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I just got a notification to say operator lock has been removed, which is weird because EE policy is it not do it till after 6 months. Anyone else in the UK get this?
yes I can confirm same here strange
That's a SIM unlock, it shouldn't have anything to do with the bootloader.
spotmark said:
That's a SIM unlock, it shouldn't have anything to do with the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Has everything to do with it, once the sim unlock is sent to the phone it allows the OEM Unlocking to be toggled, otherwise it is greyed out..
exxpired said:
Has everything to do with it, once the sim unlock is sent to the phone it allows the OEM Unlocking to be toggled, otherwise it is greyed out..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. It certainly doesn't work that way in the States with Verizon models.
exxpired said:
Has everything to do with it, once the sim unlock is sent to the phone it allows the OEM Unlocking to be toggled, otherwise it is greyed out..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would toggle the OEM unlock and unlock the bootloader asap! You may just save yourself waiting 6 months and paying 10 quid.
v12xke said:
I would toggle the OEM unlock and unlock the bootloader asap! You may just save yourself waiting 6 months and paying 10 quid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I should but I cant be bothered to wipe the phone haha, Tbh I had my Pixel 2 XL stock for a year (even had it unlocked after 6 months) and just didnt feel the need to root/unlock it.
I have toggled it though so see what happens
Did you guys do a specific action which you think might have triggered the unlock? I am asking because I have a Pixel 3 XL locked to EE which I need to unlock but don't really want to wait 6 months. Thank you.
I did nothing but get a message from EE stating it was now unlocked
koahhe said:
Did you guys do a specific action which you think might have triggered the unlock? I am asking because I have a Pixel 3 XL locked to EE which I need to unlock but don't really want to wait 6 months. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same as above, I just got a notification saying it was unlocked
the only reasons I can think of is A) i did complain alot about delays B) my previous phones I have paid to have unlocked but never left the network so they assume I maybe travel alot which i dont lol C) its christmas and they love me
The unlock has just coincided with my contract with EE coming to a close....
Mine came from EE with the sim lock off ....
I could toggle the bootloader and I've had an O2 sim working in there
i got mine from Verizon and was already unlocked i am running it on T-Mobile network
rinnycoop121 said:
i got mine from Verizon and was already unlocked i am running it on T-Mobile network
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are speaking of the Bootloader, not the carrier lock
mrmidnight said:
They are speaking of the Bootloader, not the carrier lock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually - carrier lock.
on non Verizon models (ie EE UK) Bootloader is locked DUE to the carrier (sim) lock
once the sim lock is gone, then the Bootloader lock is gone
y2grae said:
Actually - carrier lock.
on non Verizon models (ie EE UK) Bootloader is locked DUE to the carrier (sim) lock
once the sim lock is gone, then the Bootloader lock is gone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah I see, I had noticed that someone had mentioned the Bootloader and misunderstood that. Thabks
Ehi guys... Anyone know how to unlock a 3XL from sim lock? I want to buy a phone bought in London and sim locked by EE... It is used and bought in November 2018.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
TM
exxpired said:
I should but I cant be bothered to wipe the phone haha, Tbh I had my Pixel 2 XL stock for a year (even had it unlocked after 6 months) and just didnt feel the need to root/unlock it.
I have toggled it though so see what happens
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use the Google backup and it will restore everything you had setup your phone except for downloads
zampone87 said:
Ehi guys... Anyone know how to unlock a 3XL from sim lock? I want to buy a phone bought in London and sim locked by EE... It is used and bought in November 2018.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
TM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Third party "IMEI Unlocker", shouldn't be that expensive for Pixels.
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?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
So much I want to root my Pixel 3a but OEM unlocking is greyed out because it is carrier locked. I owe $250 to Sprint to pay it off. Would they allow it to be unlocked once it's payed? Or will I need to make up some excuse why I need it unlocked besides saying I want to root it?
Any help is appreciated, thanks
Gregbmil1 said:
So much I want to root my Pixel 3a but OEM unlocking is greyed out because it is carrier locked. I owe $250 to Sprint to pay it off. Would they allow it to be unlocked once it's payed? Or will I need to make up some excuse why I need it unlocked besides saying I want to root it?
