Related
First:
I know there is a fully legit method to unlock this phone via t-mobile. For what it is worth, I recently tried to do this and was stymied by the bureaucracy before I was able to get it done. Specifically, they apparently had a different phone registered to my account despite the fact I had activated it with the T989 (switched to prepaid) so I had to wait 24 hours for that to get into the system. Then I was required to FAX my proof of purchase but by then I was out of the country.
(Funny story: I got my g/f a legit unlock code, who is running a Vibrant. It didn't work, and we found this out in South Africa. Luckily I brought an extra phone which I had unlocked myself.)
Second:
Has anyone taken a serious look at this? I know there are ways to do this with various (kind of expensive) hardware, unlocking websites of various pedigrees, or taking it in to certain stores for a fee. But first of all where is the fun in that, and second of all, for people in a pinch all of these methods may not work. Best to have a DIY method where all you need is adb and a hex editor.
Third:
Unlocking is a pain anyways, because from what I read you have to go back to stock to do it, and who wants to do that?
Finally:
Does anyone want to try this? I am not a seasoned developer, but I am probably going to go through the official process of unlocking my phone, which means that if there is something I can snapshot, I can do it before and after, which might provide some hints as to where this phone is unlocked. Privacy issues must be respected, meaning I probably will be reluctant to share details such as my IMEI, but maybe we can all work together to figure out offsets or otherwise find a pattern useful in unlocking this device.
Thoughts?
Same thing about the vibrant here. I requested the unlock code from Tmo, and they sent it in a about a day. When I tried to use the unlock code, it wouldn't work. I used all attempts except one and it's still locked.I called T-Mobile and they asked me to send it in.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
The rep you spoke to should have asked you for your new IMEI number so they can punch it in. They can run the unlock code thing whatever with your new imei too, I have no idea why they didn't do that.Thats what I did when I unlocked my phonessssss.
tablador said:
First:
I know there is a fully legit method to unlock this phone via t-mobile. For what it is worth, I recently tried to do this and was stymied by the bureaucracy before I was able to get it done. Specifically, they apparently had a different phone registered to my account despite the fact I had activated it with the T989 (switched to prepaid) so I had to wait 24 hours for that to get into the system. Then I was required to FAX my proof of purchase but by then I was out of the country.
(Funny story: I got my g/f a legit unlock code, who is running a Vibrant. It didn't work, and we found this out in South Africa. Luckily I brought an extra phone which I had unlocked myself.)
Second:
Has anyone taken a serious look at this? I know there are ways to do this with various (kind of expensive) hardware, unlocking websites of various pedigrees, or taking it in to certain stores for a fee. But first of all where is the fun in that, and second of all, for people in a pinch all of these methods may not work. Best to have a DIY method where all you need is adb and a hex editor.
Third:
Unlocking is a pain anyways, because from what I read you have to go back to stock to do it, and who wants to do that?
Finally:
Does anyone want to try this? I am not a seasoned developer, but I am probably going to go through the official process of unlocking my phone, which means that if there is something I can snapshot, I can do it before and after, which might provide some hints as to where this phone is unlocked. Privacy issues must be respected, meaning I probably will be reluctant to share details such as my IMEI, but maybe we can all work together to figure out offsets or otherwise find a pattern useful in unlocking this device.
Thoughts?
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Click to collapse
thatlaoboi said:
Same thing about the vibrant here. I requested the unlock code from Tmo, and they sent it in a about a day. When I tried to use the unlock code, it wouldn't work. I used all attempts except one and it's still locked.I called T-Mobile and they asked me to send it in.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
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I got mine through T-Mobile. Only issue i had was the dummy who sent the email forgot to actually put in the code so i had to talk to a rep who gave it to me then. But i flashed to stock entered code, and was able to use the ATT sim card perfectly no issues.
BTW the reason for putting it back to stock, i think the apk required for entering the code isnt on custom ROMs.
And just outta curiosity, how do you use ADB and a hex editor to figure out the unlock code? i always wondered where the unlock code came from wondered how it was calculated and such.. it must just be off the IMEI since thats all any company or t mobile needs to get the code..
After hours last night and this morning, this worked for me: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2024514
Spread the word! :victory:
Just bought an Xperia Pro (mk16a) that's locked to Fido. Purchased an unlock code from CellUnlocker, which didn't work. (And of course Testpoint doesn't work, either.)
I need to resell the phone since I can't unlock the bootloader... seriously, is there any way to remove the phone network lock using the NCK method?
Rip-$#%^ pissed at Sony for pretending they care about the developer community by offering their "official" unlocking method, and then turning around and locking down all new phones. Such BS.
Its not Sony's fault that your carrier wont let you unlock your phone.
Isn't Sony responsible for putting in new security to unlock the booloader? (Not sim/network lock, bootloader lock. )
roxy1712 said:
Rip-$#%^ pissed at Sony for pretending they care about the developer community by offering their "official" unlocking method, and then turning around and locking down all new phones. Such BS.
