And they are real quick to say "since it's not a Verizon pixel it won't work", at least that's what I got multiple times
noidea24 said:
I actually bought my pixel XL from Google, and got on a plan with Verizon. Originally they said they couldn't do it. They asked for my imei and kept telling me it wouldn't allow the phone to be activated or that it was invalid.
I knew a bit more than the Verizon rep, so i asked if he can just use his phone and Imei to activate the SIM card, and then I'd take the activated sim card and slide it into the pixel.
I had to help a friend do this also, Verizon is picky when it comes to phones not purchased from them. And they are real quick to say "since it's not a Verizon pixel it won't work", at least that's what I got multiple times
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Click to collapse
I knew that was it! He kinda acted shady abt activating it. Once he entered the IMEI number do you think the phone is now flagged by Verizon on their system?
Do they have to have the IMEI number anyways?
93fuelslut said:
I knew that was it! He kinda acted shady abt activating it. Once he entered the IMEI number do you think the phone is now flagged by Verizon on their system?
Do they have to have the IMEI number anyways?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It isn't flagged. You got a VZ rep that didn't know what they were doing. Very common. Go to a corporate store, better chance of finding someone that has a clue.
TonikJDK said:
It isn't flagged. You got a VZ rep that didn't know what they were doing. Very common. Go to a corporate store, better chance of finding someone that has a clue.
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Thanks. I did go to a corporate store. Dug up a page on Reddit and alot of people are having the same experience with Verizon. I'm gonna try to re activate my Verizon n6 at Verizon, activate it, and pop that Sim in my pixel XL
93fuelslut said:
Thanks. I did go to a corporate store. Dug up a page on Reddit and alot of people are having the same experience with Verizon. I'm gonna try to re activate my Verizon n6 at Verizon, activate it, and pop that Sim in my pixel XL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That will work perfectly for you.
I got my Pixel yesterday, from VZW, it was the last one they had. I dropped it this morning, which cracked the screen, and was thinking of getting one from Gooble. So I can unlock the bootloader, I prefer my own Android builds, even though there's really not a lot of bloatware on this device and it is running Andy 8.0 DP3.
I'm on the fence, I cannot get by without a phone, friends are recommending many different devices (so I will develop some ROMs, of course), but I really want a Pixel and Verizon is my only option for a carrier...
@93fuelslut, let us know if you get yours going :good:
NepoRood said:
I got my Pixel yesterday, from VZW, it was the last one they had. I dropped it this morning, which cracked the screen, and was thinking of getting one from Gooble. So I can unlock the bootloader, I prefer my own Android builds, even though there's really not a lot of bloatware on this device and it is running Andy 8.0 DP3.
I'm on the fence, I cannot get by without a phone, friends are recommending many different devices (so I will develop some ROMs, of course), but I really want a Pixel and Verizon is my only option for a carrier...
@93fuelslut, let us know if you get yours going :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will. Gotta do the father's day stuff in a few and then I'll stop by to activate my Verizon n6. I think it's a easy activation, it's just the Reps and their sales tactics. I have read that the Verizon Pixel can't be unlocked now with the new update. Just a heads up
NepoRood said:
I got my Pixel yesterday, from VZW, it was the last one they had. I dropped it this morning, which cracked the screen, and was thinking of getting one from Gooble. So I can unlock the bootloader, I prefer my own Android builds, even though there's really not a lot of bloatware on this device and it is running Andy 8.0 DP3.
I'm on the fence, I cannot get by without a phone, friends are recommending many different devices (so I will develop some ROMs, of course), but I really want a Pixel and Verizon is my only option for a carrier...
@93fuelslut, let us know if you get yours going :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your broke Pixel was on VZ? You are done, just put that sim in the new one. That is how I did my Google Pixel XL. Took the Sim out of my Nexus 6 and put it in my Pixel. Never even talked to VZ.
TonikJDK said:
Your broke Pixel was on VZ? You are done, just put that sim in the new one. That is how I did my Google Pixel XL. Took the Sim out of my Nexus 6 and put it in my Pixel. Never even talked to VZ.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I was thinking, even though, I have to go back to Verizon to return the broken one
I'm currently negotiating with an Amazon seller...
TonikJDK said:
Your broke Pixel was on VZ? You are done, just put that sim in the new one. That is how I did my Google Pixel XL. Took the Sim out of my Nexus 6 and put it in my Pixel. Never even talked to VZ.
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Click to collapse
I'm glad you stated that
NepoRood said:
That's what I was thinking, even though, I have to go back to Verizon to return the broken one
I'm currently negotiating with an Amazon seller...