Any help is appreciated, thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My friend, it's killing me too, thinking of starting a bounty to get a work around...I just got my phone and from what I gather, once it's paid off, they will carrier unlock it and that should allow the bootloader to be unlocked as well
Would anyone be willing to throw in on a bounty to get someone to unlock it?
BakedTator said:
My friend, it's killing me too, thinking of starting a bounty to get a work around...I just got my phone and from what I gather, once it's paid off, they will carrier unlock it and that should allow the bootloader to be unlocked as well
Would anyone be willing to throw in on a bounty to get someone to unlock it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I highly doubt sim unlocking a phone would allow the bootloader to be unlocked. For example the Verizon Pixel 2 XL is sim unlocked out of the box, but the bootloader to this day is locked.
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 10:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:34 AM ----------
Gregbmil1 said:
So much I want to root my Pixel 3a but OEM unlocking is greyed out because it is carrier locked. I owe $250 to Sprint to pay it off. Would they allow it to be unlocked once it's payed? Or will I need to make up some excuse why I need it unlocked besides saying I want to root it?
Any help is appreciated, thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can always ask to have it sim unlocked before it is payed off. The longer you have had their service, the more likely they may be to unlock it. Once it is payed off, they should unlock it for you.
Once it is sim card unlocked, the bootloader unlock button will start working.
daniel4653 said:
I highly doubt sim unlocking a phone would allow the bootloader to be unlocked. For example the Verizon Pixel 2 XL is sim unlocked out of the box, but the bootloader to this day is locked.
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That because you have a Verizon phone. It's the only US carrier that bootlocks the Pixel phones.
You live in the Cleveland area(from your profile), so can you tell them you need a sim unlock because you got a job across the lake in Canada and want to use a Canadian carrier to cut down on costs - or even say your new(fake) employer has a work sim for you to use? It's a practical and believable excuse as people do commute across the border regularly for work.
& if the sim unlock gets you the OEM unlock option - BOOM: you're all set.
*It's just a little white lie to a giant corporation that lies to consumers all the time(sprint has the best service? my a**). You've got nothing to lose, so why not try?
Bob nesta said:
You live in the Cleveland area(from your profile), so can you tell them you need a sim unlock because you got a job across the lake in Canada and want to use a Canadian carrier to cut down on costs - or even say your new(fake) employer has a work sim for you to use? It's a practical and believable excuse as people do commute across the border regularly for work.
& if the sim unlock gets you the OEM unlock option - BOOM: you're all set.
*It's just a little white lie to a giant corporation that lies to consumers all the time(sprint has the best service? my a**). You've got nothing to lose, so why not try?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would saying I am going to visit Canada work?
Bob nesta said:
You live in the Cleveland area(from your profile), so can you tell them you need a sim unlock because you got a job across the lake in Canada and want to use a Canadian carrier to cut down on costs - or even say your new(fake) employer has a work sim for you to use? It's a practical and believable excuse as people do commute across the border regularly for work.
& if the sim unlock gets you the OEM unlock option - BOOM: you're all set.
*It's just a little white lie to a giant corporation that lies to consumers all the time(sprint has the best service? my a**). You've got nothing to lose, so why not try?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I called and said I will be visiting Canada soon. Sprint said I will have no problems using my phone out there, lol. I will have roaming charges is all. Then he tried upgrading my plan, lol.
I'll say I'm going to Australia for a while. If that don't work I will straight up ask what's a guy gotta do to get that bootloader unlocked:laugh:. I'm worried that paying it off still won't unlock it
Gregbmil1 said:
I called and said I will be visiting Canada soon. Sprint said I will have no problems using my phone out there, lol. I will have roaming charges is all. Then he tried upgrading my plan, lol.
I'll say I'm going to Australia for a while. If that don't work I will straight up ask what's a guy gotta do to get that bootloader unlocked:laugh:. I'm worried that paying it off still won't unlock it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maaaan... I guess my little plan failed then. Sorry to hear that. But it was worth a shot.
And I'm curious about the unlock after you pay it off too, but I have heard in the past on some devices Sprint does give you OEM unlock once it's fully paid for. Verizon is the main carrier where you are stuck no matter what...paid off or not.
I wish the you best & hope you find a solution sooner rather than later.:fingers-crossed:
Bob nesta said:
Maaaan... I guess my little plan failed then. Sorry to hear that. But it was worth a shot.