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+1. They are also locking down Phones that are being sent in for repair which is just ridiculous and like you say they give the impression on one hand that they're helping while taking away any currently existing methods with the other. I'd be tempted to sue them if they sent my Phone back and I wasn't able to unlock it with the Test Point method as I had done before.
You are wrong. You can't unlock your bootloader because its locked by your carrier not Sony. "However, even if the device model is supported, certain releases of the device model may not be supported due to operator restrictions." its really hard to miss this sentence in Sony's "unlock bootloader" guide. For more info on the subject read this http://talk.sonymobile.com/thread/40526
pypcier said:
You are wrong. You can't unlock your bootloader because its locked by your carrier not Sony. "However, even if the device model is supported, certain releases of the device model may not be supported due to operator restrictions." its really hard to miss this sentence in Sony's "unlock bootloader" guide. For more info on the subject read this http://talk.sonymobile.com/thread/40526
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Dangit. It's not exactly well-published, though (e.g., no blog entries, news, etc... it's all buried in forums & the guide) -- I spent several hours researching and it seems not many have talked about carrier locking bootloaders, though. (I'm still not letting Sony off the hook. They made it possible for carriers to lock bootloaders with no good explanation.)
That being said, does this mean Fido is the only one who can unlock the bootloader?
I agree and I think that its unbelievable that there is no official information or even an article about this.
I'm still not letting Sony off the hook. They made it possible for carriers to lock bootloaders with no good explanation.
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The sad part is that its not only a Sony but all Android phones manufacturers.
That being said, does this mean Fido is the only one who can unlock the bootloader?
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I don't really know because my phone came with unlockable bootloader and I've googled all that info a few hours ago but i think you should start by calling Fido for their statement on this case. If they refuse to cooperate then email Sony for help or/and look for some "legal stuff" that will support your case.
Hello people i'm a newbie to this forum and i'm a newbie to unlocking phones. I don't care about Rooting my phone as i don't think i have the skills to do it. However i just want to unlock a Pantech Discover from AT & T so it will work on T-Mobile can anybody give me the unlock code so i can unlock the Discover so it will work with T-Mobile. Thanks for any and all help
cowboyy2087 said:
Hello people i'm a newbie to this forum and i'm a newbie to unlocking phones. I don't care about Rooting my phone as i don't think i have the skills to do it. However i just want to unlock a Pantech Discover from AT & T so it will work on T-Mobile can anybody give me the unlock code so i can unlock the Discover so it will work with T-Mobile. Thanks for any and all help
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Click to collapse
I have tried unlocking my discover and I called AT&T they told me that I couldn't unlock the phone because it was strictly for AT&T. Not sure if that is true or not because I looked at unlocking sites and they say that they can unlock the phone but im not too sure how true that is.
Sorry if that was not any help but being as I have the same phone and tried the calling at&t way of doing it thought I would share that with you.
i tried
TheAtreus said:
I have tried unlocking my discover and I called AT&T they told me that I couldn't unlock the phone because it was strictly for AT&T. Not sure if that is true or not because I looked at unlocking sites and they say that they can unlock the phone but im not too sure how true that is.
Sorry if that was not any help but being as I have the same phone and tried the calling at&t way of doing it thought I would share that with you.
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I tried three different 'pay to get the code to unlock' websites. One flat out said that it can not be unlocked and refunded my money. the other two tried to help me but nothing worked. they all gave the same unlock code, so I kinow that they at least tried to generate one. am waiting to see if I can get refunds from the other two.
its strange - I can root the phone (which I am not really interested in doing), but can't unlock it. Mmmmmm.
Unlocked - WORKING
I've been noticing a few too many people having a hard time with some of the sites someone mentioned. I've had to use one of them myself a few weeks ago for a ZTE Merit from TracFone. Luckily, I was given a working code and move about my way. This phone however, due to limited support has been an obstacle to root and unlock. I am proud to say that I FINALLY have both and even managed to make a working mini-sim after two tries.
Maybe I could help you guys out. I unlocked mine and have it working 100% with Simple Mobile and T-mobile.
All I need is the phones IMEI. I spent hours last night trying using different methods and came really close to paying only to find out the Discover wasn't supported for some reason or another. A buddy came up with a minor tweak in the way the IMEI was loading into the unlocking software to get it working.
PM if anyone is interested. Here are some screenshots.
Hi all.
I've just bought unlocked Pantech Discover on Ebay. Can you tell me where can i find unlock code or what do i have to do if i want to update ROM and don't want to lock it again?
RE: Flip956
Hey, Can you still unlock AT&T discovers? If so please let me know so I can send you the IMEI for and get this unlocked so I can use it on metro.. Thanks SOOOO MUCH!! :fingers-crossed:
Flip956 said:
I've been noticing a few too many people having a hard time with some of the sites someone mentioned. I've had to use one of them myself a few weeks ago for a ZTE Merit from TracFone. Luckily, I was given a working code and move about my way. This phone however, due to limited support has been an obstacle to root and unlock. I am proud to say that I FINALLY have both and even managed to make a working mini-sim after two tries.