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Click to collapse
Be careful. I bought my first Nexus 6P from an Amazon seller and she was a scammer --although her feedback looked good when I made the purchase. She provided a tracking number and the day it was supposed to arrive I anxiously waited. Then I got a text that the package was delivered but I had no package. Initially I thought UPS had misdelivered the package but then I noticed that according to the tracking number it had been delivered to a completely different state. I checked her feedback again and found she had done the exact same thing to a bunch of other buyers. When she wouldn't return any messages and her feedback kept going down it was apparent she was a scammer. I reported her to Amazon and it took them two weeks to suspend her account --during which time she sold at least 30 more phones. It also took forever to get a refund from Amazon since it involved a fraud investigation. I'm much more careful with third party sellers on Amazon, particularly for anything expensive although third party sellers offering cheap Chinese knock off products are also very common on Amazon. Like I said, be careful. People have reported buying new computers from third party sellers on Amazon that had bootleg versions of Windows installed with a key generator program that was still installed on the computer.
jhs39 said:
Be careful. I bought my first Nexus 6P from an Amazon seller and she was a scammer --although her feedback looked good when I made the purchase. She provided a tracking number and the day it was supposed to arrive I anxiously waited. Then I got a text that the package was delivered but I had no package. Initially I thought UPS had misdelivered the package but then I noticed that according to the tracking number it had been delivered to a completely different state. I checked her feedback again and found she had done the exact same thing to a bunch of other buyers. When she wouldn't return any messages and her feedback kept going down it was apparent she was a scammer. I reported her to Amazon and it took them two weeks to suspend her account --during which time she sold at least 30 more phones. It also took forever to get a refund from Amazon since it involved a fraud investigation. I'm much more careful with third party sellers on Amazon, particularly for anything expensive although third party sellers offering cheap Chinese knock off products are also very common on Amazon. Like I said, be careful. People have reported buying new computers from third party sellers on Amazon that had bootleg versions of Windows installed with a key generator program that was still installed on the computer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you know if it's a 3rd party?
Activating my Nexus 6 at Verizon then using that same sim to power my pixel XL worked like a charm.
93fuelslut said:
Activating my Nexus 6 at Verizon then using that same sim to power my pixel XL worked like a charm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, congrats.
So i recently noticed that they made a “Google Edition” of the Pixel XL. However I can seem to find out what the difference is between the Google Edition and the Non-Google Edition. Was hoping someone on here may be able to tell me what and if there is any differences.
Silicon Knight said:
So i recently noticed that they made a “Google Edition” of the Pixel XL. However I can seem to find out what the difference is between the Google Edition and the Non-Google Edition. Was hoping someone on here may be able to tell me what and if there is any differences.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These are devices sold by Google itself as opposed to from a carrier like Verizon.
The Verizon versions were initially not bootloader unlockable except by Verizon staff or a person charging $30 on eBay, until somebody found out the method being used.
Hi,
I have a Note 9 N960U that is locked down, and I hate everything about it. Namely bought it for the stylus, and was very happy with my Note 4 before it was stolen. Pretty much had it, want a top shelf new phone that I can mod as I please.
I'm about to pull the trigger on buying a Pixel 3 XL (and sell the note 9), but there's some confusing things i've read about it thus far. I use Verizon, and lifehacker claims (won't let me link URL due to post count) that you may purchase a phone completely unlocked for VZW thru google store. I also read in a news feed that VZW suspended locking their phones due to customer complaints. Things are changing. I unlocked a VZW note 4 and it was a royal pain in the ass I wish to avoid doing ever again.
Basically, I am asking what applies at the moment: Pixel 3 XL still unlocked from google store? Still very easy to root / replace rom? Is there a certain model or software build I should look for?
Any suggestions are also appreciated. I wish to stay with VZW due to network coverage. Sorry for the rookie question; I'm not really in the loop keeping up with this
arcgear said:
Hi,
I have a Note 9 N960U that is locked down, and I hate everything about it. Namely bought it for the stylus, and was very happy with my Note 4 before it was stolen. Pretty much had it, want a top shelf new phone that I can mod as I please.
I'm about to pull the trigger on buying a Pixel 3 XL (and sell the note 9), but there's some confusing things i've read about it thus far. I use Verizon, and lifehacker claims (won't let me link URL due to post count) that you may purchase a phone completely unlocked for VZW thru google store. I also read in a news feed that VZW suspended locking their phones due to customer complaints. Things are changing. I unlocked a VZW note 4 and it was a royal pain in the ass I wish to avoid doing ever again.