And I'm curious about the unlock after you pay it off too, but I have heard in the past on some devices Sprint does give you OEM unlock once it's fully paid for. Verizon is the main carrier where you are stuck no matter what...paid off or not.
I wish the you best & hope you find a solution sooner rather than later.:fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I called and straight asked what I need to do to enable OEM unlocking. She said all I need to do is pay it off and it will be no problem no matter the reason I want it unlocked. Sadly I have to wait at least 2 weeks before I can do that
Gregbmil1 said:
I called and straight asked what I need to do to enable OEM unlocking. She said all I need to do is pay it off and it will be no problem no matter the reason I want it unlocked. Sadly I have to wait at least 2 weeks before I can do that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's been 2 weeks... any status update? I can't seem to find anyone who has actually gotten the sim unlock and the bootloader unlocked with it, all people saying that is how it is, but nobody saying they did it.
Thanks,
Strawboy said:
any status update? I can't seem to find anyone who has actually gotten the sim unlock and the bootloader unlocked with it, all people saying that is how it is, but nobody saying they did it.
Thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure what you mean. As long as we aren't talking about Verizon, there are plenty of people that have gotten their phones unlocked from the carriers and then had the bootloader unlock work. Google has simply tied the bootloader unlock to the SIM lock which makes sense because if you could bootloader unlock the phone, I'm sure there would be a way to SIM unlock it. There isn't anything special that Sprint needs to do other than SIM unlock the phone - the phone will automatically allow bootloader unlocking once the phone is SIM unlocked.
The Verizon models should be considered bootloader locked forever. There were some reports that people have been able to bootloader unlock the Verizon model, but I would chalk that up to early errors on Verizon's part vs a change in their company's policy.
If you are looking for a way to get Sprint to SIM unlock the phone, then that is another issue. Obviously the company policy is to only unlock phones that have been paid off unless there are special circumstance (ie you are traveling out of the country). I will say that calling the customer service line is the hardest method of getting a phone unlocked. The most success comes from people DM the carrier using Twitter. That must go into a different group and they seem to be much more likely to unlock a phone than the normal call center. But you are always at the mercy of the person handling the request because it is generally an exception to the rule.
sic0048 said:
Not sure what you mean. As long as we aren't talking about Verizon, there are plenty of people that have gotten their phones unlocked from the carriers and then had the bootloader unlock work. Google has simply tied the bootloader unlock to the SIM lock which makes sense because if you could bootloader unlock the phone, I'm sure there would be a way to SIM unlock it. There isn't anything special that Sprint needs to do other than SIM unlock the phone - the phone will automatically allow bootloader unlocking once the phone is SIM unlocked.
The Verizon models should be considered bootloader locked forever. There were some reports that people have been able to bootloader unlock the Verizon model, but I would chalk that up to early errors on Verizon's part vs a change in their company's policy.
If you are looking for a way to get Sprint to SIM unlock the phone, then that is another issue. Obviously the company policy is to only unlock phones that have been paid off unless there are special circumstance (ie you are traveling out of the country). I will say that calling the customer service line is the hardest method of getting a phone unlocked. The most success comes from people DM the carrier using Twitter. That must go into a different group and they seem to be much more likely to unlock a phone than the normal call center. But you are always at the mercy of the person handling the request because it is generally an exception to the rule.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sic,
Wow, this is fantastic, and exactly what I was looking for. I've been hesitant to pull the trigger on buying a 'sprint locked' Pixel 3 XL because I haven't seen anybody who has actually said "Yes, I've done this." Only folks who said stuff like you, but I think I'm gonna go for it. I'm very confident of getting sprint to SIM unlock it.
Thanks again for your help.
Couldn't you just buy a sim unlock code from a service other than your carrier, unlock it and problem solved??
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He's referring to the bootloader being locked, not carrier locked.
spotmark said:
He's referring to the bootloader being locked, not carrier locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Hello. I just got a pixel 3a xl, but it is bootloader locked to T-Mobile, I see Google has a pixel repair tool to reflash the pixel to stock. My question is it asks for your carrier, if I change the carrier to a different carrier that doesn't lock the bootloader will o be able to unlock my bootloader to flash root.
While I could not say for sure, I suspect the answer would be 98 percent no.