Maybe I could help you guys out. I unlocked mine and have it working 100% with Simple Mobile and T-mobile.
All I need is the phones IMEI. I spent hours last night trying using different methods and came really close to paying only to find out the Discover wasn't supported for some reason or another. A buddy came up with a minor tweak in the way the IMEI was loading into the unlocking software to get it working.
PM if anyone is interested. Here are some screenshots.
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Yep
I helped a lot
thanks
is there a way to install a different rom like from another country and have bootloader unlock through flashing?? right now im using ftf c6506 firmware unbranded us .423
dragonmhawk said:
is there a way to install a different rom like from another country and have bootloader unlock through flashing?? right now im using ftf c6506 firmware unbranded us .423
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This should go in the Q & A section, not developement.
I have a locked bootloader c6506 as well, currently there is no way around the locked bootloader if you aren't allowed to unlock it through the official way.
Bootloader unlock allowed no solved. Its locked by your carrier. You have to call your carrier and talk to them and push hard to get what you want. Or call Sony. carrier lock is the problem here. The bootloader is locked by the carrier. not Sony. After its carrier unlocked if u cant unlock the bootloader then you have to take it to a sony technician to get your bootloader unlocked Hit thanks if I helped in any way and pls check forums for my other posts and projects thanks again
dragonmhawk said:
Bootloader unlock allowed no solved. Its locked by your carrier. You have to call your carrier and talk to them and push hard to get what you want. Or call Sony. carrier lock is the problem here. The bootloader is locked by the carrier. not Sony. After its carrier unlocked if u cant unlock the bootloader then you have to take it to a sony technician to get your bootloader unlocked Hit thanks if I helped in any way and pls check forums for my other posts and projects thanks again
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Wait wait wait
Can you clarify exactly how you went about this? You call Bell Tech Support and they unlocked it? What do you mean "if you can't unlock the bootloader, take it to Sony". Were you able to unlock or no? Where do I find a Sony technician?
Thanks
I called bell and they said they could carrier unlock my phone for 75$ charged to my bill. this should unlock bootloader if not find an asain area with cell phone services they should be able to help and r licensed technicians as well.
Anybody with rogers try this?
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
dragonmhawk said:
I called bell and they said they could carrier unlock my phone for 75$ charged to my bill. this should unlock bootloader if not find an asain area with cell phone services they should be able to help and r licensed technicians as well.
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Carrier unlock IS NOT bootloader unlock. The ONLY way at the moment to get a guaranteed BL unlockable device, is to get it DIRECTLY from Sony Store (USA). I contacted the few Sony Stores in Canada (GTA area) and many of the people I talked to didn't even know what the BL is so it's not reliable. I got mine off ebay and got the seller to check before I bought it. Only the C6506 variants direct from the Sony Store are likely to have unlockable BL. No technician (unless they work for Sony) will be able to unlock the bootloader.
Also, $75 is WAAAY to much for carrier/SIM unlock. You can probably find it for $20-$40 from a cell unlock website. Cheaper than that if you're lucky.
bell was going to unlock my phone and send me a code to unlock the bootloader. so there you go. I talked to them and figured it out. its the carrier who locked the bootloader not sony
dragonmhawk said:
bell was going to unlock my phone and send me a code to unlock the bootloader. so there you go. I talked to them and figured it out. its the carrier who locked the bootloader not sony
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That doesn't sound right. If it was that easy to unlock the BL more people would do it, and it would be more known in the community. And I'm pretty sure you can't unlock the BL with just a code. It's an incredibly more complex procedure than that. See http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/instructions. It sounds like they are misleading you to believe it will unlock the bootloader, rather than just SIM unlock. Of course it is the carrier who locks the bootloader, that's why I said the only way to get an unlockable ZL is straight from Sony, who has no carrier branding.
dragonmhawk said:
Bootloader unlock allowed no solved. Its locked by your carrier. You have to call your carrier and talk to them and push hard to get what you want. Or call Sony. carrier lock is the problem here. The bootloader is locked by the carrier. not Sony. After its carrier unlocked if u cant unlock the bootloader then you have to take it to a sony technician to get your bootloader unlocked Hit thanks if I helped in any way and pls check forums for my other posts and projects thanks again
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I think you're confusing people... the OP is asking for BOOTLOADER unlock, not a carrier unlock, calling Bell (Or any other carrier for that matter) will NEVER solve the problem, it's not the carriers that lock the bootloader, it's SONY. And calling them wont help either, unless it's a developer phone purchased directly through Sony, you won't be able to unlock.
I'm sure with time, some group of diligent Devs will crack the bootloader problem the same way that Revolutionary.IO cracks through S-Off for HTC's
In the interim, you're out of luck.