Basically, I am asking what applies at the moment: Pixel 3 XL still unlocked from google store? Still very easy to root / replace rom? Is there a certain model or software build I should look for?
Any suggestions are also appreciated. I wish to stay with VZW due to network coverage. Sorry for the rookie question; I'm not really in the loop keeping up with this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes always buy from Google if you want an unlocked bootloader. Don't buy from Verizon.
No problems rooting and such. You are free to do what you want for your phone.
lucky_strike33 said:
Yes always buy from Google if you want an unlocked bootloader. Don't buy from Verizon.
No problems rooting and such. You are free to do what you want for your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you buy directly from the Google store and get the Google International Unlocked Version (not the Verizon version), you will be able to use it on any carrier in the world and will be able to unlock the bootloader and root the phone till your heart is content. You will also be able to flash custom ROMs etc...However, If you buy the Verizon version of the Google Pixel 3 XL, it is locked and you will probably never be able to root it or unlock the bootloader.
arcgear said:
Hi,
I have a Note 9 N960U that is locked down, and I hate everything about it. Namely bought it for the stylus, and was very happy with my Note 4 before it was stolen. Pretty much had it, want a top shelf new phone that I can mod as I please.
I'm about to pull the trigger on buying a Pixel 3 XL (and sell the note 9), but there's some confusing things i've read about it thus far. I use Verizon, and lifehacker claims (won't let me link URL due to post count) that you may purchase a phone completely unlocked for VZW thru google store. I also read in a news feed that VZW suspended locking their phones due to customer complaints. Things are changing. I unlocked a VZW note 4 and it was a royal pain in the ass I wish to avoid doing ever again.
Basically, I am asking what applies at the moment: Pixel 3 XL still unlocked from google store? Still very easy to root / replace rom? Is there a certain model or software build I should look for?
Any suggestions are also appreciated. I wish to stay with VZW due to network coverage. Sorry for the rookie question; I'm not really in the loop keeping up with this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regarding Verizon stopping locking due to complaints, that is simply regarding carrier locking. Verizon is definitely still bootloader locked, and there is little hope of that being exploited since anyone who wants it enough can just buy the BL unlockable version from Google and pay the price.
arcgear said:
Hi,
I have a Note 9 N960U that is locked down, and I hate everything about it. Namely bought it for the stylus, and was very happy with my Note 4 before it was stolen. Pretty much had it, want a top shelf new phone that I can mod as I please.
I'm about to pull the trigger on buying a Pixel 3 XL (and sell the note 9), but there's some confusing things i've read about it thus far. I use Verizon, and lifehacker claims (won't let me link URL due to post count) that you may purchase a phone completely unlocked for VZW thru google store. I also read in a news feed that VZW suspended locking their phones due to customer complaints. Things are changing. I unlocked a VZW note 4 and it was a royal pain in the ass I wish to avoid doing ever again.
Basically, I am asking what applies at the moment: Pixel 3 XL still unlocked from google store? Still very easy to root / replace rom? Is there a certain model or software build I should look for?
Any suggestions are also appreciated. I wish to stay with VZW due to network coverage. Sorry for the rookie question; I'm not really in the loop keeping up with this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are two forms of unlocking talked about.
The articles you are reading are about SIM unlocking so you can buy it from VZ and use it on another carrier.
For rooting you need an unlockable bootloader. You can only get that from Google directly. It will work fine on VZ, it is what I have.
Pay attention when you buy it, Google offers the Google version and the VZ version in their store. You want the Google version.
thanks for the replies. I put in an order for the 3 XL with non-defined carrier direct from Google
Can't wait to be rid of these horse**** factory ROMs, bloatware, and incessant advertising crammed down our collective throats. Last time I needed to contact VZW concerning my account, the phone forced me into the bloat app, then into a telephone loop where it callously hung up on me because I needed something not on the defined menu
Almost ended up with a hole in my living room drywall in the shape of a $1,000 samsung handset. Why do people put up with this.
arcgear said:
thanks for the replies. I put in an order for the 3 XL with non-defined carrier direct from Google
Can't wait to be rid of these horse**** factory ROMs, bloatware, and incessant advertising crammed down our collective throats. Last time I needed to contact VZW concerning my account, the phone forced me into the bloat app, then into a telephone loop where it callously hung up on me because I needed something not on the defined menu
Almost ended up with a hole in my living room drywall in the shape of a $1,000 samsung handset. Why do people put up with this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You won't regret your decision. I've had Pixel 3XL since it came out and can't imagine how I put up with Samsung's locked down ecosystem for over 8 years of my life.