Thanks I want to try but it's my only phone and if it is down for a while I have no phone and I need 2FA for work.
If I try I will post here
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
You cannot unlock it from T-Mobile or unlock the bootloader, even with the flash tool... The flash tool does not/cannot modify that part of the phone, if it was that simple people would be doing it all the time.
Only T-Mobile can unlock the SIM, once that is done you can unlock the bootloader. Your only other option is to go through a 3rd party unlock code service, which can be sketchy according to some people (I have done it a few times without issue though).
I want to verify this.
SO if I buy a used T-Mobile 3a XL that is paid in full, I should be able to get it SIM unlocked by the carrier correct and if its carrier SIM unlocked, I CAN unlock the bootloader?
kdoggy said:
I want to verify this.
SO if I buy a used T-Mobile 3a XL that is paid in full, I should be able to get it SIM unlocked by the carrier correct and if its carrier SIM unlocked, I CAN unlock the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as it is not the Verizon model 3a, then yes. You can bootloader unlock it once it is SIM card unlocked. Only the Verizon models permanently lock the bootloader.
Question 2...
SO lets say I buy a T-Mobile 3a XL and it works fine with a T-M SIM but is SIM locked... Can I pay someone to unlock it and then still unlock the boot loader?
Someone know has a new in the box T-Mobile Pixel 3a XL I can have for $225.00 but its never had service on it and it sounds like it has to be active on T-Mobile AND have had seriver for 40 days to get them to do it.
kdoggy said:
Question 2...
SO lets say I buy a T-Mobile 3a XL and it works fine with a T-M SIM but is SIM locked... Can I pay someone to unlock it and then still unlock the boot loader?
Someone know has a new in the box T-Mobile Pixel 3a XL I can have for $225.00 but its never had service on it and it sounds like it has to be active on T-Mobile AND have had seriver for 40 days to get them to do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've seen unlock services being advertised, but I have also seen people post that they don't work. It would require that someone hacked or has access to the T-Mobile locking software which isn't out of the realm of possibility, so it's possible some services do work.
Hello friends, I need your help! Who can help me raise my brick and make a full backup of my smartphone using qpst?
Update. So I ended up buying a T-Mobile Pixel 4 XL when they went on sale.
Search my name and look at the thread reply I just posted in the Pixel 4 XL forum about T-Mobile unlocking.
I included pictures.
I just purchased a Pixel 4 XL, I'm brand new T-Mobile subscriber, the phone is not paid off and I have it on a lease and I've only been on the service for 4 days.
I currently have the T-Mobile Pixel 4 XL with both a full SIM card unlock and OEM bootloader unlock.
I'm currently running the phone with an AT&T physical SIM and a T-Mobile eSIM.
acejavelin said:
You cannot unlock it from T-Mobile or unlock the bootloader, even with the flash tool... The flash tool does not/cannot modify that part of the phone, if it was that simple people would be doing it all the time.
Only T-Mobile can unlock the SIM, once that is done you can unlock the bootloader. Your only other option is to go through a 3rd party unlock code service, which can be sketchy according to some people (I have done it a few times without issue though).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have any recommendations? I have a brand new Pixel 4 that an online retailer lied about being unlocked & is T-Mobile carrier locked & they're completely unwilling to release the Sim from their network. I'll take the sketchy unlock service. I tried one in ATL friend gave me a number but most only do Samsung's or iPhones for obvious reasons.
---------- Post added at 06:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:05 PM ----------
sic0048 said:
As long as it is not the Verizon model 3a, then yes. You can bootloader unlock it once it is SIM card unlocked. Only the Verizon models permanently lock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not just Verizon though right? I heard Sprint does too.
Nightshadex543 said:
Have any recommendations? I have a brand new Pixel 4 that an online retailer lied about being unlocked & is T-Mobile carrier locked & they're completely unwilling to release the Sim from their network. I'll take the sketchy unlock service. I tried one in ATL friend gave me a number but most only do Samsung's or iPhones for obvious reasons.
---------- Post added at 06:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:05 PM ----------
Not just Verizon though right? I heard Sprint does too.
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Keep in mind there are SIM locks and bootloader locks. Every US carrier SIM locks you phone if it was bought in an installment plan. Once the phone is paid off, I think every carrier will SIM card unlock the phone.