This is somewhat depressing. Gods, how I miss Cyanogenmod on my S3. I find it very difficult to believe that there is no solution for this. Sure, it hasn't yet been developed, but there is always a way.
Just be patient folks. Something will pop up sooner or later.
I hope.
pm2gonzales said:
Of course it is the carrier who locks the bootloader, that's why I said the only way to get an unlockable ZL is straight from Sony, who has no carrier branding.
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Almost, it's not the carrier that locks it, or even the carrier that requests it be locked, it's Sony locking it before sending it. Unlocking the bootloader is a DEVELOPMENT option, not a CONSUMER option, anything that is going to the hands of a consumer gets locked, ie. ALL CARRIER phones.
Unlocking the bootloader mean you can write to the system partitions without using EXPLOITS to gain root access (Which is what we're doing now)
It's the fastest way for a consumer to brick their phone, which is why they all leave the factory locked, unless you're buying directly from them, at which point, they assume you aren't a consumer, and you may then unlock your bootloader by use of http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/ and FastBoot in the Android Dev Kit.
Not to beat a dead horse or get into a he said she said scenario, But let me explain how it all works to the best of my ability.
First do not call any carrier and think they will understand what it means to unlock a bootloader, for the most part they are not aware of the bootloader. this is not covered in they're training.
Now Sony locks the bootloaders for carriers, this is a request from the carriers. Sony could care less if it's locked or not. The carriers care, why do they care you may ask. well if the phones they sold had unlocked bootloaders than you could more easily sim unlock you phone and move on. on top off that the ability to brick your phone increases 10 fold. now how many users would mess up their phone and just return it and lie to get a new phone. now the carrier sends it back to Sony under warranty and Sony does not honor the warranty as they know it was tampered with.
Sony is pretty good at supporting Dev's and even has an aosp 4.3 version for user's to try.
last thing i want to say is don't hold your breath on a hack to un lock a locked down bootloader. our batteries are not removable and this makes the processes harder. I bought my Xperia S the week it was launched and a solution for that phone never came. well at least not one I could confirm works. See when the xperia s was released it's was Sony's first phone they made without Ericson. from my understanding this was part of the reason why it got harder. we need access to the SE s1 server and last I checked it was offline fopr over a year, came online for a week and a few users were able to pay 60 us to have there unlockable bootloaders unlocked. as Sony devs could do it with the S1 server and apologize to SE move on.
I'm not sure if this will help or not but do a Google search on how unlocking phones started and read how it has evolved. a good place to start is to search for se s1 server.
hope this helps.
I will explain again my convo i had with bell about unlocking my phone and bootloader. they even asked me do i understand i will lose warrenty if i unlock my bootloader. i said yes they were gonna send me the code to unlock the bootloader. but i couldnt cause i didnt have the phone for 90 days. it can only be done through ur carrier cause they send u the bootloader unlock code u need to unlock it. unlocking the phone they do through the imei. It costs 75$ extra added onto ur phone bill though. but for the price of one gaurenteed way to unlock it its worth it. they said they had to contact sony too in the convo i had with the bell guy. it was a supervisor i talked to and understood exactly what i wanted done. he knew what i was talking about as well. so its possible. just hasn't been confrimed yet. and heres a huge hint. someones working on a hack for this. eta idk. im gonna be one of the testers for this hack/exploit. i cant say much else. top secret of course.
dragonmhawk said:
I will explain again my convo i had with bell about unlocking my phone and bootloader. they even asked me do i understand i will lose warrenty if i unlock my bootloader. i said yes they were gonna send me the code to unlock the bootloader. but i couldnt cause i didnt have the phone for 90 days. it can only be done through ur carrier cause they send u the bootloader unlock code u need to unlock it. unlocking the phone they do through the imei. It costs 75$ extra added onto ur phone bill though. but for the price of one gaurenteed way to unlock it its worth it. they said they had to contact sony too in the convo i had with the bell guy. it was a supervisor i talked to and understood exactly what i wanted done. he knew what i was talking about as well. so its possible. just hasn't been confrimed yet. and heres a huge hint. someones working on a hack for this. eta idk. im gonna be one of the testers for this hack/exploit. i cant say much else. top secret of course.
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Did you get the code? Are you now able to install a custom kernel? If not, then this is completely irrelevant. If so, you've saved a lot of people a pretty decent headache.
We need you to confirm this as $75 is a steep fee for something nobody is even sure is legit. Sure, you say it is, and I'm not disputing you, but I need evidence before I give Bell free money. I need to be 100% sure.
If you can install Cyanogenmod, that's all I want.