All recent Pixel versions have to be SIM card unlocked before the bootloader unlock option is available. So you have to have a SIM card unlocked phone before you can bootloader unlock. But Verizon is the only US carrier that has asked Google to permanently bootloader lock their phones. Sprint and others don't weigh in on the subject and Google's policy is to allow bootloader unlock. This isn't necessarily true with other phone brands however.
As far as getting the phone SIM unlocked, the policy is to not do it, so it's rare to find a call center person that is willing to do it whether you call in or chat with someone online. However, the success stories that I do see are usually done by DMing the carrier's support group on Twitter of all places. Explain that you need to get the phone unlocked and many times they will do it.
sic0048 said:
Keep in mind there are SIM locks and bootloader locks. Every US carrier SIM locks you phone if it was bought in an installment plan. Once the phone is paid off, I think every carrier will SIM card unlock the phone.
All recent Pixel versions have to be SIM card unlocked before the bootloader unlock option is available. So you have to have a SIM card unlocked phone before you can bootloader unlock. But Verizon is the only US carrier that has asked Google to permanently bootloader lock their phones. Sprint and others don't weigh in on the subject and Google's policy is to allow bootloader unlock. This isn't necessarily true with other phone brands however.
As far as getting the phone SIM unlocked, the policy is to not do it, so it's rare to find a call center person that is willing to do it whether you call in or chat with someone online. However, the success stories that I do see are usually done by DMing the carrier's support group on Twitter of all places. Explain that you need to get the phone unlocked and many times they will do it.
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I can confirm this. I'm on TMO and I reached out on Twitter and got results. I'm not a big Twitter fan nor do I really use it, but customer services seems to be more in the loop there. I told them that I wanted to try the dev preview of android 11 and I needed to bootloader unlock. For that to happen I needed them to permanently sim unlock my phone. (Technically you can install the preview with a locked BL, but since it's a preview you can't re-flash anything lower or rollback without the BL being unlocked). Hence the dev preview. Anyways, I was polite and truthful about my intentions and they got it sim unlocked, fairly quickly too.
sic0048 said:
Keep in mind there are SIM locks and bootloader locks. Every US carrier SIM locks you phone if it was bought in an installment plan. Once the phone is paid off, I think every carrier will SIM card unlock the phone.
All recent Pixel versions have to be SIM card unlocked before the bootloader unlock option is available. So you have to have a SIM card unlocked phone before you can bootloader unlock. But Verizon is the only US carrier that has asked Google to permanently bootloader lock their phones. Sprint and others don't weigh in on the subject and Google's policy is to allow bootloader unlock. This isn't necessarily true with other phone brands however.
As far as getting the phone SIM unlocked, the policy is to not do it, so it's rare to find a call center person that is willing to do it whether you call in or chat with someone online. However, the success stories that I do see are usually done by DMing the carrier's support group on Twitter of all places. Explain that you need to get the phone unlocked and many times they will do it.
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Its bootloaders unlocked I was almost done rooting it but haven't; refrained because I don't want to violate the software warranty incase I need to return it, & find another way to do so for a refund. I called support multiple times same answer, & then Twitter dm'd last night they were again unable to do anything so they say.
They cite "privacy issues" but I know it's a ****ing money grab they don't want to unlock it unless you want to pay for one of their plans & get tied in a contract for a minimum amount of days first & I'm not going to ****ing do that. It's ridiculous to me carriers behave this way. This is why I believe in hacking because you can't trust companies for absolutely ****.
You got results? Look at my next post, can you tell me your secret because they're being serious assholes here. Not a single company involved with this situation is helping at all.
Nightshadex543 said:
You got results? Look at my next post, can you tell me your secret because they're being serious assholes here. Not a single company involved with this situation is helping at all.
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I'm a little confused. You say it's bootloader unlocked and you were about to root it but decided not because of warranty concerns correct?
Typically, whenever you unlock a bootloader your warranty is void then and there. That is in most cases and I assume is the same in this case, though I don't know that for a fact with a TMO Pixel 3a XL. I just assumed it was and most likely is. The reason being is you can flash anything you want, and there is no way to guarantee that whatever has happened to warrant a claim wasn't due to user error or unofficial software. A locked bootloader kind of guarantees that nothing unofficial was flashed and that's why warranties are usually based around their status and why a flag is marked when it is. So even if you re-lock it, the flag still shows it was unlocked at one point.
As for actually unlocking it via TMO, the phone uses a TMO app to actually unlock it. It basically checks your imei against their server to see if it is eligible for unlocking. As for citing privacy concerns, basically you have a TMO phone and no account it seems, and you want it unlocked. For all they know it could be stolen, and as far as proving it's yours legally without any account... probably more than they want to deal with and I'm sure they have liability reasons as well.
All I know is, I've had an account for quite some time. I've bought several phones through them, so no issues. Technically I'm still on installments with this phone, so they could have easily said no, not until it's paid off, but I like to think they said "Oh it's Airwalk... he's cool af, go ahead".
41rw4lk said:
Typically, whenever you unlock a bootloader your warranty is void then and there. The reason being is you can flash anything you want, and there is no way to guarantee that whatever has happened to warrant a claim wasn't due to user error or unofficial software. So even if you re-lock it, the flag still shows it was unlocked at one point.
As for actually unlocking it via TMO, the phone uses a TMO app to actually unlock it. It basically checks your imei against their server to see if it is eligible for unlocking. As for citing privacy concerns, basically you have a TMO phone and no account it seems, and you want it unlocked. For all they know it could be stolen, and as far as proving it's yours legally without any account... probably more than they want to deal with and I'm sure they have liability reasons as well.
All I know is, I've had an account for quite some time. I've bought several phones through them, so no issues.
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Only Sprint & Verizon manufacturers lock the bootloaders of their phones T-Mobile doesn't. TWRP doesn't even exist for Pixel 4 because dude's too busy with wife & kids to update so flashing is difficult until you root it first unless you feel like doing a tethered through ADB. I know Samsung has the "Knox" & figured it's similar to that. Unless it's tripped it's negligible.
I know how the unlocking app works. Also, It's not stolen my situation is similar to the below it's "super whitelisted" I've had multiple services run the IMEI & it's come back clean. The phone meets all the unlocking criteria of which is being legit paid for is one of them.
They're just not releasing from the network. I need a workaround, I'm not trying to go through an entire claims process & have it sent back when aside from "network lock" it works just fine.
****ing Greedy ass corporations.
Nightshadex543 said:
Only Sprint & Verizon manufacturers lock the bootloaders of their phones T-Mobile doesn't. I'm TWRP doesn't even exist for Pixel 4 because dude's to busy with wife & kids to update so flashing is difficult until you root it first unless you feel like doing a tethered through ADB. I know Samsung has the "Knox" & figured it's similar to that. Unless it's tripped it's negligible.
I know how the unlocking app works. Also, It's not stolen my situation is similar to the below it's "super whitelisted" I've had multiple services run the IMEI & it's come back clean. The phone meets all the unlocking criteria of which is being legit paid for is one of them.
They're just not releasing from the network. I need a workaround, I'm not trying to go through an entire claims process & have it sent back when aside from "network lock" it works just fine.
****ing Greedy ass corporations.
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Ah, Pixel 4 needs sim unlocked, I was confused because this is 3a XL and I wasn't paying enough attention. I see your frustration now. I don't know about that one, just (bonito) here and it was all easy for me. I suppose that if you don't meet their requirements it's all too easy to just lock you into their script. I can't help you here, sorry. I think you'll just have to be 'that guy' and persist with them. Good luck.
Nightshadex543 said:
TWRP doesn't even exist for Pixel 4 because dude's too busy with wife & kids to update....
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No quicker way to loose all goodwill and help from people than bad mouthing the generous developers.
Feel free to come up with your own TWRP solution. Until then, STFU.
sic0048 said:
Feel free to come up with your own TWRP solution. Until then, STFU.
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That isn't even the subject of the thread. If you're going to ignore everything else I was saying & completely miss the point to focus on a single cherry-picked remark that triggered you then you can take a hike. Don't respond. Go invest your frustrated energies elsewhere
You know what? Maybe I will take the source code & develop my own unofficial TWRP build for it. Hacking & Technological communities don't just stop because you want to "move on with your life" we still need these tools. You think journalists whistleblowers & Chinese protesters can "do without" Tor?