[Also, I saw in your signature you're being screwed by Rogers. High-five, me too!]
well i still have to wait a bit. hasnt been 90 days since i got my first xperia zl. first one i bricked second one fell down the stairs on my third one now. 90 days to wait for my new one but im gonna try and see if i can get the code and use it on mine if it works yay will let u guys know for sure.
dragonmhawk said:
well i still have to wait a bit. hasnt been 90 days since i got my first xperia zl. first one i bricked second one fell down the stairs on my third one now. 90 days to wait for my new one but im gonna try and see if i can get the code and use it on mine if it works yay will let u guys know for sure.
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100% guaranteed they're talking about SIM unlock. Sorry. 'Unlocking the bootloader' is not something you can do with a code provided by a carrier, and a 90 day wait is *precisely* Rogers' policy for SIM unlocks. They are going to give you a SIM unlock code and charge you a lot of money for it. You could get it now, for $8, from any one of a bunch of unlock sellers.
I will explain one last time for those who dont have the time to understand. I called bell myself. Have any of u even tried calling ur carrier? Probably not. This works. I called bell i asked my phone to be fully "unlocked" this includes the bootloader. They said they could unlock the carrier onlt but i would have to wait for my bootloader unlock code to be sent to me by someone else. Only one else that could be is sony. So there. Anyone else not gonna actually try calling their carrier? I even talked to sony they said only they can send the bootloader unlock code but to do that i have to have my carrier unlock my phone fully for me and have my carrier contact sony to send me my bootloader unlock code. I havent had my phone long enough to do this but it works clearly. Sony confirmed it to me over the phone. One of the higher ups. Asked for a supervisor and i got one of their devs on. So anyone else want keep trolling this thread? I only speak the truth. Those who have doubt in life will fail. Have no doubt or fear and you will always succeed
dragonmhawk said:
I will explain one last time for those who dont have the time to understand. I called bell myself. Have any of u even tried calling ur carrier? Probably not. This works. I called bell i asked my phone to be fully "unlocked" this includes the bootloader. They said they could unlock the carrier onlt but i would have to wait for my bootloader unlock code to be sent to me by someone else. Only one else that could be is sony. So there. Anyone else not gonna actually try calling their carrier? I even talked to sony they said only they can send the bootloader unlock code but to do that i have to have my carrier unlock my phone fully for me and have my carrier contact sony to send me my bootloader unlock code. I havent had my phone long enough to do this but it works clearly. Sony confirmed it to me over the phone. One of the higher ups. Asked for a supervisor and i got one of their devs on. So anyone else want keep trolling this thread? I only speak the truth. Those who have doubt in life will fail. Have no doubt or fear and you will always succeed
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Weird I contacted Sony myself also and I was told by them that if it says no for bootloader they can't unlock the bootloader. Seems to be some mis information but it also depends on who you talk to. We need to find a alternate way to unlock
Sent from my C6506 using Tapatalk 4
U have to be " persistant" or u wont get anywhere ask for a supervisor don't give up. one guy knew exactly what i was talking about.
Its been a very long time since i have done any of this stuff. I bought the verizon version and cannot get bootloader unlocked. I have searched and see there has been the same problem in the past models. Is there a bypass or workaround? I can only find one for early Pixel products.
Kpwise509 said:
Its been a very long time since i have done any of this stuff. I bought the verizon version and cannot get bootloader unlocked. I have searched and see there has been the same problem in the past models. Is there a bypass or workaround? I can only find one for early Pixel products.
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nvmnd. found my answer
Kpwise509 said:
nvmnd. found my answer
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I am in the same boat.. curious to what answer you found?
m1ng15 said:
I am in the same boat.. curious to what answer you found?
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I found another thread on here after I searched, and searched. From what I understand now. If it's a Verizon pixel the bootloader is locked permanently.
If you purchased your device from Verizon, or a Verizon variant from a 3rd party retailer (Best buy, Costco, etc.) the bootloader is locked tight!
If you want the option to root; return your VZW device and order one directly from Google.
It's not necessarily true, according to Verizon, they Sim unlock their phones after 60 days. Once that is done, we should be able to to check oem unlocking option in developers options and unlock the bootloader. Am I missing something?
mustangtim49 said:
It's not necessarily true, according to Verizon, they Sim unlock their phones after 60 days. Once that is done, we should be able to to check oem unlocking option in developers options and unlock the bootloader. Am I missing something?
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Incorrect. SIM unlocking is not necessarily related to bootloader unlocking. While T-Mobile (and I think AT&T) users on here have found and reported that when they achieve SIM unlocking on their variants, that they can then bootloader unlock as well, Verizon has for a very, very long time enforced bootloader lock with all their will.
The only exceptions that I've ever heard of were not by choice of Verizon, but by hacks/vulnerabilities. Such as the VS985 LG G3, there was an exploit that didn't actually bootloader unlock, but more made it so that the locked bootloader didn't really matter. On the Pixel 1, if you had the Verizon variant and were still on Android 7.10 or below, you could unlock the bootloader, but once the 7.11 OTA came out, if you hadn't already unlocked the bootloader (or at least toggled the toggle), then you were locked in until a foreign national found a hacking way to get in, but they charge for it. All this while Verizon phones have been ultimately SIM unlocked for similarly a very long time.
mustangtim49 said:
It's not necessarily true, according to Verizon, they Sim unlock their phones after 60 days. Once that is done, we should be able to to check oem unlocking option in developers options and unlock the bootloader. Am I missing something?
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You might be thinking 'carrier unlocked' vs "bootloader unlocked".
VZW does NOT like people rooting their devices so they have locked the bootloaders for several years now. I honestly don't even think any devs are working on a workaround/bypass for VZW devices anymore because they've had a long history of tightly locking down their device's bootloaders.
Az Biker said:
You might be thinking 'carrier unlocked' vs "bootloader unlocked".
VZW does NOT like people rooting their devices so they have locked the bootloaders for several years now. I honestly don't even think any devs are working on a workaround/bypass for VZW devices anymore because they've had a long history of tightly locking down their device's bootloaders.
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No, I've been rooting/modding phones since eclair and used to be an XDA News writer, I definitely understand the difference between sim and bootloader unlocking. Once the phone is sim unlocked, the "OEM UNLOCK" option should no longer be greyed out in the developer options. Once that setting becomes available after sim unlock, there shouldn't be anything in the way of unlocking the bootloader. The only thing that could be an issue is if the manufacturer then required a token to unlock the bootloader, but I'm gonna go with Google isn't requiring that. Now, this is all based on my own knowledge and experience, if anyone has more insight to either back me up or shoot me down, please, this is the whole reason we're here in these threads, to gain knowledge and information. If Verizon is so informal about sim unlocking their phones after 60 days, it really doesn't make sense for them to enforce bootloader locking at that point. I mean, what is the point once they cut you loose with your sim card? Check this out, I had this ****ty Nord 10 5G from Metro and a guy figured out which apps to remove via ADB to carrier unlock the phone, hence making the OEM UNLOCK choice available in developer settings. What I'm saying is sometimes things aren't as locked down as you think, I mean, Metro is pretty strict on carrier locking their phones and really don't like doing it after you've met all the requirements. So if it's as easy as getting rid of a few apps via sneaking through ADB, it's gotta be that way for all the phones it's not like they're running different software (other than version level) they're all Android. Maybe this information will inspire someone on here that knows way more than me to figure out how to unlock a Verizon locked bootloader. If I'm correct, they really don't have that power to lock the bootloader, only to take away our option to do so by "sim/carrier" locking the phone which the software is told to take away our ability to choose that option. Please, anyone, I honestly would like to know if I'm wrong, but don't just say I'm wrong, explain to me and the rest of us. Thanks guys and girls!!!
mustangtim49 said:
No, I've been rooting/modding phones since eclair and used to be an XDA News writer, I definitely understand the difference between sim and bootloader unlocking. Once the phone is sim unlocked, the "OEM UNLOCK" option should no longer be greyed out in the developer options. Once that setting becomes available after sim unlock, there shouldn't be anything in the way of unlocking the bootloader. The only thing that could be an issue is if the manufacturer then required a token to unlock the bootloader, but I'm gonna go with Google isn't requiring that. Now, this is all based on my own knowledge and experience, if anyone has more insight to either back me up or shoot me down, please, this is the whole reason we're here in these threads, to gain knowledge and information.
If Verizon is so informal about sim unlocking their phones after 60 days, it really doesn't make sense for them to enforce bootloader locking at that point.
I mean, what is the point once they cut you loose with your sim card? Check this out, I had this ****ty Nord 10 5G from Metro and a guy figured out which apps to remove via ADB to carrier unlock the phone, hence making the OEM UNLOCK choice available in developer settings. What I'm saying is sometimes things aren't as locked down as you think, I mean, Metro is pretty strict on carrier locking their phones and really don't like doing it after you've met all the requirements. So if it's as easy as getting rid of a few apps via sneaking through ADB, it's gotta be that way for all the phones it's not like they're running different software (other than version level) they're all Android. Maybe this information will inspire someone on here that knows way more than me to figure out how to unlock a Verizon locked bootloader. If I'm correct, they really don't have that power to lock the bootloader, only to take away our option to do so by "sim/carrier" locking the phone which the software is told to take away our ability to choose that option. Please, anyone, I honestly would like to know if I'm wrong, but don't just say I'm wrong, explain to me and the rest of us. Thanks guys and girls!!!
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I seriously doubt the "60 day sim unlock" allows the bootloader to be unlocked, otherwise we'd have a ton of VZW variant threads filled with development, and devices that are 61 days old, rooted, and running custom Roms.
But we don't. We don't have even have any developers working on VZW devices, regardless of age. So deductively thinking, the "60 day sim unlock" doesn't sound like it's currently an option.
Just my .02 (USD) worth
mustangtim49 said:
Once the phone is sim unlocked, the "OEM UNLOCK" option should no longer be greyed out in the developer options. Once that setting becomes available after sim unlock, there shouldn't be anything in the way of unlocking the bootloader.
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That has never, ever been the case with Verizon variants of phones. 1) Verizon phones have been SIM/carrier unlocked from the get-go for a very long time and 2) Except for rare anomalies like the Pixel 1 on Android 7.10 or below, OEM unlocking was always grayed out.
mustangtim49 said:
Once the phone is sim unlocked, the "OEM UNLOCK" option should no longer be greyed out in the developer options.
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That has never happened on a VZ Pixel and it is not going to happen on this one. Why is this so hard for people to understand?
mustangtim49 said:
No, I've been rooting/modding phones since eclair and used to be an XDA News writer, I definitely understand the difference between sim and bootloader unlocking. Once the phone is sim unlocked, the "OEM UNLOCK" option should no longer be greyed out in the developer options. Once that setting becomes available after sim unlock, there shouldn't be anything in the way of unlocking the bootloader. The only thing that could be an issue is if the manufacturer then required a token to unlock the bootloader, but I'm gonna go with Google isn't requiring that. Now, this is all based on my own knowledge and experience, if anyone has more insight to either back me up or shoot me down, please, this is the whole reason we're here in these threads, to gain knowledge and information. If Verizon is so informal about sim unlocking their phones after 60 days, it really doesn't make sense for them to enforce bootloader locking at that point. I mean, what is the point once they cut you loose with your sim card? Check this out, I had this ****ty Nord 10 5G from Metro and a guy figured out which apps to remove via ADB to carrier unlock the phone, hence making the OEM UNLOCK choice available in developer settings. What I'm saying is sometimes things aren't as locked down as you think, I mean, Metro is pretty strict on carrier locking their phones and really don't like doing it after you've met all the requirements. So if it's as easy as getting rid of a few apps via sneaking through ADB, it's gotta be that way for all the phones it's not like they're running different software (other than version level) they're all Android. Maybe this information will inspire someone on here that knows way more than me to figure out how to unlock a Verizon locked bootloader. If I'm correct, they really don't have that power to lock the bootloader, only to take away our option to do so by "sim/carrier" locking the phone which the software is told to take away our ability to choose that option. Please, anyone, I honestly would like to know if I'm wrong, but don't just say I'm wrong, explain to me and the rest of us. Thanks guys and girls!!!
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sorry. your misinformed. Pixel devices from Verizon cannot have the bootloader unlocked. Period. end of story.
Have you ever had a Verizon device that was "carrier/sim unlocked" but couldn't unlock the bootloader? I have. and its real, so please research before you post misinformation.
mustangtim49 said:
No, I've been rooting/modding phones since eclair and used to be an XDA News writer, I definitely understand the difference between sim and bootloader unlocking. Once the phone is sim unlocked, the "OEM UNLOCK" option should no longer be greyed out in the developer options. Once that setting becomes available after sim unlock, there shouldn't be anything in the way of unlocking the bootloader. The only thing that could be an issue is if the manufacturer then required a token to unlock the bootloader, but I'm gonna go with Google isn't requiring that. Now, this is all based on my own knowledge and experience, if anyone has more insight to either back me up or shoot me down, please, this is the whole reason we're here in these threads, to gain knowledge and information. If Verizon is so informal about sim unlocking their phones after 60 days, it really doesn't make sense for them to enforce bootloader locking at that point. I mean, what is the point once they cut you loose with your sim card? Check this out, I had this ****ty Nord 10 5G from Metro and a guy figured out which apps to remove via ADB to carrier unlock the phone, hence making the OEM UNLOCK choice available in developer settings. What I'm saying is sometimes things aren't as locked down as you think, I mean, Metro is pretty strict on carrier locking their phones and really don't like doing it after you've met all the requirements. So if it's as easy as getting rid of a few apps via sneaking through ADB, it's gotta be that way for all the phones it's not like they're running different software (other than version level) they're all Android. Maybe this information will inspire someone on here that knows way more than me to figure out how to unlock a Verizon locked bootloader. If I'm correct, they really don't have that power to lock the bootloader, only to take away our option to do so by "sim/carrier" locking the phone which the software is told to take away our ability to choose that option. Please, anyone, I honestly would like to know if I'm wrong, but don't just say I'm wrong, explain to me and the rest of us. Thanks guys and girls!!!
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Unfortunately, and I hate to be the bearer of bad news because I didn't want to find this out for myself lol (but of course I really did), but I can tell everyone that I have the Verizon version and after 60..well a little after that because of course it was not as easy as their terms say on their website that it will automatically unlock after 60 days...yeah right..I had to call and chat I cant even tell you how many times...to finally get the right person to help me...which turned into waiting a few more days but he came through and unlocked it....
so the bad news: the oem unlock in developer options is still greyed out. Now it says to contact your carrier or connect to the internet
I still have hope for maybe one day? i mean there is ALWAYS a way to do anything on phones..someone smart enough just has to figure it out
mrindependent said:
Unfortunately, and I hate to be the bearer of bad news because I didn't want to find this out for myself lol (but of course I really did), but I can tell everyone that I have the Verizon version and after 60..well a little after that because of course it was not as easy as their terms say on their website that it will automatically unlock after 60 days...yeah right..I had to call and chat I cant even tell you how many times...to finally get the right person to help me...which turned into waiting a few more days but he came through and unlocked it....
so the bad news: the oem unlock in developer options is still greyed out. Now it says to contact your carrier or connect to the internet
I still have hope for maybe one day? i mean there is ALWAYS a way to do anything on phones..someone smart enough just has to figure it out
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This was the same for the Verizon Pixel 2 XL, and every Verizon Pixel since. No unlockable bootloader unfortunately.
My first foray into rooting was with the Galaxy Nexus. That had no issues unlocking the bootloader, and was the last phone I've bought at a store.
It's sad, that I can bring my rooted device and get a new line, but I can't tinker with their versions if I were to buy one at a store, online, whatever.
Their loss imo as there are a number of us I think, who would buy at the store if we could unlock the bootloader. I guess we as a group aren't big enough for them to worry about though.
You can however, play musical SIM card between devices, and it works. For the most part anyways.
I hate this.
What do they think people are just going to accidentally stumble on this, mistakenly download specific apps and Roms and out of the blue, randomly, and incorrectly, flash a very specific file causing the phone to brick and they don't want to keep fixing it?
Cause those Muppets all have iPhones...
Beyond stupid.
And here I was, done with how Samsung limited this process, so I ditched it for the shiny new Pixel... I'm the Muppet
tmessy said:
And here I was, done with how Samsung limited this process, so I ditched it for the shiny new Pixel
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Every Verizon variant of phones is locked down, and certainly, historically different models of them have been able to be either unlocked, or most of the time as far as I've experienced a workaround (security vulnerability) to unlocking was found (IIRC, the Stump method on LG phones worked this way), and the (again, as far as I'm aware) single time(s) that a Verizon phone was able to be bootloader unlocked as if it was made to be able to do so from the get-go, more or less: The Pixel 1 on Android 7.10 or below, and there is some foreign hacking method which can exploit some secret vulnerability if you're willing to pay to still be able to bootloader unlock the Pixel 1.
In my opinion, Samsung limits are even worse than the carrier-imposed limits, as Samsung keeps their phones from being bootloader unlocked on every U.S. Carrier, and even the direct from Samsung bought in the U.S. factory carrier unlocked model, but please correct me if I'm wrong. I only know the experience with the phones I've actually owned and what I remember from reading about others' experiences, however. The Exynos-based versions of Samsung phones are able to be bootloader unlocked at least in most countries, and again IIRC, some Snapdragon-based Samsungs in one or a few select countries too. Sony officially allows their bootloaders to be unlocked, but they purposefully and permanently gimp your phone's features if you do - and some other OEMs do similar, I'm given to understand.
I know it's frustrating about Verizon. Besides no longer buying carrier-specific models of phones, I no longer use Verizon as well, but it sucks for those who really need the carrier incentives.
roirraW edor ehT said:
Every Verizon variant of phones is locked down, and certainly, historically different models of them have been able to be either unlocked, or most of the time as far as I've experienced a workaround (security vulnerability) to unlocking was found (IIRC, the Stump method on LG phones worked this way), and the (again, as far as I'm aware) single time(s) that a Verizon phone was able to be bootloader unlocked as if it was made to be able to do so from the get-go, more or less: The Pixel 1 on Android 7.10 or below, and there is some foreign hacking method which can exploit some secret vulnerability if you're willing to pay to still be able to bootloader unlock the Pixel 1.
In my opinion, Samsung limits are even worse than the carrier-imposed limits, as Samsung keeps their phones from being bootloader unlocked on every U.S. Carrier, and even the direct from Samsung bought in the U.S. factory carrier unlocked model, but please correct me if I'm wrong. I only know the experience with the phones I've actually owned and what I remember from reading about others' experiences, however. The Exynos-based versions of Samsung phones are able to be bootloader unlocked at least in most countries, and again IIRC, some Snapdragon-based Samsungs in one or a few select countries too. Sony officially allows their bootloaders to be unlocked, but they purposefully and permanently gimp your phone's features if you do - and some other OEMs do similar, I'm given to understand.
I know it's frustrating about Verizon. Besides no longer buying carrier-specific models of phones, I no longer use Verizon as well, but it sucks for those who really need the carrier incentives.
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NOt every verizon phone, The samsung s20 bootloader was able to be unlocked.
lucky_strike33 said:
NOt every verizon phone, The samsung s20 bootloader was able to be unlocked.
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As it came without some temporary trick or vulnerability someone was able to take advantage of?